Plant supplement delivery assembly, plant supplement delivery assembly insert, and method for delivering a plant supplement

Abstract

A plant supplement delivery assembly is provided that can include an insert having a retractable insert sidewall that is complementary to an outer sidewall of an assembly housing, the retractable insert sidewall defining at least a portion of a receptacle configured to hold a plant supplement. A plant supplement delivery insert is also provided that can include a retractable sidewall extending between a release end and a docking end to define a receptacle configured to hold a plant supplement. The docking end can be configured to operably engage a biasing member, and the insert can further include a stem extending from the release end. The stem can define a conduit in fluid communication with the receptacle. A method of providing a plant supplement is also provided. The method can include operably engaging a biasing member with a docking end of a receptacle to retract a sidewall of the receptacle and provide a plant supplement from the receptacle through a stem into a plant. A method of recycling components of a plant supplement delivery assembly is also provided. The method can include removing a used insert from a plant supplement delivery assembly after providing a plant supplement from an insert of the assembly, and replacing the used insert with a sealed insert.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 906,486, filed September 26, 2019, entitled "Pressure Multiplier Delivery System for Materials of Different Viscosities," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the delivery of plant supplements, and more particularly to plant supplement delivery components and methods for delivering plant supplements. Background Technology

[0004] The delivery of desired materials (such as pharmaceuticals) to desired locations is a persistent need across various fields of development. This is particularly true in agricultural and horticultural applications, where it is necessary to deliver plant supplement materials (such as vitamins, nutrients, plant growth regulators, pesticides, and other materials) to specific plants (such as trees, vines, and shrubs) and other locations. While various application methods have been developed, various problems and drawbacks remain to be addressed.

[0005] For example, various methods have been developed for delivering plant supplement materials to trees, in which the tree is struck using a drilling tool, and a delivery device is attached to a drilling insert. The plant supplement material, typically in the form of a liquid or gel suspension, is then delivered into the tree trunk through the drilling insert.

[0006] Various methods exist for delivering these liquid or gel suspensions to trees. However, these different methods can present problems. For example, devices may be negatively affected by heat, cold, chemical interactions, and other factors, and may therefore lose their effectiveness, react negatively with the material being delivered, or otherwise fail to deliver the material in a manner that provides optimal benefit to the plant. Furthermore, materials with different chemical compositions or different viscosities may require characteristics different from those provided by these typically unalterable systems. Therefore, there is a need for a plant supplement delivery assembly / system that is sufficiently inexpensive to process, robust enough to be recycled / reused, and capable of simple and direct modifications to deliver a variety of materials. This disclosure provides a description of embodiments of plant supplement delivery assemblies / systems that offer significant advantages over prior devices / methods. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A plant supplement delivery assembly is provided, which may include a housing having an outer wall defining a chamber; an insert received within the chamber of the housing, the insert having a retractable insert sidewall complementary to the outer wall of the housing, the retractable insert sidewall defining at least a portion of a receptacle configured to receive a plant supplement. The delivery assembly may further include a releasable biasing member within the housing and operably aligned to force engagement with the receptacle upon release.

[0008] A plant supplement delivery insert is also provided. The insert may include a retractable sidewall extending between a release end and a docking end to define a receiving portion configured to receive a plant supplement. The docking end may be configured to operatively engage a biasing member, and the insert may further include a stem portion extending from the release end. This stem portion may define a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving portion.

[0009] A method for delivering a plant supplement is also provided. This method may include operatively engaging a biasing member with a mating end of a receptacle to shorten the sidewalls of the receptacle and delivering the plant supplement from the receptacle to the plant via the stem.

[0010] A method for recycling components of a plant supplement delivery assembly is also provided. This method may include removing the used insert from the assembly after a plant supplement has been delivered from an insert of the plant supplement delivery assembly, and replacing the used insert with a sealed insert. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 A plant supplement delivery assembly for contact with plants is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 A plant supplement delivery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 A set of plant supplement delivery inserts according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0015] Figure 4 A portion of a plant supplement insert according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 5 This illustration shows a portion of a plant supplement insert arranged within a plant supplement delivery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 At least one embodiment of arranging inserts within a plant delivery assembly is shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 At least one arrangement of the joint portion of a plant supplement delivery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a view of a plant supplement insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 This is another view of a plant supplement insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 This is another view of a plant supplement insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11 This is another view of a plant supplement insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12 This is another view of the plant supplement insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 13 Another plant supplement delivery assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 14 This is another view of a plant supplement delivery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a view of a plant supplement delivery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 16 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 15 Another view of the plant supplement delivery component.

[0028] Figure 17 This is an example of one embodiment of a plant supplement delivery assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Reference Figure 1-17 This disclosure is described. First refer to... Figure 1 According to exemplary embodiment 10, plant 14 is operatively engaged with plant supplement delivery assembly 12. It can be seen that at least a portion of plant supplement delivery assembly 12 is engaged with a portion of plant 14. This engagement is operable to deliver a plant supplement. For example, plant 14 can be a tree, vine, or shrub, or any other plant suitable for receiving a plant supplement material. The plant supplement material can be in liquid form. The liquid can be flowable / pouringable, and / or the liquid can be more viscous and in the form of a gel or soluble solid.

[0030] For example, plant supplement materials may include, but are not limited to: nutrients, pesticides, herbicides, water, vitamins, plant growth regulators, fungicides, bactericides, and / or other materials, and may have any viscosity, including materials that may be described as gels, soft solids, or other liquid formulations, as long as the material can be discharged from insert 16 under sufficient pre-selected pressure. For example, plant supplement materials may include, but are not limited to: DMSO, tetrahydrofuran, paraffin wax, ethyl acetate, butyl lactate, acetonitrile, methylated seed oil, ethylene glycol ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, methyl salicylate, and / or limonene. For example, plant supplement materials may also include, but are not limited to: abamectin, fipronil, imidacloprid, tebuconazole, emamectin benzoate, emamectin benzoate, and / or oxytetracycline. Plant supplement materials may have a percentage of organic solvents (mixed or separate) greater than 70%. For example, solvents may include, but are not limited to: THFA (tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol), N-methylpyrrolidone, DMSO+N-methylpyrrolidone, ethyl lactate, and / or propylene glycol. Furthermore, for example, the plant-based supplement material may include, but is not limited to, surfactants, magnesium oxide, and / or antioxidants. Component 12 may be used to provide one or more of these ingredients. Optionally, the plant-based supplement material may be an aqueous solution with a water or buffer component of >70%.

[0031] As explained more fully in the following list, plant supplement materials used within the scope of this disclosure may include any one or more of the following: agrochemicals, immune-boosting / stimulating peptides, growth and health-promoting peptides (such as immune-boosting peptides like the recycled enzyme mixture used in citrus applications), osmotic protectants, betaine, proline, fertilizers, buffers, stabilizers, preservatives, surfactants, wetting agents, humectants, agriculturally acceptable carriers, biostimulants, and / or pesticides.

[0032] Agricultural chemicals:

[0033] Pesticides may include, but are not limited to: preservatives, buffers, wetting agents, surfactants, coating agents, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, abrasives, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, nematicides, fungicides, acaricides, fertilizers, biostimulants, colorants, moisturizers, penetration protectants, antibiotics, amino acids, biological control agents, fungal control agents, plant growth regulators, plant protectants, plant immune stimulants, enzymes, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Immune-boosting / stimulating peptides:

[0035] Immunostimulating peptides are provided for delivery as agricultural formulations. These peptides can be applied to crops to achieve agronomically desired results, such as enhanced plant phenotypes (e.g., phenotypes exhibiting protection against pests, pathogens, and abiotic stresses), improved plant growth, productivity, and yield.

[0036] Penetration protectant:

[0037] Betaine:

[0038] Betaine may include glycine betaine, glycine betaine aldehyde, β-alanine betaine, betaine hydrochloride, cetyl betaine, proline betaine, choline-O-sulfate betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, oil-based betaine, sulfobetaine, lauryl betaine, octyl betaine, octamidopropyl betaine, lauramidepropyl betaine, isostearamidepropyl betaine, or any combination, homologue, or analogue thereof.

