Abstract: A device for leak-resistant transport and storage of container plants is disclosed. The device employs an outer liquid reservoir which has a open-ended re-entrant structure extending from the top of the reservoir into the body thereof into which is placed a pot containing a plant. The height of the re-entrant structure is determined by an optimization formula so that a maximum quantity of liquid will be retained in the reservoir regardless of the orientation of the reservoir.

Abstract: A dual wall plant container for collecting excess water draining from root containing soil medium is formed by a pair of telescoped plant containers having different depths and cooperating lip and lug members lockably releasably engaged and projecting radially outward from their upper rims for supporting the inner container bottom wall in spaced relation with respect to the outer container bottom wall to form a liquid containing reservoir in the space therebetween.

Abstract: A tube alignment spacer bracket for mounting on a tube alignment bracket which is, in turn, mounted on or shaped integrally with the seed distribution tube of a seed planter, to align the planter insecticide tube or tubes in close proximity to, and in a vertical plane with, the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube and insure that liquid insecticide or fungicide dispensed through the insecticide tube or tubes is deposited in a furrow in close proximity to seeds expelled from the seed distribution tube. In a preferred embodiment the tube alignment spacer bracket is characterized by a Z-shaped bracket having a pair of slots, one of which receives one end of a tube alignment bracket fitted with a tube mount and the opposite slot of which receives one or more tube fittings, to which are attached one or more insecticide tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a center-line trenching system for use at the earth's surface such as on a paved street, road, highway or the like. The system includes a rubber tired drive machine movable over the earth's surface for advancing a side-by-side tandem of a earth saw and a conveyor attached to a rear surface of the drive machine. The conveyor includes a subframe and an elongated main frame. The subframe comprises a pair of longitudinally extending truss members pivotly attached to the drive machine at a first pivot axis of rotation that is fixed in elevation relative to the earth's surface. The main frame includes a pair of rail members pivotally mounted at near end regions to the truss members at a second axis of rotation, and has trailing end regions that define the remote termini of the conveyor. A hydrostatic actuator is pivotally mounted between the subframe and the main frame.

Abstract: A method for growing botanical items where a liner is disposed in a container. A growing medium is disposed in the liner and a propagule is disposed in the growing medium. When the botanical item has grown to the desired extent, the liner with the growing medium in the botanical item disposed therein is removed from the container and disposed in a decorative covering thereby permitting the container to be reused for growing other botanical items. In one other embodiment, the decorative covering is placed in the container and the botanical item is grown in the decorative covering which then is removed from the container. In one other embodiment, the botanical item is grown in the decorative covering without the necessity of using a container.

Abstract: Designed is a system for recycling abandoned appliances as refrigerators, for conversion into solar applications. Designed is a converted refrigerator into a solar greenhouse, thus extending the growing season in cold climates. Illustrated is a solar powered fan, a skylight with a back reflector, a door window, screen to provide an insect barrier and a recycled refrigerator.

Abstract: An improved surface includes a foundation constructed of a subgrade and a sub-base. A synthetic turf is positioned atop the foundation and includes synthetic grass blades secured to a backing. The synthetic turf also includes a surface layer of material supported by the backing and intermixed with the synthetic grass blades. Natural grass is planted in the surface layer of material wherein the natural grass includes natural grass blades and roots. The backing is provided with perforations sufficient in number to permit the roots of the natural grass to extend through the backing into the sub-base of the foundation. The natural grass improves the overall desirability of the surface by improving its durability, increasing its life span, reducing the cost of installation, reducing the cost of maintenance, and improving the benefits to the ecology.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in transplanting seedlings between propagation containers. More particularly the apparatus of this invention is intended to enable the transfer of seedlings from a chain of connected cells in which the seedlings have been grown for a period of time to a larger cell chain or other container. The apparatus includes a means to move said cells along a first and second predetermined path, and a first and second plant delivery path extending transversely to said first and second predetermined path. The apparatus includes a means lift seedlings from cells on said first path and to deliver them to cells moving along said second path into a prepared planting position.

Abstract: An excavation head, mounted on one end of a telescoping hollow boom, has nozzles for directing jets of high speed air at an excavation face to loosen soil. A vacuum transport pipe extends from the excavation head through the hollow of the boom to a spherical joint. The spherical joint movably joins the other end of the boom to a primary separator. The primary separator is a chamber for disentraining loosened soil from air flowing through the primary separator. A primary air lock is fixed to the lower portion of the primary separator for expelling soil from the primary separator. A secondary separator is joined to the primary separator by way of a separator connector pipe. A secondary air lock is fixed to the lower portion of the secondary separator for expelling soil from the secondary separator. A positive displacement vacuum pump has its vacuum side pneumatically connected to the secondary separator.

Abstract: A fitting used to bridge a gap in a conduit between fixed ends of a conduit. The fitting includes a first collar at a first end of the fitting having an open end made to a dimension for fitting closely around one of the ends of the conduit, and the first end being flared inwardly of the open end so the first end of the fitting can be slid over the first end of the conduit, whilst the fitting is held angled axially relative to the conduit such that the second end of the conduit is positioned to one side of the conduit. The first collar is sufficiently deep to allow for the fitting to be slid over the first end of the conduit until the second end of the fitting is clear of a second end of the conduit. The fitting can then be pivoted so as to be in line with the conduit, and then slid back to connect with the second end of the conduit.

