WO2018096555A1

WO2018096555A1 - Device for tapping sap from inflorescence and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2018096555A1
Application number: PCT/IN2017/050544
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Vijay VARGHESE
Original assignee: Varghese Charles Vijay
Priority date: 2016-11-23
Filing date: 2017-11-20
Publication date: 2018-05-31
Also published as: PH12019550061A1; BR112019010062A2; MX2019005597A; MY196023A; BR112019010062B1

Abstract

A sap tapper device, system and method for tapping sap from inflorescence are disclosed. The device is installed on the tree for tapping inflorescence. Initially, using a cutter, a tip portion of inflorescence is cut. The sap oozing out from cut surface is collected using a collector. The formation of sap in inflorescence is stimulated using a stimulator. A controller with predetermined program controls the various operation of the cutter, the collector, an indicator and the stimulator. A linear actuator is used to move the cutter, stimulator and collector together or individually at a predetermined time such that the cutter can cut the next available tip portion of the inflorescence. Single or multiple sap tapper devices can be connected to the storage via tubing to collect sap and refrigerated instantly. Vacuum pressure is applied to the tubing as well as suction head of collector to improve the sap flow.

Description

DEVICE FOR TAPPING SAP FROM INFLORESCENCE AND METHOD

THEREOF

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLCIAION

[0001 ] This present application claims the benefit of Indian provisional

Patent Application 201641040063 filled on November, 23, 2016, and titled "device for tapping sap from inflorescence and method thereof, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a device for tapping sap from inflorescence of a tree from an Arecaceae and Borassus family. Embodiments of the disclosure are related to a system, device and method of collecting sap from the immature inflorescence.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Sap is a fluid transported in a xylem cells or phloem sieve elements of a tree. These cells transport water and nutrients throughout the tree. Tapping is the process of harvesting sap from the live trees. Method of tapping varies from based on tree types. The conventional method of collecting sap in Maple trees involves drilling a hole into the tree, hammering a metal spout, called a spile, into it and hanging a bucket underneath to collect the sap. Trees under Arecaceae and Borassus botanical family is commonly known as Palm tree. Whereas in palm tree tapping, the classic method involves a lot of manual work to stimulate the inflorescence for the sap flow and the sap oozes then collected in a pot hanging underneath the cutting of an inflorescence. In modern times, several inventions were made on the tapping maple trees with use of plastic tubing, vacuum suction, cutting a stem to form a top end, and the like. In case of palm tapping, yet there is no automated system or a device available for mechanize the tapping on inflorescence. [0004] Sap tapping is not limited to Palm or Maple tree, but also for all kind of palm trees that comes under Arecaceae and Borassus family. The vascular sap collected from the immature unopened coconut inflorescence is popularly known as "Neera" in fresh form. Neera can be converted into jaggery. Making coconut sugar from the neera has a great international demand. Coconut sugar needs a small scale set up in its process. It includes boiling of neera, stirring of neera then drying using an electrical dryer and filter to sugar granules. In every major coconut producing countries, coconut sugar is the profitable enterprise for earning foreign exchange. India is the second largest cultivator of coconut. High potential of coconut sugar production untapped because of two major reasons. The first reason is the shortage of tappers, as tappers available only 1% of the requirement. The second major reason is around 60% of the farmers income is paid to the tappers as manual labor charge. For past few decades the job trend have changed and the existing tappers moved to different profession seeing the risk of life and effort in climbing the trees and tapping at the tree crown without any safety.

[0005] FIG. 1 shows the conventional system 100 used of tapping sap from inflorescence 101 of a coconut tree 104. After cutting the inflorescence 101, the neera is collected to a pot 102. The tapper 103 needs to climb the tree 104 at least thrice every day. For example, in typical tapping method, after cutting the inflorescence 101, first time the tapper 103 climb the tree 104 to collect the neera in the early morning. Then during noon time, the tapper 103 has to cut and beat the inflorescence 101 and then during the evening time the tapper 103 has to climb again to collect the neera. Further, daily cutting of inflorescence, stimulation, collection and refrigeration of neera, involves time and cost and requires more human power. Similar to neera, tapping of sap from inflorescence of other trees such as palmyra tree, date palm tree, sago palm tree, or the like also consumes time and cost and requires more human power.

