Abstract: A robotic gripper for grasping a target object includes a linear actuator and a gripping assembly. The gripping assembly is coupled to the linear actuator and includes a plurality of fingers that are positioned to selectively grasp and release the target object. The linear actuator includes an air cylinder and a linearly movable rod that reciprocates within the air cylinder between a retracted position and an extended position. The gripping assembly includes a finger holder and a finger closer. The fingers are affixed to the finger holder and extend from the finger holder through openings formed in the finger closer. The finger closer is coupled to the linearly movable rod which reciprocatingly drives the finger closer over the fingers to adjust the fingers between a first position in which the fingers grasp the target object and a second position in which the fingers release the target object.

Abstract: A device for making holes in the ground for easy insertion and planting of garden plants which are rooted in small containers. The tool has a least one frustro-conical or frustro-pyramidal shaped projection forming a cone extending down projecting downward from a base of a stirrup having a means for attaching a handle defining a cylinder formed at the top of the stirrup. A long handle may project up from the tool body with a large aperture just above the tool body into which the user's foot may be placed to help in pushing the projections into the ground to make holes sized for planting garden plants. The tool body can be connected to the handle rigidly or may swivel if desired. In one embodiment a plurality of frustro-conical shaped projections extend from a tool body. The projections are assembled onto a tool body in such a way that the distance between each of the projections is easy adjustable.

Abstract: A device for use in cutting plugs of submerged substrate and particularly seagrass plugs for the purpose of transplanting using a corresponding transport receptacle and method. The device utilizes a hollow cutting member with a serrated bottom edge capable of being placed over a targeted area and forced into the submerged substrate, created vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member, and compressed air injected between the exterior of the hollow cutting member and the submerged substrate to accomplish cutting of a submerged substrate unit. Vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member is released to transfer the collected unit to the corresponding transport receptacle with a removable bottom. A corresponding method for transplanting a collected seagrass plug is further accomplished by creating a hole at recipient site using the device and removing the transport receptacle's removable bottom to release the plug into the created hole.

Abstract: A gardening hand tool for digging holes is provided. The tool further comprises a pair of shovel blades aligned parallel to each other and are pivotally attached to the bottom of a shaft member. A handle is attached to the upper end of a shaft member and is pivotally connected to the shovel blades.

Abstract: A bulb planter includes a pair of blade halves cooperating to form a tubular tool head and a molded plastic handle body forming a pair of handles. The blade halves are preferably metal and riveted to the handle body. The handle body forms a living hinge for selectively pivoting the blade halves upon movement of the handles. The blade halves pivot toward and away from each other between a soil plug cutting position and a soil plug releasing position upon movement of the handles. A resilient member biases the blade halves toward the soil plug cutting position. The resilient member is preferably an elastomer ring encircling the blade halves. The handles extend in opposed directions substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis and are manually movable against the bias of the resilient member to move the blade halves to the soil plug release position.

Abstract: A seed planting device. The seed planting device includes an elongated member defining a plurality of shallow depressions regularly spaced along one or more of the member's faces. Each depression defines a volume capable of receiving a seed. A practitioner uses one face or edge of the device to create an indentation in the soil. The practitioner then lifts the device and tilts it so that the seeds fall out of the shallow depressions into the indentation. The practitioner then covers the seeds with soil by filling in the indentation with loose earth or potting soil.

Abstract: This Patent is characterized for being constituted by an equipment (I) application device available in a basic model and two constructive variations, a product (P) formed by a composition of nitrogen (N); Phosphorus (P205); Potassium (K20); Calcium (Ca); Magnesium (Mg); Sodium (Na); Copper (Cu); Manganese (Mn); Iron (Fe); Zinc (Zn); Boron (B); Cobalt (Co); Sulfur (S) in variable quantities; a Water Retention Capacity or WRC and a Capacity of Cationic Change or CTC, also variable, and finally, a system or another operational way, in an individual or collective way, of plantation of seedlings (S) and application of the product (P) developed from the use of a tanker provider with a compressor and to which different hoses would be able to be connected in function of the quantity of workers work.

Abstract: A handheld bulber for use in planting and gardening is disclosed. The bulber has a rigid steel inverted conical frustum body of at least two opposing and slightly overlapping sidewall members pivotably joined together and a handle attached opposite a serrated cutting edge of the body. A movable dirt release mechanism is positioned between the handle and the pivot point such that moving the mechanism toward the handle, i.e., a squeezing hand motion, forces the handle end of the side members inward, thereby pivoting the digging end of the sidewall members outward. The dirt release mechanism may be attached within the slotted openings by a slider, rollers, or any other suitable means.

