WO2019238262A1

WO2019238262A1 - Apparatus for the subcortical injection of a substance into a plant

Info

Publication number: WO2019238262A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/000180
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe Beuste; Jan Steuperaert; Adeline RENIER
Original assignee: C.E.T.E.V. (Centre D'expertise En Techniques Environnementales Et Vegetales)
Priority date: 2018-06-11
Filing date: 2019-06-11
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Also published as: FR3082096B1; FR3082095A1; FR3082096A1; FR3082095B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for the subcortical injection of a substance into a plant, comprising: - a body (A); - an injection cartridge (C) having a syringe (7) that includes an elongate hollow body forming an inner volume which holds the substance to be injected, a first end that communicates with said inner volume and forms an end piece which cooperates with the hub of a needle (1), a second end which is located opposite the first end and on which a plunger (9) is slidably mounted so as to be translatably movable relative to the axis of the elongate hollow body, said movable plunger (9) being secured to a thrust pin; - a cartridge support (E) having: i) a casing (8) which adapts to the body of the syringe (7) and one end of which leaves the mobile plunger (9) free to slide and the other end of which is associated with the hub of the needle (1); ii) a needle (1), one end of which is to penetrate into the plant and the other end of which forms the hub (4), said needle (1) being in the form of a preferably cylindrical tube that is substantially rectilinear and is penetrated, in the center thereof, by a channel which extends, via at least one hole (2), to the side wall (i.e. the periphery) of the tube rather than to the end thereof that is to penetrate into the plant, the hub (4) acting as an abutment for the body of the syringe (7); and iii) a coupling means (6) that is associated with the casing (8) in such a way that the support (E) is mounted so as to be translatably movable on the body (A) along the axis (AA) of the needle (1); - a first actuator (F) for moving the cartridge support (E) along the axis (AA) of the needle (1) and in a direction that allows the needle (1) to be introduced into the plant; and - a second actuator (H) for moving the plunger (9) of the syringe (7) along the axis of the elongate hollow body of the syringe (7) and in a direction that allows the plunger (9) to empty the substance from the volume of the syringe (7) such that the substance is injected into the plant via the channel.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SUB-CORTICAL INJECTION OF A

SUBSTANCE IN A PLANT

The present patent application claims priority from the French patent application FR18 / 00592 filed on June 1, 2018.

The present invention relates to a new device for subcortical injection of a substance into a plant and, more surely, an injection cartridge associated with this device.

In the field of plant treatment, for example to respond to an infestation by insects, to a bacterial or fungal infection, to a deficiency of nutrients or to correct growth problems, it is known to administer a insecticide, antibiotic, antifungal, nutrient, or growth regulator type substance.

Such administration can be done according to at least three modes of application. Foliar application requires careful leaf coverage and is difficult for large trees. A possible aerial drift causes poor performance and requires an increased quantity of phytosanitary substance and also creates a risk of air pollution. In addition, such a foliar application is also very dependent on weather conditions.

A ground application, due to the diffusion in the soil, requires an increased amount of substance, even if less than in the case of foliar application. This mode also creates a risk of soil pollution.

An injection application, where the substance is introduced directly into the plant, advantageously makes it possible to drastically reduce the amount of substance required. The substance is never in contact with the external environment. Thus, the risks of pollution are quantitatively and qualitatively reduced. The substance is injected under the bark as close as possible to the xylem, the vascular system of the ascending sap, which then provides transport of the substance to the targeted organs, from the trunk to the leaves and possible fruits.

However, the injection had hitherto had some drawbacks.

Access to the xylem is most often carried out by means of a drilling, carried out using a drill. This technique heats the plant and creates a large hole which creates a significant injury to the plant, increases the risk of spreading pathogens (insect, fungus, bacteria, etc.) and generally requires an additional sealing / dressing operation. Percolation (administration of the substance without pressure, only gravity) does not guarantee good administration, nor control its duration of application which can go up to several weeks.

In connection with these problems, the inventors have previously developed a device for injecting a substance under the bark of a plant, which device comprises a body, a substantially straight needle pierced with a channel, a first actuator capable to mobilize the needle along the axis of the needle and in a centrifugal direction so as to allow its introduction into the plant, an injector capable of injecting the substance through the needle via the channel, further comprising a protector shaped so as to surround the needle, in order to prevent any contact with the needle, and a sliding means capable of allowing a retraction movement in a centripetal direction of the protector when a centripetal support is exerted on the protector, in order to reveal the needle and allow its introduction. This device is described in French patent applications FR 3052634 and FR 3052635 filed on June 20, 2016 and October 20, 2016 respectively.