[0006] A need, therefore, exists for a device that mainly requires minimum need to climb to daily cutting of inflorescence, stimulation, collection, transportation and refrigeration of sap without adding anti fermenting agent and overcomes the above drawbacks.

SUMMARY

[0007] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiment and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained by taking into consideration the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

[0008] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for a sap tapper system for tapping sap from at least one inflorescence of a tree of Arecaceae family, comprising: at least one sap tapper device installed on the inflorescence, at least one pumping station, at least one first tubing and at least one power supply unit. Each sap tapper device comprising: at least one cutter having at least one blade for cutting a portion of the inflorescence from the apex till bottom at first predetermined time; at least one stimulator for stimulating formation of oozing sap in the inflorescence at second predetermined time; at least one collector for collecting sap oozing out from the portion of the inflorescence at third predetermined time; at least one linear actuator to move the cutter, the stimulator and the collector together or individually up/down at fourth predetermined time; at least one first sensor to sense a state of the inflorescence by use of IR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, limit switch, and the like, and rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence by use of flow sensor, capacitive sensor, float switch and the like; at least one indicator to indicate at least one status of operation to users based on the state of inflorescence and amount of sap oozing out from the inflorescence by use of sounder, light, message and the like; and at least one controller for controlling operation of at least one of the cutter, the collector, the linear actuator, the stimulator, the first sensor or the indicator, based on the state of the inflorescence and rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence. The pumping station comprises at least one first storage unit to collect the sap from each collector and at least one first vacuum pump for boosting the sap ooze and for transporting sap from each collector to the first storage unit. The first tubing utilized to transport sap from each collector to the first storage unit. The power supply unit to supply power to the cutter, the collector, the linear actuator, the stimulator, the sensor, the indicator, pumping station and vacuum pump.

[0009] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the sap tapper device that comprises at least one second sensor for measuring the length of inflorescence or rate of sap flow, such that the cutting and stimulating of the inflorescence is stopped on reaching the cutter to the base of the inflorescence.

[0010] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the sap tapper device that further comprises at least one second storage unit to collect the sap from the collector, at least one second vacuum pump for boosting the sap ooze and for transporting sap from the collector to the second storage unit and at least one second tubing to transport sap from the collector to first storage unit.

[0011 ] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the sap tapper device in which the first, the second, the third and the fourth predetermined time to operate the cutter, the stimulator, the collector and linear actuator respectively, are determined by the controller, based on the state of the inflorescence and rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence.

[0012] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the sap tapper device further comprises at least one tubing to transport sap from the collector to at least one storage unit to store a predetermined period of time with use of gravitational force, pumping or vacuum pressure..

[0013] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the sap tapper device, wherein the collector comprises at least one channel or vacuum suction head or capillary suction.

[0014] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the sap tapper device wherein the blades of the cutter is selected from one of rotary conical blades, flat blades, jig saw blade, scroll saw blade, band saw blade, blades with pivot movement, shredder blades to remove the thin layer from the top or screw type blades that pierce into the inflorescence to make spiral cut from the top.

[0015] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the sap tapper device, wherein the power supply unit is selected from combination of one or more of electrical alternating current, electrical direct current, mechanical power, solar power, pneumatic power or hydraulic power.

[0016] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the sap tapper device, wherein the storage unit is of refrigerator type.

[0017] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for a method for tapping sap from at least one inflorescence of a tree, comprising: binding the at least one of an opened or an unopened inflorescence tightly all around its length, together with or without spathe using a fastener comprising at least one of a tape, a rolled tube or a heat shrink sleeve; installing at least one sap tapper device on at least one inflorescence of the tree; stimulating formation of oozing sap in the inflorescence using a stimulator; cutting a portion of the inflorescence from the apex using a cutter; collecting sap oozing out from cut surface using a collector; controlling operations of cutter, collector and stimulator, at a predetermined time; performing cutting of the inflorescence until the entire portion of the inflorescence is used to produce sap; storing collected sap in a storage unit; keeping collected sap from contamination; and indicating the status of various sap tapping operations to user.

[0018] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the method for tapping sap further comprises maintaining a forced vacuum pressure at the storage unit thereby providing vacuum pressure at the collector via at least one network tubing, thereby improving the oozing of sap and instant transport from the sap tapper device to a storage unit before the sap get fermented.

