U.S. patent application number 15/664592 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for apparatuses and techniques for subterraneous placement of one or more items.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dow AgroSciences LLC. Invention is credited to Ronald L. Cassell.
Application Number | 20170325446 15/664592 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50024097 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170325446 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cassell; Ronald L. |
November 16, 2017 |
APPARATUSES AND TECHNIQUES FOR SUBTERRANEOUS PLACEMENT OF ONE OR
MORE ITEMS
Abstract
Apparatuses and techniques for subterranean placement or
positioning of one or more items are provided. In one aspect, an
apparatus is configured to form a hole in the ground and
subsequently provide a pathway for positioning one or more items in
the hole. In one form, the items that may subterraneously placed or
positioned using the apparatus may include agricultural products
such as seeds or delivery vehicles that include one or more
fertilizers or pesticides or combinations of these materials.
Inventors: |
Cassell; Ronald L.; (New
Palestine, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dow AgroSciences LLC |
Indianapolis |
IN |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
50024097 |
Appl. No.: |
15/664592 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13950477 |
Jul 25, 2013 |
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15664592 |
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61677591 |
Jul 31, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 25/26 20130101;
A01C 15/02 20130101; A01M 21/043 20130101; A01N 25/00 20130101;
A01M 17/00 20130101; A01N 29/02 20130101; A01M 25/006 20130101;
A01C 7/02 20130101; A01N 25/26 20130101; A01M 21/00 20130101; A01G
29/00 20130101; A01C 5/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01N 25/00 20060101
A01N025/00; A01M 25/00 20060101 A01M025/00; A01M 21/04 20060101
A01M021/04; A01C 5/02 20060101 A01C005/02; A01G 29/00 20060101
A01G029/00; A01C 15/02 20060101 A01C015/02; A01M 17/00 20060101
A01M017/00; A01N 25/26 20060101 A01N025/26; A01M 21/00 20060101
A01M021/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first member including a first
elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a
proximal end and a distal end, the first elongate body including an
elongate bore and an opening positioned between the proximal and
distal ends and communicating with the elongate bore; a second
member including a second elongate body extending between a
proximal end and a distal end; and wherein the second member is
proximally movable along the longitudinal axis in the elongate bore
of the first member from a first position where the distal end of
the second member is positioned distally of the distal end of the
first member to a second position where the distal end of the
second member is positioned proximally of the opening, and wherein
the second member is rotatable relative to the first member about
the longitudinal axis when the second member is in at least two
different positions along the longitudinal axis relative to the
first member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second elongate body of
the second member includes a conically shaped tip at the distal
end.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a
handle portion at the proximal end, the handle portion extending
transversely to the first elongate body.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a locking
arrangement configured to axially restrain the first and second
members relative to one another when the second member is in the
first position.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the locking arrangement
includes a latching member positioned on the second member and a
flange positioned on the first member.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the latching member is
rotatably movable between a locked position where a portion of the
latching member is positioned under and axially restrained by a
portion of the flange and an unlocked position where the portion of
the latching member is unrestrained by the latching flange.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the latching member includes a
pair of oppositely positioned concave surfaces.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the flange includes a first
portion laterally spaced apart from a second portion, the first and
second portions each including a convexly curved portion
corresponding in size and shape to the concave surfaces of the
latching member.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flange is positioned on a
proximal facing surface of the first member.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, furthering comprising a platform
extending transversely from a first side of the first elongate body
of the first member.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a mounting
portion positioned on a second side of the first elongate body of
the first member, the mounting portion being configured to engage
with a dispensing unit.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the mounting portion
includes a passage extending into communication with the
opening.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a dispensing unit
engaged with the mounting portion and configured to dispense one or
more items into the passage.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more items is
movable through the opening and into the elongate bore of the first
member when the second member is in the second position.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the dispensing unit includes
a number of pesticide-containing capsules.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a release member
configured to selectively control release of the number of
pesticide-containing capsules from the dispensing unit.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a dispensing unit
including a number of capsules contained therein, each of the
number of capsules including a shell wall encapsulating a pesticide
composition and including a gelatin material.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the dispensing unit is
configured to dispense one or more of the number of capsules into
the elongate bore of the first member when the second member is in
the second position.
