Technology

The Reid Protective Netting Applicator (RPNA) is an international patent pending method for applying lengths of expandable tubular netting over objects. Please contact us for further information regarding the technology and patents.

Product

The first application of this technology is “The Netter”. It applies measured lengths of protective netting to tree seedlings. Click play

on the video below for a demonstration of the Netter in operation:

Tree seedlings can be protected from insect and environmental damage by planting them inside short tubes of expandable plastic netting. The netting covers the seedling root-cone and stem providing continuous protection during planting and for many months until the netting breaks-down. The netting provides a barrier against most insects, effectively removing the need for chemicals.

The Netter automates much of the process involved in applying this protective netting. Cutting the netting, expanding the tubes and inserting the tree seedlings is a complex task and until recently has been performed manually by teams of people. Using the RPNA technology the Netter can reduce this labour requirement to a single operator. The Netter makes protecting tree seedlings with netting a cost-effective solution.

The Netter has been designed to be simple to operate, robust and reliable. A single operator loads and unloads seedlings from a set of rotating arms. Pressing a foot-pedal causes the Netter to cycle repeatedly. For each cycle the air powered mechanism draws protective netting from a continuous source roll. The netting is expanded before being drawn gently over each tree seedling where it is cut and released. The length and position of the netting can be changed to suit requirements.

Features:

Simple to use, activated by foot pedal.
Capable of continuous operation by one person.
Robust and reliable, built with quality components.
Pneumatic/air powered, no electrical hazards around dirt and moisture.
Safety guards and interlocks on moving parts.
Netting is pre-expanded to avoid damaging seedling.
Netting length and position are adjustable from below root cone to beyond the stem.
Average cycle speed of 1100-1300 seedlings per hour.
Includes cycle counter.

Many of our Netters are currently being used in many tree nurseries around Western Australia. We can incorporate the Netter and RPNA technology into other applications based on requirements.

Please contact us for sales information and to discuss your individual requirements.

Email: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL PATENTS APPLIED FOR