In this device, the substance to be injected is located in a reservoir which poses many disadvantages. Indeed, the change of products requires purging the tank and performing many washing steps thereof, which can take a very long time. In addition, the use of the same needle for several trees involves a risk of contamination which is undesirable in some cases.

An embodiment associated with these two patent applications aimed to solve this problem and envisaged, to do this, that a reservoir comprising the necessary volume of substance to be injected for a tree is placed directly in the needle so to avoid any risk of contamination by the phytosanitary substance. Now, this solution has proven to be very complex due to the machining steps required to obtain such a needle with an internal reservoir and therefore a manufacturing cost. certain.

The object of the present invention is to overcome all of these drawbacks and to propose a solution limiting the risks of contamination and which turns out to be simple to produce and therefore inexpensive.

In fact, the device according to the invention uses disposable or recycle syringes after specific use, which benefit from well-known advantages.

This avoids the decontamination procedures after use.

In addition, this device must offer good resistance to pressure and not cause untimely separation of the injection device.

Consequently, a first object of the invention relates to an apparatus intended for the subcortical injection of a substance in a plant which comprises:

A body (A),

An injection cartridge (C) comprising a syringe (7) which comprises an elongated hollow body forming an internal volume containing the substance to be injected, a first end communicating with this internal volume which forms a tip cooperating with a base d 'a needle (1), a second end opposite to the first and by which is slidably mounted a movable piston (9) in translation relative to the axis of the elongated hollow body, which movable piston (9) is integral with a pusher;

A cartridge holder (E) comprising:

I) an envelope (8) which fits on the body of the syringe (7), one end of which leaves the movable piston (9) free to slide and the other end of which is associated with the base (4 ) of the needle

Ii) a needle (1) one end of which is intended to penetrate the plant and the other forms the base (4), which needle (1) takes the form of a tube, preferably cylindrical, substantially rectilinear and pierced in its center with a channel, which channel opens out at least one hole (2), on the side wall (that is to say the periphery) and not at its end intended to penetrate into the plant, of this tube and which base (4) has a stop function for the body of the syringe (7); and [00023] iii) a coupling means (6) associated with the casing (8) so that the support is mounted movable in translation along the axis (AA) of the needle (1) on the body (AT)

A first actuator (F) able to mobilize the cartridge support (12, E) along the axis (AA) of the needle (1) and in a direction which allows the introduction of the needle (1 ) in the plant; and

A second actuator (H) able to mobilize the piston (9) of the syringe (7) along the axis of the elongated hollow body of the syringe and in a direction which allows the piston to empty the volume of the syringe the substance so that it can be injected through the canal into the plant.

In connection with the injected substance, it is chosen from the group comprising biocides (eg insecticides, antibiotics, antifungals, and / or antiparasitics), natural defense stimulators, nutrients and growth regulators. Preferably, the injected substance is a phytosanitary substance.

The device may alternatively take the form of a portable or adaptable device on a machine (tractor or other).

In its portable version, the support will include at least one gripping and guiding means, such as one or two handles, which means will greatly facilitate handling by the operator. In this version, the support may also include at least one carrying means, such as a harness or, more simply, a strap.

In its adaptable version on a machine this time, the support may include mechanical, electronic and / or electrical interfaces so as to control the operation of the device to that of the machine.

[00030] In connection with the injection cartridge, it can, after use (injection), be renewed simply by replacing the syringe used by a new pre-filled syringe. As a syringe, a plastic syringe, preferably for single use or recyclable, will preferably be chosen. Now, the choice of the syringe will be made naturally for a syringe in a material suitable for the substance to be injected.

Regarding the needle, the latter (the needle), may have several distal holes (on its periphery), forming as many exits from the channel, which holes will allow their number to improve accordingly injection efficiency of the substance under the bark of the plant. Note that, and as is apparent from the above, the end of the needle which penetrates the bark of the plant has no holes. This same needle will ideally have an average diameter of between 1 and 3 mm, more preferably between 1.5 and 2 mm. In terms of its length, the needle length introduced into the plant will be between 1 and 15 cm depending on the plant and, in particular, the species of trees targeted. Now, more generally, use an inserted needle length of between 3 and 8 cm. As regards the dimension of the at least one hole present in the needle, the latter will typically have a diameter of between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.8 and 1 mm. To best comply with a precise injection depth, the needle may further comprise a depth stop capable of limiting the length of needle introduced under the bark of the plant. Typically, this depth stop may take the form of a protuberance or a bulge on the tube. The needle may possibly include a non-return valve, preferably at its base (at its base), so as to limit the risks of the formation of air bubbles in the volume of substance to be injected. Finally, and preferably, the needle will have two opposite bevels, at its end intended to penetrate the plant, bevels which together form a single incising edge perpendicular to the axis (AA) of the needle. The surfaces of the two opposite bevels can each be presented independently in the form of a flat, spherical or concave surface. Now, the surface of each of these two opposite bevels will be such that together they form an incising edge whose two opposite ends are rounded, so as to limit the injury to the plant during the injection. As for the base of the needle, it may or may not take a shape complementary to the tip of the syringe.