19. An apparatus, comprising: a first member including an elongate
body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and
an opposite distal end, the elongate body including a lateral
opening through a side thereof offset from the longitudinal axis
and an elongate bore communicating with the lateral opening and
extending between a proximal opening at the proximal end and a
distal opening at the distal end, the elongate bore including a
first portion extending proximally from a proximal side of the
lateral opening to the proximal opening and a second portion
extending distally from a distal side of the lateral opening to the
distal opening; a second member axially movable in the elongate
bore of the first member between a first position where passage of
one or more items into the elongate bore from the lateral opening
is prevented and a second position where passage of the one or more
items into the elongate bore from the lateral opening is permitted;
and wherein the second portion of the elongate bore is configured
to direct the one or more items from the lateral opening through
the distal opening for subterranean placement into a hole at least
partially formed by a distal tip of the second member extending
past a distal end of the first member.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a dispensing unit
coupled with the delivery pathway, the dispensing unit including a
number of capsules each including a shell wall encapsulating a
pesticide composition and including a gelatin material.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the pesticide composition
includes a fumigant.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the fumigant is
1,3-dichloropropene.
23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the dispensing unit is
configured to dispense the one or more items into the elongate bore
when at least a portion of the second member is positioned in the
elongate bore.
24. A method for subterranean placement of at least one item in a
hole, comprising: inserting a leading end of an apparatus into
ground to form the hole, the apparatus including an inner member
axially movable in an outer member, withdrawing the inner member
from the hole; and passing the at least one item through the outer
member into the hole with at least a portion of the inner member
remaining in the outer member.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one item includes
a number of capsules each including a shell wall encapsulating a
pesticide composition and including a gelatin material.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the pesticide composition
includes a fumigant.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the fumigant is
1,3-dichloropropene.
28. The method of claim 24, wherein inserting the leading end of
the apparatus into ground is performed with a tapered end of the
inner member extending from an end of the outer member, and
includes contacting the tapered end of the inner member with ground
before contacting the end of the outer member with ground.
29. The method of claim 24, wherein passing the at least one item
through the outer member into the hole is performed with a portion
of the outer member remaining in the hole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/950,477 filed Jul. 25, 2013, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/677,591
filed Jul. 31, 2012, the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present application relates to the subterranean
placement or positioning of one or more items, and more
particularly but not exclusively, to an apparatus configured to
form a hole in the ground and subsequently provide a pathway for
positioning the one or more items in the hole, and to techniques
for using such an apparatus.
[0003] Advances in certain areas of technology have given rise to
the need for new approaches for the subterranean placement or
positioning of certain items. For example, and without limitation,
seeds used for agricultural purposes may include an exterior
coating or other layer of one or more compositions, including for
example pesticide compositions, fertilizer compositions and
combinations of the foregoing. In certain instances, individual and
selective placement of these and other seeds may be desired in
order to avoid, amongst other things, disturbing the exterior
coating or other layer. As a further example, delivery vehicles
such as capsules which are configured to degrade after their
implantation may be used to deliver a desired composition to a
field, grove, orchard or other plant growing environment or locus
that is in need of treatment by the desired composition. These
capsules may release, amongst other possibilities, pesticide
compositions, fertilizer compositions and combinations of the
foregoing, and may include a structure that is susceptible to
breakage or disruption during handling and under current placement
techniques which can result in premature release of the composition
therefrom. Beyond rendering the capsules unsuitable for their
intended function, the premature release of the composition from
the capsules may also undesirably expose the handlers thereof to
the compositions being released. Accordingly, there is a demand for
further improvements in this area of technology.
SUMMARY
[0004] Apparatuses and techniques for subterranean placement or
positioning of one or more items are provided. In one aspect, an
apparatus is configured to form a hole in the ground and
subsequently provide a pathway for positioning one or more items in
the hole. In one form, the items that may subterraneously placed or
positioned using the apparatus may include agricultural products
such as seeds or delivery vehicles that include one or more
fertilizers or pesticides or combinations of these materials, just
to provide a few non-limiting examples.
[0005] In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first member
including a first elongate body extending between a proximal end
and a distal end. The first elongate body includes an elongate bore
and an opening communicating with the elongate bore. The opening is
positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the first
elongate body. The apparatus also includes a second member
including a second elongate body extending between a proximal end
and a distal end. The second member is axially movable in the
elongate bore of the first member between a first position where
the first and second members are axially restrained relative to one
another and the distal end of the second member is positioned
distally of the distal end of the first member, and a second
position where the distal end of the second member is positioned
proximally of the opening.
[0006] In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a first member
including an elongate bore extending therethrough, a second member
axially movable in the elongate bore of the first member, and a
delivery pathway configured to direct one or more items through at
least a portion of the elongate bore for subterranean placement
into a hole at least partially formed by a leading tip of the
second member extending past an end of the first member.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, a method for subterranean
placement of at least one item in a hole includes inserting a
leading end of an apparatus into ground to form the hole. The
apparatus includes an inner member axially movable in an outer
member. The method also includes withdrawing the inner member from
the hole, and passing the at least one item through the outer
member into the hole with at least a portion of the inner member
remaining in the outer member.
