The spout has a small black ball that prevents microbes from entering the tree which triggers the tree to close the tap hole to protect itself. Keeping the tap holes open could mean doubling the average sap yield of 15 to 20 gallons per tree, based on test results.
I wonder how the quality of the syrup will be?? To see the video with Bruce, click on the following link:
http://www.wcax.com/global/video.asp?clipId=4050055&autostart=true (http://www.wcax.com/global/video.asp?clipId=4050055&autostart=true)