[0039] For example, betaine may include glycine betaine, glycine betaine aldehyde, β-alanine betaine, betaine hydrochloride, cetyl betaine, choline-O-sulfate betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, oil-based betaine, sulfobetaine, lauryl betaine, octyl betaine, octamidopropyl betaine, lauramidepropyl betaine, isostearamidepropyl betaine, or any combination, homologue, or similar thereof.

[0040] Betaine can be derived from plant sources such as wheat (e.g., wheat germ or wheat bran) or plants of the genus Beta (e.g., common Beta (beet)).

[0041] Betaine homologues or analogues may include tetrahydropyrimidine, choline, phosphatidylcholine, acetylcholine, cytidine diphosphate choline, dimethylethanolamine, choline chloride, salicylate choline, glycerophosphate choline, phosphate choline, sphingomyelin, tartrate choline, propionic acid betaine, dealcoyl betaine, high-decoyl betaine, high-glycero betaine, diethanol high-betaine, triethanol high-betaine, or any combination thereof.

[0042] Proline:

[0043] Proline may include L-proline, D-proline, hydroxyproline, hydroxyproline derivatives, proline betaine, or any combination, derivative, homologue or analogue thereof.

[0044] Proline homologues or analogues may include α-methyl-L-proline, α-benzyl-L-proline, trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline, trans-3-hydroxy-L-proline, cis-3-hydroxy-L-proline, trans-4-amino-L-proline, 3,4-dehydro-α-proline, (2S)-aziridinium-2-carboxylic acid, (2S)-azacyclobutane-2-carboxylic acid, L-piperidinic acid, proline betaine, 4-oxo-L-proline, thiazolidin-2-carboxylic acid, (4R)-thiazolidin-4-carboxylic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0045] fertilizer:

[0046] Fertilizers can be either liquid or dry.

[0047] Agricultural chemicals may include fertilizers. Fertilizers may include ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate sulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium bisulfate, ammonium polysulfide, ammonium thiosulfate, ammonia, anhydrous ammonia, ammonium polyphosphate, aluminum sulfate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, calcium sulfate, calcined magnesite, calcite limestone, calcium oxide, calcium nitrate, dolomite limestone, quicklime, calcium carbonate, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, potassium magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium nitrate, magnesian limestone, magnesium oxide, urea, urea-formaldehyde, urea-ammonium nitrate, sulfur-coated urea, polymer-coated urea, isobutylidene diurea, K₂SO₄-Mg₂SO₄, potassium magnesium aluminate, potassium salts, magnesia, Epsom salt, elemental sulfur, and any combination thereof.

[0048] Agricultural chemicals may include micronutrient fertilizer materials, such as boric acid, borates, boron frit, copper sulfate, copper frit, copper chelate, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, ferric sulfate, ferric oxide, ferric ammonium sulfate, iron frit, iron chelate, manganese sulfate, manganese oxide, manganese chelate, manganese chloride, manganese frit, sodium molybdate, molybdic acid, zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, zinc carbonate, zinc powder, zinc phosphate, zinc chelate, or any combination thereof.

[0049] Fertilizers may include nitrogen, phosphates (e.g., monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, orthophosphate, polyphosphate or any combination thereof), potassium (e.g., potassium acetate), zinc, iron, selenium, boron, copper or any combination thereof.

[0050] Buffer:

[0051] Buffers include phosphate buffers, acetate buffers, citrate buffers, phosphate-citrate buffers, glycine buffers, sodium acetate buffers, sodium phosphate buffers, potassium, phosphoric acid, phosphate, citric acid, citrate, sulfate, MOPS, or HEPES.

[0052] Stabilizing agent:

[0053] Suitable stabilizing agents include, but are not limited to, glucose, ammonium sulfate, polyethylene glycol, and glycine betaine.

[0054] preservative:

[0055] For example, suitable preservatives include all preservatives commonly used in agricultural compositions, such as those made from dichlorophenol and benzyl alcohol semi-formaldehyde. Other suitable preservatives include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, or any combination thereof.

[0056] Other suitable preservatives include MIT (2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), BIT (1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one and dipropylene glycol), 5-chloro-2-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3(2H)-isothiazolinone, 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazolin-3-one, and 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazolinone. -3-one-hydrochloride, 4,5-dichloro-2-cyclohexyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 4,5-dichloro-2-octyl-2H-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-2H-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-2H-isothiazolin-3-one-calcium chloride complex, 2-octyl-2H-isothiazolin-3-one, benzyl alcohol hemiacetal, and / or other broad range of preservatives and bactericides, or any combination thereof.

[0057] Surfactants:

[0058] Nonionic surfactants include: polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymers, polyethylene-polypropylene glycol, alkyl polyoxyethylene, polyethylene glycol ethers of linear alcohols, reaction products of fatty acids with ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylate, alkyl ethoxylates, alkyl aryl ethoxylates, polyoxyamine derivatives which may optionally be phosphorylated or neutralized with a base, nonylphenol ethoxylates, and mixtures thereof.

[0059] For example, anionic surfactants include: alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of alkyl sulfonic acids and alkyl aryl sulfonic acids, polystyrene sulfonates, polyvinyl sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, formaldehyde condensates, naphthalene sulfonic acid condensate salts, phenol sulfonic acids and formaldehyde, lignin sulfonates, and any mixtures thereof.

[0060] Surfactants may include: alkyl carboxylates, sodium stearate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium polyether sulfate, docusate, perfluorooctyl sulfonate, perfluorobutyrate, alkyl aryl ether phosphates, alkyl phosphate ethers, oteninidine dihydrochloride, cetrimonium bromide, hexadecylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzyl chloride, dimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, octadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonium]-1-propanesulfonate Salts, cocamidopropyl hydroxysulfonate betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, phosphatidylserine, acetylphosphatidylcholine, astaxanthin, fatty alcohols, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, octyl glycol monodecyl ether, pentaethylene glycol monodecyl ether, polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers, glucoside alkyl ethers, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, octyl glucoside, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ether, alkylene glycols (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol), alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol, alkyl polysaccharides, alkyl polysaccharide glycosides Esters, polyethylene-polypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene and polyethylene glycol, hexanediol and polyoxyethylene glycol alkylphenol ethers, nonadiol-9, glyceryl alkyl esters, glyceryl laurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol alkyl esters, polysorbate esters, sorbitol alkyl esters, cocamidoyl monoethanolamine, cocamidoyl diethanolamine, dodecyl dimethylamine oxide, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol, block copolymers of polypropylene glycol, poloxamer, polyethoxylated tallow amine, polyoxyethylene or its derivatives (e.g., alkyl polyoxyethylene, methoxy polyoxyethylene) Alkenes, octyl polyoxyethylene, nonyl polyoxyethylene, decyl polyoxyethylene, undecyl polyoxyethylene, lauryl polyoxyethylene, tridecyl polyoxyethylene, tetradecyl polyoxyethylene, pentadecyl polyoxyethylene, hexadecyl polyoxyethylene, heptadecanyl polyoxyethylene, octadecyl polyoxyethylene, coconut oil polyoxyethylene, tallow polyoxyethylene), alkyl polyethoxy ethers, alkylphenol ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, organosiloxanes, alcohol ethoxylates, alkylaryl ethoxylates, sulfosuccinic acid surfactants, or any combination thereof.

[0061] Wetting agent:

[0062] Wetting agents may include: organosiloxanes, polyoxyethoxylates, polysorbates, polyethylene glycol and its derivatives, ethoxylates, crop oils and polysaccharides.

