US4170087A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for growing plants or crops utilizing polyolefin covering material
Assignee: Repsol Quimica SA
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Filing: 1978-08-22
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Granted: 1979-10-09
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Expires: 1998-08-22
Abstract
Abstract Polyethylene or EVA copolymer film which includes up to about 15% by weight of an additive preferably a mixture of alunite - aluminum hydroxide is disclosed for particular use as a cover for agricultural purposes. The disclosed film has improved properties which provide growth of plants and/or crops by reducing thermal losses to the atmosphere and by minimizing shadow formation. The physical characteristics of the film are equal to or better than conventional films.
Inventors
- 👤 Graciano J. Tapia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 07:46
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08K; C08K3/00; A; A01; A01G; A01G9/00; A01G9/14; A01G9/1438; C08K3/30; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A40/00; Y02A40/10; Y02A40/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
In a method for growing plants or crops wherein the greenhouse effect is utilized, the improvement comprising the step of covering the plants or crops being grown with a polyolefin film or sheet material comprising from about 80% or more polyolefin and from about 1% to about 15% by weight of an additive referred to as a basic metallic sulfate and having the formula (SO.sub.4).sub.4 M.sub.6.sup.111.M.sub.2.sup.1 12(OH) wherein M 1 is a monovalent, M 111 is a trivalent metal, said film having low thermal transmittance properties between 7 and 14 micron wavelengths and excellent light diffusion properties.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
In a method for growing plants or crops wherein the greenhouse effect is utilized, the improvement comprising the step of covering the plants or crops being grown with a polyolefin film or sheet material comprising from about 80% or more polyolefin and from about 1% to about 15% by weight of an additive referred to as a basic metallic sulfate and having the formula (SO.sub.4).sub.4 M.sub.6.sup.111.M.sub.2.sup.1 12(OH) wherein M 1 is a monovalent, M 111 is a trivalent metal, said film having low thermal transmittance properties between 7 and 14 micron wavelengths and excellent light diffusion properties.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said polyolefin is polyethylene or copolymers of ethylene.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said additive also includes aluminum hydroxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as defined in claim 3 wherein the ratio of basic metallic sulfate and aluminum hydroxide ranges from about 4:1 to about 1:4.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein said aluminum hydroxide is admixed with said basic metallic sulfate, said combined additive being present in an amount up to 20% by weight of said film.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 3 further including from about 0.05 to about 2% by weight of an ultra-violet absorber such as benzophenone or benzotriazole.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 3 further including from about 0.1 to about 0.6% by weight of an ultra-violet absorber such as benzophenone or benzotriazole.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said basic metallic sulfate is alunite.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said additive comprises a mixture of alunite and aluminum hydroxide which together is present in an amount ranging from 3% to 10% by weight.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as defined in claim 9 wherein said polyolefin is polyethylene which is present in an amount ranging from 90% to 97% by weight.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as defined in claim 9 wherein said polyolefin is an ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymer which is present in an amount ranging from 90% to 97% by weight.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-10-08 | 1983-04-09 | 1983-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-08 | 1987-04-09 | 1987-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-08 | 1991-04-09 | 1991-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |