Maple sap collection apparatus and method
US10674683B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 20, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01G23/14
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sap collection assembly to collect sap from sap producing trees includes a cover superposed about a sapling or branch cut surface with one or more spacers used to maintain a gap between the cover and the cut surface. Elastomeric bands with an optional hose clamp are used to secure the cover to the sapling or branch to create an airtight seal between the cover and the cut surface. A bore hole is created in the sapling or tree branch has one end substantially central to the cut surface and a second end exiting a sidewall of the sapling or branch. Taps with optional tabs are secured to the sapling or branch to retrieve sap from the cut surface and bore. For angled bore holes, a modified tap includes a sapling nozzle angled relative to the tap body to accommodate an angled bore. Tubes secured to the taps and stretched to create a downward slope from the sapling or tree to a tube hub point or sap collection point provide a means to transfer sap from sapling or trees to a collection point for processing with or without vacuum assist.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.