Abstract: An improved planter apparatus for holding soil and plants and the like comprising a container and a base releasably securable to the bottom of the container. The container and base are provided with press-fit locking means for connecting the base to the container. The base is convertible such that it functions as a tray in an upright configuration and as a pedestal when inverted. Downwardly depending capillary wells project from the bottom of the container into association with reservoirs disposed within the base in both of its convertible configurations. The dimension of the base is such that, when the base is attached to the container in its upright configuration, multiple planters can be nested. The nestability of the apparatus provides for convenient handling of multiple planters as well as commercial packaging and transportation cost benefits.

Abstract: Air drill apparatus for towing behind a tractor and for placing seed or other particulate material in the ground includes wheeled implement mounting bars adapted to be towed behind the tractor, a plurality of air drill assemblies mounted to the implement mounting bars, and a wheeled towed container for the seed or other particulate material to be placed in the ground, the container including a pump for creating a positive air pressure to drive seed or other particulate material therefrom to the air drill assemblies.

Abstract: A novel mulch/medium/matrix method that stabilizes sods grown on a solid base in large rolls in contiguous beds is described. A vegetative or organic mulch is placed over a solid base which is typically plastic sheeting. A suitable growing medium is infiltrated into the mulch, filling the voids and interstices to produce a coherent matrix which is stable in severe thunderstorms. Seed or sprigs are placed into the matrix either before or after the application of the growing medium which is then irrigated, fertilized, and eventually mowed in the conventional manner. The primary rooting of the growing material intertwines the mulch/medium/matrix and binds and knits it into a sod. As the mulch gradually decomposes, it is replaced by primary rooting forming a thin, bona fide sod which can be one half the weight of a conventional mineral sod. The sod is harvested in large rolls, typically four feet wide and comprising 20-50 square yards.

Abstract: A pair of end caps for a planter box having first and second side walls and a bottom wall, each end cap defining a first support surface having a generally vertical orientation and arranged to engage a marginal face portion at one end of the first side wall; and a second support surface having a generally vertical orientation, horizontally spaced from and facing the first support surface and arranged to engage a marginal face portion at one end of the second side wall. A plurality of holes are vertically spaced apart and intersect the first support surface, and a plurality of openings are vertically spaced apart and intersect the second support surface. The holes receive securing members that penetrate the marginal face portion at one end of the first side wall and the openings receive securing members that penetrate the marginal face portion at one end of the second side wall.

Abstract: A guard for protecting a plant, including a sheet of semi-rigid material having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first end extending between said top and bottom edges, and a second end spaced from said first end fastening means formed on said sheet for fastening said first end in overlapping relationship with said second end to form a tubular sheath for surrounding said plant.

Abstract: A device for improving the delivery of water, aeration and fertilizer to the root system of plants provides an open-ended, water retaining, root barrier envelope which is placed around the root system of the plant, and a plurality of root deflector ribs for delivering water, aeration and fertilizer that extend downwardly along the envelope, and which are attached to the root barrier. Water, aeration, and fertilizer which are applied to the plant in the envelope will percolate downwardly through the upper portion of the soil surface embedding the root. The water will also move downwardly through the deflector ribs and then migrate inwardly through the perforations to a sub surface portion which is below the watered portion of the upper soil surface.

Abstract: A device for the introduction of a liquid substance into the trunk of a plant comprises a sealed container connected to one or more distribution ducts by means of at least an outlet duct. Along the circuit there are provided means to regulate and means to detect the flow rate of the substance towards truncated-cone injection needles inserted into appropriate holes in the plant's trunk. The method according to the invention involves the use of said device to allow the introduction of the treating substance into the layer of the xylem involved in the ascending vascular circulation of the plant.

Abstract: A fragrance emitting plant watering system having a bottom vase providing a reservoir for water supply for a potted plant, an air freshener cartridge supported on the vase, a cap adapted to overlie the cartridge and having a central section for supporting a plant, and wherein the cap is adjustable relative to the vase for movement between a first position in which the cap is raised to variably expose the cartridge to emit fragrance, and a second position in which the cap substantially covers the cartridge to seal said cartridge and inhibit fragrance emission.

Abstract: A seedling planting apparatus includes a carriage, a seedling supply device, a seedling picker device for picking seedlings from the seedling supply device at a predetermined picking position, and a seedling planting device for receiving the seedling from the seedling picker device at a predetermined delivery position and planting them in a field, the seedling supply device including a frame for supporting a seedling tray formed with multiple cells in which seedlings are grown, a traverse feeding mechanism for moving the frame transversely so that a selected cell is located at the predetermined picking position, and a longitudinal feeding mechanism for logitudinally feeding the seedling tray pitch by pitch when the frame is moved to a right or left terminal position thereof, the seedling picker device including a pair of seedling picker claws for picking the seedling from the cell and delivering it to the seedling planting device, and a seedling picker driving mechanism for moving the seedling picker claws fr

Abstract: A device for maintaining a water level within a fluid reservoir, such as a Christmas tree stand or aquarium. The inventive device includes a pump for supplying water from a container to the fluid reservoir. A switch responsive to the water level of the reservoir communicates with the pump to effect energization thereof as the water level declines. The pump preferably includes a resilient stopper to permit mounting of the pump to an empty bottle or the like.