[0063] Moisturizer:

[0064] Moisturizers may include: glycerin, glycerol, glyceryl derivatives (e.g., glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl triacetate, glyceryl triacetate, propylene glycol, hexanediol, or butylene glycol), triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate, sucrose, tagatose, sugar alcohols or sugar polyols (e.g., glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, or mannitol), polymeric polyols (e.g., polydextrose, collagen, aloe vera, or aloe vera gel), or alpha-hydroxy acids (e.g., lactic acid, honey, molasses, costus root, sodium hexametaphosphate, lithium chloride, or urea). Synthetic moisturizers may also include butylene glycol and tremella fuciformis extract.

[0065] Enzymes:

[0066] Enzymes can include those that act on plant tissues, nutrients, plant pathogens, plant growth regulators, plant biochemicals or polysaccharides, or insecticides.

[0067] Agriculturally acceptable carriers:

[0068] Agriculturally acceptable carriers may include: dispersants, surfactants, additives, water, thickeners, anti-caking agents, residue decomposition products, oils, colorants, stabilizers, preservatives, polymers, coatings, or combinations thereof.

[0069] Additives may include: oils, gums, resins, clays, polyethylene glycols, terpenes, viscous organics, fatty acid esters, sulfated alcohols, alkyl sulfonates, petroleum sulfonates, alcohol sulfates, sodium alkyl butanediol, sodium thiobutanediol polyesters, and phenylacetonitrile derivatives.

[0070] Biostimulants:

[0071] When the composition includes a biostimulant, the biostimulant may include seaweed extract, initiator, polysaccharide, monosaccharide, protein extract, soybean extract, humic acid, plant hormone, plant growth regulator, or any combination thereof.

[0072] Insecticide

[0073] When the composition includes an insecticide, the insecticide may include an insecticide, a herbicide, a fungicide, a bactericide, a nematicide, an acaricide, or any combination thereof.

[0074] When the composition includes an insecticide, the insecticide may include thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, acaricides, alkyl phthalates, boric acid, borate esters, fluorides, sulfur, halogenated aromatic substituted ureas, hydrocarbon esters, bio-based insecticides, or any combination thereof. For example, the insecticide may include thiamethoxam or imidacloprid.

[0075] Agricultural chemicals may include herbicides. Herbicides may include 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, acetochlor, trifluralin, metolachlor, rambutanol, atrazine, aminopyrimidine, bensulfuron-methyl, bensulfuron-methyl, bentazon, sodium dimethonium acetate, bromosulfuron-methyl, bromobenzonitrile, butyronitrile, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos, 2-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, chlorsulfuron-methyl, chlorpyrifos, clethodim, isoxaflutole, chlorpyrifos, chlorambucil, CMPP-P-DMA, cyclopyrrolidone, DCPA, dexamethasone, dicamba, dichlorvos, diflubenzuron, 2, 4-Dichlorophenol, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, dichloropropionic acid, dichloropropionic acid-P, dichlorvos, flufenoxuron, dimethylthiophene, dimethylamine salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, diquat, diuron, DSMA, necrotylene, EPTC, fluorouracil, ethoxyfluazuron, fenoxam, fluazinam-P, flucarbazine, flumethrin, flumethrin, flumethrin, flumethrin, 1-methylheptyl flumethrin, flusulfuron, flusulfuron sodium salt, mesosulfuron, glufosinate, glufosinate Glyphosate, halosulfuron, haloxysulfuron, hexaazinone, 2-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid, 4-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid, metribuzin, metribuzin, metribuzin, imazalil, isoxaflutole, isoxazolidin, lactoferrin, linuron, mazapyr, MCPA, MCPB, methyl propionic acid, methyl propionic acid, mesotrione, metolachlor-S, chlorpyrifos, mesosulfuron, chlorpyrifos, mesosulfuron, gramine, MSMA, naproxen, naproxen, nicosulfuron, demeton-methyl, oxazolidin-methyl Offlufenicol, paraquat, nonanoic acid, pendimethalin, fenmetrazan, chlorpyrifos, pyrimisulfuron, propylene glycol, pyrimisulfuron, propanediol, propanediol, pyrazoline, pyrimethanil, quinacrine, quinacrine, ethoxypyrimidine, cimetidine, simazine, sulfadiazine, sulfadiazine, butyronyl, terbamectin, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam, trisulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, chlorpyrifos, trifluralin, flupyrimisulfuron, or any combination thereof.

[0076] When the composition includes a nematicide, the nematicide may include fluopyram, antibiotic nematicides (e.g., abamectin), carbamate nematicides (e.g., ethyl propanol, chloropicrin, benomyl, carbofuran, thiocarbofuran, and cleothocard), dazomet, DBCP, DCIP, anicava, aldicarb, alkoxycarb, diamidophos, oxazolidinone, phosmet, dichlorvos, dichlorvos, dimethoate, ethion, phosmet, phosmet, haloxyfop, isothion, isothion, isothion, carbamate, phorate, terbufos, thiamethoxam, triazophos, thiamethoxam, dazomet, 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,3-dichloropropene, furfural, iodomethane, methyl methacrylate, methyl bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, xylenol, or any combination thereof.

[0077] When the composition includes a bactericide, the bactericide may include streptomycin, penicillin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, kasugamycin, ampicillin, oxazolidin, chlortetracycline, copper oxide, or any combination thereof. For example, the bactericide may include oxytetracycline.

[0078] Agricultural chemicals can include fungicides. Fungicides may include benzodimorph, aminopropylphosphide, aminopropylphosphide potassium, endoprine, pyrimethanil, azoxystrobin, benomyl, bendamyl, benomyl, benzalkonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzo[a]flupyr, dipropylphosphonic acid, biphenyl, dihydroxynaphthylamine, blastomycin-S, boscalid, bromotrione, butylpyrrolidone, thiophanate-methyl, calcium polysulfide, capsaicin, dichlorvos, captan, carbendazim, quinthiophanate-methyl, chlorthalidone, chlorfenapyr, chloropicrin, chlorothalonil, chlorazolin, clozylacon, etc. Thiazolin, thiamethoxam, ciproconazole, thiabendazole, cyproterone, dibaclofenac, diclofenac, diclomethazine, diclofenac, methoxyfencarb, dimethyl mercaptan, dimethoprim, doxycycline, diconazole, diconazole-M, denocarp, diphenylamine, dipyridoxine, dithiazoline, dithiazoline, metformin, doxycycline, acetamiprid, oxazolidinium, oxazolidinium, ethoxysulfuron, oxazolidinium, ivoxuron, ethoxysulfuron, methoxypyrimidine, fennapanib, fennamo, benbuconazole, fenfuran Non-nitroaniline, flupicinil, phenprodine, fentin acetate, fentin hydroxide, fambam, imidazoline, fluazinam, fipronil, flumetover, flumethrin, fluazolidone, flusilazole, flusulfanilamide, fluazinam, flutrazolium, flufibrate, fosetyl-aluminum, sodium fosetyl-aluminate, fluthiabendazole, fluoxastrobin, dinotefuran, dinotefuran, furaconazole, furaconazole-cis, nitrofurazone, guanazolidin, hexachlorobenzene Hexaconazole, Hymexazol, Imazalil, Imidacloprid, Yamincinidine, Yamincinidine Phenylalanine Salt, Yamincinidine Triacetate Salt, Iodine Carbendazim, Iprodione (IBP), Irumamycin, Isopropyl Sulfide, Isopentylene Dione, Kasugamycin, Methylclinoxime, Copper Preparations (e.g., Copper Hydroxide, Copper Naphthenate, Copper Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Copper Oxide, Copper Oxide, Copper Oxide and Bordeaux Mixture), Mancozeb, Mancozeb, Mancozeb, Imidazolin Ketones, mepiquat chloride, acetamiprid, mefenoxam, trimethoprim, sulfadiazine, methofol, methemoglobin, metomelan, sulfadiazine, doxycycline, mycotoxin, myzozoline, nickel dimethyl dithiocarbamate, nitrothiophene-isopropyl, cinnamyl alcohol, uracil, oxadienyl, oxacarb, oxazolidinyl, oxytetracycline, oxyfenozide, paclobutrazol, pefenoxuron, tebuconazole, phosphatidylcholine, azoxystrobin, pimozide, piperaline, doxine, polyoxinazole, benomyl.Prochloraz, iprodione, propiconazole, sodium propoxide, propiconazole, propiconazole, thiophanate-methyl, pyraclostrobin, acetamiprid, pyrimethanil, pyrrolizidine ketone, imidacloprid, quinconazole, pentanitrobenzene (PCNB), methoxyacrylate, sulfur and sulfur preparations, tebuconazole, tylosin, ramticazone, tetracycline, butanazole, thiabendazole, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam, methyl thiophanate, thiamethoxam, toluenethiophene-methyl, toluenesulfonamide, triadimefon, triazoline, triazole, triazin, trichlorfon, tricyclazole, trimethoprim, trimethomorph, trifluralin, trifluimidazole, trifluralin, niconazole, clethodim, vincazoline, viniconazole, zalimide, zimbalazine, ziram.

