Patents by Inventor Michel Germaine

Michel Germaine has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Device for gripping and transferring seedlings in blocks of growing medium
    Patent number: 4828309
    Abstract: Gripping device (1) comprising two blades (9) adapted to be moved downwards and upwards by a jack (6) and each guided by two guides (14, 15), one being an outer guide and the other an inner guide, and each blade having an outer boss (12) which brings the blades (9) close to one another at the end of the downward movement in order to pinch the block which is to be gripped and transferred.Application: particularly for potting or planting out seedlings in blocks of friable material, for example compost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Gerplant Automation
    Inventor: Michel Germaine
  • Appliance for picking up very small elements one by one
    Patent number: 4401236
    Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially picking up small elements one at a time comprising a hollow needle having an opening near its free end, and a tube sliding over the needle in a rapid oscillating motion to dislodge unwanted elements clinging near the needle opening. The apparatus can move between a position in which the needle is connected to a vacuum source dips into a receptacle to pick up one of the elements contained in the receptacle and a position in which the needle is connected to a pressure source allows the element to drop to a reception position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Inventor: Michel Germaine