Abstract: The invention relates to a plant growing system having (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. The planting growing system may also include a moisture control agent or a plant protection agent. Despite the high EC values of the growing system, the combination of materials that make up the growing system nevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread; more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g., Fusarium and Rhizoctonia), pythium, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and other pests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, dual purpose binder formulation or system. The invention also relates to a process of agglomerating dispersed particles or fines into substantially spherical and crush resistant granules. The invention further relates to a method of covering a seed and binding the seed with a material mixture beneficial for seed germination. The invention also relates to an all-in-one seed agglomerated by the dual purpose binder formulation.

Abstract: A spray device for dispensing chemicals is disclosed. The spray device comprises a cartridge defining an interior compartment for containing a liquid product, an applicator having a support body, an extendable wand attached to the support body, a handle at a rear end of the support body, and a pump.

Abstract: Methods for treating arthropods comprising depositing at least one drop of a liquid formulation containing at least one surfactant on a solid surface of an arthropod at a contact angle sufficient to cause rapid and enhanced knockdown (KD) of the arthropod. The contact angle comprises an angle formed between a resting drop of the liquid formulation and the solid surface on which the drop rests measured, after a period of about 80 milliseconds (ms) or more from the time that a drop of the liquid formulation is deposited on the solid surface, at a contact point between a tangent line drawn on a liquid/vapor interface surface of the resting drop in contact with the solid surface and a tangent to the solid surface on which the drop rests.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to seeds coated with a coating comprising (a) a water-swellable polymer; (b) one or more controlled-release fertilizers; (c) bone meal substantially free of protein; and (d) optionally one or more fungicides.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: A spraying device is provided that includes a cartridge containing a first fluid, the cartridge being removably connected to a sprayer body. The cartridge is oriented such that gravity exerts a downward force on the first fluid. The sprayer body includes a conduit for receiving a second fluid. A valve is coupled to the conduit. The valve allows the second fluid to flow through the valve, thus creating a Venturi vacuum that draws the first fluid out of the cartridge and into the valve to enable the first and second fluids to mix and form an outlet stream. An orifice meters a predetermined amount of the first fluid into the valve to achieve a predetermined ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid. The outlet stream is then dispensed from a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A silicone surfactant-based synergistic agricultural formulation contains a combination of a first defined silicone surfactant and a second defined silicone surfactant in a concentration sufficient to cause a knockdown level on treated arthropods, even in the absence of known pesticidally active ingredients.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixing devices, methods of operating mixing devices, and methods of blending a granular substrate with a coating material. These mixing devices and methods substantially prevent the agglomeration of solids and/or viscous liquids on rotational and/or static elements of the mixing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for coating substrates. In particular, the invention relates to methods and systems in which the coating and curing steps are performed in separate vessels. These methods and systems provide a more effectively controlled and efficient coating process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant growing system having (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. The planting growing system may also include a moisture control agent or a plant protection agent. Despite the high EC values of the growing system, the combination of materials that make up the growing system nevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread; more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g., Fusarium and Rhizoctonia), pythium, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and other pests.

Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.

Abstract: A trap with a housing having a first wall, an entrance, and a base; a latch mechanism coupled with the base; a pivoting platform pivotally coupled with the housing adjacent a juncture of the base and first wall and adapted to releasably engage with the latch mechanism; and a trigger plate assembly including a first trigger plate and a second trigger plate that are pivotally coupled with the pivoting platform. The first trigger plate is operably coupled with the latch mechanism and the second trigger plate is operably coupled with the first trigger plate. When the trap is triggered by an animal, the pivoting platform disengages from the latch mechanism and the pivoting platform and trigger plate assembly pivot toward the first wall of the housing, moving the rodent toward the first wall of the housing and trapping the rodent between the trigger plate assembly and the first wall of the housing.

Abstract: An animal trap has a base, an upper jaw pivotally coupled with the base so that it is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a set arm that is pivotally coupled with the upper jaw and moveable between a collapsed position and an open position. In its open position, the set arm provides a lever whereby application of a force to the set arm moves the upper jaw toward its open position. A method for trapping an animal includes moving a trap between a first position, where the upper jaw is closed, and the set arm is collapsed, and a second position, where the upper jaw is closed and the set arm is open. The method further includes the step of moving the trap between a second position and a third position in which the upper jaw is open, and the set arm is open.