The present invention generally related to a maple sap lifter configuration and to a sap collection system making use of the sap lifter. The system includes a vacuum pump, a number of pipes, and the sap lifter. The sap lifter includes a body; an inlet for conveying sap towards the sap lifter; a first outlet for conveying the sap away from the sap lifter; and a pump operatively coupled to the pipes and adapted to pump the sap away from the body once a maximum level of sap is reached, and wherein the maximum level of sap is set to leave an air space in the body and in the pipes for maintaining the level of constant vacuum. The sap lifter and the pipes alternatively define a closed-circuit with no fluid communication with ambient air for maintaining the level of constant vacuum.

A plant biosensor includes a solar radiation sensor that measures a solar radiation amount with which the plant is irradiated, a sap flow sensor that measures a flow rate of sap flowing in a body of the plant, and an absorbed nutrient sensor that measures a nutritional state of the plant.

A plant biosensor includes a solar radiation sensor that measures a solar radiation amount with which the plant is irradiated, a sap flow sensor that measures a flow rate of sap flowing in a body of the plant, and an absorbed nutrient sensor that measures a nutritional state of the plant.

An apparatus for tapping trees has a vertical support structure of posts that support upper and lower horizontal members extending from the vertical structure. The upper horizontal member provides a support for bearing against a tree trunk, and the lower horizontal member supports a combination of a drill block with a drill and a tap press. Forward and rearward movement of the drill block is operated by a motor, shafts and gears to drive a suspension member toward the tree trunk along travel rods and then reverse. A drive chain engaged with the gears is attached to the suspension member and incorporated in the front and rear blocks that support the travel rods and sprockets for the chain. The tap press is attached to the drill block and rotates from vertical to horizontal position and holds a tap cylinder for insertion into a tree trunk.

An apparatus for tapping trees has a vertical support structure of posts that support upper and lower horizontal members extending from the vertical structure. The upper horizontal member provides a support for bearing against a tree trunk, and the lower horizontal member supports a combination of a drill block with a drill and a tap press. Forward and rearward movement of the drill block is operated by a motor, shafts and gears to drive a suspension member toward the tree trunk along travel rods and then reverse. A drive chain engaged with the gears is attached to the suspension member and incorporated in the front and rear blocks that support the travel rods and sprockets for the chain. The tap press is attached to the drill block and rotates from vertical to horizontal position and holds a tap cylinder for insertion into a tree trunk.

This is an original design of a small diameter maple spile. It is designed to facilitate sap movement from any sap-producing tree into the tubing. Two o-rings provide additional sealing surfaces to safeguard against leaks and increase spile visibility. Design and material provide a more hygienic connection between the tree and tubing, compared to the connection of a larger spile, which is more easily contaminated. The small size diameter of the tap hole causes less damage to the tree and consequently allows swift healing. The smaller tap hole also promotes tree health by lessening risks of bacterial and fungal infection. The linear design of this spile allows for ease of cleaning by ultrasonic means and indefinite reuse.

A microneedle probe for measuring a sap flow in a plant is disclosed, the microneedle probe including: a substrate; and a sensor unit which is installed on the substrate, generates heat, and measures a temperature that changes in accordance with a sap flow.

A microneedle probe for measuring a sap flow in a plant is disclosed, the microneedle probe including: a substrate; and a sensor unit which is installed on the substrate, generates heat, and measures a temperature that changes in accordance with a sap flow.

A microneedle probe for measuring a sap flow in a plant is disclosed, the microneedle probe including: a substrate; and a sensor unit which is installed on the substrate, generates heat, and measures a temperature that changes in accordance with a sap flow.

A microneedle probe for measuring a sap flow in a plant is disclosed, the microneedle probe including: a substrate; and a sensor unit which is installed on the substrate, generates heat, and measures a temperature that changes in accordance with a sap flow.