[0019] It is, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide for the method for tapping sap further comprises preventing collected sap from natural fermentation by bringing down its temperature to four degree centigrade using real time refrigerating without adding anti fermentation agent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0021 ] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a prior art tapper system used for conventional way of tapping sap from an inflorescence of a coconut tree;

[0022] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a system for tapping sap from an inflorescence of a coconut tree, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a tapping device made for coconut inflorescence used in the system of FIG. 2, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0024] FIGS. 4A-4B are illustration of a flow chart pertaining to a method of tapping sap using the system of FIG. 2, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0025] FIGS. 5A-5B show an opened matured inflorescence and an immature unopened inflorescence of coconut palm, respectively, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0026] FIGS. 5C-5E show various methods of binding the inflorescence, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 5F shows an exploded view of various tools that can be utilized for the cutting the inflorescence, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a network tubing system introduced to multiple trees for the centralized collection of sap to a pumping station. [0029] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a device used for tapping sap from an inflorescence of a palmyra tree, in accordance with the alternate embodiments; and

[0030] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a system using the device of FIG. 7, in accordance with the alternate embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0031 ] The particular configurations discussed in the following description are non-limiting examples that can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0032] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a system 200 used for tapping sap from an inflorescence of a coconut tree 202, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The system 200 has a sap tapping device 201, an external storage unit 206 and a power supply unit 208. The sap tapper device 201 is installed in the tree 202 with the help of one or more tappers 205. The device 201 receives electrical power for its operation from the power supply unit 208 through one or more wires 203. The device 201 tapes the sap from inflorescence and the tapped sap is collected in the external storage unit or barrel 206 through one or more tubes 204. It should be noted that using the system 200 about 90% of manual labor required for the tapping and collection is mechanized. The tapper should climb once in 45-90 days for the initial setting up of the device 201. The sap gets stored in the barrel 206 at the tree-base and can be transported collectively for multiple trees to a pumping station (not shown) via network tubing (not shown) by providing vacuum pressure by an extractor using vacuum pump, thus creates green-collar jobs for rural women 207. The power supply unit 208 can be a part of the device 201 or can be an external device depending on the requirement and comfort of the system operation.

[0033] In FIG. 2, the system 200 is installed in the coconut tree 202. It should be noted that the tree for extracting the sap can be other palm trees such as palmyra tree, date palm tree, sago palm tree or the like without limitation. [0034] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the sap tapping device 201 of FIG. 2, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

[0035] The device 201 installed over an inflorescence 301, such that the device 201 covers the bound inflorescence 301. The device 201 has a stimulator 302, a cutter assembly or cutter 317, a linear actuator 304, a collector flap assembly or collector 306, a spiral tubing 307, a moving assembly 318 to hold the stimulator 302, a spiral cable 309 for supplying electrical power to the device 201, a sensor or a detector or a limit switch 311 detecting the limit of cutting, a controller 312, at least one indicator 308, one or more power supply wires 313 from the power supply unit 208 of FIG. 2 and one or more tubings 316.

[0036] The sensor 310 is referred as first sensor 310 and is used to sense a state of the inflorescence 301 and rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence 301. This information is used by the controller to control various operation of the system 200. The sensor or detector or the limit switch 311 refers to second sensor and is used for measuring the length of inflorescence 301 or rate of sap flow, such that the cutting and stimulating of the inflorescence 301 is stopped on reaching the cutter to the base of the inflorescence 301.

[0037] The stimulator 302 can be a roller type with cam action under spring tension. The cutter assembly 317 has a motor 303 that works with the linear actuator 304. The collector flap assembly or collector 306 collects the sap 305 dripping from the cut surface of the inflorescence 301. The spiral tubing 307 for collecting the sap is connected to the collector 306 and can move along the length of the inflorescence 301, when the moving assembly 318 combines of stimulator 302, cutter 317 and collector 306 moves. The spiral cable 309 can be adjusted along the length of the device, while the moving the assembly.

