Patents by Inventor Fred Van Zijl

Fred Van Zijl 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).

  • Patent number: 8429850
    Abstract: Method and device for growing a plant. In particular, a device intended for accommodating the quick-growing stem of tomato, cucumber and sweet pepper plants. It is proposed to wind up the stem from the bottom in such a manner that the plant continuously extends in the cultivation space at the same height. Winding up of the stem in a simple manner is possible, as a result of which the latter extends about the winding point in a coiled manner. The end of the stem is arranged in a substrate carrier, such as a gutter, which also rotates. According to another variant, the stem is pressed into substrate material during winding up, resulting in the plant forming roots, so that the part of the stem which is already developed can be cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Fred van Zijl
  • Patent number: 8250810
    Abstract: Plant support consisting of a base and a spiral, fitted rotatably thereon and extending vertically. This spiral is made for accommodating therein the main stem of a plant, such as pepper, cucumber, aubergine or tomato. Branches of the plant extend outwards to beyond the spiral. In the spiral is a stationary post. If the plant has reached the top of the spiral, the spiral is rotated with respect to the base such that the plant shifts downwards without rotating. The plant can subsequently continue to grow upwards again. A number of plant supports of this type can be combined with a common drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Fred Van Zijl
  • Publication number: 20100192458
    Abstract: Method and device for growing a plant. In particular, a device intended for accommodating the quick-growing stem of tomato, cucumber and sweet pepper plants. It is proposed to wind up the stem from the bottom in such a manner that the plant continuously extends in the cultivation space at the same height. Winding up of the stem in a simple manner is possible, as a result of which the latter extends about the winding point in a coiled manner. The end of the stem is arranged in a substrate carrier, such as a gutter, which also rotates. According to another variant, the stem is pressed into substrate material during winding up, resulting in the plant forming roots, so that the part of the stem which is already developed can be cut off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Fred Van Zijl
  • Publication number: 20080209806
    Abstract: Plant support consisting of a base and a spiral, fitted rotatably thereon and extending vertically. This spiral is made for accommodating therein the main stem of a plant, such as pepper, cucumber, aubergine or tomato. Branches of the plant extend outwards to beyond the spiral. In the spiral is a stationary post. If the plant has reached the top of the spiral, the spiral is rotated with respect to the base such that the plant shifts downwards without rotating. The plant can subsequently continue to grow upwards again. A number of plant supports of this type can be combined with a common drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Fred Van Zijl