CA1191346A - Tree treatment apparatus and method - Google Patents
Tree treatment apparatus and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA1191346A CA1191346A CA000411704A CA411704A CA1191346A CA 1191346 A CA1191346 A CA 1191346A CA 000411704 A CA000411704 A CA 000411704A CA 411704 A CA411704 A CA 411704A CA 1191346 A CA1191346 A CA 1191346A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- capsule
- tree
- substance
- open end
- solid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G7/00—Botany in general
- A01G7/06—Treatment of growing trees or plants, e.g. for preventing decay of wood, for tingeing flowers or wood, for prolonging the life of plants
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Ecology (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Botany (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method of treating trees comprises driving into a tree an open end of a capsule partially filled with a solid or n semi-solid soluble substance. The capsule is driven into the tree by an apparatus until the open end penetrates the conducting tissue of the tree and a plug of tree tissue is forced into the capsule mouth. The capsule is left in the tree until the substance is dissolved by natural fluids within the tree and diffused from the capsule case. The apparatus comprises a guide tube and a drive pin slidably received in the guide tube for driving capsules from one guide tube into the tree. A feed tube carries a plurality of axially aligned capsules. There is a mechanism for selectively feeding one capsule at a time from the feed tube into the guide tube.
A method of treating trees comprises driving into a tree an open end of a capsule partially filled with a solid or n semi-solid soluble substance. The capsule is driven into the tree by an apparatus until the open end penetrates the conducting tissue of the tree and a plug of tree tissue is forced into the capsule mouth. The capsule is left in the tree until the substance is dissolved by natural fluids within the tree and diffused from the capsule case. The apparatus comprises a guide tube and a drive pin slidably received in the guide tube for driving capsules from one guide tube into the tree. A feed tube carries a plurality of axially aligned capsules. There is a mechanism for selectively feeding one capsule at a time from the feed tube into the guide tube.
Description
3'~;
(1) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus and method OI
treating trees with capsules partially filled with a solid or semi-solid, 5 soluable substance.
The elimination of weed trees in forests traditionally is - carried out by either using chain saws or herbicides. Conventiona11y both approaches offer distinct disadvantages. The use of chain saws is l0 dangerous and may lead to "white finger disease" for the chain saw opera-tor. Moreover, cutting weed trees opens the forest rapidly, leaving the remaining trees with no time to adjust. Blow downs as wel1 as frost damage and sun damage may occur. The open wounds lead to an increase in disease. The cut trees on the forest floor increase the fire hazard and pr~
15 vide cover and food for rodent populations which subsequently damage treesO On the other hand, the wide-spread use of h~rbicides is limited due to environmental considerations when spraying occurs or when herbicides are otherurise handled by the user. The use of other pesticides has similarly been limited for such applications as controlling dwarf mistletoe in coni~er 20 trees or bark beetles in North American forests.
The use of capsules containing pesticides or the like and driven into trees has been known for many years. For example, United States Patent #l,9999458 to Hollister discloses a tapered capsule containing 25 a powdered pesticide which is driven intQ a tree. Seals are broken when the cartridge is driven into the tree and the pressure generated tends to force the chemical into the tree's tissues. Similarly, United States Patent #3,691,683 to Sterzik ~iqc1Ose~ a method of treating trees with a cartridge fi~led with liquid chemical. An end of the cartridge is ruptured when it 30 penetrates the tree by vSrtue o~ its impact. An overpressure is generated which injects the chemical into the trunk of the tree. The Hollister cartridge would be relatively expensive to manufacture while the Ster~ik capsule includes a liquid chemieal. This necessitates a frangible closure member on the capsule. In addition liquid chemicals may be less effective `
, "
3~6
(1) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus and method OI
treating trees with capsules partially filled with a solid or semi-solid, 5 soluable substance.
The elimination of weed trees in forests traditionally is - carried out by either using chain saws or herbicides. Conventiona11y both approaches offer distinct disadvantages. The use of chain saws is l0 dangerous and may lead to "white finger disease" for the chain saw opera-tor. Moreover, cutting weed trees opens the forest rapidly, leaving the remaining trees with no time to adjust. Blow downs as wel1 as frost damage and sun damage may occur. The open wounds lead to an increase in disease. The cut trees on the forest floor increase the fire hazard and pr~
15 vide cover and food for rodent populations which subsequently damage treesO On the other hand, the wide-spread use of h~rbicides is limited due to environmental considerations when spraying occurs or when herbicides are otherurise handled by the user. The use of other pesticides has similarly been limited for such applications as controlling dwarf mistletoe in coni~er 20 trees or bark beetles in North American forests.
The use of capsules containing pesticides or the like and driven into trees has been known for many years. For example, United States Patent #l,9999458 to Hollister discloses a tapered capsule containing 25 a powdered pesticide which is driven intQ a tree. Seals are broken when the cartridge is driven into the tree and the pressure generated tends to force the chemical into the tree's tissues. Similarly, United States Patent #3,691,683 to Sterzik ~iqc1Ose~ a method of treating trees with a cartridge fi~led with liquid chemical. An end of the cartridge is ruptured when it 30 penetrates the tree by vSrtue o~ its impact. An overpressure is generated which injects the chemical into the trunk of the tree. The Hollister cartridge would be relatively expensive to manufacture while the Ster~ik capsule includes a liquid chemieal. This necessitates a frangible closure member on the capsule. In addition liquid chemicals may be less effective `
, "
3~6
(2) in treating weed trees. The liquicl chem;cal diffuses rather quickly, killing tissue immediately around the capsule. This may limit the diffusion of the herbicide throughout the entire tree. In addition, neither Hollister nor Ster~ik discloses a convenient apparatus or method for conveniently 5 treating trees repetitively and in large numbers.
