US 2003/0150156 A1 · Method and apparatus for eradicating soil borne pests

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for eradicate nematodes and other soil-borne organisms to a depth of up to several feet that uses specially-shaped electrically conductive metal shanks that are pulled through the soil profile by a tractor or other vehicle. The source of the electric charge is a generator and transformer connected to each conductive shank. Electric current passes through the soil between the shanks resulting in the electrocution of unwanted soil borne pests such as nematodes. Two rows of downwardly pointing generally vertical parallel shanks are provided, the leading row being a plurality of ripper shanks, and the trailing row being parallel electrically-conductive stinger shanks. The stinger shanks are wedge shaped from front to back to compress the soil between them so as to provide a more uniform electrical charge.

Claims10

Dependent claims

An apparatus for introducing electricity into soil to eradicate pests comprising:

a. a plurality of downwardly pointing ripper shanks attached in parallel to the leading end a support member;
b. a second plurality of downwardly disposed stinger shanks attached to the trailing end of said support member, each of said stinger shanks being aligned with one of said ripper shanks and having at least one electrically conductive exterior surface;
c. a generator for generating an electrical current to be supplied to said stinger shanks;
and
d. a transformer in communication with said generator and said stinger shanks for converting the electrical current supplied to said stinger shanks.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for eradicating soil borne pests

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for eradicating soil borne pests

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10