Hand-held miniature automatic tree injection device

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for injecting fluids into a tree.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A hand-held miniature automatic tree injection apparatus capable of delivering a variable but continuous injection of a pre-chosen treatment agent at predetermined pressures into the trunk of a tree, the apparatus comprising:
 a reservoir for holding the treatment agent,   an injection needle joined to the reservoir,   a piston for powering the apparatus whose head slides within a piston chamber to generate a continuous flow pressure for injection,   an air tank or other air source for driving the piston, and   a connection to a source of energy for operating the apparatus,   
       wherein the apparatus integrates simple visual adjustment of dose through a clear barrel, speed control, 2:1 power advantage, air bleed adjustment, switching and automatic operation into a single apparatus that weighs between about 1-4 pounds and fits into the palm of a user's hand. 
     
     
         2 . The tree injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the device weighs about 2 pounds. 
     
     
         3 . The tree injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the dose is quickly and easily adjusted through visually watching the clear barrel while using an adjustment nut to move the piston back and forth and locking it in place. 
     
     
         4 . The tree injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a flow control valve is placed on the air tank to allow for variability of piston speed, and further wherein the flow control valve assists with loading of various viscosities and reducing shock to the tree. 
     
     
         5 . The tree injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the air bleed adjustment comprises bleeding out trapped air by slowly opening the valve in the on position. 
     
     
         6 . The tree injection apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the on/off operation does not require the applicator to hold the actuator in the on position to operate, and wherein an electronic flow pressure sensor is located in the piston head. 
     
     
         7 . The tree injection apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the air piston can provide a 2:1 pressure advantage to the liquid piston. 
     
     
         8 . The tree injection apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the body integrates a manner in which to hold the tube line from the reservoir. 
     
     
         9 . The tree injection apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the device has a ring that allows it to be attached to a user's waist. 
     
     
         10 . A method of using the apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a user holds the apparatus and switches it on with one hand. 
     
     
         11 . A method of using the apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the air chamber of the apparatus acts as a cushion to allow for the tree to absorb the liquid as quickly as it would like and even allowing the tree to receive, stop and proceed with its uptake as in a pulsing motion. 
     
     
         12 . A method of using the portable single hand held device of  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises an on/off switch that does not require it to be held in the on position throughout the dose. 
     
     
         13 . A method of using a miniature hand held system that includes a portable air tank or compressor and regulator to operate a miniature hand held device used to inject pesticides, bacteriacides, nutrients, flavors and other tree health products to trees and plants through a needle which may be injected directly into the tree or injected through a plug placed in the tree. 
     
     
         14 . A method of diagnosing the health of the tree by timing the injection as seen through the clear tube and comparing that speed with environmental conditions.