[0079] Methoxyacrylate fungicides may include methoxyacrylate A, methoxyacrylate B, methoxyacrylate C, methoxyacrylate D, methoxyacrylate E, methoxyacrylate F, methoxyacrylate G, methoxyacrylate H, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, methoxystrobin, fluopyram, pyraclostrobin, or any combination thereof.

[0080] Methoxyacrylate fungicides can include non-naturally occurring methoxyacrylate fungicides, such as azoxystrobin, trifluralin, methoxyxamic acid, fluopyram, or any combination thereof. For example, methoxyacrylate fungicides can include azoxystrobin, fluopyram, or pyraclostrobin. Agaricone fungicides are used to control a range of fungal diseases, including water mold, downy mildew, powdery mildew, leaf spot and wilt fungi, fruit rot, and rust. They can be used on a variety of crops, including cereals, field crops, fruits, nuts, vegetables, turfgrass, and ornamental plants.

[0081] Triazole fungicides may include prothioconazole, imidazole, imidazole, propiconazole, flufenoxuron, diconazole, flusilazole, tebuconazole, hexaconazole, ciproconazole, methamidophos, tebuconazole, difenoconazole, tebuconazole, benomyl, oxyfenozide, meconazole, fluquinconazole, trateconazole, or any combination thereof.

[0082] Bioactive initiating peptides can be delivered in combination with agaricone and triazole fungicides, particularly in combination with fluopyram or pyraclostrobin and prothioconazole.

[0083] In addition, fungicides may include azoxystrobin, carbenicillin, difenoconazole, fipronil, fluopyram, isopyram, mefenazate, pyraclostrobin, silthiamethoxam, stadazon, thiram, triconazole, or any combination thereof.

[0084] refer to Figure 2The diagram shows in more detail the herbal supplement delivery assembly 12, which includes a herbal supplement delivery insert 16 that engages within a housing 18 and is operatively arranged with a releasable bias member 20 and a sleeve 22. According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing 18 may have an outer wall 19 defining a chamber 21, and the outer wall 19 of the chamber 21 may extend between a nose tip 23 and an insertion receiving end 25.

[0085] The nose tip 23 may define an opening 27 configured to receive a portion of the insert 16. According to other exemplary embodiments, the housing 18 may define a nose sheath configured to receive a stalk portion of the insert 16. According to an additional embodiment (described later), the housing 18 may define a recess configured to receive a portion of the insert 16. For example, this portion may be a flange.

[0086] According to an exemplary embodiment, component 12 may include a sleeve 22 configured to operatively engage housing 18. Sleeve 22 may have sidewalls 29 extending from the edge of an opening to a head end. According to an exemplary embodiment, for example, the sleeve may be fixedly engaged with housing 18. For example, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) may be operatively engaged with releasable biasing member 20. The spring configuration may be leaf-shaped or coiled and / or configured to retract or extend. Other biasing mechanisms are also contemplated. For example, in one or more embodiments, member 20 may be actuated by a manually driven piston, pressurized fluid (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic fluid), electronic actuator, or motorized actuator to manage injection (broadly, the delivery of herbal supplements).

[0087] Based on the exemplary configuration and reference Figure 3 The diagram illustrates at least three exemplary plant delivery component inserts 16A, 16B, and 16C. The inserts are shown in such a manner that they can be encoded in some form or manner to indicate the material within the insert itself. Thus, as shown, 16A, 16B, and 16C can accommodate different plant supplement materials. Consequently, the amount of plant supplement material can also differ between each of the shown inserts. Exemplary encoding of these inserts may include color coding, numerical coding, stalk color may be illustrative, and / or the chamber itself may be color-coded to indicate the material contained within the plant supplement component insert.

[0088] The insert may include a retractable sidewall 44 extending between a release end 31 and a docking end 46 to define a receiving portion 33 configured to receive a plant supplement. For example, the docking end 46 may be configured to engage a releasable bias member 20. Figure 2Incidentally, the insert may include a stem portion 24 defining a conduit 35 in fluid communication with the receiving portion 33. The sidewall 44 is retractable, as is the mating end 46. When the member 20 is released, pressure is applied to the insert 16, causing the plant supplement material contained within the receiving portion 33 to pass through the conduit 35 and exit through the opening 31. After the member 20 is released, under pressure, the member 20 at least shortens the sidewall 44.

[0089] According to exemplary embodiments and reference Figure 4 The shank 24 may be configured as a tapered rod, shown as 24A, extending to a releasable closed end 26, or as a more linear conduit 24B configured to extend to a releasable disconnected end 26. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shank 24 may include a protrusion 28 that facilitates tapping of the shank 24 in a hole, and additional protrusions that may include, for example, barbs 37.

[0090] According to exemplary embodiments and reference Figure 5 The insert 16 may include a flange portion 30 configured to extend from and be securely attached to the stem portion 24. According to an exemplary embodiment, there may be differences between the materials used to manufacture the receiving portion 33, the stem portion 24, and the flange 30 of the insert 16. According to an exemplary embodiment, the stem portion 24 and / or the flange 30 may be made of a non-volatile or very non-volatile elastic-hardened polymer, compared to the highly variable, crushable, or deformable material of the receiving portion 33. According to an exemplary embodiment, the receiving portion 33, or at least its sidewalls, may be stretchable and deformable relative to the material of the stem portion 24 and / or the flange 30. This difference in the flexibility or stiffness of the materials allows the operator of the assembly to at least drill or screw the stem portion into a hole within the plant.

[0091] Typically, it is conceivable that certain or all components of a plant supplement delivery assembly may be configured for single-use or disposable use. For example, insert 16 or the entire plant supplement delivery assembly 12 may be configured for single-use or disposable use. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, any component of any plant supplement delivery assembly disclosed herein may be formed, in part or in whole, from bioplastics and / or biodegradable plastics (e.g., bio-based plastics (e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid, starch mixtures), cellulose-based plastics, lignin-based polymer composites, and / or petroleum-based plastics (e.g., polyglycolic acid, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, poly(vinyl alcohol), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate)). According to exemplary embodiments, this can reduce the environmental impact resulting from the use of all or part of the plant supplement delivery assembly 12 as a single-use or disposable device.

[0092] Refer again Figure 5The groove 32 may be located within a portion of the housing 18 to facilitate receiving the flange 30. This groove allows the housing 18 to be twisted or rotated when the insert 16 is engaged within it, thereby facilitating the twisting or rotation of the stem portion of the insert 16. As can be seen, according to an exemplary embodiment, the groove / flange connection may be configured toward the nose 23 of the housing 18. It is conceivable that the groove / flange arrangement may be located on the outer side of the housing 18 and on a portion outside the nose 23.