[0038] The cutter 317 has at least one rotary conical or flat blade to cut the tip portion of the inflorescence 301 using electric or pneumatic or hydraulic power. Thinning the slice of the cut will increase the period of yield from a single inflorescence 301. The various other cutter and blade that can be used are blades with linear movement, blades with pivot movement, shredder blade to remove the thin layer from the top, screw type blade piercing into the inflorescence 301 to make spiral cut from the top and the like without limitation. The blade of the cutter 317 can be attached to a motor 303. The cutter assembly 317 may have a small linear actuator 315 to cut the inflorescence 301 into a slice of sufficient thickness, when the previous cut portion of the inflorescence is not sufficient to ooze sap 305. The device 201 having an enclosure 320 to cover the elements and inflorescence from outside environment, air sealed 319 at the base of the inflorescence 301 which is then fasten to the tree crown with a belt 320.

[0039] The device 201 further has at least one sensor 310 to sense a state of the inflorescence 301 and amount/rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence 301. The sensed information from the sensor 310 is fed into the controller 312 to control the operation of the various elements, such as, the cutter 317, the stimulator 302, the linear actuator 304 or the collector 306, at predetermined time, such that at least one of the element is operated or not operated to produce more sap depending upon the state of the inflorescence 301 and amount/rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence 301. It should be noted that the controller 312 not only controls the operation of the cutter 317, the stimulator 302, the linear actuator 304 or the collector 306, but also the overall operation of the all the elements in the device 201. The controlling operation is performed using at least one preset computer program in the controller 312.

[0040] The collector 306 collects the sap oozing out from the cut surface with its suction head to provide vacuum pressure. The collector 306 prevents microbial contamination and also prevents sap from flowing down due to leakages. The various devices that can be used to collect the sap can be selected from high elastic rubber sleeve, vacuum suction device, sponge, capillary tube, drip or the other such devices that can collect the sap oozing out from the cut surface. The collector 306 used in the FIG. 3 is a high elastic rubber sleeve. On using the high elastic rubber sleeve, the sleeve has specially made channel that slide over the inflorescence 301. The sap flows into the channel provided on the sleeve by use of gravity and flows down via flexible tubes. While using vacuum suction or sponge or capillary force the sap oozing from the surface can be collected. Further on using direct drip, the sap drips into the pot with the tubing 316 using gravitational force.

[0041 ] As shown in the FIG. 3, the device 201 has at least one moving assembly 318 of cutter 303, stimulator 302 and collector 306 which is moving along the length of the inflorescence 301. The movement of this assembly 318 is managed by a linear actuator 304 works with lead screws, nuts and stepper or servo motor 314. This linear motion to be very precised for the stimulator and the cutter to travel front and back from the apex till the base of the inflorescence. The device 201 can further have a mechanism for ejecting the removed portion after the cutting of inflorescence 301.

[0042] The stimulator 302 stimulates the formation of sap in the inflorescence. The various methods of stimulations can be without limitation (a) mechanically beating the inflorescence with the right force and rhythm using electric or pneumatic or hydraulic power, (b) vibrating the inflorescence using electric or pneumatic or hydraulic power or (c) using roller mechanisms to rub the inflorescence from the bottom till the tip. In one embodiment of the invention, the stimulator 302 comprises a motor, preferably a vibrator motor having a motor with imbalance weight connected to its shaft.

[0043] The function of controller 312 includes controlling the movement of the cutter 317, collector 306 and the stimulator 302 with predetermined program or manual settings using electric or pneumatic or hydraulic power. The various methods or devices used for control can be without limitation (a) lead screw or ball screw arrangement, (b) mechanical linear actuators, (c) pneumatic linear actuators, (d) hydraulic linear actuators, (e) piezoelectric linear actuators or (f) electro-mechanical linear actuators.

[0044] The controller 312 can be either fit into the device mounting at the tree top for individual tree or centralized controller for multiple trees. This will control the operation of different parts or elements of device such as cutter 317, collector 306, stimulator 302, and the like. It will also take feedback of all or any of the following such as sense the sap leakage, sense temperature, measure the flow of sap, status of the connected parts, rain, photo sense, wind force, vibration, power failure, malfunctions, when the cutting blade reach near the bottom of inflorescence, activate warning lamps / sounder, disconnection due to theft and so on.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the each sap tapper device can be stand alone with controller. In another embodiment of the invention all the sap tapper devices are controlled using a central control system. The central control system connectivity can be wired or wireless. Central control system can be also be used for theft alarm. The various methods of control using the controller 312 can be, not limited to (a) open loop control without feedback, (b) closed loop with feedback, (c) communication between device to device and central control panel can be connected by means of Bluetooth or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) technology or Zigbee or via control cables, (d) control can be with microprocessor, computer, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Internet of things (IOT), cloud network and so on. The elements works at pre-set timings and which can be changed depending on the type of trees to maximize the yield.