United States Patent #3,069,809 to Simmons employs a shotgun shell for botanical impregnation. The possible hazards associated with the use of live ammunition and the noise associated with repeated 10 applications may be disadvantages. In addition material may leak from the wound.
United States Patent #3,706,161 to Jenson discloses a tree medication capsule which requires a pre-drilled hole.
United States Patent $~4,110,933 to Haggblom discloses a process and an apparatus for killing trees or woody plants. A sharp-pointed carrier is inserted between the bark and the wood of the tree or bushes. A
- close approach to the tree is required to use the apparatus.
2n Lance-like instruments for penetrating bark and treating trees are disclosed in United States Patents #2,870,576 to Parker and ~2,9749445 to Vann. Another apparatus for injecting plants is disclosed in United States Patent #3,2$4,449 to Mauget. However, all oE these devices 25 are for adlni~ion of a liquid treating agent, and all require an oblique open wound to contain the liquid ir~ the tree.
A device is also avail~ble which comprises a hatchet connected via a tube to a liquid container on the operator's belt. The 30 hatchet opens the wound and releases the chemical at the same time.
, . . . . .
. .. . .. .... . . ... ..... .. ........ ......... ..... . . .. . .. . .. .. . . .. . .. . . .... ..
~3) , SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a method of treating trees comprises driving into a tree an open end of a capsule par-5 tially filled with a solid or semi-solid soluble substance. The capsule is driven into the tree until the open end penetr~tes condueting tissue of the tree and a plug of tree tissue is forced into the capsule. The capsule is left in the tree until the substance is dissolved by natural fluids within the tree and diffused from the capsule.
According to a second aspeet of the invention, a capsule for treating trees comprises a casing with a closed end and an open end.
The casing is partially fiILed with a solid or semi-solid soluble substance.
The casing may be a rifle cartridge casing.
A third aspect of the invention is an apparatus for driving capsules into a tree. The apparatus comprises a guide tube with ~n open end. A drive pin is slidably received in the guide tube. The drive pin hQs a forward end for driving ,capsules from the guide tube into the tree when the 20 forward end is moved towards the open end of the guide tube. A feed tube carries a plurality of axially aligned capsules. There is means for selectively feeding one capsule at a time from the feed tube into the guide tube between the drive pin and the open end.
,~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TH~ DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a capsule for treating trees according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of tree trunk with a sectional insert showing the capsule of Figure 1 embedded therein;
~l~9~3~6 (~) Figure 3 is a perspective view of a handling tube shown in ghost with a plurality of axially aligned capsules therein;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a field cylinder containing a plurality of handling tubes filled with c ~ps~
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a transport case containing a plurality of field cylinders;
lû Figure 6 . is a perspective view of a belt and belt pouches containing capped field cylinders;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lance apparatus for driving capsules into a tree;
:15 Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of the forward portion of the lance apparatus showing the guide tube in the forward position;
Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 8 with the guide tube in the rearward position;
Figure 10 is a perspective vlew, partly broken away, of the capsule magazine for the lance apparatus;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the boss, feed tube, punch and coil spring assembIy of the lance apparatus with the drive pin shown disconnected;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the guide tube assembly of the lance app~ratus showing the capsule guide and leaf spring removed therefrom; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of the tubular guard of the lance apparatus.
I
United States Patent #3,069,809 to Simmons employs a shotgun shell for botanical impregnation. The possible hazards associated with the use of live ammunition and the noise associated with repeated 10 applications may be disadvantages. In addition material may leak from the wound.
United States Patent #3,706,161 to Jenson discloses a tree medication capsule which requires a pre-drilled hole.
United States Patent $~4,110,933 to Haggblom discloses a process and an apparatus for killing trees or woody plants. A sharp-pointed carrier is inserted between the bark and the wood of the tree or bushes. A
- close approach to the tree is required to use the apparatus.
2n Lance-like instruments for penetrating bark and treating trees are disclosed in United States Patents #2,870,576 to Parker and ~2,9749445 to Vann. Another apparatus for injecting plants is disclosed in United States Patent #3,2$4,449 to Mauget. However, all oE these devices 25 are for adlni~ion of a liquid treating agent, and all require an oblique open wound to contain the liquid ir~ the tree.
A device is also avail~ble which comprises a hatchet connected via a tube to a liquid container on the operator's belt. The 30 hatchet opens the wound and releases the chemical at the same time.
, . . . . .
. .. . .. .... . . ... ..... .. ........ ......... ..... . . .. . .. . .. .. . . .. . .. . . .... ..
~3) , SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a method of treating trees comprises driving into a tree an open end of a capsule par-5 tially filled with a solid or semi-solid soluble substance. The capsule is driven into the tree until the open end penetr~tes condueting tissue of the tree and a plug of tree tissue is forced into the capsule. The capsule is left in the tree until the substance is dissolved by natural fluids within the tree and diffused from the capsule.
