Method and apparatus for providing openings in plastic cover over planting beds
US12089525B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2021 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01G13/37
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for making holes in plastic along a ridge row has a frame with wheels spanning a ridge row, a furrow reference wheel centered in the frame adapted to roll on soil surface between two raised ridge rows, a first vertically translatable mechanism positioned at a distance to a first side of the furrow reference wheel to be directly over the ridge row adjacent the furrow reference wheel, the vertically translatable mechanism having a first electrically-heated hole punch element at a lower extremity, and a control system having a power supply, sensors and actuators for managing operation of the apparatus. As the apparatus is towed, the furrow reference wheel triggers signals to the control system to activate the vertically translatable mechanism at repeated intervals to descend and make holes in the plastic covering on the raised ridge row.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.