[0008] Other aspects include unique methods, systems, devices,
kits, assemblies, equipment, and/or apparatus related to
subterranean placement or positioning of one or more items.
[0009] Further aspects, embodiments, forms, features, benefits,
objects, and advantages shall become apparent from the detailed
description and figures provided herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus configured for
subterranean placement of one or more items.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an alternative plan view of the apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1 in which some elements illustrated in FIG. 1
have been omitted.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, perspective view of a proximal end
portion of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a section view of the proximal end portion of the
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along view line 4-4 in FIG.
2.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a latching member included
on the proximal end portion of the apparatus illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an alternative plan view of the apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1 in which some elements illustrated in FIG. 1
have been omitted.
[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B are section views of the apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along view line 7-7 in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0017] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles
of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such
alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device,
and such further applications of the principles of the invention as
illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to
one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0018] Systems, devices, apparatuses and techniques for
subterranean placement or positioning of one or more items are
provided. In one aspect, an apparatus is configured to form a hole
in the ground and subsequently provide a pathway for positioning
one or more items in the hole. In one form, the items that may
subterraneously placed or positioned using the apparatus may
include agricultural products such as seeds or delivery vehicles
that include one or more fertilizers or pesticides or combinations
of these materials, just to provide a few non-limiting
examples.
[0019] Turning now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated in plan view a
non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus 10 configured to facilitate
subterranean placement or positioning of one or more items.
Apparatus 10 includes a first member 12 having an elongate body 14
extending along a longitudinal axis L between a proximal end 16 and
an opposite distal end 18. In the illustrated form, elongate body
14 includes a chamfer or bevel that extends proximally from distal
end 18 in order to help facilitate insertion of first member 12 at
least partially into the ground if desired. It should be
appreciated that non-illustrated forms in which such a chamfer or
bevel is omitted are possible. First member 12 also includes an
elongate bore 20 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) that extends between and opens
through proximal end 16 and distal end 18 of elongate body 14. As
illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B, an opening 22 laterally extends
through elongate body 14 and communicates with elongate bore 20.
Opening 22 is positioned between proximal end 16 and distal end 18
and is generally configured to facilitate passage of one or more
items into elongate bore 20, further details of which will be
provided below. First member 12 also includes a pair of oppositely
positioned handles 24, 26 positioned adjacent to proximal end 16.
In the illustrated form, handles 24, 26 extend transversely to
longitudinal axis L, and are generally configured to facilitate
handling of apparatus 10 by an operator.
[0020] Apparatus 10 further includes a second member 28 having an
elongate body 30 (FIGS. 4, 7A and 7B) extending between a proximal
end 32 and a distal end 34. Proximal end 32 includes a round handle
36 configured to facilitate operator manipulation and control of
second member 28 relative to first member 12. The leading portion
of elongate body 30 includes a tapered section 38 positioned
adjacent to distal end 34. Tapered section 38 is configured to
facilitate formation of a hole as apparatus 10 is forced into the
ground, and in other non-illustrated forms may include one or more
cutting flutes or similar features to assist in formation of the
hole. As illustrated in FIG. 1 for example, elongate body 30
extends through first member 12 such that tapered section 38 and
distal end 34 are positioned distally of distal end 18 of first
member 12. In this arrangement, tapered section 38 begins formation
of a hole as apparatus 10 is initially forced into the ground and
first member 12 is guided into the hole as apparatus 10 is
progressively forced into the ground.
[0021] While not previously discussed, it should be understood that
second member 28 is both rotatably and axially movable in elongate
bore 20 along longitudinal axis L and relative to first member 12.
However, apparatus 10 is configured to selectively restrain axial
movement of second member 28 relative to first member 12 in order
to maintain the relative positioning of first and second members
12, 28 that is shown in FIG. 1. Axial restraint of second member 28
in this manner prevents its proximal displacement relative to first
member 12 as apparatus 10 is forced into the ground to form a hole.
In this manner, tapered section 38 remains the leading portion of
apparatus 10 as it is progressively forced into the ground and
thereby assists in formation of the hole. In addition, it should be
understood that maintaining the relative positioning of first and
second members 12, 28 that is shown in FIG. 1 during hole formation
prevents soil, rocks and other debris from plugging or otherwise
clogging elongate bore 20. Similarly, once the hole has been
formed, second member 28 may be axially withdrawn in a proximal
direction such that a delivery pathway is provided by elongate bore
20 for placement of one or more items in the formed hole, further
details of which will be provided below.