According to a second aspeet of the invention, a capsule for treating trees comprises a casing with a closed end and an open end.
The casing is partially fiILed with a solid or semi-solid soluble substance.
The casing may be a rifle cartridge casing.
A third aspect of the invention is an apparatus for driving capsules into a tree. The apparatus comprises a guide tube with ~n open end. A drive pin is slidably received in the guide tube. The drive pin hQs a forward end for driving ,capsules from the guide tube into the tree when the 20 forward end is moved towards the open end of the guide tube. A feed tube carries a plurality of axially aligned capsules. There is means for selectively feeding one capsule at a time from the feed tube into the guide tube between the drive pin and the open end.
,~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TH~ DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a capsule for treating trees according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of tree trunk with a sectional insert showing the capsule of Figure 1 embedded therein;
~l~9~3~6 (~) Figure 3 is a perspective view of a handling tube shown in ghost with a plurality of axially aligned capsules therein;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a field cylinder containing a plurality of handling tubes filled with c ~ps~
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a transport case containing a plurality of field cylinders;
lû Figure 6 . is a perspective view of a belt and belt pouches containing capped field cylinders;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lance apparatus for driving capsules into a tree;
:15 Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of the forward portion of the lance apparatus showing the guide tube in the forward position;
Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 8 with the guide tube in the rearward position;
Figure 10 is a perspective vlew, partly broken away, of the capsule magazine for the lance apparatus;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the boss, feed tube, punch and coil spring assembIy of the lance apparatus with the drive pin shown disconnected;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the guide tube assembly of the lance app~ratus showing the capsule guide and leaf spring removed therefrom; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of the tubular guard of the lance apparatus.
I
3~6 (5) DESCE~IPT~ON ~F THE PREPERRED EMBODIMENTS
1. The Capsule A capsule 1 for treating trees is best shown in Figures 1 to 3. Each capsule includes a cylindrical, hollow casing 2. For convenience and economy, a .22 rifle cartridge casing is used in the illustrated embodiment. The container has a closed end 3 and an open end ~. The container has a sharp annular edge 5 about the open end 4. The cartridge casing is well suited for the function, being long enough to reach the desired depth of implantation in a tree and has enough volume to carry the required amount of chemical. The casing is non-ferrous and strong enough to function correctly.
The casing 2 is partially filled with a solid or a semi-solid soluble substance 6 adjacent its closed end 3. Many chemicals for treating trees may be used. For example, a glyphosate type herbicide is suitable when the capsule is to be used for eliminating weed trees in forests. Such a herbicide is sold under the trade mark "Roundup". The preferred formulation for weed tree elimination, however, is MON 0139 which is simply the isopropylene salt of glyphosate. The substance may be in a pure form hardened into a plug in the capsule casing. The casings have a slight taper towards the open end which keeps the substance in place. Alterna-tively, the substance may be mixed with a suitable binder.
Although the rifle casing is used for convenience, it should be noted that other open ended containers of the sort could be used.
~lange 7 on the end of the container is not essential. ;
2. Capsule Accessories For convenience in carrying the capsules about and avoid-ing contact with the chemical substances within the c~rq~ q, a plurality o~
3';
., , .. . ,, -- . - ;
3~
(6) axiaUy aligned capsules are loaded into a handling tube 8 shown in Figure 3.
The handling tube 8 simply may comprise R drinking straw of a suitable size with a longitudinal slit 9 extending along its length. A plurality oî capsules are fitted within the handling tube which spreads the slit ap~rt slightly.
5 The natural resiliency of the plastic straw holds the capsules relatively tightly.
For further ease of handling and safety, the handling tubes 8 loaded with capsules 1 are loaded into a field cylinder 10. This ;s shown in L0 Figure 4 with its cap 12 removed. A plurality of field cylinders 10 areplaced into a moisture proof transport case 13 shown in Figure 5 with its top 14 removed. A dessicating agent is added to the transport case.
When used~ for example, in forest areas, field cylinders 10 are carried in one or mora pouches 16 connected to a belt 18 by loops 20 as seen in Figure 6. The belt 18 is simply fastened around the waist OI the worker.
20 3. Lance Apparatus Figure 7 to Pigure 13 illustrates a lance apparatus 22 for drlving capsules 1 into trees. The apparatus is long so that the user can reach trees which are difficult to approach. In addition, this permits a 25 number of trees to be reached from a single standing position. The pol~
like shape of the apparatus means that it is easy to carry through the bush and can reach easily through branches and the like to the desired location on a tree. The apparatus has an elongated, cylindrical capsule magazine 24 shown in better detail in Figure 10. Four open ended magazine tubes 26 are 30 located within the magazine 24. There is a male threaded portion 28 at the rearward end of the capsule magazine and a similar male threaded portion 30 at its forward end. Male threaded portion 28 receives threaded cap 32 connected to loading rod 34. Loading rod 34 is used for loading capsules from the handling tubes into the magazine tubes. In normal use cap 32 is 13 ~;
(7) screwed onto the rearward end of the capsule mngazine with loading rod 34 extending longitudinally between magazine tubes 26. The threaded portion 30 at the forward end of the magazine receives a threaded collar 36 used to connect the capsule magazine to boss 38 shown in Figures 8, 9 and 11.
