Infestation of timber products, masonry materials and living trees by fungi and insects can result in decay of timber and trees and dampness in masonry materials.

Timber materials in ground contact, such as fence posts, telegraph poles and electricity distribution poles, are subject to fungal and insect attack at the groundline where timber moisture and oxygen conditions encourage proliferation of these

organisms. Standard pre-treatment preservative chemicals, such as creosote, provide only partial protection to the timber, as initial penetration is limited and weathering further reduces the toxicity and concentration of the pre-treatment preservative.

The region of any timber structure which comes into contact with the ground is subject to the greatest movement forces and bending stresses. In consequence, relatively little decay or deterioration of the timber in this area can lead to early structural failure and the requirement for expensive replacement.

Fungal infestation of masonry materials is a result of infestation by the fungi Serpula lacrymans. This is the microrganism which is predominantly responsible for causing dry rot of interior building timbers. It also utilises other building materials such as masonry and mortar as a source of essential elements, moisture and as a support means for spread to other timbers.

Living trees are attacked by a large number of insect parasites and fungal pathogens. Growth and proliferation of these organisms acts to shorten the viable life of the tree and/or stunt its growth and/or lead to severe distortion of the timber. All these factors serve to reduce the value of the tree both aesthetically and economically.

Currently, the following methods are known for the prevention and/or eradication of insect and fungal decay/infestation.

Diffusable rods which are solid rods of disodium octoborate have been used periodically by several utility companies. The timber structure is pre- drilled, the rods inserted and the drill-holes sealed. Movement of the borate preservative throughout the cross-section of the pole occurs via diffusion according to concentration gradients.

For most practical purposes approximately nine drill holes are made into the structure to accommodate the rods and ensure a toxic effect throughout the groundline region. The number of drill-holes has raised concern among some utility companies and boron rods are known to require very high timber moisture contents for satisfactory diffusion to occur.

Boron pastes are frequently used in conjunction with boron rods and are pumped into any discovered decay voids to sterilise the immediate area and prevent further proliferation of the decay organisms.

The use of boron pastes requires that significant decay must already have occurred (i. e. to produce the void to accommodate the paste). Invariably, utilisation of pastes in these circumstances incurs excessive preservative usage.

A device known as the"Unicorn Injector"was developed to inject an aqueous form of disodium octoborate. The device consists of a plastic sphere containing the preservative. Preservative injection is driven by a charge of compressed gas.

Several sources within the industry have indicated that this device suffers from performance problems due to leakage of the gas propellant. The device is not competitively priced.

International patent application number PCT/GB98/02651 teaches of a dispenser and delivery assemblage for flowable preparations. The device consists of a mastic tube containing a diffusable preservative gel formulation. A compression spring and mass of extrudable material maintain the preservative under pressure and permit application through the delivery assemblage.

The assembly is non-robust and has many component parts (thereby encouraging development of faults in service). A policy of 10-year replacement of the entire unit is waste generating and relatively labour intensive. Industry sources indicate that pre-filling of tubes is problematic with probable impact on regular supply of units for application.

There are numerous preparations available for the prevention and eradication of fungal infestation of masonry materials. In particular, preservatives

(sprayed), silicone (pumped) and other chemical preparations are available for use in this field. All involve significant manual input and exposure of operatives to toxic chemicals.

The control of fungal and/or insect infestation in living trees is currently effected through the use of several preservative preparations available for use in this field and most require to be pumped into the tree. The Unicorn injector'has also been promoted as a possible device for use in this field.

Problems with the use of the Unicorn'device in this way are as indicated above. The majority of other treatment methods involve significant manual input and exposure of operatives to toxic chemicals.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which provides for the controlled and regulated expulsion of a flowable preparation, such as a wood preservative or lubricating substance.

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for the retention and controlled expulsion of a flowable preparation, the apparatus comprising a container means for retention of said flowable preparation, a piston located within and moveable through said container means, the piston being substantially of the same general cross- sectional shape as that of the container means, a biasing means serving to exert a continuous force on

the piston, this force resulting in the piston compressing the flowable preparation contained within the container means, and an aperture suitably located within the container such that when the flowable preparation is compressed by the piston said flowable preparation can be expelled from the container means through said aperture wherein a low friction seal is around the leading edge of the piston.