[0022] In the illustrated form, apparatus 10 includes a locking
arrangement 40 structured to restrain axial movement of second
member 28 relative to first member 12 and otherwise maintain the
relative positioning of first and second members 12, 28 that is
shown in FIG. 1 where tapered section 38 extends distally beyond
distal end 18 of first member 12. Further details regarding locking
arrangement 40 will now be provided in connection with FIG. 3,
which is an enlarged perspective view of the proximal end portion
of apparatus 10, and FIG. 4, which is a section view of the
proximal end portion of apparatus 10 taken along view line 4-4 of
FIG. 2. Locking arrangement 40 includes a latching member 42 which
is positioned on second member 28, and a flange 44 which is
positioned on first member 12. Flange 44 is generally defined by a
pair of portions 44a, 44b which are oppositely positioned and
laterally spaced from one another on a proximal facing surface 17
of first member 12. Portion 44a includes an overhung section 46a
which defines a space 48a between portion 44a and proximal facing
surface 17. Overhung section 46a also includes a convexly rounded
portion 50a facing toward portion 44b. Portion 44b includes an
overhung section 46b which defines a space 48b between portion 44b
and proximal facing surface 17. Overhung section 46b also includes
a convexly rounded portion 50b facing toward portion 44a.
[0023] As best seen in FIG. 5 for example, latching member 42
includes a concave portion 54 positioned opposite of a concave
portion 56. Concave portions 58, 60 are positioned between end
portions 58 and 60 which include stops 62 and 64, respectively.
Turning again to FIGS. 3 and 4, end portions 58, 60 of latching
member 42 are sized and structured to fit into spaces 48a, 48b
formed by portions 44a, 44b, respectively, of flange 44. In
addition, when second member 28 is rotated to the position
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, stops 62 and 64 come into contact
with portions 44a and 44b of flange 44 in order to prevent
continued rotation of second member 28 and also provide a tactile
indication to an operator of apparatus 10 that end portions 58, 60
of latching member 42 are positioned in spaces 48a, 48b. When so
positioned, flange 44 prevents axial movement of first and second
members 12, 28 relative to one another and also maintains the
relative positioning therebetween that is illustrated in FIG. 1 for
example. When axial restraint of second member 28 relative to first
member 12 is no longer desired, second member 28 can be rotated
relative to first member 12 to bring concave portions 58, 60 of
latching member 42 into alignment with correspondingly sized and
shaped convexly rounded portions 50a, 50b of portions 44a, 44b.
Once aligned in this manner, second member 28 may be distally and
axially displaced relative to first member 12.
[0024] In the illustrated form, axial movement of second member 28
relative to first member 12 is proximally and distally restrained
when latching member 42 is engaged with flange 44. In alternative
forms, it is contemplated that apparatus 10 could be structured
such that second member 28 is provided with a range of proximal and
distal axial movement relative to first member 12 when latching
member is engaged with or otherwise rotationally positioned to be
engaged with flange 44. For example, in one such form spaces 48a,
48b could have a dimension in a proximal-distal direction that is
greater than the thickness of latching member 42. In this form, the
positioning of latching member 42 and flange 44 may be such that
tapered section 38 and distal end 34 remain positioned distally of
distal end 18 of first member 12 when second member 28 is
restrained at its proximal most position by flange 44. It should
also be understood that other arrangements for axially restraining
second member 28 relative to first member 12 are possible. For
example, in addition or as an alternative to locking arrangement
40, apparatus could be structured to include a pin that extends
through first member 12 and bears against or extends at least
partially into second member 28 in order to restrain axial movement
therebetween. As another example, one or both of first member 12
and second member 28 could be provided with a spring loaded detent
or other projection that fits into a corresponding recess or hole
in the other of first member 12 and second member 28 in order to
restrain axial movement therebetween. The foregoing examples are
non-limiting, and it should be appreciated that others are possible
and contemplated.
[0025] Referring back to FIG. 1, apparatus 10 also includes a
platform 66 that extends transversely from a first side of first
member 12. Platform 66 is generally configured to facilitate
placement of an operator's foot thereon so force may be applied
thereto when apparatus 10 is forced toward the ground during
formation of the hole, and it may likewise include a roughened
upper surface or be provided with other gripping features. While
the illustrated form of apparatus 10 only includes one platform 66,
it should be appreciated that forms in which a pair of platforms 66
are positioned opposite of one another are possible. A mounting
portion 68 extends transversely from first member 12 opposite of
platform 66 and is configured to engage with a dispensing unit 70.
