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.

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 sap collection assembly to collect sap from sap producing trees includes a cover superposed about a sapling or branch cut surface with one or more spacers used to maintain a gap between the cover and the cut surface. Elastomeric bands with an optional hose clamp are used to secure the cover to the sapling or branch to create an airtight seal between the cover and the cut surface. A bore hole is created in the sapling or tree branch has one end substantially central to the cut surface and a second end exiting a sidewall of the sapling or branch. Taps with optional tabs are secured to the sapling or branch to retrieve sap from the cut surface and bore. For angled bore holes, a modified tap includes a sapling nozzle angled relative to the tap body to accommodate an angled bore. Tubes secured to the taps and stretched to create a downward slope from the sapling or tree to a tube hub point or sap collection point provide a means to transfer sap from sapling or trees to a collection point for processing with or without vacuum assist.

A sap collection assembly to collect sap from sap producing trees includes a cover superposed about a sapling or branch cut surface with one or more spacers used to maintain a gap between the cover and the cut surface. Elastomeric bands with an optional hose clamp are used to secure the cover to the sapling or branch to create an airtight seal between the cover and the cut surface. A bore hole is created in the sapling or tree branch has one end substantially central to the cut surface and a second end exiting a sidewall of the sapling or branch. Taps with optional tabs are secured to the sapling or branch to retrieve sap from the cut surface and bore. For angled bore holes, a modified tap includes a sapling nozzle angled relative to the tap body to accommodate an angled bore. Tubes secured to the taps and stretched to create a downward slope from the sapling or tree to a tube hub point or sap collection point provide a means to transfer sap from sapling or trees to a collection point for processing with or without vacuum assist.

This multi-purpose embodiment functions primarily as a cap for tubing that is used in the collection of sap from maple or any sap-producing trees. The wider dimension of the cap end allows it to fit around the outside of tubing, rather than inside like the prior art does. The significant advantage of this embodiment is that it will not stretch tubing. This reduces the likelihood of leakage and preserves the physical integrity of the tubing. It allows for labor and time saving by eliminating the need to remove stretched tubing ends. Furthermore, the tubing line will not need to be replaced as often. Acting as a cap, it allows for small amounts of air to enter the tubing, which facilitates vacuum cleaning of the system. Its design includes a clip type fastener that attaches directly to the tubing for secure off-season placement. The protrusion end of this embodiment can serve two functions: as a plug for most spile spout diameters (to seal against contaminants) and it can be used to stretch tubing that may not easily fit over a spile.

This multi-purpose embodiment functions primarily as a cap for tubing that is used in the collection of sap from maple or any sap-producing trees. The wider dimension of the cap end allows it to fit around the outside of tubing, rather than inside like the prior art does. The significant advantage of this embodiment is that it will not stretch tubing. This reduces the likelihood of leakage and preserves the physical integrity of the tubing. It allows for labor and time saving by eliminating the need to remove stretched tubing ends. Furthermore, the tubing line will not need to be replaced as often. Acting as a cap, it allows for small amounts of air to enter the tubing, which facilitates vacuum cleaning of the system. Its design includes a clip type fastener that attaches directly to the tubing for secure off-season placement. The protrusion end of this embodiment can serve two functions: as a plug for most spile spout diameters (to seal against contaminants) and it can be used to stretch tubing that may not easily fit over a spile.

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.

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 sap collecting device includes a top end, a bottom end, and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom ends. The sidewall defines a generally tapering cross-sectional profile as the sidewall extends from the bottom end toward the top end. At least a portion of the bottom end is open, and the sidewall defines a notch along a location between the top portion and the bottom portion to provide a handle for holding the sap collecting device. A keyhole is located on the sidewall that is configured to engage a tap. The keyhole is positioned generally below the notch defined by the sidewall and is communication with the open portion of the bottom end.

A sap collecting device includes a top end, a bottom end, and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom ends. The sidewall defines a generally tapering cross-sectional profile as the sidewall extends from the bottom end toward the top end. At least a portion of the bottom end is open, and the sidewall defines a notch along a location between the top portion and the bottom portion to provide a handle for holding the sap collecting device. A keyhole is located on the sidewall that is configured to engage a tap. The keyhole is positioned generally below the notch defined by the sidewall and is communication with the open portion of the bottom end.