Abstract: Sap-collecting devices, systems and methods for sap-producing saplings are disclosed. The saplings each have at least one stem, which is cut to form a top end at a reasonable height above ground. The sap-collecting system includes a sap-collecting device that fits over the top end and forms a vacuum-tight seal with the stem. The sap-collecting device includes an interior and an access port open to the interior. The access port can be connected to a line system. A vacuum system is operably connected to the line system and forms a vacuum within the sap-collecting device. This serves to draw the sap from the top end of the sapling, through the sap-collecting device, through the line system and to a collecting tank. A plantation growth, management, and sap-collecting system that comprises the sap-collecting system and a stand of saplings is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to a potting system. In one embodiment, the invention includes a potting system including one or more bands; and one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands. In a further embodiment, the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands includes one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots.

Abstract: An air driven liquid pump includes a reservoir, a liquid inlet aperture extending through the reservoir wall for fluid coupling to a liquid inlet duct, a liquid outlet aperture extending through the reservoir wall for fluid coupling to a liquid outlet duct. The liquid outlet aperture is in fluid communication with an outlet level inside the reservoir chamber located below the liquid inlet aperture and corresponding to a predetermined lower threshold value of the volume of the liquid within the reservoir chamber. The liquid pump also includes an air aperture extending through the reservoir wall for pneumatically coupling the reservoir chamber with the atmospheric air located exteriorly to the reservoir, a liquid inlet valve operationally coupled to the liquid inlet aperture and an air valve operatively coupled to the air aperture.

Abstract: An air driven liquid pump includes a reservoir, a liquid inlet aperture extending through the reservoir wall for fluid coupling to a liquid inlet duct, a liquid outlet aperture extending through the reservoir wall for fluid coupling to a liquid outlet duct. The liquid outlet aperture is in fluid communication with an outlet level inside the reservoir chamber located below the liquid inlet aperture and corresponding to a predetermined lower threshold value of the volume of the liquid within the reservoir chamber. The liquid pump also includes an air aperture extending through the reservoir wall for pneumatically coupling the reservoir chamber with the atmospheric air located exteriorly to the reservoir, a liquid inlet valve operationally coupled to the liquid inlet aperture and an air valve operatively coupled to the air aperture.

Abstract: A floral container having a water-impermeable external layer for a floral grouping comprising a holding material and having a water-impermeable external surface layer. The holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping, botanical item or propagule and supporting the botanical item, floral grouping or propagule. A sheet of material may be extended about a portion of the holding material and a crimped portion or bonded portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion or the bonded portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the holding material to provide a decorative cover. A bond or other tying device may also be used to bond the sheet of material to the flower pot.

Abstract: A device for protecting the connection of a tubular conduit to a main tube of a maple sap collecting system wherein sap collected from maple trees are directed under vacuum to a pumping station of a sap processing center. The device comprises a band having a first end adapted to be mounted to the main tube and an opposite end adapted to be mounted externally onto the tubular conduit at a given distance from the main tube. This distance is greater than the distance between the first and opposite ends of the band so that accidental impact on the tubular conduit resulting from falling objects and tension applied to the attachment of the conduit to the main tube are taken by the band to thereby protect the connection of the tubular conduit to the adapter.

Abstract: An implant device for insertion into the opening of a tree to provide medication to the tree, comprising an elongated, hollow housing of a length adapted to fit within the tree opening, the housing having an enlarged, closed outer end portion of a size approximately the same as that of the tree opening, and a closed inner end portion. A pair of elongated wing portions are disposed on opposite sides of the housing and extend longitudinally from a point near the inner end portion to the outer end portion, the wing portions extending radially outwardly approximately the same distance as the outer end portions. A pair of outwardly and longitudinally extending flexible projections are disposed on opposite sides of the housing between the wing portions and define generally U-shaped openings in the housing on opposite sides thereof in communication with the interior thereof. A locking barb is disposed on each of the projections and extends radially outwardly approximately the same distance as the wing portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for saving crops by preventing premature bud formation on various agriculturally-valuable flora. The method consists in maintaining the temperature of an effective amount of the roots of a plant below that temperature at which bud formation normally ensues. The system and method is especially well suited for unusual warm spells which occur during seasonal changes and for staggering crop portions in order to effectively manage the harvest.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a device for use in conducting sap collected from maple trees to a sap-processing unit, particularly during sunny days; it comprises a tubular member in which sap is contained and conveyed to the sap-processing unit and a parasol mounted exteriorly of the tubular member for preventing high angled sun rays to be absorbed in the tubular member and to affect the sap flowing during the day but allowing low angled sun rays to be absorbed in part of the tubular member to allow frozen sap to defreeze and flow in the morning. The parasol consists of a semi-cylindrical elongated member mounted over the tubular member and is spaced therefore so as to define an air chamber between the tubular member and the semi-cylindrical member.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a device for collecting sap from trees and directing the sap to a sap collecting system operatable under vacuum conditions; it comprises a hollow body including a frusto-conical section adapted to be forced into the outer layers of a tree to be sap-collected. Adjacent the open end of the section is a series of longitudinal sap irrigating grooves allowing the sap to be collected and directed into the hollow body with the system is operating under vacuum conditions. To prevent air from being sucked into the hollow body as a result of the vacuum effect, the frusto-conical section has a groove in which is received a resilient element sealing the body to the of tree layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding the tapping cuts of rubber trees from rainwater is disclosed, which comprises an aluminum foil strip sufficiently malleable to conform to the pattern of the bark of the tree to which it is affixed. The foil strip is preferably pleated, folded or wrinkled so as to provide for sufficient elongation to accommodate both the perimeter of the bark and expansion in the girth of the tree. A method for preparing the foil strip and adhering it to the tree is also disclosed.