[0046] To inform the status of the operations, or providing the alarm for any threat, the indicators 308 are used. The various methods of indications: (a) indicator lamps or sounders, (b) messaging means using Short Messaging Service (SMS), computer applications, mobile applications or websites to show the indications (c) automated call services for alarms.

[0047] The purpose of tubing 316 is to transport sap from device 201 to a barrel or straight to storage unit 206. It should be noted that the tubing material may be selected depend on the area of installation or can be thermal insulated type to prevent rise in the temperature of sap. Further, the tubing can be a network type to connect multiple trees and can be transported to a distant area.

[0048] The power supply unit 208 is used to provide power for operating different elements of the system. The various types of power is selected from (a) electrical AC or DC or doth, (b) mechanical, (c) solar or wind, (d) pneumatic, (e) hydraulic or their combinations. The barrel can be a container or tank vessel or any stage unit to collect the sap temporarily or for a predetermined period of time. The various types of barrel can be of (a) refrigerated type or (b) non- refrigerated type.

[0049] The refrigeration of barrel or storage can be performed using (a) melting ice or dry ice, (b) vapor-compression refrigeration, (c) vapor-absorption refrigeration, (d) gas cycle, (e) thermoelectric refrigeration or (f) magnetic refrigeration.

[0050] It should be noted that the device can be used in (a) all types of palm trees including botanical families Borassus and Arecaceae, for example coconut trees, palmyra, date palm, sago palm and so on, (b) on date palm and palmyra, the inflorescence / flower will bend downwards, so the elements of the device to be arranged in an inverted position when compare to coconut palms. Further the device 201 can be further modified and can be used for tapping rubber tree by use of vacuum suction.

[0051 ] Further, it should also be noted that the FIG. 3 is not the actual diagram of the device 201, but FIG. 3 is intended to show various elements of the device 201 exploded clearly.

[0052] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a flow chart 400 pertaining a method of tapping the sap using the device 201 depicted in FIG. 3, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. At step 401, identifying the right aged inflorescence 301. Then, at step 402, bind the inflorescence 301 along its length with or without removing the spathe as shown in the FIG. 5B. At step 403, sap tapping device 201 used for tapping inflorescence 301 is installed in the tree as in the FIG. 3. At step 404, the program in the controller 301 is initialized to control the actions of the actuators, the cutter 317, the stimulator 302, the collector 306, the sensor 310, and the indicator 308. Then at step 405, actuators and stimulator 302 works together for the stimulation of the inflorescence 301, actuator 304 and cutter 317 works together for cutting the apical portion of the inflorescence, collector 306 will collect the sap 305 oozing out from the cut surface, sensor 310 and indicator gives the feedback of one or every action performed. Then at step 406, from the second day onwards, the controller 312 repeats the step 405 every day. At step 407, will check the flow rate of the sap every day. [0053] Till the sap flow reaches the sufficient level, step 406 is continued, if the sap flow is sufficient then moves to step 408. At step 408, cutting of inflorescence and collection of sap can be performed. At step 409, the sap flow rate is checked. In step 410, initialization of stimulation action is performed when the sap flow is reduced. Or at step 411, it is checked whether the cutting has reached till the base of the inflorescence, the sensor or a limit switch or a detector. If the cutting has not reach the base of the inflorescence then the step 408 is followed. If the cutting has reached the base, then at step 412 will start the indicator 308 to inform the user that the device to be dismantled and stop the cutting action. At step 413 the device is dismantled from the existing inflorescence and device will be installed to a new inflorescence.

[0054] Since at step 404, the status of various operations of the device are indicated to the users. It should be noted that the sap can be kept without fermentation by adding anti-fermentation agent in the sap or by keeping the sap under a temperature of four degree centigrade.

