Patent ID: 6446420
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
An apparatus for simultaneously topping a tobacco plant and controlling sucker growth thereon by directing the chemical fluid into a stalk of the tobacco plant, where said apparatus is adapted to a tobacco topper, said tobacco topper providing a magazine of a chemical fluid and an associated metering pump, said apparatus comprising:a blade assembly having a blade and a shaft; a means for supplying fluid to an underside of said blade; a means for rotating said blade at a high speed; and a means for conveying the apparatus from one plant to another; said blade comprising a cutting edge, an air lift and a fluidly communicating means;wherein said blade cuts off an upper section of the stalk leaving an open stalk, deposits the chemical fluid into the open stalk, and lifts away the upper section of the stalk;wherein said chemical translocates downward through the stalk.