[0093] Next reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 According to an exemplary configuration, the insert 16 may be disposed within the housing 18, and the housing 18 may be provided with sidewalls having ratchet teeth or protrusions 32 configured to engage the coupling mechanism of the sleeve 22. According to an exemplary embodiment, the coupling mechanism may be a variable or pivotable ratchet configuration 34 that pivots from the compressible end 38 to the coupling end 40 based on point 36. Figure 7 As shown, the connecting end 40 can be configured to engage teeth with the complementary recessed portion of 32 to securely engage the sleeve 22 relative to the housing 18. The sleeve 22 may have a mating end 39. End 39 may be configured to ergonomically engage, for example, the palm of an operator's hand. According to an exemplary configuration, the sleeve 22 may accommodate an operably engaging member 20 ( Figure 6 A biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) is used (not shown in the diagram). When the sleeve 22 is slidably engaged with the housing 18, the biasing mechanism engages with the member 20. When the sleeve 22 is secured relative to the housing 18 using the coupling mechanism, the member 20 is biased against the insert 16, and the plant supplement material can be discharged through the conduit 24.

[0094] Next reference Figure 8-12 According to an exemplary embodiment, the insert 16 is shown to include a retractable sidewall 44 constructed in a bellows configuration having a protrusion that slidably engages with the interior of the sidewall of the housing 18. It is contemplated that alternative embodiments may include a wall similar to the ball end of a plastic straw, which can be inverted to remove fluid from the ball / receptacle using a member that pushes the ball end. It can be seen that the end portion 26 can be sealed when the insert 16 is filled to seal the plant supplement material within the insert 16. As shown, this end portion can be quickly removed upon release of the biasing mechanism, thereby allowing fluid to be released from the insert 16. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mating end 46 of the insert may be in the form of a disc to engage the plunger portion of the biasing mechanism. However, other embodiments are also contemplated, in which the mating end 46 may also be retractable, while the biasing member may be a non-retractable component to shorten the receiving portion of the insert. It can be seen that the bellows portion may include a raised edge 48 and a descending or recessed edge 50.

[0095] Next turn Figure 13 According to another exemplary embodiment, an assembly is shown including an insert 16 having a stem portion 24A extending to a nose sleeve 52 extending from a housing 18. A sleeve 22 may extend through or engage with the housing 18. However, in this configuration, the stem 54 engages with a releasable biasing member 20 and a spring operably arranged around the stem member 54, thereby providing a biasing mechanism capable of releasing the biasing member 20 relative to the insert 16. According to an exemplary embodiment, this releasable biasing mechanism may be secured to contain potential energy engaging with the biasing member. However, reference... Figure 14 When the sleeve 22 is twisted relative to the housing 18, the locking pin 48 can be released within the recess 60, so that the biasing mechanism applies force along the receiving portion 33 of the insert 16.

[0096] Next reference Figure 15 According to yet another exemplary embodiment, component 12 is shown to include an insert 16 operably engaged with sleeve 22 within a housing 18. Here, it can be seen that coupling components 32 and 40 are arranged to secure sleeve 22 relative to housing 18 and insert 16. According to an exemplary embodiment, sleeve 22 may include both a biasing member 20 and a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) that can engage within housing 18. According to an exemplary embodiment, 22 can be pressed at its mating end 39 to lock relative to housing 18, thereby compressing the biasing mechanism therein to apply pressure to member 20 and insert 16, thus causing the herbal supplement material to be expelled from insert 16. According to the exemplary embodiment and referenced... Figure 16 This embodiment describes the relative relationship between the insert and the housing 18, as well as the connectors 32 and 40.

[0097] Finally, refer to Figure 17 An exemplary embodiment using the component is shown, wherein the end portion 26 is released from the stem portion 24 to provide an orifice 60 in fluid communication with a conduit that passes through the stem portion to reach the receiving portion of the insert 16. According to the exemplary embodiment, material within the receiving portion 16 can be drained and plant supplement material can be provided to the plant 14. The sleeve can be removed from the component, and then the insert can be removed from the housing, leaving the sleeve and housing, along with the biasing member and biasing mechanism, so that they can be reused and recycled.

[0098] According to the numerous embodiments disclosed, this disclosure provides a description of a solution to a prior art problem, wherein a multiplier pressurized conveying device with replaceable and interchangeable components can be selectively configured to convey preselected material to a designated location using a pressure multiplication effect based on the proportion of the area to which force is applied.

[0099] During preparation, the fluid plant supplement material can be sealed or enclosed in the insert in a non-pressurized state until a force from member 20 is applied at a later stage (e.g., just before use). The material is held in the insert and its pressure is maintained by a closure (e.g., a built-in check valve), a crimping tool (e.g., a clamp), or a heat-sealed crimping member in the stem that maintains pressure after filling. When needed, the stem can be opened to release the fluid (e.g., cut off), and the check valve is released to allow a biasing mechanism to move the member against the insert, thereby discharging the material at the desired rate. Thus, the biasing mechanism can be engaged and the member released when an outlet for the plant material is provided.

[0100] The biasing mechanism may include a spring with a spring rate for controlling the discharge of material at a desired rate. Depending on the material to be conveyed and the conveying rate, internal components such as the material chamber or the spring can be replaced and modified according to the user's needs. In some applications, the spring may be held in an unbiased position until it is needed, thereby reducing spring fatigue and the resulting force loss of the spring material. In some examples, the operation of the conveying device is complete when the end of the culm is inserted into a hole in the tree and the insert's receptacle is empty.

[0101] The spring rates used to apply force to the abutment member 20 can be configured differently and interchanged, allowing the insert to discharge material at a desired speed. Depending on the material to be conveyed and the conveying rate, internal components such as the material receiving section or the spring can be replaced and changed according to the user's needs. In some applications, the spring can be held in an unbiased position before use, thereby reducing spring fatigue and the resulting force loss of the spring material.

[0102] Refer again Figure 15 and Figure 16 As can be seen, the plant supplement delivery assembly 12 serves as a syringe for injecting plant supplements into plants. Within the syringe 12, the shown insert 16 serves as a single-use cartridge for managing the injection into the plant. In some embodiments, the entire syringe 12 may be configured as a disposable product for single use. Throughout this disclosure, the disclosed insert 16 may also be described as a fluid cartridge. Furthermore, the shown housing 18 serves as a retainer for the fluid cartridge 16. Therefore, throughout this disclosure, the disclosed housing 18 for retaining the fluid cartridge or insert 16 may be referred to as a cartridge retainer. Finally, the disclosed sleeve 22 and spring 56 combination serves as an actuator 150 for selectively actuating the syringe 12 to manage the injection into the plant. This disclosure now turns to... Figure 15 and Figure 16The embodiments disclosed herein are discussed in detail, and the terms “fluid cylinder,” “cylinder retainer,” and “actuator” are used to describe the various parts and sub-assemblies of the syringe assembly.

[0103] The cartridge retainer 18 has a proximal portion 18a and a distal portion 18b spaced apart along a longitudinal axis LA. The cartridge retainer 18 defines a chamber 118 that houses a portion of a fluid cartridge 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 18a of the cartridge retainer 18 is opened, allowing the fluid cartridge 16 to enter the chamber 118 through the proximal portion. The distal portion 18b of the cartridge retainer 18 includes an end wall extending transversely to the longitudinal axis LA, providing a base for supporting the fluid cartridge 16 within the chamber 118. The distal wall of the cartridge retainer includes a groove 121, and the distal portion 18b also includes a pair of stop protrusions 120, which allow the syringe to be threadedly advanced into the plant by manually rotating the cartridge retainer 18, as will be described more fully below. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge retainer 18 also includes two external ratchet sets 32 extending longitudinally along the generally cylindrical sidewalls of the cartridge retainer. The ratchet assembly 32 is configured to hold the sleeve 22 (also referred to as the “actuator member”) in a selected position on the sleeve retainer 18, as will be described more fully below. Each ratchet assembly 32 shown includes one or more proximal ratchet teeth 32a and one or more distal ratchet teeth 32c, wherein the proximal ratchet teeth 32a serve as non-actuated ratchet teeth for holding the actuator member 22 in a corresponding non-actuated position, and the distal ratchet teeth 32c serve as actuated ratchet teeth for holding the actuator member in a corresponding actuated position. The ratchet assembly 32a may also include one or more (e.g., multiple) intermediate ratchet teeth 32b spaced along a longitudinal axis between the non-actuated position ratchet teeth or multiple ratchet teeth 32a and the actuated position ratchet teeth or multiple ratchet teeth 32c.

