Sprayer filtering system

{
  "publication_number": "US12239927B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Sprayer filtering system",
  "abstract": "A filtering apparatus is configured to receive pressurized fluid from a pump. The filtering apparatus has a main inlet, a main outlet, and a filtering branch comprising a first filter. An agitator of a tank from which the pump draws is configured to receive fluid flow from the filtering branch via a proportional valve and an inlet connection. A method of operating a filtering system includes influencing fluid flow from a tank to one or more nozzles via a filtering apparatus; and diverting a portion of the fluid flow through plural filters of a different mesh size back to an agitating mechanism through a lower portion of the tank.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A method of applying fluid with a sprayer vehicle comprising a tank supported by a vehicle chassis and a filtering apparatus defining a main inlet, a main outlet, and a second outlet, the filtering apparatus having a filter, the method comprising: causing fluid flow from an outlet of the tank to the filtering apparatus; directing a first portion of the fluid flow through the filter and the main outlet of the filtering apparatus to at least one nozzle; and diverting a second portion of the fluid flow through the second outlet of the filtering apparatus to an inlet of the tank inlet; agitating liquid in the tank with second portion of the fluid flow.",
    "2. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing debris along an interior surface of the filter toward the second outlet.",
    "3. The method of claim 2, further comprising cleaning the interior surface of the first filter with the second portion of the fluid flow.",
    "4. The method of claim 1, wherein causing fluid flow from an outlet of the tank to the filtering apparatus comprises pumping fluid from the tank to the filtering apparatus.",
    "5. The method of claim 1, wherein agitating liquid in the tank with second portion of the fluid flow comprises passing the second portion of the fluid flow through a sparge tube within the tank.",
    "6. The method of claim 1, wherein directing a first portion of the fluid flow through the filter and the main outlet of the filtering apparatus to at least one nozzle comprises directing the first portion of the fluid flow to a plurality of nozzles spaces along a spray boom.",
    "7. The method of claim 1, wherein directing a first portion of the fluid flow through the filter and the main outlet of the filtering apparatus to at least one nozzle comprises spraying an agricultural field.",
    "8. The method of claim 1, wherein diverting a second portion of the fluid flow through the second outlet of the filtering apparatus to an inlet of the tank inlet comprises opening a proportional valve between the second outlet of the filtering apparatus and the inlet of the tank.",
    "9. The method of claim 1, wherein diverting a second portion of the fluid flow through the second outlet of the filtering apparatus to an inlet of the tank inlet comprises passing the second portion of the fluid flow through a second filter.",
    "10. The method of claim 1, wherein the second filter has a mesh size larger than a mesh size of the filter.",
    "11. A method, comprising: causing fluid flow from a tank on a sprayer vehicle to at least one nozzle via a filtering apparatus; and diverting a portion of the fluid flow along a first filter and through a second filter back to an agitator through a lower portion of the tank, the first and second filters having different mesh sizes.",
    "12. The method of claim 11, further comprising preventing debris from flowing back to the agitator through the second filter.",
    "13. The method of claim 11, further comprising cleaning an interior of the first filter with the diverted portion of the fluid flow."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present disclosure is generally related to sprayers, and in particular, filtering devices and systems for sprayers.\n\nFiltration of a sprayer liquid system is important in preventing nozzle tip orifice openings from becoming clogged with particulates. Inadequate and absent application could result if an improper filter screen mesh size is utilized and/or solid residuals prevent the mixture from getting to the nozzles. For applicators that utilize suspension type products, proper agitation durations are required for attaining a homogeneous mixture before spraying commences. In the case where the suspension is not thoroughly agitated beforehand, potential clogging of the strainer screen will increase the cleaning interval, which causes more down time for the operator.\n\nCurrent application systems function by delivering product from the product tank through a sump valve and pumping and discharging, prior to the filter, the suspension mixture to an agitation proportional valve which is attached to agitation tube(s) or hydraulic stirrer(s). This cycle is performed for a duration of time so that suspension mixture is maintained and dissolved properly. Then upon opening the main delivery shut off valve, the mixture is filtered before proceeding to the nozzles. Inadequate agitation permits large suspension particles that are not completely dissolved within the product tank to be captured by the filter screen, which may cause build-up of the filter and require more frequent removal of the screen to clean and dislodge the suspension particles, which may result in more down time for the applicator.",
  "cpc": [
    "B01D 35/02",
    "B01D 24/007",
    "B01D 24/38",
    "B01D 29/35",
    "B01F 25/21",
    "B01F 25/50",
    "B01F 27/113",
    "B05B 15/40",
    "F02M 37/50"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B01D 24/38",
    "B01D 35/02",
    "B01F 27/113",
    "B01D 24/00",
    "F02M 37/50"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "AGCO Corp"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Dean Lorenzo Trask",
    "Petrus Henricus Johannes Bouten"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2023-08-31",
  "publication_date": "2025-03-04",
  "grant_date": "2025-03-04",
  "priority_date": "2019-11-27",
  "application_number": "US-202318459123-A",
  "family_id": "75973615",
  "cited_by_count": 3,
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}