Abstract: A weed puller that comprises a plurality of prongs positioned about an axis, an anvil plate, and a moveable mass adapted to be driven into the anvil plate so as to transmit a force through the anvil plate to the prongs where the force has a substantial component in line with the axis about which the plurality of prongs are positioned. In a preferred embodiment, the weed puller comprises a body having a cavity that terminates at the anvil plate with the moveable mass slideably positioned within the cavity and the moveable mass being coupled to a rod that extends out of the cavity from an end opposite the anvil plate.

Abstract: The planting tool has an elongated shaft, a T-shaped rubber gripped handlebar attached to the upper end of the shaft, and an earth separating member attached to the lower end of the shaft. The earth separating member is a hollow, triangular body formed by opposing triangular plates maintained in spaced apart relation by edge plates around the periphery. The triangular plates are preferably isosceles triangles, the shaft bisecting the base, the vertex opposite the base pointing downward. In use, the triangular body is pressed into aerated soil to form a V-shaped plating hole, and may be rotated 180° to form a conical hole.

Abstract: A multi-purpose garden tool (10) including a pair of blade assemblies (20)(20′) wherein, each blade assembly (20) includes a handle portion (21), a shank portion (22) and a contoured blade portion (23) wherein, the shank portions (22)(22′) are pivotally secured to one another as at (28); and, wherein each of the contoured blade portions (23)(23′) define one-half of a hollow frustro-conical configuration and the rear edges (24)(24′) of the blade portions (23)(23′) and the interior faces of the shank portions (22) (22′) are sharpened to function as scissors.

Abstract: A hole cutting device for forming and relocating holes in the ground includes a hollow cylindrical cutting head with a lower cutting edge surrounding an open bottom, a tubular shaft extending upwardly from the cylindrical head and a handle portion on an upper end of the shaft. Upon forcing the cutting head downwardly into the ground, a turf and soil plug fills the interior of the head. An air delivery system, operable at the handle portion, injects a charge of air at the bottom of the soil plug upon removal from the ground, thereby eliminating vacuum suction and allowing the soil plug to be removed intact without breaking or disintegrating. Once the cutting head is removed from the formed hole, a hinged lever on the shaft forces a push plate within the cutting head downwardly towards the open end to eject the plug therefrom. If desired, the plug may be deposited into a previously formed hole.

Abstract: A planting device includes a housing for engaging into soil and having a rear and two side walls, and a pivotal jaw pivotally secured to the housing and rotatable toward and away from the rear wall of the housing. The pivotal jaw and the side walls and the rear wall of the housing form an enclosed peripheral portion for preventing the soil from entering into the housing when the pivotal jaw is moved away from the rear wall of the housing. A conduit is secured on top of the housing, a tube secured to the housing and the conduit, and a handle adjustably secured to the tube.

Abstract: A planting device includes a housing for engaging into soil and having a rear and two side walls, and a pivotal jaw pivotally secured to the housing and rotatable toward and away from the rear wall of the housing. The pivotal jaw and the side walls and the rear wall of the housing form an enclosed peripheral portion for preventing the soil from entering into the housing when the pivotal jaw is moved away from the rear wall of the housing. A conduit is secured on top of the housing, a tube secured to the housing and the conduit, and a handle adjustably secured to the tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand held, seed planting device for use by individuals. It is comprised of a soil probe for insertion into the earth, a seed feed conduit, and a movable clearing rod that slides through the soil probe. The clearing rod is used to clean the probe and embed the seeds in the earth. An adjustable depth gauge on the probe allows for the consistent, measured insertion of the seeds into the soil without stooping.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the planting of pre-grown plants, flowers, and vegetables is provided that takes the shape of a garden tool with a “T” shaped handle atop a cylindrical pipe with an integral cutting edge approximately 4 inches in diameter. The cutting edge is simply placed on top of the soil where the hole is desired and pushed down while turning. The handle is then withdrawn along with a soil “plug” or cylinder. An ejection lever with associated linkage and plunger mechanisms then pushes the plug out of the invention, thus allowing the invention to quickly dig another hole.