[0104] The fluid cylinder 16 includes a compressible ball 126 defining the aforementioned retractable sidewall 44, and a nozzle 24 (referred to above as the "stem") extending distally from the compressible ball. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle and fluid cylinder 16 are combined to form a substantially integral structure (e.g., the fluid cylinder 16 may comprise a single piece of material formed by a blow molding process). The compressible ball 126 includes a proximal portion 126a and a distal portion 126b spaced apart along a longitudinal axis LA. The nozzle 24 extends distally from the distal portion 126b of the ball and defines a lumen or conduit in fluid communication with the interior of the ball. Suitably, the distal portion of the lumen of the nozzle 24 is sealed by a closure 26 (e.g., a heat-sealed end or a coiled end), which can be opened just before the use of the syringe 12. The closure 26 allows the fluid cylinder 16 to be pre-filled with a dose of plant supplement fluid (e.g., an agricultural chemical solution). The fluid may fill part or all of the interior of the compressible ball 26. In some embodiments, the fluid is hermetically sealed within the fluid cylinder 16.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 24 also includes an external thread 28. As described above, the thread 28 allows the nozzle 24 to be threadedly advanced into the plant to anchor or secure the syringe 12 in the plant during injection.

[0106] The nozzle 24 shown also includes an external locking flange 30 spaced along a longitudinal axis between the distal portion 126b of the compressible ball 126 and the distal end portion of the nozzle. During assembly of the syringe 12, the locking flange is configured to extend distally through the groove 121 when the locking flange is in a first rotational orientation (first rotation direction not shown) relative to the cartridge retainer 18. After the flange 30 extends distally through the groove 121, the fluid cartridge 16 can be rotated relative to the cartridge retainer about the longitudinal axis LA in a first rotational direction RD1 to a second rotational orientation (e.g., ...). Figure 15 As shown), the locking flange 30 engages with the stop protrusion 120 in the second rotational orientation. In this configuration, the distal portion of the cartridge retainer 18b is trapped between the proximal portion of the locking flange 30 and the distal portion 126b of the compressible ball 126. Furthermore, in this configuration, when the cartridge retainer 18 rotates in a second rotational direction RD2 opposite to the first rotational direction RD1, the cartridge retainer rotates the nozzle 24, thereby enabling the syringe to be threadedly advanced into the plant for injection administration.

[0107] Typically, the compressible ball 126 is configured to be compressed within the cylinder chamber 118, such that fluid in the cylinder 18 can be discharged from the nozzle 24 into the plant after the nozzle has been opened. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressible ball 126 is configured to undergo longitudinal compression such that the length of the compressible ball along its axis LA gradually decreases as the ball is compressed. More specifically, the distal portion 126b is supported against the distal portion 18b of the cylinder holder 18, which compresses the compressible ball 126, thereby causing the proximal portion 126a of the compressible ball to move toward the distal portion 126b.

[0108] As described above, the compressible ball 126 includes a retractable sidewall 44. The retractable sidewall 44 extends longitudinally from the proximal portion 126a to the distal portion 126b. The retractable sidewall 44 has an extended configuration as shown in the figures and also a shortened configuration (not shown). When the retractable sidewall 44 is in the extended configuration, the compressible ball 126 has a first length L1, and when the retractable sidewall is in the shortened configuration, the compressible ball has a second length L2 that is less than the first length. As explained below, the retractable sidewall 44 is configured to shorten in a controlled manner from the extended configuration to the shortened configuration when the compressible ball is compressed within the cylindrical chamber 118.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the retractable sidewall 44 comprises a cylindrical bellows. Here, the term "cylindrical" is used to describe the type of bellows used. This means that the sidewall forming the cylindrical bellows defines a periphery extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis LA. The use of the term "cylindrical" does not require a specific cross-sectional shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical bellows has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, but other cylindrical bellows may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, oval, oblique / oblong, etc. The sidewall 44 includes a plurality of folds 44a, 44b extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall includes a plurality of alternating inner folds 44a and a plurality of outer folds 44b along the longitudinal axis to form a pleated configuration of the cylindrical bellows. Proximal segments 44a1, 44bi and distal segments 44a1i, 44bii of the sidewall extend radially from each fold 44a, 44b relative to the longitudinal axis LA. Furthermore, at least one of the proximal and distal sidewalls 44ai, 44bi, 44aii, 44bii extending from each of the folds 44a, 44b extends longitudinally along axis LA, such that the proximal and distal segments of each fold are longitudinally separated from each other as they extend radially from the fold. In the illustrated embodiment, each proximal segment 44ai extends radially outward and proximally from each of the inner folds 44a, each distal segment 44aii extends radially outward and distally from each of the inner folds, each proximal segment 44bi extends radially inward and proximally from each of the outer folds 44b, and each distal segment 44bii extends radially inward and distally from each of the inner folds. At each fold 44a, 44b, the sidewall 44 defines an angle α between the proximal and distal segments 44ai, 44bi, 44aii, 44bii. The retractable sidewall 44 is configured to bend along each of one or more folds 44a, 44b such that the included angle α is larger in the elongated configuration of the retractable sidewall than in the shortened configuration. This ensures that the sidewall 44 shortens in a controlled manner and provides a relatively reliable mode for managing injection.

[0110] As can be seen, the fluid cylinder 16 has its maximum outer diameter at the outward fold 44b. In one or more embodiments, the maximum outer diameter ranges from about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm. In some embodiments, the elongation length L1 of the ball 126 ranges from about 0.5 cm to about 30 cm. The shortening length L2 of the ball 126 can range from about 10% to about 75% of the elongation length L1. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the nozzle 24 along the axis LA ranges from about 0.5 cm to about 15 cm. In some embodiments, the fluid cylinder 16 contains a sealed volume of plant supplement fluid ranging from about 10 mL to about 250 mL. It is contemplated that fluid cylinders of other sizes and shapes may also be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0111] As described above, the syringe assembly includes an actuator 150 configured to selectively actuate to compress the ball 126. Typically, the actuator 150 is configured to apply a distal force to the proximal portion 126a of the ball 126 to progressively compress the compressible ball. The actuator 150 includes an actuator member 22 slidable distally along the cartridge retainer 18 from the non-actuated position shown in the figure to an actuated position (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator member 22 has a cup-shaped or sheath-like configuration, including generally cylindrical sidewalls sized and arranged to slidably receive the sidewalls of the cartridge retainer therein. The illustrated actuator member 22 also includes a closed proximal or mating end wall and an open distal end. The open distal end allows the proximal portion 18a of the cartridge retainer to penetrate into the actuator member 22. Actuator component 22 is configured to be fastened to cylinder retainer 18 in both the non-actuated and actuated positions so as to retain actuator component on cylinder retainer in each position.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, the actuator member 22 is coupled to the cartridge retainer 18 via a bayonet or twist-lock coupling. For example, it is contemplated that the actuator member 22 may include one or more bayonet slots (e.g., internal bayonet slots) receiving one or more bayonet protrusions (e.g., external bayonet protrusions) on the actuator member. Other arrangements of slots and protrusions may also be used for the bayonet coupling without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge retainer 18 rotates relative to the actuator member 22 about a longitudinal axis LA in a first rotational direction RD1 to engage the bayonet coupling. Thus, after engagement with the bayonet coupling, rotation of the actuator member 22 in a second rotational direction RD2 causes the cartridge retainer 18 to rotate in the second rotational direction, thereby also rotating the nozzle 24, and as described above, enabling the syringe to be threadedly advanced into the plant to administer the injection.