Collar 36 has a~ shoulder 37 which engages a shoulder 39 on the boss~ The collar 36 connects capsule magazine 24 onto boss 38 so that one of the magazine tubes 26 coincides with rearward end 40 of feed tube 42. The threaded coLlar 36 may be loosened and the capsule magazine 24 rotated so the magazine tubes can be selectively aligned with the feed tube 42. In this way, the capsules from each of the magazine tubes can be fed into the feed tube.
A section of the inner side of the feed tube 42 adjacent its forward end 44 is cut away as best shown in Figure 11 to form a feed tube port 46. A shoulder 48 adjacent forward end 44 of the feed tube acts as a stop to normally prevent forward movement of capsules 1 as seen in Figure 8. A slot 50 extends from the forward end 44 of the feed tube on the sicle opposite feed tube port 46.
A punch 52 is also connected to boss 38 and extends parallel to feed tube 42. A drive pin 54 is removably connected to the punch 52 by means of a threaded fitting as seen in Figure 9 and Figure 11.
Drive pins of various lengths can therefore be used to vary the penetration of the cRpsules l into the tree.
A sliding head 58~ shown in Figures 8, 9 and 12, is located at the forward end of lance apparatus 22. The sliding head includes a guide tube 60 and a feed tube guide 62. The drive pin 54 is slidably received in the guide tube 60 while the feed tube guide 62 is slidably received about the feed tube 42. The guide tube is therefore slidable with respect to the feed tube and the drive pin. The feed tube 42 and guide tube 60 are adjacent and parallel.
The sliding head 58 comprising guide tube ~0 and feed 3lj 3~
~8) tube guide 6~ is slidable between a forward position shown in ~igure 8 ~nd a rearward position shown in Figllre 9. A coil spring 64 extends about punch 52 between boss 38 and sliding head 58. This spring serves as resilient means biasing the sliding head towards the foreward position of Figure 8.
5 Three pins 6~ extend forwardly from forward end 68 of guide tube 60.
These pins serve as tree gripping means for gripping R tree when the forward end of the lance apparatus 22 is pushed against a tree. The sliding head 58 is moved to the rearward position of Figure 9 by g~sping capsule magazine 24 and pushing pins 26 against a tree. This causes drive pin 54 to l0 move forwardly relative to guide tube 60 from the rearward position of Figure 8 to the forward position of Figure 9.
One of the capsules l is selectively fed into the guide tube by first pushing pins 66 against a tree or the like to move sliding head 58 to the rearward position of Figure 9. The guide tube has a port 70 which is aligned with the port 46 of the feed tube 42 in this rearward position o~ the sliding head and guide tube. A sloping guide 72 mounted on the guide tube 60 pushes a cartridge la through port 70 partia11y into guide tube 60 as the sliding head moves towards the rearward position. Slot 50 in the feed tube 20 allows the guide 72 to move into the feed tube as the sliding head moves rearwardly. Guide 72 is connected to mount 73 which is connected to the guide tube by screw 76. Capsule la is prevented from moving further into the guide tube 60 by drive pin 54.
When forward pressure on magazine 24 is released and the pins 66 are moved away from the tree, the sliding head 58 is moved to the forward position of Figure 8 by coil spring 64. In this position, the port 70 of the guide tube is located between the forward end 56 of the drive pin 54 and the open end 68 of the guide tube. This permits the capsule la to drop completely into the guide tube where it is positioned against the end of the drive pin.
A leaf spring 74 is connected to the mount q3 and the guide tube 60 by means of the screw 76. The leaf sprin~ extends into the .. ....... . ..
3~6 (9) guide tube through a slot 7B. The leaf spring prevents capsules from falling throu~h the open forward end 68 of the guide tube. However, when the drive pin 54 is moved forwardly through thc guide tube by means of rearward movement of sliding head 58, the capsule within the guide tube and the drive pin are pushed past the leaf spring 74.
For a more streamline appearance and to prevent snag-ging, a tubular gu~rd ~0, is shown in Figure 13~ extends forwardly from boss 38 over feed tube 42, punch 52 and coil spring 64. A bolt 82 is screwed into 10 threaded aperture 84 of the boss to hold the tubular guard in position. The tubular guard also prevents sliding head 58 from travelling beyond the orward position. Tubular guard 80 has a shoulder 81 which engages shoulder 59 of the sliding head 58 shown in Figure 9.
.
1~
1. The Capsule A capsule 1 for treating trees is best shown in Figures 1 to 3. Each capsule includes a cylindrical, hollow casing 2. For convenience and economy, a .22 rifle cartridge casing is used in the illustrated embodiment. The container has a closed end 3 and an open end ~. The container has a sharp annular edge 5 about the open end 4. The cartridge casing is well suited for the function, being long enough to reach the desired depth of implantation in a tree and has enough volume to carry the required amount of chemical. The casing is non-ferrous and strong enough to function correctly.