[0055] It should be noted that the cutter 317 can be operated at first predetermined time, the stimulator 302 can be operated at second predetermined time, the collector 306 can be operated at third predetermined time and the linear actuator 304 can be operated at fourth predetermined time. These predetermined time are already programed in the controller 312.

[0056] The various operations of the device 201 includes without limitation, sap filling status, any abnormal operation of device, sap leakage status, sensing temperature, measuring flow of sap, status of the connected parts, rain, photo sense, wind force, vibration, power failure, malfunctions, vacuum pressure, and the like, status when the cutting blade reach near the bottom of inflorescence, activating warning lamps / sounder, disconnection due to theft and the like. According to the indication, the user can either directly or remotely, using manual or controller, controls the abnormal operations of the device 201.

[0057] It should be noted that similar steps from 400 to 413 of FIG. 4 are not limited only to coconut trees but also to other trees where sap or the like is tapped from the tree. [0058] FIGS. 5A-5B shows the opened mature inflorescence and immature unopened inflorescence of coconut palm. The outer shell of the inflorescence 301 called spathe 501 covers the male flower 502 and the female flower 503. Tapping can be performed on the immature inflorescence with unopened spathe or removed spathe. Inflorescence should be bound tightly before installing the tapper device.

[0059] FIGS. 5C-5E shows the different methods of binding the inflorescence 301 after removing the spathe of it. Binding shall be done on an immature inflorescence prior to installing the tapper device. As shown in FIGS. 5C-5E the inflorescence 301 is prepared before installing in the sap tapping device of FIG. 2. Inflorescence 301 needs to be prepared prior to installation in coconut trees/ other palm trees. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5C-5E, in a preparation step, initially the inflorescence is cleaned with a disinfectant solution to remove dust, particles and ensure hygiene. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5C-5E shows the example of different ways an inflorescence can bind along its length. This part is essential to keep the xylem tight closely inside the inflorescence, stimulator actions will be effective, prevent leakages of the sap. This preparation can do for inflorescence with or without spathe. FIGS. 5C-5E are not limited only to inflorescence of coconut trees but also to other inflorescences where sap or the like is tapped from the tree.

[0060] FIG. 5F shows the various types of blade or cutting tools of cuter

317 which can be used in a cutter for cutting an inflorescence 505. Different cutting tools (one or more) can be selected from a group of: scrapping rotary blade 506, round saw 507, jig/ scroll saw 508 with reciprocating motion, helical rotary Saw 509 with a screw type motion, rotating blade saw 510 as in the vegetable slicing machine in which the rotating axis 511 is outside the inflorescence, angular knife 512 mimics the manual cutting with a knife, band saw 513 or conical rotary blade 514, which shave off as in a pencil sharpener.

[0061 ] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a system 600 used for tapping sap from multiple trees and centralized collection of sap. Tapping device 602 is installed to one of the inflorescence 601 every trees. Sap oozes out from the device 602 is transported down via tiny tube called drop line 603 which will then connected to a bigger main line 604 by a tee connector 605. In the pumping station 606 the vacuum pressure formed within the extractor 607 by the help of vacuum pump 608 will be distributed till the collector of the tapper device 602. This induced vacuum pressure is to improve the oozing of sap from the inflorescence and bringing sap from multiple devices to the extractor 607. Sap filled in the extractor will shift to the storage unit/tank 609 when it is fully filled and then start to fill the extractor again. The powers for the tapper device is drawn from an electrical panel 613 at the pumping station 606, distributes through the main cable 611 and then tap at the junction box 612 to individual tapper device via branch cable 610. The tiny tube or drop line 603 and bigger main line 604 are collectively referred as network tubing. It should be noted that the system 600 can be formed my networking or connecting multiple systems 200 of FIG. 1, thereby called network of system 600.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention the pumping station has at least one controller or control device to control various operation of the pumping station. The controller of the device and the pumping station can be either stand alone to control each device and the pump station or can be central control station to control overall operation of the system using at least one of RF (Radio Frequency) control, Bluetooth or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) technology or Zigbee or via control cables, (d) control can be with microprocessor, computer, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Internet of things (IOT), cloud network and so on.