It should be understood that platform 66 and mounting portion 68
may act as a stop which limits the depth to which apparatus 10 may
be inserted into the ground. In one form, the distance between
distal end 34 of second member 28 and platform 66 and mounting
portion 68, and hence the depth to which apparatus 10 may be
inserted into the ground, is in the range of 1 to 18 inches. In yet
another form, the distance between distal end 34 of second member
28 and platform 66 and mounting portion 68 is in the range of 2 to
16 inches. In still another form, the distance between distal end
34 of second member 28 and platform 66 and mounting portion 68 is
in the range of 3 to 14 inches. In yet another form, the distance
between distal end 34 of second member 28 and platform 66 and
mounting portion 68 is in the range of 4 to 12 inches. It should be
understood however that alternative values for the distance between
distal end 34 of second member 28 and platform 66 and mounting
portion 68 are possible. In addition, in one non-illustrated form,
apparatus 10 may be provided with an adjustable depth stop that is
positioned distally of platform 66 and mounting portion 68 and will
control the depth to which apparatus 10 may be inserted into the
ground.
[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, mounting portion 68
includes a mounting surface 72 on which dispensing unit 70 may be
positioned. A first opening 74 extends through surface 72 and
communicates with passageway 76 formed in mounting portion 68.
Opposite first opening 74, mounting portion 68 includes a second
opening 78 positioned in communication with passageway 76 and
opening 22 of first member 12. Similarly, it should be understood
that first opening 74, passageway 76, second opening 78 and opening
22 are arranged such that any items passed through first opening 74
may be directed into elongate bore 20. When distal end 34 of second
member 28 is positioned distally of opening 22 as shown in FIG. 7A,
e.g. when first and second members 12, 28 are axially restrained
relative to one another during hole formation, elongate body 30
will obstruct opening 22 and prevent items from entering into
elongate bore 20. However, once second member 28 is distally
displaced relative to first member 12 and distal end 34 of second
member 28 is positioned proximally of opening 22 as illustrated in
FIG. 7B for example, opening 22 will no longer be obstructed by
elongate body 30 and items may enter elongate bore 20 and be guided
into a hole formed by apparatus 10.
[0027] Dispensing unit 70 is positioned on mounting surface 72 and
engaged with mounting portion 68. In one form, dispensing unit 70
may be releasably engaged with mounting portion 68 utilizing, for
example, a threaded arrangement or a bayonet lock, although it
should understood that other arrangements could be used. Dispensing
unit 70 includes a container 88 configured to hold a plurality of
items that may be subsequently dispensed into elongate bore 20. A
removable cover 82 is positioned on the proximal end of dispensing
unit 70 and facilitates loading of container 88. Dispensing unit 70
also includes a release member 80 which is configured to
selectively control the release of the items of container 88.
Release member 80 is coupled by cable 84 with an actuator in the
form of a spring loaded or otherwise biased lever 86. In one form,
release member 80 may generally cover or obstruct an opening on the
distal end of container 88 in order to prevent release of its
contents unless and until lever 86 is actuated. Similarly, upon
actuation of lever 86, release member 80 may be laterally displaced
such that the opening on the distal end of container 88 is no
longer obstructed and one or more of the items stored in container
88 may pass through opening 74 of mounting portion 68 and be guided
toward elongate bore 20. In other forms, it is contemplated that
release member 80 may be specifically configured such that only a
single item stored in container 88 will be released for each time
lever 86 is actuated. For example, in one such form dispensing unit
70 may be in the form of a suitably configured rotary dispenser.
While not previously discussed, it should be appreciated that an
operator of apparatus 10 may control the timing of release of items
from container 88 until after a hole has been formed by apparatus
10 and elongate bore 20 and opening 22 are not obstructed by second
member 20. In addition, depending on the specific configuration of
dispensing unit 70, an operator of apparatus 10 may generally or
specifically control the number of items which are released from
container 88 and deposited into a hole formed by apparatus 10.