[0113] The actuator component includes a pair of resiliently deflectable claw arms 152 having distal (claw) portions 40 that are radially outwardly resiliently bent relative to the sidewalls of the actuator component. The claw arms 152 are configured such that, when the actuator component moves from a non-actuated position to an actuated position, the distal portions engage with and subsequently engage with ratchet teeth 32. When the claw arms 152 are operably engaged with the non-actuated ratchet teeth 32a, the claw arms hold the actuator component 22 on the cartridge holder 18 in the non-actuated position. Similarly, when the claw arms 152 are operably engaged with the actuated ratchet teeth 32c, the claw arms hold the actuator component 22 on the cartridge holder 18 in the actuated position. When the actuator component 152 moves distally from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, the claw arms 152 ratchet overtake the intermediate ratchet teeth 32b in a ratchet manner, thereby limiting the rearward movement of the actuator component 22 when it is pressed forward to administer injection.

[0114] As described above, actuator 150 also includes a resiliently compressible member 56 coupled to actuator member 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the resiliently compressible member 56 includes a helical spring extending between the proximal end or mating end of actuator member 22 and the proximal portion 126a of ball 126. Spring 56 is configured to be uncompressed when actuator member 22 is in a non-actuated position and resiliently compressed between actuator member and proximal portion 126a of ball 126 when actuator member 22 moves to an actuated position. In the illustrated embodiment, spring 56 is configured to directly engage the proximal portion 126a of compressible ball 126. In other words, there is no intermediate plunger between spring 56 and ball 126.

[0115] During one method of using the injector 12, the closure 26 is separated from the remainder of the nozzle 24, and the nozzle is screwed into a pre-formed guide hole in the plant. Initially, the actuator member 22 is in the non-actuated position. When the actuator member 22 is in the non-actuated position, the compressible ball 126 is uncompressed and has a length L1. For injection, the actuator member 22 is pressed distally into the actuated position. As the actuator member 22 moves into the actuated position, initially, the spring 56 is compressed. The compressed spring 56 begins to elastically rebound and, as described above, compresses the ball 126 by longitudinally shortening the sidewall 44. The spring 56 is configured to gradually extend when compressed to gradually compress the compressible ball 126 within the cylindrical chamber 118 and gradually expel fluid from the injector 12 into the plant. In some cases, it may take from seconds to hours (or possibly longer, depending on the type of plant and fluid involved) to expel all fluid from the ball 126. When the spring 44 is fully extended, the actuator 150 compresses the compressible ball to a shortened length L2, thereby discharging substantially all the fluid from the cylinder 16.

[0116] Although the illustrated injector is described as utilizing an elastic member to compress a ball, thereby discharging fluid from a compressible fluid cylinder, it should be understood that other actuators may also be used for this purpose without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, it is conceivable that the actuator may alternatively include a pressure-driven piston (e.g., a piston driven by manual pressure or fluid (e.g., pneumatic) pressure) to compress the ball and manage the injection. Other types of actuators are also possible.

[0117] Other claims for protected subject matter

[0118] 1. A syringe for injecting into plants, the syringe comprising:

[0119] A cylinder retainer having a proximal portion and a distal portion spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, the cylinder retainer defining a cylinder chamber;

[0120] A fluid cartridge comprising a compressible ball having a proximal portion and a distal portion spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, the compressible ball holding fluid therein, the compressible ball being housed within a cartridge chamber and configured to be compressed within the cartridge chamber, such that fluid is expelled from a syringe into a plant.

[0121] 2. The syringe according to statement 1, wherein the compressible ball is configured to be longitudinally compressed.

[0122] 3. The syringe according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the compressible ball is configured to be compressed such that the proximal portion of the compressible ball moves toward the distal portion.

[0123] 4. The syringe according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the compressible ball includes a retractable sidewall extending longitudinally from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

[0124] 5. The syringe according to claim 4, wherein the retractable sidewall has an elongated configuration and a shortened configuration, and is configured to shorten from the elongated configuration to the shortened configuration when the compressible ball is compressed in the barrel chamber.

[0125] 6. The syringe according to claim 5, wherein the retractable sidewall is configured to shorten in a controlled manner from an extended configuration to a shortened configuration when the compressible ball is compressed in the barrel chamber.

[0126] 7. The syringe according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein when the retractable sidewall is in an extended configuration, the compressible ball has a first length along the longitudinal axis, and when the retractable sidewall is in a shortened configuration, the compressible ball has a second length along the longitudinal axis, the second length being less than the first length.

[0127] 8. The syringe according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the retractable sidewall includes one or more folds extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis, a proximal sidewall segment extending radially from each of the one or more folds relative to the longitudinal axis, and a distal sidewall segment extending radially from each of the one or more folds relative to the longitudinal axis, such that each proximal sidewall segment and the corresponding distal sidewall segment define an included angle between them.

[0128] 9. The syringe according to claim 8, wherein the retractable sidewall is configured to bend along each of one or more folds such that the included angle is larger in the extended configuration of the retractable sidewall than in the shortened configuration of the retractable sidewall.

[0129] 10. The syringe according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein one or more folds include at least one inner fold and at least one outer fold, and each proximal wall segment and distal wall segment extends radially outward from at least one inner fold and radially inward from at least one outer fold.

[0130] 11. The syringe according to claim 10, wherein the retractable sidewall includes a plurality of alternating inner folds and a plurality of outer folds along a longitudinal axis.

[0131] 12. The syringe according to any one of claims 4-11, wherein the retractable sidewall comprises a cylindrical bellows.

[0132] 13. The syringe according to statement 12, wherein the cross-section of the cylindrical bellows is substantially circular.

[0133] 14. The syringe according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the distal portion of the compressible bulb supports the distal portion of the barrel retainer.

[0134] 15. The syringe according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the syringe includes a nozzle extending distally from the distal portion of the barrel retainer.

[0135] 16. The syringe according to statement 15, wherein the nozzle includes an external thread configured to be threadedly advanced into the plant to secure the syringe in the plant.

[0136] 17. The syringe according to any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein the nozzle includes a removable end closure.

[0137] 18. The syringe according to any one of statements 15-17, wherein the nozzle is part of the fluid cylinder.

[0138] 19. The syringe according to statement 18, wherein the nozzle and the ball are integrally formed from a single integral structure.

[0139] 20. The syringe according to any one of statements 18 and 19, wherein the fluid barrel further includes a locking flange on the nozzle.

[0140] 21. The syringe according to claim 20, wherein the distal portion of the barrel retainer includes a groove through which the locking flange is distally accessible when the locking flange is in a first rotational orientation relative to the barrel retainer.

[0141] 22. The syringe according to claim 21, wherein the barrel retainer includes a stop protrusion formed on the distal portion of the barrel retainer, and a locking flange is configured to engage the stop protrusion after passing distally through a groove and rotating relative to the barrel retainer about a longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction to a second rotational orientation, the second rotational orientation being angularly offset from the first rotational orientation.

[0142] 23. The syringe according to statement 22, wherein the nozzle is configured to be threadedly advanced into the plant by rotating the syringe about a longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0143] 24. The syringe according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the locking flange includes a proximal portion configured to engage a distal portion of the barrel retainer to prevent proximal movement of the fluid barrel relative to the barrel retainer.

[0144] 25. The syringe according to statement 24, wherein the distal portion of the barrel retainer is captured between the proximal portion of the locking flange and the distal portion of the compressible ball.

[0145] 26. The syringe according to any one of claims 1-25 further includes an actuator configured to be selectively actuated to compress a compressible ball.

[0146] 27. The syringe according to statement 26, wherein the actuator is configured to apply a distal force to the ball to compress the compressible ball.

[0147] 28. The syringe according to any one of statements 26 or 27, wherein the actuator is configured to progressively compress the compressible ball.

[0148] 29. The syringe according to any one of claims 26-28, wherein the actuator includes an actuator member that is movable relative to the cartridge retainer from a non-actuated position to an actuated position.

