Foliage coating method and apparatus

摘要

A foliage coating and treating apparatus is provided for treating plants with a coating in a manner which advantageously removes excess coating from plants passing through the apparatus. The apparatus includes a coating stage wherein the plants are coated with a coating and a hanging stage wherein the plants are hung on a conveyor. The apparatus further includes a blowing stage wherein the plants are blown with air to promote drying and removal of excess coating and/or preserving liquid. To remove excess coating from the plants, the apparatus includes a coating removal stage which employs a booth having first and second opposed side surfaces between which the plants pass on the conveyor. The booth also includes a plurality of first air vents situated on the first side surface and a plurality of second air vents situated on the second side surface, each of the first air vents being laterally staggered with respect to the second air vents. An air supply is coupled to the first air vents and the second air vents for forcibly supplying air therethrough, such that air exiting the first air vents and the second air vents causes the plants passing through the booth on the conveyor to shake to remove excess coating therefrom. The foliage coating apparatus also includes a foliage treating and drying stage wherein the plants are heated and blown to dry the coating on the plants.