Patents by Inventor Ralph E. Reiger

Ralph E. Reiger 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: 6202348
    Abstract: A plant-growing method and apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes an impermeable pot having a fabric liner closely received therein. The liner is formed of a porous fabric which catches plant roots and directs the roots into the wall of the pot thereby preventing root circulation. The apparatus stops the apical dominance of the roots by directing them into the wall of the pot and therefore induces root branching within the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ralph E. Reiger
  • Patent number: 5768825
    Abstract: A plant preservation and growth control bag and method of using the bag are provided. The bag includes an open top, a tapered side and a bottom and is formed of a porous fabric which catches plant roots and prevents root circulation, induces root branching within the bag and resists substantial root penetration. The bag is used in accordance with the method of the invention for preserving a plant while restricting the growth thereof after initially growing the plant in the ground and removing it therefrom in anticipation of transplantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Ralph E. Reiger
  • Patent number: 5393313
    Abstract: Methods of growing transplantable nursery stock plants are provided wherein the root growths of the plants are controlled. The methods basically comprise forming a plurality of spaced holes in the ground and placing a porous fabric blanket over and into the holes whereby depressions in the blanket conform with the holes. The porous fabric blanket has sufficient strength to constrict penetrating roots whereby root growth below the blanket is restricted and enlarged root nodule formation and root branching are promoted within the depressions above the blanket. The depressions are filled with a growing medium, and a plant is planted and grown in each of the depressions. The plants are subsequently removed from the depressions for transplanting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Ralph E. Reiger
  • Patent number: 5167092
    Abstract: An improved fabric container for controlling the root growth of nursery stock planted in the ground prior to transplant is provided. The improved fabric container is formed of a porous, needle-punched, continuous fiber fabric that maintains root growth in the ground such that roots are readily caught and caused to initially penetrate the container, but the fabric functions to constrict the roots sufficiently to produce nodule formation and root branching within the confines of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Ralph E. Reiger
  • Patent number: 5103588
    Abstract: An improved method and fabric container for controlling the root growth of nursery stock planted in the groud prior to transplanting are provided. In accordance with the method, the root growth is confined in the ground within a porous fabric container formed of needle punched continuous fibers whereby the roots are readily caught and caused to initially penetrate the container, but the fabric constricts the roots sufficiently to produce nodule formation and root branching within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Ralph E. Reiger
  • Patent number: 4888914
    Abstract: An improved method and fabric container for controlling the root growth of nursery stock planted in the ground prior to transplanting are provided. In accordance with the method, the root growth is confined in the ground within a porous fabric container formed of needle punched continuous fibers whereby the roots are readily caught and caused to initially penetrate the container, but the fabric constricts the roots sufficiently to produce nodule formation and root branching within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Ralph E. Reiger
  • Patent number: 4574522
    Abstract: A process for growing nursery stock (e.g. trees, shrubs, etc.) involving the specific improvement of confining root propagation to a nonwoven porous polymeric fabric bag such that growth through the bag is severely constricted at the fabric, producing a girdling effect and root branching within the bag. Such a process leads to a tightly packed, highly root branched soil ball even in loose sandy loam that is easily removed from the field, readily transported and effective in re-establishing the tree upon transplanting even during the hot summer months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventors: Ralph E. Reiger, Carl E. Whitcomb