In connection with the base, it can be made of metal (eg steel, stainless or not, or aluminum) or rigid plastic (eg ABS). In addition to the stop function for the syringe body, the base also incorporates a sealing function. To this end, the shape of the base will be complementary to the shape of the syringe and, in particular, of the tip of the latter, with which it is in contact.

To limit the risk of exposure of the environment and / or the user to the injected substances, the base of the needle and / or the end of the syringe may have a sealing means. This sealing means, in cooperation with the coupling means of the needle and the syringe, makes it possible to avoid any leakage of liquid when the needle is in place. This sealing means may in particular take the form of one or more O-rings.

Ideally, and to avoid any risk of injury to the user of the device, a means of protection will be associated with the needle when it is not in use.

The envelope allows coupling between the support and the cartridge. It will typically have an internal cavity of cylindrical shape whose diameter is greater, preferably slightly, than the external diameter of the body of the syringe, for example greater than 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably greater than 0.5 to 5 mm and, in a particularly preferred manner, greater by 1 to 3 mm than that of the external diameter of the body of the syringe. With regard to the choice of material, it is advisable to aim for a material making it possible to offer good resistance to pressure to the envelope, and therefore to the syringe, as soon as it is pressurized after its installation. in the envelope. We will preferably choose either a metal envelope, for example steel, stainless or not, aluminum, or rigid plastic such as ABS. The envelope may further comprise, at its end associated with the base of the needle, an assembly means making it possible to secure them. Typically, this assembly means is of the screw / thread type preferably arranged substantially along the axis (AA) of the needle. The envelope may also include, at its end leaving the movable piston free to slide, a coupling means making it possible to avoid or limit the recoil of the syringe during the step of introducing the needle into the plant. Typically, this coupling means may take the form of a boss or a ring (for example a joint or again or a split or perforated ring over all or part of its length) inside the 'envelope. Preferably, this coupling means takes the form of a circlip accommodating in a groove formed inside the envelope; it then performs its function by preventing / limiting the recoil of the syringe flange, once the syringe is in place in the envelope. If it is made of rigid material, the fact remains that this coupling means must have a certain elasticity so as to allow the establishment, but also the exit of the body of the syringe.

If, in certain cases, a certain freedom of rotation can be accepted, because it does not influence the operation of the device, this same rotation can, in other cases cause significant difficulties. Thus, and in cases where the needle would have two opposite bevels together forming a single incising edge, the orientation of this single incising edge perpendicular to the wood fibers during the introduction into the bark of the tree is important for injection efficiency. In such a framework, the needle should be locked in rotation relative to the envelope.

Also, and according to a preferred embodiment, said envelope further comprises an anti-rotational means which cooperates with the base of the needle. This anti-rotational means aims to immobilize the base of the needle, and therefore the needle relative to the envelope. Typically, this anti-rotational means is based on a complementary shape between the base of the needle and that of the end of the envelope which is associated with it.

More preferably, the envelope can share with the cartridge an anti-rotational means, such that the cartridge and the envelope comprise complementary male and female portions, typically regular polygonal shapes which make it possible to inhibit relative movement. of rotation about the axis (AA) of the male or female portion of the cartridge by contact of the latter with the surface of its complementary portion on the envelope.

Regarding the coupling means (6) allowing the support (E) to be mounted movable in translation along the axis (AA) of the needle (1) on the body (A), it takes typically the shape of an axis of rotation perpendicular to the direction of translation. According to a preferred embodiment, this coupling means (6) also allows the rotation of the envelope (8) when replacing the cartridge.

Now the device may also include a cover closing on the support and the cartridge, once these are coupled, preventing any contact with the user while helping to avoid any disassembly during the step of injection.

In connection with the first actuator, which allows the introduction of the needle (1) into the plant, it can take the form of a jack as well as a striker. Note that this same actuator may allow the needle to be removed from the plant after injection of the substance from the cartridge.

