Seed mat and process for formation thereof
US5887382A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01C1/044
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seed mat provides an optional lower plastic mesh layer overlain by a lower scrim layer overlain by a seed layer optionally containing biodegradable beneficiating additives overlain by a fiber layer optionally overlain by an upper scrim layer with the fiber layer or upper scrim layer, if present, overlain by an upper plastic mesh layer. The mat is formed on a conveyor by 1) creating the fiber layer on the conveyor; 2) creating the upper scrim layer, if optioned, by placing dry cellulosic tissue over the fiber layer, wetting the tissue, applying vacuum beneath the fiber layer to consolidate the tissue on the underlying fiber layer and drying; and 3) extruding an upper plastic mesh layer on the fiber layer or the upper scrim layer if present. The mat then is turned upside down on the conveyor and 4) the seed layer and desired additives are deposited on the then upper surface of the fourth fiber mat layer; 5) the lower scrim layer of dry cellulosic tissue is placed in the same manner as the upper scrim layer; 6) the lower plastic net layer, if optioned, is extruded on the surface of the scrim layer; and 7) the finished mat is removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.