The casing 2 is partially filled with a solid or a semi-solid soluble substance 6 adjacent its closed end 3. Many chemicals for treating trees may be used. For example, a glyphosate type herbicide is suitable when the capsule is to be used for eliminating weed trees in forests. Such a herbicide is sold under the trade mark "Roundup". The preferred formulation for weed tree elimination, however, is MON 0139 which is simply the isopropylene salt of glyphosate. The substance may be in a pure form hardened into a plug in the capsule casing. The casings have a slight taper towards the open end which keeps the substance in place. Alterna-tively, the substance may be mixed with a suitable binder.
Although the rifle casing is used for convenience, it should be noted that other open ended containers of the sort could be used.
~lange 7 on the end of the container is not essential. ;
2. Capsule Accessories For convenience in carrying the capsules about and avoid-ing contact with the chemical substances within the c~rq~ q, a plurality o~
3';
., , .. . ,, -- . - ;
3~
(6) axiaUy aligned capsules are loaded into a handling tube 8 shown in Figure 3.
The handling tube 8 simply may comprise R drinking straw of a suitable size with a longitudinal slit 9 extending along its length. A plurality oî capsules are fitted within the handling tube which spreads the slit ap~rt slightly.
5 The natural resiliency of the plastic straw holds the capsules relatively tightly.
For further ease of handling and safety, the handling tubes 8 loaded with capsules 1 are loaded into a field cylinder 10. This ;s shown in L0 Figure 4 with its cap 12 removed. A plurality of field cylinders 10 areplaced into a moisture proof transport case 13 shown in Figure 5 with its top 14 removed. A dessicating agent is added to the transport case.
When used~ for example, in forest areas, field cylinders 10 are carried in one or mora pouches 16 connected to a belt 18 by loops 20 as seen in Figure 6. The belt 18 is simply fastened around the waist OI the worker.
20 3. Lance Apparatus Figure 7 to Pigure 13 illustrates a lance apparatus 22 for drlving capsules 1 into trees. The apparatus is long so that the user can reach trees which are difficult to approach. In addition, this permits a 25 number of trees to be reached from a single standing position. The pol~
like shape of the apparatus means that it is easy to carry through the bush and can reach easily through branches and the like to the desired location on a tree. The apparatus has an elongated, cylindrical capsule magazine 24 shown in better detail in Figure 10. Four open ended magazine tubes 26 are 30 located within the magazine 24. There is a male threaded portion 28 at the rearward end of the capsule magazine and a similar male threaded portion 30 at its forward end. Male threaded portion 28 receives threaded cap 32 connected to loading rod 34. Loading rod 34 is used for loading capsules from the handling tubes into the magazine tubes. In normal use cap 32 is 13 ~;
(7) screwed onto the rearward end of the capsule mngazine with loading rod 34 extending longitudinally between magazine tubes 26. The threaded portion 30 at the forward end of the magazine receives a threaded collar 36 used to connect the capsule magazine to boss 38 shown in Figures 8, 9 and 11.
Collar 36 has a~ shoulder 37 which engages a shoulder 39 on the boss~ The collar 36 connects capsule magazine 24 onto boss 38 so that one of the magazine tubes 26 coincides with rearward end 40 of feed tube 42. The threaded coLlar 36 may be loosened and the capsule magazine 24 rotated so the magazine tubes can be selectively aligned with the feed tube 42. In this way, the capsules from each of the magazine tubes can be fed into the feed tube.
A section of the inner side of the feed tube 42 adjacent its forward end 44 is cut away as best shown in Figure 11 to form a feed tube port 46. A shoulder 48 adjacent forward end 44 of the feed tube acts as a stop to normally prevent forward movement of capsules 1 as seen in Figure 8. A slot 50 extends from the forward end 44 of the feed tube on the sicle opposite feed tube port 46.
A punch 52 is also connected to boss 38 and extends parallel to feed tube 42. A drive pin 54 is removably connected to the punch 52 by means of a threaded fitting as seen in Figure 9 and Figure 11.
Drive pins of various lengths can therefore be used to vary the penetration of the cRpsules l into the tree.
A sliding head 58~ shown in Figures 8, 9 and 12, is located at the forward end of lance apparatus 22. The sliding head includes a guide tube 60 and a feed tube guide 62. The drive pin 54 is slidably received in the guide tube 60 while the feed tube guide 62 is slidably received about the feed tube 42. The guide tube is therefore slidable with respect to the feed tube and the drive pin. The feed tube 42 and guide tube 60 are adjacent and parallel.
The sliding head 58 comprising guide tube ~0 and feed 3lj 3~
~8) tube guide 6~ is slidable between a forward position shown in ~igure 8 ~nd a rearward position shown in Figllre 9. A coil spring 64 extends about punch 52 between boss 38 and sliding head 58. This spring serves as resilient means biasing the sliding head towards the foreward position of Figure 8.
5 Three pins 6~ extend forwardly from forward end 68 of guide tube 60.
These pins serve as tree gripping means for gripping R tree when the forward end of the lance apparatus 22 is pushed against a tree. The sliding head 58 is moved to the rearward position of Figure 9 by g~sping capsule magazine 24 and pushing pins 26 against a tree. This causes drive pin 54 to l0 move forwardly relative to guide tube 60 from the rearward position of Figure 8 to the forward position of Figure 9.
