Method and apparatus for introducing a fluid into the vascular system of a tree or similar plant

Claim 1

A method of introducing a treatment fluid into the vascular system of a tree comprising the following steps: a. drilling and countersinking a cylindrical hole in the trunk of a tree, said countersink drilled through the bark of the tree to the phloem layer of the tree; b. inserting a cylindrical implant capsule into the hole, said capsule having an annular shoulder formed at one end thereof and a gasket member mounted on the capsule adjacent said annular shoulder, said gasket upon installation becoming seated in the countersunk portion of the hole, said capsule being closed at both ends and having at least one opening in the cylindrical side wall portion thereof positioned in communication with the sap stream of the tree, said cylindrical hole drilled in the tree having a diameter slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the capsule to produce a friction fit between the capsule and the wall of the hole; and c. introducing a treatment fluid into the implant capsule by puncturing the exposed end of the capsule to make a small opening therein and then inserting a tubular member through said small opening and injecting the treatment fluid therethrough into the capsule, said small opening located in the upper portion of the exposed end of the capsule.

Claim 2

A method of introducing a treatment fluid into the vascular system of a tree comprising the following steps: a. drilling and countersinking a cylindrical hole in the trunk of a tree, said countersink drilled through the bark of the tree to the phloem layer of the tree; b. inserting a cylindrical implant capsule into the hole, said capsule having an annular shoulder formed at one end thereof and a gasket member mounted on the capsule adjacent said annular shoulder, said gasket upon installation becoming seated in the countersunk portion of the hole, said capsule being closed at both ends and having at least one opening in the cylindrical side wall portion thereof positioned in communication with the sap stream of the tree, said cylindrical hole drilled in the tree having a diameter slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the capsule to produce a friction fit between the capsule and the wall of the hole; and c. introducing a treatment fluid into the implant capsule by puncturing the exposed end of the capsule to make a small opening therein and then inserting a tubular member through said small opening and injecting the treatment fluid therethrough into the capsule, said small opening located in the upper portion of the exposed end of the capsule.