[0028] Forms in which one or both of mounting portion 68 and
dispensing unit 70 are absent or alternatively configured are also
contemplated. For example, in one non-illustrated form dispensing
unit 70 may be omitted and an item to be deposited in a hole formed
by apparatus 10 may be directly placed through first opening 72 of
mounting portion 68. In another non-illustrated form, a guide tube
or other pathway may extend proximally from mounting portion 68 to
a location adjacent to one or both of handles 24, 26 and provide a
delivery pathway that extends distally into communication with
elongate bore 20. In this form, dispensing unit 70 may be omitted
and items can be placed directly into the guide tube at the
location adjacent to one or both of handles 24, 26, or dispensing
unit 70 may be mounted on the guide tube at the location adjacent
to one or both of handles 24, 26. In still another form, mounting
portion 68 may be omitted and items may be placed directly through
opening 22 into elongate bore 20. In yet another form, mounting
portion 68 and opening 22 may be omitted and elongate bore 20
provides a delivery pathway from proximal end 16 to the hole formed
by apparatus 10 when second member 28 is axially withdrawn and
removed from first member 12. In addition, it is further
contemplated that dispensing unit 70 may be provided with an
electro-mechanical or other suitable configuration in lieu of the
use of lever 86 as an actuator. In one non-limiting form for
example, a controller may be positioned on one of handles 24, 26
and communicate with dispensing unit 70 to provide commands for
releasing items from container 88. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
it should be appreciated that additional configurations are
contemplated and possible for one or both of mounting portion 68
and dispensing unit 70.
[0029] Further details regarding one non-limiting technique for
using apparatus 10 to form a hole and subsequently place one or
more items therein will now be provided. When the relative axial
positioning of first and second members 12, 28 is restrained and
tapered section 38 extends distally from distal end 18 of first
member 12, an operator of apparatus 10 may bring distal end 34 of
second member 28 into contact with the ground. A downward force may
then be applied to apparatus 10 to force the leading end of
apparatus into the ground and form a hole with one or both of
tapered section 38 of second member 28 and a portion of first
member 12. Once the hole has been formed to a desired depth, axial
restraint of second member 28 relative to first member 12 may be
released and second member 28 may be axially moved in a proximal
direction relative to first member 12 until elongate body 30 no
longer obstructs opening 22. The positioning of first member 12 may
be maintained in order to keep a portion of first member 12 in the
hole or otherwise have elongate bore 20 axially aligned with the
hole. Once second member 28 is positioned in the manner described
above, one or more items may be released from dispensing unit 70
into elongate bore 20 and then guided thereby into the hole formed
by apparatus 10. After the desired number of items has been placed
into the hole formed by apparatus 10, apparatus 10 may be removed
from the hole and the hole may be optionally covered by soil or
other fill material. This technique may be repeated any number of
times, and optionally in a desired pattern or array, in a given
area until the desired number of items has been subterraneously
placed.
[0030] While not previously discussed, it should be appreciated
that apparatus 10 may be used to subterraneously place or position
a variety of different items. In one form, these items may include
agricultural products such as seeds or delivery vehicles that
include one or more fertilizers or pesticides or combinations of
these materials. As used herein, the term "pesticide" is intended
to encompass herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and bactericides.
Similarly, depending on the particular form of the pesticide
composition, pests that can be targeted by the disclosed delivery
vehicles include insects, plant pathogens, weeds, molluscs,
nematodes, and microbes. It should be appreciated however that the
foregoing are merely non-limiting examples.
[0031] In one aspect, the delivery vehicle is a capsule configured
to resist release of a pesticide composition before application of
the capsule at a locus where pest control is desired. The capsule
is further configured to degrade following application at the locus
where pest control is desired to facilitate release of the
pesticide composition. In certain forms, the capsule is also
configured to control various aspects of the release of the
pesticide composition, including for example its time and rate of
release. In one particular but non-limiting form, the capsule
includes a shell wall including a gelatin material and
encapsulating a pesticide composition that includes a fumigant such
as 1,3-dichloropropene. Further details regarding forms of this and
other types of capsules that can be subterraneously placed or
positioned with apparatus 10 are found in U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/640,392, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety. In view of the foregoing, in
one non-limiting embodiment apparatus 10 includes a plurality of
capsules that include a pesticide composition contained in
dispensing unit 70, although forms in which other types of items or
capsules or stored in dispensing unit 70 are possible.
[0032] Other examples of pesticides that could be included, either
singularly or in combination, in capsules that can be
subterraneously placed or positioned by apparatus 10 include
insecticides such as antibiotic insecticides, macrocyclic lactone
insecticides (for example, avermectin insecticides, milbemycin
insecticides, and spinosyn insecticides), arsenical insecticides,
botanical insecticides, carbamate insecticides (for example,
benzofuranyl methylcarbamate insecticides, dimethylcarbamate
insecticides, oxime carbamate insecticides, and phenyl
methylcarbamate insecticides), diamide insecticides, desiccant
insecticides, dinitrophenol insecticides, fluorine insecticides,
formamidine insecticides, inorganic insecticides, insect growth
regulators (for example, chitin synthesis inhibitors, juvenile
hormone mimics, juvenile hormones, moulting hormone agonists,
moulting hormones, moulting inhibitors, precocenes, and other
unclassified insect growth regulators), nereistoxin analogue
insecticides, nicotinoid insecticides (for example, nitroguanidine
insecticides, nitromethylene insecticides, and pyridylmethylamine
insecticides), organochlorine insecticides, organophosphorus
insecticides, oxadiazine insecticides, oxadiazolone insecticides,
phthalimide insecticides, pyrazole insecticides, pyrethroid
insecticides, pyrimidinamine insecticides, pyrrole insecticides,
tetramic acid insecticides, tetronic acid insecticides, thiazole
insecticides, thiazolidine insecticides, thiourea insecticides,
urea insecticides, as well as, other unclassified insecticides.