In connection with the second actuator, which allows the injection into the plant of the substance to be injected, it will ideally take the form of a jack. Advantageously, the coupling of the syringe plunger to the second actuator allows a backward movement of the syringe plunger, so as to remove the residual pressure at the end of injection and thus eliminate the loss of product in the environment.

The two actuators can be powered by any known power source, in particular by an electrical and / or pneumatic power source, preferably by an electrical source which can then take the form of a battery, in particular of a block exchangeable and rechargeable batteries.

According to a particular embodiment, the cartridge, preferably the syringe may include at least one identification means, which may take the form of an electronic chip, a radio frequency label (RFID or RFID-NFC support ), a barcode, and / or a QR code, which means of identification will carry information. This means of identification can be glued or integrated into the outside of the syringe.

According to a particular embodiment, this means of identification also has an anti-rotational function.

In connection with the information carried by the identification means, it may be an identifier, preferably unique, of parameters relating to the substance to be injected (date of manufacture, expiration date, number of lot, nature of the substance, etc.), parameters relating to the cartridge (cartridge used or not, etc.), or even parameters relating to the operation of the device (injection depth, number of injections per shaft , injection parameters, etc.).

In this particular embodiment, the device preferably comprises a specific reading system for this means of identification which allows access to the information of which it is the bearer.

In connection with this means of identification (10), it will preferably be a radio frequency label or RFID medium, preferably an RFID medium or an RFID-NFC label (which allows writing on the chip). Such a label (support) comprises, in a known manner, an induction loop ensuring the supply of a circuit comprising a memory in which a unique identifier is recorded. This radio frequency label or RFID-NFC medium is intended to transmit to the device a unique identifier so as to avoid its untimely use. Thus, and at a minimum, the radio frequency tag or RFID-NFC medium will include storage means information characterizing the use of the substance injection cartridge, information corresponding to one of the following states:

OK (not used); or

Used.

The OK information allows the device to be started, while the "Used" information does not allow it. To allow a new use, the cartridge must be reconditioned in the factory, for example with successive stages of sterilization, filling and updating of the information on the identification means. Other information related to the history of use of a particular cartridge may also be stored, either in the identification label of this cartridge, or in the device or in a remote information storage location. and accessible by all devices.

Opposite, the device is provided with a power supply which makes it possible to activate the radio frequency tag or RFID support. In the case of a radio frequency tag or RFID medium, this activation will take place through a magnetic field picked up by the induction loop of the RFID medium.

The specific reading system of the device then takes the form of an antenna intended to receive the electromagnetic signals emitted by the radio frequency tag or RFID medium when the latter is supplied. Activation of the device is then subject to the detection of an identification signal from the radio frequency tag or the RFID medium. In the absence of such a signal, the device is kept in the standby position to avoid accidental start-ups.

More generally, the device comprises a microcontroller intended for the management of the transponder, preferably said RFID-NFC support. This microcontroller will be both responsible for reading the information on this RFID-NFC medium and for modifying it, in particular with a view to preventing the use of this cartridge when it has already been used a first time or a number of times corresponding to the volume of this syringe. This microcontroller can be confused with the microcontroller (s) which manage the other sensors of the device, the jacks and the user interface elements.

The invention also relates to a method of treating a plant by injecting a substance, preferably a phytosanitary substance, under its bark, using such a device.

The invention finally relates to the use of a cartridge or an apparatus as described above for subcortical injection into a plant, preferably for the treatment of a plant by subcortical injection of a phytosanitary substance.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description given below for information only in relation to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment in which the injection cartridge is placed on its support.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the apparatus for this embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of this same embodiment of the device associated with the injection cartridge at rest.

Figures 1-3 illustrate an embodiment according to the invention of a cartridge allowing the subcortical injection of a substance into a tree (not shown). This cartridge (C) comprises a syringe (7) comprising the substance to be injected subcortically into the tree, which syringe (7) is inserted into the envelope (8) of the support. At the end of the envelope (8) which leaves free to slide the movable piston (9) of the syringe (7), there is an assembly means of the screw / thread type (1 1) preventing / limiting the recoil the collar of the syringe (7) after it has been placed in the casing (8). At the opposite end, there is the base of the needle (4) which is associated with the casing (8) by assembly means of the screw / thread type (3). The base (4) also seals because of its shape complementary to that of the tip of the syringe (7) while providing a channel allowing the substance to be injected to pass to the needle (1). The junction between the base (4) and the syringe tip (7) is sealed by means of seals (5) which are positioned between them.