Preferably the container means is comprised of a dispenser body and a dispenser cap.

Preferably the dispenser body is a cylindrical moulded plastic container.

Preferably where the dispenser body is a cylindrical moulded plastic container, the dispenser cap is also a cylindrical moulded plastic container which is of the same general shape as that of the dispenser body.

Preferably the dispenser body and dispensing cap are conjoined through the use of a suitable joining means.

Preferably the dispenser body contains a collar, said collar having at least one opening disposed about the collar, said openings being receptive and co- operative with latches which are disposed around the dispenser cap and in general register with said openings in the collar of the dispenser body.

Preferably the dispenser body is conjoined with the dispenser cap by means of a threaded element on the dispenser body which permits interaction with an opposing threaded element on the dispenser cap.

Alternatively, the dispenser body may conjoin with the dispenser cap through a locking rim of the dispenser body being retained within a suitable recess groove present in said dispensing cap.

Preferably the biasing means exerts a continuous force on the piston, when released.

Preferably the biasing means is a compressed spring.

Alternatively, the biasing means is a compressed gas.

Preferably the movement of the piston effected by the biasing means is prevented by a spindle, said spindle being disposed against the piston at one end and passing through the container and being held by a retaining component.

Preferably the retaining component is a screw cap, said screw cap being conjoined with a threaded component of the spindle.

Alternatively, the retention means is a release pin.

Preferably the aperture is a threaded port.

Preferably the threaded port is suitable for interacting with a dispensing system suitable for targeting the flowable substance which exits the container through the aperture.

Preferably the aperture associates with a delivery system, such that when the flowable substance is expelled from the container through the aperture, the flowable substance can be guided by the delivery system to a point of application.

Preferably the piston moves in a uniplanar direction within the internal surface of the dispensing body.

Preferably a low friction seal will be applied around the outer circumference of the piston. This seal will serve to provide an efficient means for preventing any of the substance contained within the dispensing body from entering any gaps occurring between the inner wall of the dispensing body and the outer circumference of the piston, when compression is applied to the substance by means of movement of the piston.

Preferably the seal will be located within a groove located in the outer circumference of the piston.

Preferably the seal is a low friction, low pressure seal such as is available from Hutchison UK (Quadring Seal JF4-27)

Preferably the direction of expansion of the spring will be in the same plane as the movement of the piston within the dispenser body.

Preferably the spring interacts with the piston by pushing against a spring locating seat on the piston.

Preferably the outer surface of such a retainer cap may be shaped to aid unscrewing of said cap.

Alternatively the restraining device may comprise a spring clip which is suitably conjoined to the spindle.

Preferably upon initial assembly, the spring or other suitable biasing means is in a compressed state, such that the potential energy which is stored within it is released during its expansion.

Preferably the expansion of the spring or other suitable biasing means is restricted by means of a restraining means.

Preferably such a restraining means may comprise a dispenser cap which is conjoined to a threaded portion of a spindle, one end is attached to the piston, while the other end protrudes from the device to allow attachment of said dispenser cap.

The present invention further provides a method of dispensing a flowable preparation, the method

comprising storage of said flowable preparation within the container, compressing said flowable preparation being effected by means of a piston, effecting movement of the piston, this being effected by a biasing means, and further, wherein flowable preparation is expelled from the container through an aperture suitably located within the container means.

Preferably the flowable substance is a wood preservative.

Alternatively the flowable substance is a lubricating substance.

Preferably the expulsion of said flowable preparation from the container can be regulated.

Preferably the expulsion of the flowable preparation can be directed to a specific site of application.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of delivering a flowable preparation which is contained within an apparatus, wherein the flowable preparation will be expelled from the device through compression of the flowable preparation, this compression being facilitated by the movement of a piston, the movement of the piston resulting from a biasing means such as the expansion of a compressed spring, wherein one end is disposed against the piston, and where expansion results following the

release of a restraint which is applied to the piston to prevent expansion and wherein the resultant movement of the piston compresses the flowable preparation contained within the container means, which leads to an increase in the compression of the substance resulting in the expulsion of the preparation through an aperture such as a hole or outlet means suitably located in the container means component of the apparatus.