[0033] More particular examples of insecticides include, but are
not limited to, labamectin, acephate, acetamiprid, acethion,
acetoprole, acrinathrin, acrylonitrile, alanycarb, aldicarb,
aldoxycarb, aldrin, allethrin, allosamidin, allyxycarb,
alpha-cypermcthrin, alpha-endosulfan, amidithion, aminocarb,
amiton, amitraz, anabasine, athidathion, azadirachtin,
azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, azothoate, barium
hexafluorosilicate, barthrin, bcndiocarb, benfuracarb, bensultap,
beta-cyfluthrin, bcta-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin,
bioethanomethrin, biopermethrin, bioresmethrin, bistrifluron,
borax, boric acid, boric acid, bromfenvinfos, bromocyclen,
bromo-DDT, bromophos, bromophos-ethyl, bufencarb, buprofczin,
butacarb, butathiofos, butocarboxim, butonate, butoxycarboxim,
cadusafos, calcium arsenate, calcium polysulfide, camphechlor,
carbanolate, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbon disulfide, carbon
tetrachloride, carbophenothion, carbosulfan, cartap,
chlorantraniliprole, chlorbicyclen, chlordane, chlordecone,
chlordimeform, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenvinphos,
chlorfluazuron, chlormephos, chloroform, chloropicrin, chlorphoxim,
chlorprazophos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorthiophos,
chromafenozide, cinerin I, cinerin II, cismethrin, cloethocarb,
closantel, clothianidin, copper acetoarsenite, copper arsenate,
copper naphthenate, copper oleate, coumaphos, coumithoate,
crotamiton, crotoxyphos, crufomate, cryolite, cyanofenphos,
cyanophos, cyanthoate, cyclethrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin,
cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, cyromazine, cythioate,
DDT, decarbofuran, deltamethrin, demephion, demephion-O,
demephion-S, demeton, demeton-methyl, demeton-O, demeton-O-methyl,
demeton-S, demeton-S-methyl, demeton-S-methylsulphon,
diafenthiuron, dialifos, diatomaceous earth, diazinon, dicapthon,
dichlofenthion, dichlorvos, dicresyl, dicrotophos, dicyclanil,
dieldrin, diflubenzuron, dilor, dimefluthrin, dimefox, dimetan,
dimethoate, dimethrin, dimethylvinphos, dimetilan, dinex, dinoprop,
dinosam, dinotefuran, diofenolan, dioxabenzofos, dioxacarb,
dioxathion, disulfoton, dithicrofos, d-limonene, DNOC, doramectin,
ecdysterone, emamectin, EMPC, empenthrin, endosulfan, endothion,
endrin, EPN, epofenonane, eprinomectin, esfenvalerate, etaphos,
ethiofencarb, ethion, ethiprole, ethoate-methyl, ethoprophos, ethyl
formate, ethyl-DDD, ethylene dichloride, ethylene oxide,
etofenprox, etrimfos, EXD, famphur, fenamiphos, fenazaflor,
fenchlorphos, fenethacarb, fenfluthrin, fenitrothion, fenobucarb,
fenoxacrim, fenoxycarb, fenpirithrin, fenpropathrin, fensulfothion,
fenthion, fenthion-ethyl, fenvalerate, fipronil, flonicamid,
flubendiamide, flucofuron, flucycloxuron, flucythrinate,
flufenerim, flufenoxuron, flufenprox, fluvalinate, fonofos,
formetanate, formothion, formparanate, fosmethilan, fospirate,
fosthietan, furathiocarb, furethrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, gamma-HCH,
halfenprox, halofenozide, HCH, HEOD, heptachlor, heptenophos,
heterophos, hexaflumuron, HHDN, hydramethylnon, hydrogen cyanide,
hydroprene, hyquincarb, imidacloprid, imiprothrin, indoxacarb,
iodomethane, IPSP, isazofos, isobenzan, isocarbophos, isodrin,
isofenphos, isoprocarb, isoprothiolane, isothioate, isoxathion,
ivermectin, jasmolin I, jasmolin II, jodfenphos, juvenile hormone
I, juvenile hormone II, juvenile hormone III, kelevan, kinoprene,
lambda-cyhalothrin, lead arsenate, lepimectin, leptophos, lindane,
lirimfos, lufenuron, lythidathion, malathion, malonoben, mazidox,
mccarbam, mecarphon, menazon, mephosfolan, mercurous chloride,
mesulfenfos, metaflumizone, methacrifos, mcthamidophos,
mcthidathion, methiocarb, methocrotophos, methomyl, methoprene,
methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, methylchloroform, methylene
chloride, metofluthrin, metolcarb, metoxadiazone, mevinphos,
