Patent US3722137A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3722137A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Transplant handling means
Assignee: GALES RUBBER CO
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Filing: 1970-12-30
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Granted: 1973-03-27
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Expires: 1990-12-30
Abstract
Abstract Process and apparatus are described for handling and treating a plurality of seeds including the method of (1) forming a continuous transplant carrier provided with spaced containers, each of sufficient size to accommodate a germinated seed or plant, and media to support growth and provided with means for exchange of moisture and gases, (2) inserting seed and support media within the containers, and (3) germinating and preculturing the seeds in the containers for at least a period of time to allow radical and cotyledon to emerge from the seed coats and develop. The invention is particularly useful in the automated transplanting of a variety of plants including high value crops such as sugar beets and lettuce.
Inventors
- 👤 D Kesinger
- 👤 L Inscho
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 01:11
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G9/00; A01G9/08; A01G9/085; A01C; A01C1/00; A01C1/04; A01C1/042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A transplant carrier comprising: a. a flexible backing; b. a plurality of receptacles comprising wall portions firmly attached to said backing at a plurality of locations therealong and the combined backing and receptacles forming a series of spaced capsules containing therein a germinated seed or plant and loosely packed growth media, each individual capsule having an upper opening for emergence of stem and leaves, and a lower opening for emergence of roots; c. aperture means in either or both of said backing and walls of said receptacle of sufficient size for providing exchange of moisture and gases, yet said size of the aperture means being sufficiently small to retain substantially all of the growth media within the capsules; said wall portions of the receptacle comprising an upper and a lower portion, said lower portion tapering and funneling downwardly to said lower opening for facilitating root growth and emergence; and d. means within said receptacle retaining said growth media in relative position within the capsule.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A transplant carrier comprising: a. a flexible backing; b. a plurality of receptacles comprising wall portions firmly attached to said backing at a plurality of locations therealong and the combined backing and receptacles forming a series of spaced capsules containing therein a germinated seed or plant and loosely packed growth media, each individual capsule having an upper opening for emergence of stem and leaves, and a lower opening for emergence of roots; c. aperture means in either or both of said backing and walls of said receptacle of sufficient size for providing exchange of moisture and gases, yet said size of the aperture means being sufficiently small to retain substantially all of the growth media within the capsules; said wall portions of the receptacle comprising an upper and a lower portion, said lower portion tapering and funneling downwardly to said lower opening for facilitating root growth and emergence; and d. means within said receptacle retaining said growth media in relative position within the capsule.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The carrier of claim 1 wherein the backing and receptacles are formed of sheets of plastic material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The carrier of claim 2 wherein the shape of the backing and receptacles are essentially the same, and the two are bonded back to back at spaced locations to form a continuous tape having spaced containers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The carrier of claim 1 formed in a manner substantially resembling a corrugated configuration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The carrier of claim 1 wherein a water soluble binder is incorporated into the capsule contents at either or both of its said openings to provide said retaining means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The carrier of claim 1 wherein the aperture means include apertures uniformly distributed substantially throughout the walls of said receptacle, backing member or both.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The carrier of claim 1 wherein said wall portion of the receptacle additionally contains a generally hemispherical middle portion housing and retaining said germinated seed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-26 | 1976-09-25 | 1977-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-26 | 1980-09-25 | 1981-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-26 | 1984-09-25 | 1985-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |