A connector for fluidly connecting a collector pipe and a feeder pipe is disclosed, with a retaining member defining a curved base defining a pair of platforms at opposite ends thereof and facing towards each other upon the connector being mounted on the collector pipe. The base is resiliently deformable such that in a non-deformed state, a radius of curvature of the base is smaller than an outer radius of the collector pipe and a distance between the platforms is smaller than a diameter of the collector pipe. The platforms is displaceable away from each other to vary the distance between them to mount the connector and to exert a clamping force on the collector pipe. The connector has a connecting member engaging the feeder pipe. A piping network is also disclosed.

A connector for fluidly connecting a collector pipe and a feeder pipe is disclosed, with a retaining member defining a curved base defining a pair of platforms at opposite ends thereof and facing towards each other upon the connector being mounted on the collector pipe. The base is resiliently deformable such that in a non-deformed state, a radius of curvature of the base is smaller than an outer radius of the collector pipe and a distance between the platforms is smaller than a diameter of the collector pipe. The platforms is displaceable away from each other to vary the distance between them to mount the connector and to exert a clamping force on the collector pipe. The connector has a connecting member engaging the feeder pipe. A piping network is also disclosed.

Provided are robotic systems and methods for identifying a particular type of tree or plant (e.g., slash pine trees), for tapping them and collect their oleoresin for processing using an autonomous, long-range robotic forest rover. One aspect of the system comprises an autonomous vehicle equipped with an industrial robot, automated tool changer, a plurality of tools required for robotic operations, vision and navigation systems and powertrain for long-range operation. The rover identifies healthy, mature trees or plants, approaches them and performs the robotic operations required for tapping the trees or plants. In addition to these tasks, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coordinates of the tree or plant is recorded along with its diameter, and a digital image of the tree or plant. This information is communicated to a base station for creating and updating a tree farm database.

Provided are robotic systems and methods for identifying a particular type of tree or plant (e.g., slash pine trees), for tapping them and collect their oleoresin for processing using an autonomous, long-range robotic forest rover. One aspect of the system comprises an autonomous vehicle equipped with an industrial robot, automated tool changer, a plurality of tools required for robotic operations, vision and navigation systems and powertrain for long-range operation. The rover identifies healthy, mature trees or plants, approaches them and performs the robotic operations required for tapping the trees or plants. In addition to these tasks, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coordinates of the tree or plant is recorded along with its diameter, and a digital image of the tree or plant. This information is communicated to a base station for creating and updating a tree farm database.

The present invention generally related to a maple sap lifter configuration and to a sap collection system making use of the said sap lifter.

The present invention generally related to a maple sap lifter configuration and to a sap collection system making use of the said sap lifter.

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 taphole is located on the sidewall that is configured to engage a tap. The taphole 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 taphole is located on the sidewall that is configured to engage a tap. The taphole is positioned generally below the notch defined by the sidewall and is communication with the open portion of the bottom end.

Exemplary sap flow sensors are provided. A sap flow sensor includes a substrate having a main body and at least two arms spaced apart from one another. The at least two arms extend from the main body. The sap flow sensor further includes a sap flow gauge that is disposed on the substrate. The sap flow gauge is configured to monitor a flow rate of sap through a stem of a plant. The sap flow gauge includes a heating element coupled to an arm of the at least two arms. The sap flow gauge further includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor disposed on opposite sides of the heating element. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor each coupled to a neighboring arm of the at least two arms.

Exemplary sap flow sensors are provided. A sap flow sensor includes a substrate having a main body and at least two arms spaced apart from one another. The at least two arms extend from the main body. The sap flow sensor further includes a sap flow gauge that is disposed on the substrate. The sap flow gauge is configured to monitor a flow rate of sap through a stem of a plant. The sap flow gauge includes a heating element coupled to an arm of the at least two arms. The sap flow gauge further includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor disposed on opposite sides of the heating element. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor each coupled to a neighboring arm of the at least two arms.