Manual devices and methods for selective application of chemical substances to plants
US4947580A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01M21/043
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Hand-held chemical applicators are provided for applying chemicals such as herbicide to selected plants while surrounding plants are shielded from accidental contact. The chemical is forcefully applied by gripping or pressing a selected portion of the plant against an applicator pad containing the chemical. The amount of applied chemical is controlled by variation of the pressure or area of contact between the plant and the pad. Preferably a porous applicator pad is mounted between the distal portions of a pair of elongated tongs so as to define a shielded application zone. A supply of liquid is stored in a small bottle attached to the tongs. One of the tongs is hollow and contains the applicator pad and a channel for the liquid to flow from the bottle to the pad. The second tong is in the form of a resilient strip which the operator can press toward the hollow tong when maneuvering among plants and when grasping a portion of an undesired plant. Several alternative arrangements are provided for connecting the tongs to the bottle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.