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Forest Service Patents » Field-ready Instrumentation Devices

Combination Foliage Compaction and Treatment Method and Apparatus

Patent Status:

Patent Number: 7,121,040
Date Issued: October 17, 2006

Technology Description:

The maintenance of vegetation often includes spraying foliage with fluids including nutrients, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, pesticides and the like. However, spraying foliage can be inefficient because considerable amounts of the fluid can be lost from overspraying the plants and spray drift. Furthermore, there is an increasing concern with the practice of using sprays containing herbicides and other noxious fluids because of the potential environmental impacts from over spray and spray drift.

This invention helps address those problems by increasing the amount of fluid transferred to the plants' surface, lowering the amount of fluid sprayed into the atmosphere, and reducing the amount of fluid required to treat a given area. In particular, the invention is a method and apparatus for applying liquids to foliage with a roller and adjustable spray nozzle apparatus.  A heavy roller is pulled or pushed across a field of plants, thereby forcing the plants very close to the ground.  A height adjustable applicator nozzle directly following the roller can be adjusted very close to the compacted plants.

Potential Commercial Uses:

The invention is particularly useful for herbicide application in row crops. The invention increases fluid cost savings, improves effectiveness of the treatment, and an lessens environmental impact where the fluid has a negative environmental impact.

Licensees and/or cooperators are being sought for this technology.

Inventor/Project Leader:

Adam Wiese
U.S.D.A. Forest Service
Northern Research Station
5985 Highway K
Rhinelander, WI 54501-9128
Phone: 715-362-1126
Email: awiese@fs.fed.us

US Forest Service
Last modified July 26, 2011
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