High throughput root washing method, apparatus, and system
US9205465B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B3/04
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and system for efficient, high throughput, consistent cleaning of soil from the root system of a plant. In one embodiment, the method generally comprises positioning a plant adjacent a sprayer assembly having at least one nozzle angled so as to impact the root system at a predetermined position, providing a stream of water from a reservoir through the nozzle of the sprayer assembly, and rotating at least one of the root system and the nozzle relative to the other to remove the soil from the root system. The present invention further describes a recycling system adapted to recycle water expended during the cleaning process to minimize losses and to capture and return dislodged soil to the field from which the plant is extracted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.