Abstract: There is provided a manually operated seeding and tilling device having a tubular feed shaft equipped with a seed retaining chamber, a portal for loading the chamber with seeds, a handle for rotating a shaft about an orbital axis, a tined tilling member positioned at a distal end of the shaft and a seed valve regulating device for regulating the dispensing of seeds from the seed chamber. The tined tilling member serves to churn the soil such as ungrassed patches into a fluffy and uncompacted churned seed bed by rotating the shaft and tined members about its vertical axis with the handle. The rotating tines are then used to churn the seed dispensed from the device into the finished seed bed.

Abstract: A tool for inserting beneath a plant to sever roots, such as tap roots, that are located beneath a tree or shrub at a location relatively far from the circumference of a root ball, the tool comprising a cutting blade of generally triangular shape having a leading edge which is a relatively narrow cutting edge, and having sides angled inward from the cutting edge. The cutting blade is mounted on a long, slightly arcuate, slender shaft which is sufficiently long to reach under a tree shrub to sever roots and define a root ball in preparation for transplanting the tree or shrub.

Abstract: A gardening tool used for bulb planting having a frustoconically shaped earth removing portion with the approximate size and depth needed to remove enough soil to plant a bulb. The tool has a handle for holding onto the device and placing it on the ground for use without having to bend over. The tool also has a foot bar for ease of forcing the earth removing portion into the ground by standing on the foot bar. When the earth is removed and the bulb is placed in the ground, an actuating rod on the gardening tool is pulled to open the frustroconically shaped earth removing portion to deposit the soil therein on the bulb to complete the planting process.

Abstract: A light weight hand tool that is very easy to use in planting seeds, bulbs, and small plants in tilled soil while standing erect. The tool consists of the following components, a primary elongated tube, a transport tube, a probe and an optional soil depth control mechanism. Three embodiments are included depicting various methods of incorporating the transport tube in union with the primary tube and the probe. The transport tube consists of an elongated tube open from top end through bottom end for transporting by gravity a planted object from hand to soil. The probe consists of a short elongated rod tapered at one end with the opposite blunt end fixed inside either the bottom end port of the primary tube or the bottom end port of a short hollow tube attached adjacent and parallel to the bottom end of the primary tube. The probe may have holes positioned horizontally through its diameter and equally spaced along the length thereof as a device for manually adjusting an optional soil depth control mechanism.

Abstract: A seedling transfer tool including a flexible inverted U-shaped blade assembly in an essentially inverted U-shaped configuration with two generally parallel fingers. Each finger has a U-shaped lower end terminating in a point and facing arcuate recesses at its upper end. A central section is provided having a generally semi-circular cross-section between its upper and lower ends. The blade assembly also has a downwardly facing U-shaped intermediate section which couples the fingers with a central aperture therethrough. The axis of the intermediate section is at a right angle from the axes of the central sections of the fingers. A screw extends through the apertures of the blade assembly and cylinder coupling the blade assembly and cylinder.

Abstract: A dispenser or applicator for dry insecticide includes a container having a removable cover; the cover is attached to a lower end of an elongate handle having a hand grip at its top A partition inside the container is the floor of the insecticide container, with a skirt extending below the partition; insecticide is dispensed through apertures in the container floor. These apertures are normally closed by a spring-biased stopper disk having tapered fingers which protrude through the apertures; the stopper disk is moved to an open position by inertia when the container is struck against the ground, unblocking the apertures and allowing a measure of insecticide to escape before the stopper disk rebounds to its closed position. Walls of the so container housing extend below the apertures to form a skirt which prevents scattering or dispersal of the powder.

Abstract: Many people like to plant a garden. The earth is prepared for receiving the seeds. A person can dispense the seeds into the earth. An even distribution of the seeds is difficult. The subject invention comprises a guide for holding seeds. One end of the guide is an open funnel for directing the flow of the seeds to the earth. The guide is attached to an electro-mechanical device which vibrates. The vibration causes the seeds to flow through the open funnel. A person utilizing the guide and the electro-mechanical device can control the rate of flow of seeds to the earth. The result is a more even distribution of the seeds in the garden than previously realized by dispensing the seeds by hand. The electro-mechanical device can be an electric screw driver having a housing, an electric motor and batteries. There are many different electric screw drivers commercially available.

Abstract: A garden tool tool to assist a gardener in planting plants in previously cultivated soil. The garden tool allows a gardener to plant plants such as vegetables, flowers, and tree seedlings in cultivated soil with a minimum of effort and without kneeling or bending over. Also, once the plant is inserted into the soil, the garden tool provides a simple and effective mechanism for a gardener to provide the newly planted plant with a quantity of water and/or fertilizer. The garden tool includes an elongated planting member having a bore formed therethrough connecting an upper open end of the planting member to a lower open end of the planting member. A plant carrying tray is connected to the upper open end of the planting member and provides a surface for supporting a plurality of plants to be planted using the tool. The tool may include one or more tanks to be filled with water, fertilizer and the like such that each newly planted plant can be watered immediately upon planting.

Abstract: A tool for digging a planting hole for planting a rooted plant in a garden or landscape area. The tool includes cutting edges that may be pressed into the planting area by a user standing in an upright position. The cutting edges are attached to handles that are movable to move the cutting edges together to grasp the material to be removed from the hole to create the planting hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for extracting a plant, such as a weed, from the ground. The device has at least two opposed prongs, each prong tapering operatively downwardly. The tapered prongs are shaped and configured with respect to one another to in use pierce the ground and grip a plug of earth in which the plant is located between the tapered prongs. The device also has handle for moving the tapered prongs relative to the ground.

Abstract: A lawn and gardening device for extracting weeds, digging holes, planting seeds, and other small excavations. The lawn and gardening device has a pair of jaws at one end to clamp onto a weed whereby the user first pulls outwards, and then upwards on a pair of handles provide to extract the weed. Holes are dug in the same fashion by simply repeating the above steps in the same location. Seeds are planted by placing a seed into an opening provided at the top end of the pole whereby the seed is guided down the hollow cavity of the pole into the mouth portion and into the hole. The lawn and gardening device comprises a pair of jaws, a pair of hollow poles, two handles, an opening at the top end of the poles, a flexible coupler and spacing means, and jagged teeth around the perimeter of each jaw.

Abstract: A machine for transplanting potted seedlings grown in a series of pots linked together without separating them from one another includes a bottom plate having an upwardly curved leading end portion, and a slot formed in its trailing end portion. A soil opener is fitted in the slot and contains a vertically rotatable pot guide. A pair of soil drawing members are attached to the bottom plate behind the soil opener. A pair of side frames are erected on the bottom plate, and have inwardly directed portions converging toward the soil opener. A pair of pot guides are also provided on the bottom plate inwardly of the side frames.

Abstract: A transplanting tool for the manual extraction and planting of seedlings. The transplanting tool comprises, a digging tube, a hollow plunger slidably contained within said digging tube, a stem and a transverse piece forming a handle, and a pair of foot bars extending from the outside surface of said digging tube, at substantially opposite direction from one another. The arrangement of the components therefrom, offers a clear line of sight at the center of the hollow plunger for placing the digging tube over a seedling without damaging the plant's foliage. The angle of the foot bars is adapted to prevent strain on the user's leg, thereby facilitating altering between digging and walking motion. The transplanting tool is therefore especially suitable for extracting seedlings from rough terrains.

Abstract: The transplant head of the transplanter has an upper plate with four pinholes spaced at the corners of a square of a determined width. A lower plate is adjustably spaced beneath the upper plate and has four pinholes located at the corners of a square of a lesser width than the upper plate pinhole spacing. Four transplant pins extend between the upper and lower holes such that when the upper plate is brought closer to the lower plate by a pneumatically activated mechanical linkage, the pins converge within a seedling plug. Additional pins and pinholes provide for transplanting of an array of seedlings. A pneumatic actuator is connected to the lower plate and is adapted to elevate the transplant head with engaged plug. A carriage is driven by a pneumatic actuator to position a growth pot beneath the engaged plug. A computer controller causes the plug to be lowered into the soil of the growth pot after which the mechanical linkage may be activated to space the plates to disengage the pins from the plug.

Abstract: A portable tree and shrub transplanter which is easy to use by a landscaper and which reduces the shock a plant experiences during the transplantation process. The transplanter includes a rigid elongated handle extending to a blade to form a spade, wherein a rectangular frame is attached to an upper portion of the blade. The frame extends from the handle at an acute angle and receives three separate cutter blades in slots defined along the length of each side of the frame. When the blade is inserted into the earth, the frame is flush to the earth for aligning the transplanter about the plant. The blade in combination with the three cutter blades forms an inverted frusto-pyramid shaped receptacle about the root structure of the plant such that the portion of earth about the roots and the plant can be removed intact using the handle. The transplanter and plant can then be transported in a wheelbarrow to a selected location.

