# US 8,539,712 B2 · Maple syrup production spout assembly with backflow check valve

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- Number: US 8,539,712 B2
- Document ID: US8539712B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/286,032
- Filed: 2008-09-26
- Published: 2010-04-01
- Granted: 2013-09-24
- Earliest claimed: 2008-09-26
- Assignees: University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
- Applicants: Timothy D. Perkins
- Inventors: Timothy D. Perkins
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8539712B2

## CPC

- A01G 23/14: Tapping-spouts; Receptacles for juices
- F16K 15/021: {the valve member being a movable body around which the medium flows when the valve is open (F16K15/025 - F16K15/12 take precedence)}
- F16K 15/04: shaped as balls
- Y10T 137/7837: Direct response valves [i.e., check valve type]
- Y10T 137/7866: Plural seating
- Y10T 137/86083: Vacuum pump
- A01G: HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING (picking of fruits, vegetables, hops or the like A01D46/00; propagating unicellular algae C12N1/12)
- F16K: VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING {(devices for emptying and evacuating the excess liquid in valves or conduits F16L55/07)}
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## 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.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A maple syrup production system comprising a line system under a vacuum to convey sap from a maple tree; and a spout assembly for inserting into a taphole formed in the maple tree; comprising:
an input section defining an input channel and adapted for insertion into the taphole so as to receive a flow of sap from the maple tree;
an output section defining an output channel and configured to fluidly connect the output channel to the line system; and
a main body section operably connected to the input and output sections and that defines an interior chamber to which the input and output channels are fluidly connected, wherein the interior chamber contains a backflow check valve that allows the flow of sap in a direction from the input channel to the output channel when the vacuum is applied to the output end, and that substantially prevents the flow of sap in a direction from the output channel to the input channel when the vacuum is interrupted.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The spout assembly of claim 1, wherein the backflow check valve comprises:
a floating blocking member contained with the chamber so as to selectively block the flow of sap in the direction from the output channel to the input channel.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The spout assembly of claim 2, wherein the backflow check valve further comprises:
a stand-off member contained within the chamber and configured to prevent the floating blocking member from blocking the output channel.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The spout assembly of claim 2, wherein the chamber includes a portion wherein the floating blocking member resides when sap flows in the direction from the input channel to the output channel so as to maintain fluid communication between the input and output channels.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The spout assembly of claim 2, wherein the floating blocking member comprises a ball.

### Claim 6

A method of extracting sap from a maple tree, comprising:
providing a maple syrup production system comprising a line system under a vacuum to convey sap from the maple tree, and a spout assembly 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;
forming a taphole in the maple tree;
inserting the spout assembly input end into the taphole;
applying the vacuum to the spout assembly output end, wherein the application of the vacuum is subject to interruption; and
substantially preventing sap that has exited the tree from reentering the tree through the spout assembly via activation of the backflow check valve during said interruption.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6, wherein applying the vacuum includes connecting a line system to the spout assembly output end and applying a vacuum to the line system.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6, further comprising:
forming the backflow check valve by providing a floating blocking member within the chamber.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8, further including providing a stand-off member within the chamber that is configured to prevent the floating blocking member from blocking the output channel.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8, further including providing a chamber portion wherein the floating member can reside so as to maintain fluid communication between the input and output ends.