Maple syrup production spout assembly with backflow check valve

Abstract

A maple syrup production spout assembly ( 10 ) with a backflow check valve ( 79 ) is disclosed. The spout assembly is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup productions systems ( 200 ) and is used to prevent the backflow of sap ( 270 ) into the maple tree ( 100 ) and thus prevent the drying out of the taphole ( 110 ) due to microbial contamination. Certain existing maple production spout assemblies can be retrofitted to form the backflow check valve spout assembly disclosed herein. Methods of using the spout assembly in maple syrup production are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of extracting sap from a maple tree, comprising:
 providing a tap having an input end and output end, a main body section having an interior chamber fluidly connected to the input and output ends via respective input and output channels and that contains a backflow check valve that only allows sap to flow through the chamber from the input end to the output end;   providing a line system under vacuum to convey sap from the maple tree;   forming a taphole in the maple tree;   inserting the tap input end into the taphole; and   applying a vacuum to the tap output end.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying the vacuum includes connecting the line system to the tap output end and applying the vacuum to the line system. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising forming the backflow check valve by providing a floating blocking member within the chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising providing a stand-off member within the chamber that is configured to prevent the floating blocking member from blocking the output channel. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising providing a chamber portion wherein the floating member can reside so as to maintain fluid communication between the input and output ends. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sap that has exited the tree is prevented from reentering the tree through the tap via activation of the backflow check valve. 
     
     
         7 . A method of extracting sap from a maple tree, comprising:
 providing a tap having an input end and output end, a main body section having an interior chamber fluidly connected to the input and output ends via respective input and output channels;   providing a line system under vacuum to convey sap from the maple tree;   forming a taphole in the maple tree;   inserting the tap input end into the taphole;   applying a vacuum to the tap output end such that sap exits the maple tree;   interrupting the vacuum, wherein after the vacuum has been interrupted, a backflow force urges a flow of sap that has exited the maple tree to engage a backflow apparatus to prevent the flow of sap that has exited the maple tree from reentering the tree; and   reapplying the vacuum after the vacuum has been interrupted such that sap exits the maple tree.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein microbials in the flow of sap are prevented from flowing to the maple tree with the backflow apparatus. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the backflow apparatus is a backflow check valve. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising forming the backflow check valve by providing a floating blocking member within the interior chamber. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising providing a stand-off member within the chamber that is configured to prevent the floating blocking member from blocking the output channel.