The present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a side elevation of an apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a side elevation showing the apparatus of the present invention in use, Figure 3a is a side elevation of one embodiment of the dispenser body, Figure 3b shows an end view of the dispenser body shown in Figure 3a, Figure 4a is a side view of one embodiment of a dispenser cap, Figure 4b is an end view of the dispenser cap of Figure 4a,

Figure 5a is a side view of the piston, Figure 5b shows the view from one end of the piston shown in Figure 5a, Figure 5c is an end view of the piston shown in Figure 5a, Figure 6a shows a side view of the retaining cap, Figure 6b shows an end view of the retaining cap shown in Figure 6a, Figure 7 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a dispenser body according to the present invention, Figure 8 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a dispenser cap according to the present invention, Figure 9 shows a dispenser assembly comprising the dispenser body shown in Figure 7 and dispenser cap of Figure 8, Figure 10 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a dispenser body,

Figure 11 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a dispenser cap according to the present invention, Figure 12 shows a dispenser assembly comprising the dispenser body of Figure 10 and dispenser cap of Figure 11, Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the contributory components of the apparatus as shown in Figure 13, Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention, further showing the location of the spring within the dispenser body and dispenser cap.

Figure 1 illustrates an example of a dispensing apparatus according to the present invention.

The dispenser body 1 is an elongate moulded tube with a locking collar 2 at one end and a threaded port 3 disposed at the other. Figure 3 illustrates a first example of this component. The threaded port 3 becomes an outlet means once the tip is removed, this forming an aperture or hole which passes completely through the threaded port 3. The flowable

preparation or substance 4 to be dispensed is substantially contained within the dispensing body 1.

In the example shown, a locking collar facilitates the interaction and joining of the dispenser body 1 with a dispenser cap 5. The locating collar comprises four holes disposed about the collar which are designed to be receptive and co-operative with corresponding latches disposed about the dispenser cap 5. The interaction between the holes and latches serves to accurately associate, secure and lock the two components together.

The locking collar is circumferentially expanded with respect to the dispenser body to provide a flat surface which the holes 6 can be located in, this aids the association of the dispenser body with the cap and further provides a locking means to secure the two components together.

The dispenser cap 5 is an elongated moulded tube with a collar bearing the locking catches at one end. At the other end, the top is closed with the exception of a central hole 7, which allows the protrusion of the spindle or other retention means. An example of a dispensing cap according to the present invention is given in Figure 4a. In the embodiment shown, the connecting means comprises a collar with associated locking catches. These are designed to accurately locate and interact with corresponding holes located on the collar of the dispenser body 1 shown in Figure

3b. The closed end of this component provides the fixed platform which the compressed spring 9 exerts its force against.

Alternative components for the association and joining of the dispenser body 1 and dispenser cap 5 are shown in the alternative embodiments of these components as shown in Figures 7 to 12.

A first alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9. In this embodiment, Figure 7 illustrates the dispenser body which comprises a protruding rim component 10 at one end of the dispenser body 1.

The corresponding dispenser cap 5 (shown in Figure 8), interacts with the dispensing body by allowing the rim 10 of the dispenser body 1 to interact and become seated in a recess groove 12 located in the dispenser cap 5.

When the dispenser body 1 and dispenser cap 5 are forced together, the tapered skirt 11 of the dispenser cap 5 flexes and is displaced sufficiently to allow the rim 10 of the dispenser body to become seated in the recessed groove of the dispensing cap 12. The tapered skirt then returns to its previous state, creating a joint which is substantially tamper resistant. Figure 9 shows the interaction of a dispenser body 1 and dispenser cap bearing such components and thus forming an assembled unit, through the interaction of the locking rim mechanism.

A further means for joining the dispenser cap 5 with the dispenser body 1 is shown in Figures 10,11 and 12.

The dispenser body 1, as illustrated in Figure 10 is substantially of the same construction as those of Figure 3 and 7, except that there is an externally threaded portion 13 disposed at one end of the elongated moulded tube. This threading port 13 is located on the external face of the dispenser body, and serves to interact with a complementary threaded internal component disposed on the dispenser cap.

Figure 11 illustrates a dispenser cap 5 bearing a suitable complementary internally threaded element.

This threaded element is contained within a collar disposed at one end of the elongate moulded tube.

The other end of the tube is closed with the exception of a hole 7, which the spindle 8 passes through. This internally threaded portion 14 interacts with the externally threaded portion present on the dispenser body 1.