[0063] It should be noted that a forced vacuum pressure maintained at a storage tank thereby providing vacuum pressure at the collector of the device via network tubing. This vacuum pressure will improve the oozing of sap and can instantly transport from multiple tapper device to a storage tank before the sap get fermented and thus instantly refrigerating collected sap at the storage tank to avoid future fermentation. [0064] It should be noted that, the storage unit 609 in the pumping station

606 refers to the first storage unit 609 and vacuum pump 608 in the pumping station 606 refers to the first vacuum pump 608.

[0065] Further, on referring to FIG. 2, it should be noted that the storage unit or barrel 206 refers to the one second storage unit 206. Each sap tapping device 201 may comprise at least one second vacuum pump (not shown) to boosting the sap ooze and for transporting sap from the collector 306 to the second storage unit or storage unit 206.

[0066] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of the sap tapper device 700, in accordance with the alternate embodiments. In this embodiment, sap 714 is extracted from an inflorescence 720 of the palm tree. The device 700 has a cylindrical case 701, linear actuator 704, cutter assembly 715, one or more lead screws 708, at least one steeper motor 710 and at least one container 712. The cutter assembly 715 comprises at least one conical blade 713 and cut motor 717. The cylindrical case 701 is formed by closing two halves 718 of casing using a gasket 702. The inflorescence 720 of a palm tree is kept inside the two halves 718 and then closed. Further to lock and clip the halves tightly, one or more clips 716 are used as shown in the FIG. 7. The conical blade 713 is used to cut the inflorescence 720. While cutting, the container 712 will collect the shredded pieces of inflorescence 720, this avoid mixing of shredded particles with the sap 714. The cutter assembly 715 has a plate 706 attached to it and this plate 706 allows the cutter assembly 715 and the linear actuator 704 to be bolted together. FIG. 8 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a sap tapper system 800 using sap tapper device 700 of FIG. 7, in accordance with one another alternate embodiments.

[0067] It will be appreciated that variations of the above disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. [0068] Although embodiments of the current disclosure have been described comprehensively in considerable detail to cover the possible aspects, those skilled in the art would recognize that other versions of the disclosure are also possible.

Claims

CLAIMS I / We Claim:

1. A sap tapper device (201) installed on an inflorescence of at least one tree of Arecaceae and Borassus family, comprising:

at least one cutter (317) having at least one blade for cutting a portion of the inflorescence (301) from the the apex till bottom at first predetermined time;

at least one stimulator (302) for stimulating formation of oozing sap in the inflorescence (301) at second predetermined time;

at least one collector (306) for collecting sap oozing out (305) from the portion of the inflorescence (301) at third predetermined time;

at least one linear actuator (304) to move the cutter (317), the stimulator (302) and the collector (306) together (318) or individually up/down at fourth predetermined time;

at least one first sensor (310) to sense a state of the inflorescence (301) and rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence (301);

at least one indicator (308) to indicate at least one status of operation to users based on the state of inflorescence (301) and amount of sap oozing out from the inflorescence (301); and

at least one controller (312) for controlling operation of at least one of the cutter (317), the collector (306), the linear actuator (304), the stimulator (302), the first sensor (310) or the indicator (308), based on the state of the inflorescence (301) and rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence (301).

2. The device (201) of claim 1 further comprises at least one second sensor (311) for measuring the length of inflorescence (301) or rate of sap flow, such that the cutting and stimulating of the inflorescence (301) is stopped on reaching the cutter to the base of the inflorescence (301).

3. The device (201) of claim 1 further comprises at least one second storage unit (206) to collect the sap from the collector (306), at least one second vacuum pump for boosting the sap ooze and for transporting sap from the collector (306) to the second storage unit (206), at least one second tubing (307) to transport sap from the collector (306) to second storage unit (206) and at least one power supply unit (208) to supply power to the cutter (317), the collector (306), the linear actuator (304), the stimulator (302), the sensor (310), the indicator (308) and vacuum pump (606).

4. The device (201) of claim 1, wherein the first, the second, the third and the fourth predetermined time to operate the cutter (317), the stimulator (302), the collector (306) and linear actuator (304) respectively, are determined by the controller, based on the state of the inflorescence (301) and rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence (301).

5. The device (201) of claim 1, wherein the collector (306) comprises at least one of a channel, a high elastic rubber sleeve, a vacuum suction device, a sponge, a capillary tube or a drip to collect the sap oozing out (305) from the inflorescence (301).