When using the cartridge (C), it is put in place on the injection device (A) by positioning it in the envelope (8) or dedicated housing (B), on the cartridge holder (E), to which it is associated by an assembly means fitted with a lever for the operator, allowing the holder to move back and tilt cartridge in order to easily replace the contained cartridge (11). Following this installation on the device (A) and at the concomitant start of the latter, the electronic chip reader (13) present on the cartridge holder (E) interrogates the identification means (10) of the cartridge (C) so as to ensure that it has not yet been used and that the injection sequence can be initiated. The information present on the identification means (10) of the cartridge (C) is presented to the operator via a screen (man / machine interface; K) present on the device (A). The operator then sets up the device on the tree trunk to be injected, which setting is confirmed to the device (A) by the pressure exerted on the support sensor (D). At this stage, the operator, as soon as he exerts a pressure on the starting trigger (L), will initiate the injection sequence. This injection sequence, controlled by the electronic card (M), will mobilize the power electronics (J) so as to activate the first actuator (F) which will mobilize the needle (1) so as to allow its introduction into the trunk of the tree. In the second sequence, the electronic card (M) will mobilize this time the power electronics (J) so as to activate the second actuator (H) which, by acting on the movable plunger (9) of the syringe ( 7), will allow the injection of the substance into the trunk of the tree. During this injection, the substance present in the syringe is first driven towards the internal channel of the needle (1) before emerging into the trunk of the tree through the distal hole of the needle.

Finally, to improve the handling of the device (A), and ensure the protection of the operator, the device (A) includes a covering (Z) formed by different adjacent covers.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the subcortical injection of a substance into a plant which comprises:

o a body (A),

o an injection cartridge (C), comprising a syringe (7) which comprises an elongated hollow body forming an interior volume containing the substance to be injected, a first end communicating with this interior volume which forms a nozzle cooperating with the base d 'a needle (1), a second end opposite to the first and by which is slidably mounted a movable piston (9) in translation relative to the axis of the elongated hollow body, which movable piston (9) is integral with a pusher;

o A cartridge holder (E) comprising:

i) an envelope (8) which adapts to the body of the syringe (7) one end of which leaves the movable piston (9) free to slide and the other end of which is associated with the base of the needle ( 1) ii) a needle (1) of which one end is intended to penetrate the plant and the other forms the base (4), which needle (1) takes the form of a tube, preferably cylindrical, substantially straight and pierced in its center by a channel, which channel opens out through at least one hole (2), on the side wall (that is to say the periphery) and not at its end intended to penetrate into the plant, from this tube and which base (4) has a stop function for the body of the syringe (7); and iii) a coupling means (6) associated with the casing (8) so that the support (E) is mounted movable in translation along the axis (AA) of the needle (1) on the body (AT) ; o A first actuator (F) able to mobilize the cartridge support (E) along the axis (AA) of the needle (1) and in a direction which allows the introduction of the needle (1) into the plant ; and:

o A second actuator (H) able to mobilize the piston (9) of the syringe (7) along the axis of the elongated hollow body of the syringe (7) and in a direction which allows the piston (9) to empty the volume of the syringe (7) of the substance, so as to inject it via the channel into the plant.

2. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the syringe is made of plastic, in particular for single use or recyclable.

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (C), preferably the syringe (7), comprises at least one identification means (10), and in that the device comprises a specific reading system (13) of this means of identification (10) which allows access to the information which it carries.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (8) further comprises, at its end leaving free the movable piston (9) to slide, a coupling means (1 1) making it possible to avoid or limit the recoil of the syringe (7) during the step of introducing the needle (1) into the plant.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling means (6) allows rotation of the casing (8) when replacing the cartridge (C).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device also comprises a cover which closes on the support (E) and the cartridge (C), once the latter is coupled, which cover prevents any contact with the user while helping to avoid any disassembly of the cartridge (C) with the support (E) during the injection step.

7. A method of treating a plant by subcortical injection of a

substance, preferably a phytosanitary substance, comprising the steps of:

o positioning of the device as defined in any of the

claims 1 to 6 on the bark of the plant;

o introduction, by activation of the first actuator, of the needle into the bark of the plant, and

o subcortical injection of the substance into the plant by activation of the second actuator.

8. Use of a device as defined in any of the

claims 1 to 6 or of a cartridge as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 for the treatment of a plant by subcortical injection of a substance, preferably a phytosanitary substance