The dispenser cap 5 and dispenser body 1 components are assembled by means of screwing the two components together, this allowing the externally and internally threaded portions disposed on the dispenser cap 5 and body components 1 to interact and form a secure joining means.

An example of a piston 15 suitable for use in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figures 5a, 5b and 5c. In the embodiment shown, the piston is shaped at the leading edge to facilitate movement of the product down the dispenser body 1 under pressure exerted by the spring 6, compressed gas or other suitable biasing means. The piston bears a groove 16 located around the outer circumferential edge which allows the retention of a seal 17. The piston 15 further contains a hole 17 to accommodate a threaded spindle 8 or other suitable restraining component. The piston may be hollow to allow economy of manufacture.

The seal 17 has low friction and low pressure properties, such as those available from Hutchison UK (product No Quadring Seal JF4-27). This seal serves to prevent any gaps forming between the inner wall of the dispenser body 1 and the outer circumferential surface of the piston 15 as the piston 15 moves down the dispenser body 1 under force of the biasing means. This in turn means then none of the flowable preparation contained within the dispenser body 1 can retract back up the dispenser body 1 past the piston 15 as the piston 15 exerts a compressive force thereon.

The spindle 8 acts to prevent the expansion of the biasing means such as a compressed gas or, as shown in the embodiment of the apparatus shown, the spring 9. The spindle 8 is disposed against the piston at

one end, with the other end protruding through the hole 7 in the dispenser cap 5 and being conjoined to a retaining cap, thus serving in turn to prevent movement of the piston down the dispenser body 1.

The flowable preparation or substance 4 is not compressed by the piston until the retaining cap is unscrewed, where after the spindle does not serve to restrict the movement of the piston and thus, the force exerted by the biasing means or spring, as they try to recoil or expand, results in the piston being forced down the dispenser body 1. In the examples shown in the accompanying figures, the spindle 8 is a rod-like element, threaded at either end.

Where the spindle is threaded, the retaining cap 18 may be progressively unscrewed to facilitate a staged release of the restriction on piston movement being effected by the spindle 8.

The spindle 8, when conjoined to the retaining cap 18, prevents the movement of, and thus the application of compressive forces by, the piston 15 and thus, the product is not placed under pressure as the spring is prevented from expanding. Thus the retaining cap should be retained upon the spindle 5 until the device is ready for use.

In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 6, the retaining cap has a hole through its central longitudinal axis which is internally threaded to mate with the externally threaded end of the spindle.

Further, the external surface of the retaining cap 18 may be shaped in an appropriate way which facilitates the rotation and unscrewing of the cap by a user.

It should be noted that alternative means of restraining the expansion of the spring could also be used, such as the use of a release pin arrangement.

In such an embodiment, threading would be required at the end of the spindle 8, and the retaining cap 18 would not be required. A suitable means for attaching the release pin would be required.

The spring 9 is a compression spring which provides the energy source for the movement of the piston within the device. When the retention means is removed, the piston is released and this in turn allows expansion of the spring as it exerts force at one end against the top of the dispenser cap 5 and, at the other against a spring locating seat 19 on the piston 15. The product is then compressed by the piston due to the pressure being exerted on it by the expanding spring. Expansion of the spring will continue to be so until the piston comes in contact with the base of the dispenser body.

The present invention would provide a solution to the problems previously outlined with respect to the fungal decay and infestation in timber, through the invention delivering a dose of diffusible preservative, in a gel or aqueous carrier, into a pre-drilled entry port in the groundline of the pole

over a prolonged period. The preservative is intended to diffuse from the immediate point of entry throughout the cross-section of the pole, thereby conferring additional preservative protection by preventing or controlling decay through eradication or control of the causal organisms.

Further, the present invention could be used to prevent and/or eradicate the outlined problems due to fungal infection of masonry products due to its functional properties of being capable of prolonged delivery of a fungicidal aqueous or gel based preparation for deep chemical diffusion through masonry and/or a waterproofing agent for deep pressure impregnation of masonry thereby preventing its utilisation by the fungus.

With respect to the problems outlined above relating to fungal and insect infestation of living trees, the present invention could be used to introduce non- phytotoxic fungicidal and/or insecticidal preparations into living trees. This could be effected with causing minimum physical damage, to eliminate insect parasites and fungal pathogens.