One of the capsules l is selectively fed into the guide tube by first pushing pins 66 against a tree or the like to move sliding head 58 to the rearward position of Figure 9. The guide tube has a port 70 which is aligned with the port 46 of the feed tube 42 in this rearward position o~ the sliding head and guide tube. A sloping guide 72 mounted on the guide tube 60 pushes a cartridge la through port 70 partia11y into guide tube 60 as the sliding head moves towards the rearward position. Slot 50 in the feed tube 20 allows the guide 72 to move into the feed tube as the sliding head moves rearwardly. Guide 72 is connected to mount 73 which is connected to the guide tube by screw 76. Capsule la is prevented from moving further into the guide tube 60 by drive pin 54.
When forward pressure on magazine 24 is released and the pins 66 are moved away from the tree, the sliding head 58 is moved to the forward position of Figure 8 by coil spring 64. In this position, the port 70 of the guide tube is located between the forward end 56 of the drive pin 54 and the open end 68 of the guide tube. This permits the capsule la to drop completely into the guide tube where it is positioned against the end of the drive pin.
A leaf spring 74 is connected to the mount q3 and the guide tube 60 by means of the screw 76. The leaf sprin~ extends into the .. ....... . ..
3~6 (9) guide tube through a slot 7B. The leaf spring prevents capsules from falling throu~h the open forward end 68 of the guide tube. However, when the drive pin 54 is moved forwardly through thc guide tube by means of rearward movement of sliding head 58, the capsule within the guide tube and the drive pin are pushed past the leaf spring 74.
For a more streamline appearance and to prevent snag-ging, a tubular gu~rd ~0, is shown in Figure 13~ extends forwardly from boss 38 over feed tube 42, punch 52 and coil spring 64. A bolt 82 is screwed into 10 threaded aperture 84 of the boss to hold the tubular guard in position. The tubular guard also prevents sliding head 58 from travelling beyond the orward position. Tubular guard 80 has a shoulder 81 which engages shoulder 59 of the sliding head 58 shown in Figure 9.
.
1~
4. Method and Operation The capsule 1, lance apparatus 22 and related accessories described above are particularly useful for use in a program to eliminate 20 weed trees from forest are~s or other tree treatment applicQtions.
The system does not require the ultimate user to directly handle any herbicides or other substances used to treat the trees. The cupsules 1 are normally supplied to the user in the handling tubes 8. The 25 eapsules are already partially filled with the solid or semi-solid soluble substance used to treat trees. The capsules are suitably filled at a secure location where abundant precautions are taken concerning the handling of d~ngerou~ materi ls. The substance 6 can be placed in the container 2 then wetted and allosqed to dry in order to form a solid plug which will not come 30 out of the open end 4. Alternatively the herbicide or other subst~nce can be mixed with a water soluble inert material which forms a relatively rigid calce, gel or viscose liquid when allowed to dry. The essential thing is that the herbicide or other substance must stay within the container during transport but must be soluble in water when embedded in a tree.
L3~i (10) The eapsules 1 are taken to the forest or other job site in the field cylinders 10 which may be carried in a transport case 13. The lance apparatus 22 is loaded by unscrewing threaded cap 32 from the rearward end of the capsule magaæine. The capsules are loaded into the
The system does not require the ultimate user to directly handle any herbicides or other substances used to treat the trees. The cupsules 1 are normally supplied to the user in the handling tubes 8. The 25 eapsules are already partially filled with the solid or semi-solid soluble substance used to treat trees. The capsules are suitably filled at a secure location where abundant precautions are taken concerning the handling of d~ngerou~ materi ls. The substance 6 can be placed in the container 2 then wetted and allosqed to dry in order to form a solid plug which will not come 30 out of the open end 4. Alternatively the herbicide or other subst~nce can be mixed with a water soluble inert material which forms a relatively rigid calce, gel or viscose liquid when allowed to dry. The essential thing is that the herbicide or other substance must stay within the container during transport but must be soluble in water when embedded in a tree.
L3~i (10) The eapsules 1 are taken to the forest or other job site in the field cylinders 10 which may be carried in a transport case 13. The lance apparatus 22 is loaded by unscrewing threaded cap 32 from the rearward end of the capsule magaæine. The capsules are loaded into the
5 magazine tubes 26 by pushing them from the handling tubes 8 with loading rod 34. All of the magazine tubes are filled in this manner and threaded cap 3~ is ngain replaced on m~le threaded portion 28 of the capsule maga-zine 24. Additional capsules can be carried in belt pouches 16 of Figure 6~
]o Collar 36 is loosened and capsule magazine 24 is rotated until one of the loaded tubes 26 is aligned with rearward end 40 of feed tube 42. The capsules are then dropped into the feed tube. The forward movement of the capsules is limited by shoulder 48 on the feed tube as shown in Figure 8.
The first capsule la is loaded into the guide tube 60 by pushing pins 68 against the tree to move the sliding head 58 rearwardly.
Guide 72 is thus moved rearwardly relative to the feed tube until it enters slot 50 shown in Figure 11. At this point, the feed tube port 46 is aligned with guide tube port 70 and the capsule la is pushed through the port 70 against the drive pin 54. When the pins 66 are moved away from the tree, spring 64 moves the sliding head 58 forwardly to the position of Figure 8 where the capsule is free to drop eompletely into the guide tube.