6. The device (201) of claim 1, wherein the collector (306) prevents the sap from microbial contamination and also prevents flowing down due to leakages and/or provide negative pressure to improve the flow of sap from the cut surface.

7. The device (201) of claim 1, wherein the stimulator (302) is selected from a mechanical stimulator, a vibrator, a piezoelectric, a solenoid or a roller mechanism and is operated using at least one of electric, pneumatic or hydraulic power.

8. The device (201) of claim 1, wherein the blade of the cuter (317) is selected from one of a scrapping rotary blade, a round saw, a jig saw, a scroll saw, a helical rotary saw, rotating blade saw, angular knife, a band saw or a conical rotary blade.

9. The device (201) of claim 1, wherein the linear actuator (304) comprises at least one of a lead screw arrangement, a ball screw arrangement, a mechanical linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator or an electro-mechanical linear actuator.

10. The device (201) of claim 3, wherein the second storage unit (206) is of refrigerator type.

11. A network system (600) for tapping sap from at least one inflorescence (301) of at least one tree of Arecaceae and Borassus family, comprising:

at least one sap tapper device (201) installed on each inflorescence (301), each sap tapper device (201) comprising:

at least one cutter (317) having at least one blade for cutting a portion of the inflorescence (301) from the apex till bottom at first predetermined time;

at least one collector (306) for collecting sap oozing out from the portion of the inflorescence (301) at third predetermined time;

at least one linear actuator (304) to move the cutter (317), the stimulator (302) and the collector (306) together or individually up/down at fourth predetermined time;

at least one controller (312) for controlling operation of at least one of the cutter (317), the collector (306), the linear actuator (304), the stimulator (302), the first sensor (310) or the indicator (308), based on the state of the inflorescence (301) and rate of sap oozing out from the inflorescence (301);

at least one pumping station (606) comprising at least one first storage unit (609) to collect the sap from each collector (306) and at least one first vacuum pump (608) for boosting the sap ooze and for transporting sap from each collector (306) to the first storage unit (609); at least one first tubing (316) utilized to transport sap from each collector (306) to the first storage unit (609); and at least one power supply unit (208) to supply power to the cutter (317), the collector (306), the linear actuator (304), the stimulator (302), the sensor (310), the indicator (308), pumping station (606) and vacuum pump (606).

12. A method (400) for tapping sap from at least one inflorescence (301) of a tree of Arecaceae and Borassus family, comprising:

binding the at least one of an opened or an unopened inflorescence (301) tightly all around its length, together with or without spathe using a fastener comprising at least one of a tape, a rolled tube or a heat shrink sleeve;

installing at least one sap tapper device (201) on at least one inflorescence (301) of the tree;

stimulating formation of oozing sap in the inflorescence (301) using a stimulator (302);

cutting a portion of the inflorescence (301) from the apex using a cutter (317);

collecting sap oozing out from cut surface using a collector (306); controlling operations of cutter (317), collector (306) and stimulator (302), at a predetermined time; performing cutting of the inflorescence until the entire portion of the inflorescence (301) is used to produce sap; storing collected sap in a storage unit (309) or (206); keeping collected sap from contamination; and indicating the status of various sap tapping operations to user.

13. The method (400) of claim 12 further comprising:

installing at least one linear actuator (304) for moving the cutter (317), the stimulator (302) or the collector (306), from apex till bottom of the inflorescence (301), to perform at least one operations of cutting, stimulating or collecting of the inflorescence (301); operating the linear actuator (304) to move down, when the rate of sap ooze from the cut portion of the inflorescence (301) is not sufficient; operating the cutter (317) when the rate of sap ooze from the cut portion of the inflorescence (301) is not sufficient; and

operating the stimulator (302) when the rate of sap ooze from the cut portion of the inflorescence (301) is not sufficient.

14. The method (400) of claim 12 further comprises maintaining a forced vacuum pressure at the storage unit (609) or (206) thereby providing vacuum pressure at the collector (306) via at least one network tubing, thereby improving the oozing of sap and instant transport from the sap tapper device (201) to a storage unit (309) or (206) before the sap get fermented.

15. The method (400) of claim 12 further comprises preventing collected sap from natural fermentation by bringing down its temperature to below four degree centigrade using a real time refrigeration without adding anti-fermentation agent.