mexacarbate, milbemectin, milbemycin oxime, mipafobx, mirex,
monocrotophos, morphothion, moxidectin, naftalofos, naled,
naphthalene, nicotine, nifluridide, nitenpyram, nithiazine,
nitrilacarb, novaluron, noviflumuron, omethoate, oxamyl,
oxydemeton-methyl, oxydeprofos, oxydisulfoton,
para-dichlorobenzene, parathion, parathion-methyl, penfluron,
pentachlorophenol, permethrin, phenkapton, phenothrin, phenthoate,
phorate, phosalone, phosfolan, phosmet, phosnichlor, phosphamidon,
phosphine, phoxim, phoxim-methyl, pirimetaphos, pirimicarb,
pirimiphos-ethyl, pirimiphos-methyl, potassium arsenite, potassium
thiocyanate, pp'-DDT, prallethrin, precocene I, precocene II,
precocene III, primidophos, profenofos, profluthrin, promacyl,
promecarb, propaphos, propetamphos, propoxur, prothidathion,
prothiofos, prothoate, protrifenbute, pyraclofos, pyrafluprole,
pyrazophos, pyresmethrin, pyrethrin I, pyrethrin II, pyridaben,
pyridalyl, pyridaphenthion, pyrifluquinazon, pyrimidifen,
pyrimitate, pyriprole, pyriproxyfen, quassia, quinalphos,
quinalphos-methyl, quinothion, rafoxanide, resmethrin, rotenone,
ryania, sabadilla, schradan, selamectin, silafluofen, silica gel,
sodium arsenite, sodium fluoride, sodium hexafluorosilicate, sodium
thiocyanate, sophamide, spinetoram, spinosad, spiromesifen,
spirotetramat, sulcofuron, sulfluramid, sulfotep, sulfuryl
fluoride, sulprofos, tau-fluvalinate, tazimcarb, TDE, tebufenozide,
tebufenpyrad, tebupirimfos, teflubenzuron, tefluthrin, temephos,
TEPP, terallethrin, terbufos, tetrachloroethane, tetrachlorvinphos,
tetramethrin, theta-cypermethrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam,
thicrofos, thiocarboxime, thiocyclam, thiodicarb, thiofanox,
thiometon, thiosultap, thuringiensin, tolfenpyrad, tralomethrin,
transfluthrin, transpermethrin, triarathene, triazamate,
triazophos, trichlorfon, trichlormetaphos-3, trichloronat,
trifenofos, triflumuron, trimethacarb, triprene, vamidothion,
vaniliprole, XMC, xylylcarb, zeta-cypermethrin, zolaprofos, and
.alpha.-ecdysone.
[0034] For more information consult "COMPENDIUM OF PESTICIDE COMMON
NAMES" located at http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/index.html.
Also consult "THE PESTICIDE MANUAL" 14th Edition, edited by C D S
Tomlin, copyright 2006 by British Crop Production Council.
[0035] In forms in which apparatus 10 is used to subterraneously
place or position a capsule that includes a pesticide, the locus to
which the capsules may be applied can be any locus inhabited by a
pest including, for example, areas having vegetable crops, fruit
and nut trees, grape vines, grasses, and ornamental plants, just to
provide a few non-limiting possibilities. Controlling pests
generally means that pest populations, activity, or both, are
reduced in a locus. This can come about when: pest populations are
repulsed from a locus; when pests are incapacitated in or around a
locus; or pests are exterminated, in whole or in part, in or around
a locus. Of course a combination of these results can occur.
[0036] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and
described and that all changes and modifications that come within
the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should
be understood that while the use of words such as preferable,
preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description
above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable,
it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the
same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the
scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the
claims, it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least
one," or "at least one portion" are used there is no intention to
limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the
contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a portion"
and/or "a portion" is used the item can include a portion and/or
the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
* * * * *
References