The operator can then inject a tree with a capsule by placing the pins 66 on the desired portion of the tree and then pushing sharply forward on the elongated handle formed by capsule magazine 24.
The forward end 56 of the drive pin 54 pushes the capsule through the guide tube 60 and into the tree as shown in Figure 2. The drive pin 54 is of such a length that the open end 4 of the capsule penetrates bark 84 of the tree and enters conducting tissue 86. At the same time, a plug 88 of tree tissue is forced into the capsule. Water diffuses from the tree tissues through and around the plug of tissue ;nto the capsule L This movement is enhanced by osmotic pressure caused by the chemical salt in the capsule. Water . . .
(11) entering the capsule dissolves the chelr.ic~l and a concentrat;on gradient between the high concentration in the capsule and the low concentration in the conducting tissue is created. The chemical diffuses across this gradient into the conducting tissue. Movernent of the chemical into the conducting 5 tissue is relatively slow and is dependent on the solubility of the formulation, diffusion rate and transport by the conducting tissues. Thése factors can be manipulated to best suit the purpose of the treatment and properties of the chemical. These factors are also influenced by the depth of capsule penetration as this effects the properties of the plug of tissue.
10 In general a slow diffusion at low concentration of the chemical avoids hypersensitive reactions in the tissue and leads to a better dispersion OI the chemical within the tree.
It should be noted that this mode of tree treatment is of the closed wound type so that no leakage of chemical from the wound oecurs and the chemical is sealed in the wound. The container of the capsule is a common mass produced rifle casing and therefore available at low cost. The capsule form and method of implantation results in the injected chemicals being slowly released into tree tissues. This results in 20 better distribution of the chemicals.
When used for weed tree removal, the method and ap-paratuses described above provide distinct advantages. When weed trees are treated with herbicides in this manner, they lose approximately one 25 third of the upper crown the first year and the remainder over the second and third years. Needles fall mainly during the winter. Thus the ad~erse effects of cutting down weed trees on the remaining tree population is moderated. No open wounds are left and disease cannot be transported on the equipment as the capsules are left in place. There is no large mass of 30 fallen trees with its associated hazards.
The invention is useful for other purposes besides weed tree elimination. ~xamples are controlling dwarf mistletoe in conifers or bark beetles in North American forests. Suitable solid or semi-solid ~5 pesticides are substituted in the capsule.
]o Collar 36 is loosened and capsule magazine 24 is rotated until one of the loaded tubes 26 is aligned with rearward end 40 of feed tube 42. The capsules are then dropped into the feed tube. The forward movement of the capsules is limited by shoulder 48 on the feed tube as shown in Figure 8.
The first capsule la is loaded into the guide tube 60 by pushing pins 68 against the tree to move the sliding head 58 rearwardly.
Guide 72 is thus moved rearwardly relative to the feed tube until it enters slot 50 shown in Figure 11. At this point, the feed tube port 46 is aligned with guide tube port 70 and the capsule la is pushed through the port 70 against the drive pin 54. When the pins 66 are moved away from the tree, spring 64 moves the sliding head 58 forwardly to the position of Figure 8 where the capsule is free to drop eompletely into the guide tube.
The operator can then inject a tree with a capsule by placing the pins 66 on the desired portion of the tree and then pushing sharply forward on the elongated handle formed by capsule magazine 24.
The forward end 56 of the drive pin 54 pushes the capsule through the guide tube 60 and into the tree as shown in Figure 2. The drive pin 54 is of such a length that the open end 4 of the capsule penetrates bark 84 of the tree and enters conducting tissue 86. At the same time, a plug 88 of tree tissue is forced into the capsule. Water diffuses from the tree tissues through and around the plug of tissue ;nto the capsule L This movement is enhanced by osmotic pressure caused by the chemical salt in the capsule. Water . . .
(11) entering the capsule dissolves the chelr.ic~l and a concentrat;on gradient between the high concentration in the capsule and the low concentration in the conducting tissue is created. The chemical diffuses across this gradient into the conducting tissue. Movernent of the chemical into the conducting 5 tissue is relatively slow and is dependent on the solubility of the formulation, diffusion rate and transport by the conducting tissues. Thése factors can be manipulated to best suit the purpose of the treatment and properties of the chemical. These factors are also influenced by the depth of capsule penetration as this effects the properties of the plug of tissue.
10 In general a slow diffusion at low concentration of the chemical avoids hypersensitive reactions in the tissue and leads to a better dispersion OI the chemical within the tree.
It should be noted that this mode of tree treatment is of the closed wound type so that no leakage of chemical from the wound oecurs and the chemical is sealed in the wound. The container of the capsule is a common mass produced rifle casing and therefore available at low cost. The capsule form and method of implantation results in the injected chemicals being slowly released into tree tissues. This results in 20 better distribution of the chemicals.
When used for weed tree removal, the method and ap-paratuses described above provide distinct advantages. When weed trees are treated with herbicides in this manner, they lose approximately one 25 third of the upper crown the first year and the remainder over the second and third years. Needles fall mainly during the winter. Thus the ad~erse effects of cutting down weed trees on the remaining tree population is moderated. No open wounds are left and disease cannot be transported on the equipment as the capsules are left in place. There is no large mass of 30 fallen trees with its associated hazards.
