Device and method for weed control
AssigneeWeeding Technologies Limited
InventorsRichard Hobbs, Jason Morehen, Malcolm Myers
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus suitable for controlling unwanted vegetation which apparatus comprises a reservoir (2), release means (6) connected to the reservoir (2), and a nozzle (10) for applying a stream of foam including steam, connected to the reservoir (2) through the release means (6). A liquid is heated in the reservoir (2) to an elevated pressure, the liquid comprising water and a surfactant, i.e. a foaming agent, and forms a foam when discharged through the nozzle (10). The foam contains steam, and is effective at killing the foliage.
Claims21
A mobile apparatus suitable for controlling vegetation which apparatus comprises a reservoir, release means connected to the reservoir, and a nozzle connected to the reservoir through the release means, and a heating means connectable to mains power, wherein the reservoir is suitable for pressure in the reservoir to be above atmospheric pressure, so that in use with the reservoir containing water and a surfactant the heating means is arranged to heat the water until pressure of steam in the reservoir reaches a desired level above atmospheric pressure, the apparatus also including a battery, wherein the reservoir comprises a further heating element, and the battery is connectable to the further heating element;
- and when the release means is opened the steam pressure within the reservoir forces the water and surfactant out of the nozzle to produce a stream of hot foam comprising steam.
A mobile apparatus suitable for controlling vegetation which apparatus comprises a reservoir, release means connected to the reservoir, and a nozzle connected to the reservoir through the release means, and a heating means connectable to mains power, wherein the reservoir is suitable for pressure in the reservoir to be above atmospheric pressure, so that with the reservoir containing water and a surfactant the heating means is arranged to heat the water until pressure of steam in the reservoir reaches a desired level above atmospheric pressure, the apparatus also including a battery, and the release means being powered by the battery and configured such that the release means can only be released when mains power is disconnected;
- and when the release means is opened the steam pressure within the reservoir forces the water and surfactant out of the nozzle to produce a stream of hot foam comprising steam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.