Abstract: A soil removal tool is provided for removing radioactive soil, rock and other debris from the bottom of an excavation, while permitting the operator to be located outside of a containment for that excavation. The tool includes a fixed jaw, secured to one end of an elongate pipe, which cooperates with a movable jaw pivotably mounted on the pipe. Movement of the movable jaw is controlled by a pneumatic cylinder mounted on the pipe. The actuator rod of the pneumatic cylinder is connected to a collar which is slidably mounted on the pipe and forms part of the pivotable mounting assembly for the movable jaw. Air is supplied to the pneumatic cylinder through a handle connected to the pipe, under the control of an actuator valve mounted on the handle, to provide movement of the movable jaw.

Abstract: A planting tool for plants comprises a tube having a fixed beak half at its lower end. A hinged beak is hinged to the tube such that the fixed and hinged beak halves together form a beak capable of being pressed into the ground. The beak is then opened to make a hole in the ground for the plant, and is latched in the open position by the drawbar of a latching mechanism. The drawbar is attached to the hinged beak half and arranged to slide along an outside surface of the tube as the beak is opened and closed. The drawbar slides within a protective rail that is affixed to the outside of the tube to avoid being damaged or obstructed. The upper end of the drawbar extends above a reference edge of the rail when the beak is closed, and extends below that edge when the beak is open, thereby providing a visual indication of the condition of the beak. A handle for lifting and aiming the tube is adjustably attached to the rail to be adjustable to the height of the operator.

Abstract: A dual actuation staple insertion apparatus, for sequentially inserting a plurality of staples through a selected material, into the ground when actuated by a downward force from an operator upon opposing handles, foot actuation member or both. The apparatus comprises a housing with a bottom, sides and a top forming a chamber therebetween, with open end portions. A tubular member is secured to the housing, and a drive means is slidably received in the tubular member. A biasing member is disposed upon the drive means above the tubing, and acts against a stop to raise the drive means to an upper operating position. A staple advancing means urges the plurality of staples into position beneath the drive means, in preparation for the next staple insertion.

Abstract: An apparatus including a planar support tray mounting a series of seed containers therethrough. The containers may optionally include a removable lid providing a lip to contain seed within the containers. Further, a funnel integrally secured to the support defines an axis orthogonally aligned relative to the support and in communication with an elongate conduit directed downwardly, with a link member orthogonally mounted to the conduit, with the link member integrally mounted at its other end to an arcuate, concave leg brace, wherein the leg brace may optionally include a flexible strap member for securement about the leg to assist in securing and aligning the organization in use. A plurality of further straps secure the organization about the waist and neck of an individual.

Abstract: A transplanter with a rigid frame has a stationary handle fixed to the upper portion of the frame and an open ended earth corer rigidly fixed to the lower portion of the frame. The corer is an open ended casing of circular horizontal cross-section in which the diameter of any lower cross-section is greater than the diameter of any higher cross-section. As downward and reciprocating rotational forces are exerted on the handle and the core penetrates the earth surrounding a plant, earth nearer to the surface is compacted, facilitating removal of the corer from the earth and removal of the core from the corer. Preferably, the lower edge of the core will be serrated to facilitate the earth cutting process. An ejection assembly is manually vertically reciprocated to press the core downwardly out of the corner. The ejection assembly includes rods which hinge outwardly from the corer so as not to damage plant foliage.

Abstract: A bulb and bedding planter for the manual planting of bulbs, seedlings, and bedding plants in soil, comprising an elongated hollow tube with a handle at its upper end, and a substantially enclosed hollow plunger enclosure attached to the other end. The lower end of the enclosure terminates in a tip adapted to easily penetrate the soil; its upper end extends laterally, terminating in flanges which provide a foot rest for the operator. An elongated rod with a plunger handle at its upper end and a plunger at its lower end is slidably contained within said tube. Both the plunger handle and the plunger are of diameter slightly larger than the interior of said tube, thus limiting the motion of the rod within the tube. The planter can be used rapidly and efficiently by a standing operator, thereby reducing the bending and kneeling usually associated with this activity.