An alternative field of use for the present invention may be in that of mechanical assemblies. Many such assemblies require regular and targeted applications of lubricant to reduce wear and tear, and prolong the serviceable life of the equipment. Application of lubricant is generally undertaken manually and

arbitrarily via a grease gun or similar portable injection system. Large pieces of machinery incur significant labour costs for lubrication alone (e. g. lubrication for a large mechanical excavator may require approximately one man-day every three weeks).

As such the present invention, through providing a regulated delivery of a lubricant into a mechanical assembly would allow targeted and regular delivery of lubricant over extended periods with a minimum of manual input, and thus further provide an associated reduction in labour.

Of the techniques and processes currently implemented to prevent and/or eradicate insect and fungal infestation of timber, the present invention can be shown to offer several advantages over the technique and process detailed in the prior art.

In particular, there are apparent benefits over using diffusable rods as only a single hole is bored into the material there is no significant loss of integral strength of the material. Further, the gel/liquid carrier of the product does not require any further external moisture to activate the active ingredient.

The present invention has advantages over the use of Boron pastes due to the fact that no existing decay void is required to allow the paste to be inserted into the material. Further, there is little or no

excessive waste of the active product when the present invention is utilised.

The present device has advantages over the previously described Unicorn Injector'in that the apparatus of the present invention will deliver the product under a constant pressure over a prolonged period with no loss in performance. Further, it is expected that production costs of the present device will be around 25% of those for the Unicorn injector delivery system, thus representing a considerable economic saving.

The present invention will also have advantages over the device disclosed in PCT/GB98/02651 in that it will have a reduced manufacturing assembly times and as such a resultant reduction in production costs.

The present device has a robust construction for easy use and installation, while, as detailed in Table 1 most of the major components of the device are capable of being recycled. Further, once the compound contained within one unit has been fully expelled, the present device offers easy re- application of a replacement unit.

When compared to the existing methods for the prevention and/or eradication of fungal infestation of masonry materials, the present invention offers reduced manual input and exposure of operatives to toxic chemicals.

In methods of controlling fungal and/or insect infestation in living trees the present device will deliver the product under a constant pressure over a prolonged period with no loss in performance.

Expected unit costs are in the region of 25% of delivery systems which are presently available, thus again representing a significant saving. There will also be reduced manual input and exposure of operatives to toxic chemicals.

Assembly of the device during manufacture may be carried out with reference to, or based on the following procedure; The spindle 8 is screwed into the piston 15, the seal 17 is put onto the piston 15, fitting into the recessed seat 16. Next, the spring 9 is put onto the piston, and sits on the locating seat. The spring is then compressed. The dispenser cap 5 is placed over the piston/spindle/seal/spring. The retaining cap 18 is screwed onto the spindle end 8 protruding through the dispenser cap 5. The dispenser body 1 is loaded with the product to be dispersed 4. The dispenser cap 5 assembly is located onto the dispenser body. The locking catches 20 of the dispenser cap engage with the holes 6 present on the dispenser body.

The device is prepared for use by cutting the tip off of the threaded port 3 on the dispenser body 1. The dispenser assembly is located onto the port of a

delivery system. The retaining cap 18 is removed by unscrewing it from the spindle 8, thus making the piston/seal/spindle assembly free to move under pressure from the spring 9. The product is thus now under pressure and consequentially will be forced through the aperture or exit port of the dispenser body 1 and through a delivery system. The pressurised product is forced into the material through time.

Once all of the product stored inside of the dispenser body 1 has been expelled, or in cases where the spring 9 has expanded to its maximum capacity, the piston will not move or exert any further force on the product. The device may be removed by unscrewing the unit 16 from the delivery system 22, this being effected by rotating the unit such that the screw thread on the threaded port, is removed from the threaded receptor port, or other suitable receptor means contained within the delivery system 22. The replacement unit can then be prepared and screwed into the delivery system, thus serving to provide a further supply of substance through the delivery system.

Table 1: Features of the Device Component Title Recyclable No 1 Dispenser Body Yes 2 Dispenser Cap Yes 3 Piston Yes 4 Seal No 5 Spindle Yes 6 Spring Yes 7 Retaining Cap Yes 8 Product No