Treatment Fluid Infusion System and Apparatus for Trees and Method of Using Same
A system is provided that includes a fluid to be administered to the tree. The fluid can be water, coloring agents, insecticides, fungicides, nutrients, plant growth regulators and herbicides. The system also includes a pressurizable container containing the fluid and a low pressure gas. The pressurizable container is attached to a manifold. Additionally, an infusion nozzle is attached to the manifold and configured to provide attachment of the system to a tree for an extended period of time ranging from weeks to months. The provided system also can, optionally, include an infusion control valve configured to regulate the flow of fluid from the container, through the manifold, through the infusion nozzle and into the tree. The infusion nozzle has threads that provide direct attachment to the tree.
1 . A system for administering a treatment fluid to a tree comprising:
a treatment fluid to be administered to the tree;
a pressurizable container comprising the treatment fluid and a low pressure gas, the pressurizable container attached to a manifold; and
an infusion nozzle attached to the manifold, the infusion nozzle comprising threads, and configured to provide direct attachment of the system to a tree for an extended period of time.
2 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the treatment fluid is selected from insecticides, fungicides, nutrients, plant growth regulators, coloring agents, herbicides, and water.
3 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the pressurizable container comprises a refillable compartment that is configured to be reversibly attached and sealed to the manifold.
4 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the pressurizable container comprises a pre-filled pressurized canister that has a check valve and is configured to be engaged and sealed to the manifold.
5 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the low pressure gas is at a pressure of greater than atmospheric pressure and less than about 414 kPa (60 pounds per square inch).
6 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the low pressure gas is at a pressure of greater than atmospheric pressure and less than about 276 kPa (40 pounds per square inch).
7 . A system according to claim 1 , further comprising an infusion control valve configured to regulate the flow of fluid from the container, through the manifold, through the infusion nozzle and into the tree.
8 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to be attached to the tree for at least one week.
9 . A system according to claim 9 , wherein the system is configured to be attached to the tree for at least one month.
10 . A method of administering a treatment fluid to a tree comprising:
drilling a hole into the tree;
attaching a system for administering a treatment fluid to the hole in the tree, the system comprising:
the treatment fluid to be administered to the tree;
a pressurizable container comprising the treatment fluid and a low pressure gas, the pressurizable container attached to a manifold;
an infusion nozzle attached to the manifold, the infusion nozzle comprising threads and configured to provide direct attachment of the system to a tree for an extended period of time; and
leaving the system in place for an extended period until a substantial amount of treatment fluid has infused the tree.
11 . A method according to claim 10 , wherein the system further comprises an infusion control valve configured to regulate the flow of fluid from the pressurizable container, through the manifold, through the infusion nozzle and into the tree.
12 . A method according to claim 10 , wherein the system is left in place for a time period of greater than or equal to one week.
13 . A method according to claim 10 , wherein the system is left in place for a time period of greater than or equal to one month.
14 . A method according to claim 10 , wherein the treatment fluid is selected from insecticides, fungicides, nutrients, plant growth regulators, coloring agents, herbicides, and water.
15 . A method according to claim 10 , wherein the pressurizable container comprises a pre-filled pressurized canister that has a safety valve and is configured to be reversibly attached and sealed to the manifold.
16 . A method according to claim 10 , wherein the low pressure gas is at a pressure of greater than atmospheric pressure and less than about 414 kPa (60 pounds per square inch).
17 . An apparatus for treating trees comprising:
a pressurizable container comprising the treatment fluid and a low pressure gas, the pressurizable container attached to a manifold; and
an infusion nozzle attached to the manifold, the infusion nozzle comprising threads and configured to provide direct attachment of the system to a tree for an extended period of time.
18 . An apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the pressurizable container comprises a pre-filled pressurized container.
19 . An apparatus according to claim 17 , further comprising an infusion control valve configured to regulate the flow of fluid from the pressurizable container, through the manifold, through the infusion nozzle and into the tree.