[0149] 30. The syringe according to statement 29, wherein in the non-actuated position, the compressible ball is not compressed, and in the actuated position, the actuator is configured to compress the compressible ball.

[0150] 31. The syringe according to claim 30, wherein the actuator member is configured to be fastened to the barrel retainer in each of the non-actuated and actuated positions in order to retain the actuator member on the barrel retainer.

[0151] 32. The syringe according to any one of claims 29-31, wherein the actuated position is away from the non-actuated position along the longitudinal axis.

[0152] 33. The syringe according to any one of claims 29-32, wherein the actuator member includes at least one claw arm, and the barrel retainer includes a set of ratchet teeth, wherein the claw arm is configured to sequentially engage the ratchet teeth when the actuator member moves from a non-actuated position to an actuated position.

[0153] 34. The syringe according to claim 33, wherein the set of ratchet teeth includes a non-actuated ratchet tooth configured to engage a claw arm, thereby holding the actuator member on the barrel holder in a non-actuated position.

[0154] 35. The syringe according to claim 34, wherein the set of ratchet teeth includes an actuation position ratchet tooth configured to engage a claw arm to hold the actuator member on the barrel retainer in the actuated position.

[0155] 36. The syringe according to claim 35, wherein the set of ratchet teeth includes a plurality of intermediate ratchet teeth spaced along a longitudinal axis between the non-actuated ratchet teeth and the actuated ratchet teeth.

[0156] 37. The syringe according to claim 33, wherein the set of ratchet teeth includes an actuation position ratchet tooth configured to engage a claw arm, thereby holding the actuator member on the barrel retainer in the actuated position.

[0157] 38. The syringe according to any one of claims 29-37, wherein the actuator further includes an elastically compressible member coupled to the actuator member.

[0158] 39. The syringe according to claim 38, wherein the resiliently compressible member is configured to be uncompressed when the actuator member is in the non-actuated position, and resiliently compressed between the actuator member and the proximal portion of the ball when the actuator member is in the actuated position.

[0159] 40. The syringe according to any one of claims 38-39, wherein the resilient compressible member comprises a helical spring.

[0160] 41. The syringe according to any one of claims 38-40, wherein the resilient compressible member is configured to directly engage with the proximal portion of the compressible ball.

[0161] 42. The syringe according to any one of claims 38-40, wherein the resilient compressible member is configured to gradually elongate upon compression to gradually compress the compressible bulb within the cylindrical chamber, thereby gradually discharging fluid from the syringe into the plant.

[0162] 43. The syringe according to any one of claims 1-42, wherein the fluid ball is hermetically sealed.

[0163] 44. A fluid cartridge for injecting plants, the fluid cartridge comprising:

[0164] A nozzle having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion spaced apart from the distal end portion along a longitudinal axis, the nozzle including a closure at the distal end portion and a lumen extending from the closure through the proximal end portion of the nozzle, the closure being configured to selectively open for injection through the lumen of the nozzle; and

[0165] A compressible ball having a distal portion and a proximal portion spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, the distal portion of the compressible ball being connected to the proximal portion of a nozzle, the compressible ball holding fluid therein and in fluid communication with the lumen of the nozzle, the compressible ball being configured to be compressed such that fluid is expelled from the syringe into the plant.

[0166] 45. The fluid cylinder according to statement 44, wherein the compressible sphere is configured to be longitudinally compressed.

[0167] 46. ​​The fluid cylinder according to any one of claims 44 and 45, wherein the compressible ball is configured to be compressed such that the proximal portion of the compressible ball moves toward the distal portion.

[0168] 47. The fluid cylinder according to any one of claims 44-46, wherein the compressible sphere includes a retractable sidewall extending longitudinally from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

[0169] 48. The fluid cylinder according to statement 47, wherein the telescopic sidewall has an elongated configuration and a shortened configuration, and is configured to shorten from the elongated configuration to the shortened configuration when the compressible ball is compressed.

[0170] 49. The fluid cylinder according to statement 48, wherein the retractable sidewall is configured to shorten in a controlled manner from an elongated configuration to a shortened configuration when the compressible ball is compressed.

[0171] 50. The fluid cylinder according to any one of claims 48 and 49, wherein when the retractable sidewall is in an extended configuration, the compressible ball has a first length along the longitudinal axis, and when the retractable sidewall is in a shortened configuration, the compressible ball has a second length along the longitudinal axis, the second length being less than the first length.

[0172] 51. The fluid cylinder according to any one of claims 48-50, wherein the retractable sidewall includes one or more folds extending circumferentially about a longitudinal axis, a proximal sidewall segment extending radially from each of the one or more folds relative to the longitudinal axis, and a distal sidewall segment extending radially from each of the one or more folds relative to the longitudinal axis, such that an included angle is defined between each proximal sidewall segment and the corresponding distal sidewall segment.

[0173] 52. The fluid cylinder according to claim 51, wherein the telescopic sidewall is configured to bend along each of one or more folds such that the included angle is larger in the extended configuration of the telescopic sidewall than in the shortened configuration of the telescopic sidewall.

[0174] 53. The fluid cylinder according to any one of claims 51 and 52, wherein one or more folds include at least one inner fold and at least one outer fold, and each proximal wall segment and distal wall segment extends radially outward from at least one inner fold and radially inward from at least one outer fold.

[0175] 54. The fluid cylinder according to statement 53, wherein the retractable sidewall includes a plurality of alternating inner folds and a plurality of outer folds along a longitudinal axis.

[0176] 55. The fluid cylinder according to any one of claims 47-54, wherein the retractable sidewall comprises a cylindrical bellows.

[0177] 56. The fluid cylinder according to statement 55, wherein the cross-section of the cylindrical bellows is substantially circular.

[0178] 57. The fluid cartridge according to any one of claims 44-56, wherein the nozzle includes an external thread configured to be threadedly advanced into the plant to secure the syringe in the plant.

[0179] 58. The fluid cylinder according to any one of claims 44-57, wherein the nozzle and the compressible ball are integrally formed from a single piece of material.

[0180] 59. The fluid cylinder according to any one of statements 44-58, wherein the fluid cylinder is blow-molded.

[0181] 60. The fluid cylinder according to any one of claims 44-59, wherein the fluid cylinder further includes a locking flange on the nozzle.

Claims

1. A plant supplement delivery assembly, the assembly comprising: A housing extending along a linear axis and having an outer wall defining a chamber extending to a nose end defining an opening configured to receive an insert, and the housing defining a nose sheath configured to receive a stalk portion of the insert. An insert, the insert being received within the cavity of the housing along the linear axis, wherein the assembly further includes: The insert has a retractable sidewall that extends between a release end and a docking end to define a receiving portion configured to receive a plant supplement, and the docking end is configured to operably engage a releasable biasing member. The insert has a stem portion extending from the release end, defining a conduit in fluid communication with the receptacle and extending through the nosepiece. The stem portion is configured to engage the receptacle and supply fluid from the receptacle to the plant via the conduit. The insert has a flange that extends from the stalk and is received by the opening to engage the housing to the insert; A biasing member, which is located within the housing and is operably aligned to engage with the receiving portion; A sleeve, configured to operably engage with the housing, the sleeve having sidewalls extending from the edge of the opening to the head; and Configured to operably engage the housing to a complementary portion of the sleeve sidewall and the outer sidewall of the housing, thereby engaging the biasing member between the mating end and the sleeve.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The complementary portion includes a ratchet or protrusion of the housing, the ratchet or protrusion being configured to engage the coupling mechanism of the sleeve.

3. The component according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting mechanism includes at least a single tooth or at least a row of teeth.

4. The component of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of protrusions extending along the stalk portion.

5. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion extending along the stalk defines a thread configured to assist the stalk in inserting into or removing from the orifice.

6. The component of claim 1, further comprising a removable end portion of the conduit for sealing the stalk portion.

7. The component according to claim 6, wherein, The end portion is configured to break off from the stem portion.

8. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The retractable sidewall of the receiving part is configured as a corrugated tube.

Images