The invention is useful for other purposes besides weed tree elimination. ~xamples are controlling dwarf mistletoe in conifers or bark beetles in North American forests. Suitable solid or semi-solid ~5 pesticides are substituted in the capsule.
Claims (14)
1. A method of treating trees comprising: at least partially filling a capsule with material capable of forming a solid or semi-solid, water soluble substance; allowing the material to form a self-retaining plug of the substance and leaving an unobstructed space between a sharp, open of end of the capsule and the substance; driving into the tree the open end of the capsule the capsule being driven into the tree until the open end penetrates conducting tissue of the tree and a plug of tree tissue is forced into the capsule; and leaving the capsule in the tree until the substance is dissolved by natural fluids within the tree and is slowly diffused from the capsule.
2. A method of weed tree removal comprising: at least partially filling a capsule with herbicidal material capable of forming a solid or semi-solid water soluble substance; allowing the material to form a self-retaining plug of the substance and leaving an unobstructed space between a sharp, open end of the capsule and the substance; driving into a weed tree the open end of the capsule; the capsule being driven into the tree until the open end penetrates conducting tissue of the tree and a plug of tree tissue is forced into the capsule; and leaving the capsule in the tree until the substance is dissolved by natural fluids within the tree and diffused from the capsule.
3. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the capsule is driven into the tree by an elongated lance.
4. A method as claimed in Claim 3, further comprising carrying a plurality of axially aligned capsules in a feed tube of the lance, selectively feeding one capsule at a time from the feed tube and driving said one capsule into the tree with a drive pin of the lance.
5. A method as claimed in Claim 3, further comprising carrying additional axially aligned capsules apart from the lance in a handling tube and loading the feed tube of the lance by pushing axially aligned capsules from the handling tube into the lance.
6. A method as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising assembling the capsule by partially filling an empty rifle casing with the substance.
7. A method as claimed in Claim 6, further comprising loading a plurality of assembled said capsules into a handling tube in axial alignment.
8. A capsule for treating trees comprising:
a container with a closed end and an open end with a sharp edge, the container being of a material strong enough to be driven into a tree and being partially filled with a solid or semi-solid, water soluble substance forming a self-retaining plug of the substance with a space between the open end of the container and the substance.
a container with a closed end and an open end with a sharp edge, the container being of a material strong enough to be driven into a tree and being partially filled with a solid or semi-solid, water soluble substance forming a self-retaining plug of the substance with a space between the open end of the container and the substance.
9. A capsule as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the container is substantially cylindrical and hollow.
10. A capsule as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the container is a rifle cartridge casing.
11. A capsule as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the substance comprises a herbicide.
12. A capsule as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the herbicide is a glyphosate type.
13. A capsule as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the container has a sharp annular edge about the open end.
14. A capsule as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the substance is inside the container adjacent the closed end thereof.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000411704A CA1191346A (en) | 1982-09-17 | 1982-09-17 | Tree treatment apparatus and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000411704A CA1191346A (en) | 1982-09-17 | 1982-09-17 | Tree treatment apparatus and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1191346A true CA1191346A (en) | 1985-08-06 |
Family
ID=4123614
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000411704A Expired CA1191346A (en) | 1982-09-17 | 1982-09-17 | Tree treatment apparatus and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1191346A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4854074A (en) * | 1988-04-06 | 1989-08-08 | Powertech Labs Inc. | Injection capsule for treating trees |
| US5596837A (en) * | 1991-03-28 | 1997-01-28 | Monsanto Canada Inc. | Injection device for injecting articles into trees and a method of treating same |
| GB2487721A (en) * | 2011-01-25 | 2012-08-08 | Russell Ipm Ltd | System and apparatus for protecting trees against insect attack |
| WO2020120561A1 (en) * | 2018-12-11 | 2020-06-18 | Korte Lüth Gmbh | Introduction of active substances and/or dyes into plant tissue |
| EP3661361A4 (en) * | 2017-08-02 | 2021-05-12 | Bioherbicides Australia Pty Ltd | Method and apparatus for capsular delivery to plants |
-
1982
- 1982-09-17 CA CA000411704A patent/CA1191346A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4854074A (en) * | 1988-04-06 | 1989-08-08 | Powertech Labs Inc. | Injection capsule for treating trees |
| US5596837A (en) * | 1991-03-28 | 1997-01-28 | Monsanto Canada Inc. | Injection device for injecting articles into trees and a method of treating same |
| GB2487721A (en) * | 2011-01-25 | 2012-08-08 | Russell Ipm Ltd | System and apparatus for protecting trees against insect attack |
| GB2487721B (en) * | 2011-01-25 | 2013-04-17 | Russell Ipm Ltd | Apparatus for protecting trees against insect attack |
| EP3661361A4 (en) * | 2017-08-02 | 2021-05-12 | Bioherbicides Australia Pty Ltd | Method and apparatus for capsular delivery to plants |
| US11259516B2 (en) | 2017-08-02 | 2022-03-01 | BioHerbicides Australia Pty Ltd | Method and apparatus for capsular delivery to plants |
| WO2020120561A1 (en) * | 2018-12-11 | 2020-06-18 | Korte Lüth Gmbh | Introduction of active substances and/or dyes into plant tissue |
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