G01F23/70

Systems and methods for monitoring a level of hydraulic fluid in an agricultural sprayer

In one aspect, a system for monitoring a level of hydraulic fluid in an agricultural sprayer includes a drive system, a hydraulic fluid system, and a fill level sensor. The system also includes a computing system communicatively coupled to both the drive system and the fill level sensor. The computing system is configured to monitor the level of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid reservoir based on data received from the fill level sensor. The computing system is further configured to detect a leak condition in the hydraulic fluid system based at least in part on the monitored level of the hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid reservoir and control an operation of the drive system to reduce the ground speed of the agricultural sprayer in response to detecting the leak condition.

SELF-CLEANING LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR
20190162578 · 2019-05-30 ·

A self-cleaning sensor to determine a level of a liquid includes a tube with an interior coating and a plurality of horizontally aligned, electrically isolated, electrical contacts. The self-cleaning sensor includes the plurality of horizontally aligned, electrically isolated, electrical contacts that each terminate in an outer surface of an interior wall of the tube and are electrically connected to one or more electrical devices in a cap residing on the tube. Additionally, the self-cleaning sensor includes a float that is composed of a low density, low dielectric constant material buoyant in one or more liquids to be measured where each horizontal dimension of the float corresponds to each horizontal dimension of the tube.

System and method for controlling boom assembly movement of an agricultural sprayer

An agricultural sprayer includes an actuator configured to adjust the position of a boom assembly of the sprayer relative to a frame of the sprayer. A computing system is configured to determine the operating parameter of the sprayer at a current time based on received sensor data. Moreover, the computing system is configured to anticipate when the boom assembly will move relative to the frame in a fore/aft direction at a future time based on the determined operating parameter, with the fore/aft direction being parallel to a direction of travel of the agricultural sprayer. In addition, when it is anticipated that the boom assembly will move, the computing system is configured to control the operation of the actuator before the future time such that movement of the boom assembly relative to the frame is reduced at the future time.

Method and apparatus for the detection and notification of the presence of a liquid
10242551 · 2019-03-26 · ·

Systems and methods for providing remote notifications upon the detection of certain conditions. In one embodiment, a device comprising a housing, a power unit, a liquid sensor, and a communications unit detects the presence of a liquid and initiates an alert notification that is transmitted to a remote device.

TANK MAINTENANCE ACCESS CHAMBER
20190056256 · 2019-02-21 ·

A fuel storage system has a tank access chamber with improved monitoring, servicing and maintenance capabilities. In particular, the chamber includes a sump monitored by a liquid sensor whose proper function can be automatically checked remotely, e.g., via an electronic controller or remote manual operation. In cases where such a check indicates a need for physical inspection of the sump sensor, the present system provides for sensor removal and installation by service personnel from a location outside the tank access chamber. Thus, the present system facilitates regular inspection and routine or unplanned maintenance without the need for a person to physically enter the tank access chamber.

Pressure Sensor System
20190003871 · 2019-01-03 ·

A pressure bladder comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped interior chamber is formed from a pliable, yet chemically resistant material, for example a fluoropolymer, such as FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene). The interior chamber of the pressure bladder is hydraulically sealed at a distal end and is hydraulically coupled to a pressure sensor at a proximate end. Both the pressure bladder and pressure sensor are filled with an inert, non-reactive, stable measurement fluid. Optionally, a support mandrel with a second, smaller substantially cylindrically shaped interior chamber is hydraulically coupled between the pressure bladder and the pressure sensor and also filled with the measurement fluid. The pressure sensor is electrically coupled to electrical conductors, as is an optional thermistor. The conductors are received within a conductor protective tubing. The pressure sensor is disposed within a protective isolation tubing which is hydraulically coupled to the conductor protective tubing and to either the pressure bladder or support mandrel.

Liquid level control module and apparatus comprising same

A liquid level control module comprising an elongated tubular housing immersible through a surface of a liquid and into a bulk volume of the liquid, and first, second, and third electrical switches, and first and second floats movable along the tubular housing. The first electrical switch is disposed within a lower portion of the tubular housing, the second electrical switch is disposed within an intermediate portion of the tubular housing, and the third electrical switch is disposed within an upper portion of the tubular housing. Each of the switches has an open state and a closed state. Motion of the first float relative to the first switch changes its state. Motion of the second float relative to the second switch changes its state, and motion of the second float relative to the third switch changes its state. Thus a two-float module may provide three level control signals.

Overfill prevention valve assembly

An overfill prevention system for use with a liquid storage tank includes a valve assembly defining a downwardly open liquid discharge opening. A pilot tube is fixed relative to and projects downwardly relative to the valve assembly. The pilot tube defines an internal channel in fluid communication with the valve assembly and a discharge hole spaced downwardly from the valve assembly and in fluid communication with the internal channel and the tank. A float is buoyantly shiftable along the pilot tube between an open position in which the float exposes the discharge hole when liquid within the tank is below a predetermined level, and a closed position in which the float covers the discharge hole when liquid within the tank reaches or exceeds the predetermined level. A flow diverter is disposed between the discharge opening and the float to deflect liquid from the discharge opening away from the float.

System and method for controlling a ground speed of an agricultural sprayer
12090987 · 2024-09-17 ·

A system for controlling a ground speed of an agricultural sprayer includes a speed setting device for commanding a selected ground speed of the sprayer when operating within a speed-range mode associated with a ground speed range. The speed setting device is movable across a plurality of positions, with each position being associated with a different ground speed within the ground speed range. A maximum range speed of the ground speed range is lower than a maximum ground speed of the sprayer. As such, the system includes a speed override input device for commanding that the ground speed of the sprayer be increased to the maximum ground speed. When an override input is received from the speed override input device, the computing system controls the operation of a sprayer drive system to increase the ground speed of the sprayer from the selected ground speed to the maximum ground speed.

System and method for purging agricultural sprayer nozzles using air pressure data
12122350 · 2024-10-22 · ·

An agricultural sprayer includes a purge tank, a nozzle configured to dispense an agricultural fluid onto an underlying field, and a downstream valve configured to selectively permit the air from the main fluid conduit to flow to the nozzle. A computing system is configured to initiate a purging operation to purge the agricultural fluid present within the nozzle and, upon receipt of the input, control an operation of a main valve such that the main valve is moved to an opened position to allow the air to flow through a main fluid conduit. In addition, the computing system is configured to monitor a first air pressure associated with the purge tank and a second air pressure associated with the nozzle. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to control an operation of the downstream valve during the purging operation based on the monitored first and second air pressures.