Abstract: A compressed fluid pet waste cleanup apparatus for cleaning up pet waste includes a handle coupled to a shaft. A housing is coupled to the shaft and has a housing bottom side with a receiving aperture and a release aperture extending through to a housing inside. A separator is coupled to a housing bottom side between the receiving aperture and the release aperture. At least one compressed fluid tank is coupled to the shaft with a fluid tube is extending through the housing. At least one spray nozzle is coupled to the fluid tubes adjacent the receiving aperture of the housing. Each spray nozzle has a release valve. At least one trigger is coupled to the handle and is in operational communication with the release valve of one of the spray nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. A pushing frame provides arms that are slidable into base tubes of a base frame and the cylinders are connected between the arms and the base tubes to slide the pushing frame with respect to the base frame. Further cylinders are employed to pivot the base frame, the pushing frame and the pushing plate between deployed and non-deployed positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for creating a pass marker in a field. During planting, planting of seed is stopped and started on pass marker rows differently than on adjacent rows to create a visible offset to assist a harvester or applicator to find and drive down the right row to prevent skips and overlaps.

Abstract: A system includes a first chamber configured to hold a liquid and a second chamber configured to hold the particles. A first pump transfers the particles from the second chamber to a third chamber. A first valve during a first time period regulates the delivery of the liquid into the third chamber through a first opening. A second opening directs jets of liquid from the third chamber during the first time period to form holes in the ground. A second valve is operable during a second time period to regulate the first pump to transfer the particles to the third chamber. The first valve is operable during a third time period to regulate the delivery of the liquid to the third chamber through the first opening causing jets of the particles to be directed through the second opening into the holes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to turf grass seed mixtures for a low maintenance lawns and uses thereof. The lawn established from the specific seed varieties blended in certain proportions as described in the disclosure has a slow growth rate and deep roots and grows well in many regions across North America and elsewhere in the world. Because the lawn requires little watering or fertilizer and is hardy and naturally insect-tolerant, it is safe and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly planting seeds into the earth that can accommodate a even a small quantity of any size seed. An embodiment of the apparatus has a frame, at least one wheel affixed to the frame, and a conveyor belt mounted to the frame. The conveyor belt is connected to the wheel or wheels such that it moves in relation to the rate of rotation along the earth of the wheel or wheels. The conveyor belt has a surface on a top thereof suitable for receiving seeds. A seed box is hingedly affixed to the frame and is movable from a first position over the conveyor belt to a second position away from the conveyor belt. In the first position, the seed box allows seed and soil mixture to be uniformly placed on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming holes in ground and for placing hygroscopic particles into the holes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first chamber configured to hold a liquid and a second chamber configured to hold the hygroscopic particles. A first pressure mechanism maintains the liquid in the first chamber at a first pressure level, and a second pressure mechanism maintains the hygroscopic particles in the second chamber at a second pressure level. A first valve is operable during a first time period to regulate the delivery of the liquid into a third chamber through a first opening. A second opening is configured to direct jets of liquid from the third chamber during the first time period to form holes in the ground. A second valve is operable during a second time period to regulate the delivery of the hygroscopic particles to the third chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a removing station for lifting from the base a strip of the artificial turf extending in a longitudinal direction, a separating station for separating filling material from the strip and a winding station for winding the strip onto a shaft. A method is disclosed for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base. In at least one embodiment, the method includes lifting a strip of the artificial turf extending in a longitudinal direction from the base, separating infill material from the strip and winding the strip onto a shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interseeding an area of ground having existing vegetation growing thereon are provided. The interseeder apparatus tills a plurality of spaced-apart rows in the ground, deposits seed in the exposed soil of the rows, compacts the seed into the rows, and optionally, sprays at least a portion of the exiting vegetation adjacent the rows with a herbicide so as to reduce competition for the new seedling.

Abstract: A machine for planting grass sprigs having a superstructure supported on wheels for moving over the earth's surface a sprig storage bin supported by the superstructure, a distributor for moving grass sprigs contained within the storage bin towards an opening in the floor surface, a plurality of paralleled discharge troughs each having a wide upper open end for receiving grass sprigs therein from the sprig storage bin and a reduced width lower opening providing a relatively narrow discharge slot through which grass sprigs are deposited in an in-line pattern on the earth's surface, trenching disc in alignment with each discharge trough for forming a narrow trench in the earth's surface upon which grass sprigs are deposited, and a planting disc in alignment with and rearwardly of each discharge trough for forcing grass sprigs into the narrow trenches.

Abstract: An underwater seeding apparatus which comprises a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member and a cross member. The first longitudinal member is positioned in a parallel relationship to the second longitudinal member and the cross member is attached to the first and second longitudinal members to define a substantially U-shaped frame. At least one thine is attached to the cross-member. The tine opens a furrow in an underwater sediment flow when the apparatus travels along the floor. Means for distributing a seed matrix in the furrow and means for closing the furrow are attached to the apparatus.

Abstract: A sod roll installation device for mounting to a mini skid steer utility loader, wherein a steel frame, having extended, braced arms with integrally defined locking wells therein, secures an elongated rod having a large roll of sod mounted thereon, thereby enabling one individual to quickly move, unload and install large rolls of sod.

Abstract: A combinable planting plate includes a base, a support plate and a planting layer. The base has a plurality of cup-shaped chambers or cone-shaped projections for storing water. The base has a plurality of square rings and combining studs on its circumferential edge to combine more than two bases together to increase a planting area as needed. The support plate is combined on the base, possible to be a flat net plate or a plate with a plurality of cone-shaped projections for storing water-absorbing material. The support plate has a circumferential short wall for receiving the plating layer therein for planting lawn, flowers, evergreens, etc. according to a person's taste and liking.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing grass sprigs from bulk sod, evenly distributing the grass sprigs on the ground to be planted, and thereafter planting the grass sprigs. The apparatus comprises a rigid frame member having a driven conveyor assembly, a bulk sod shredding assembly, and a planting assembly. The driven conveyor transports bulk sod to the shredder assembly at a rate proportional to the ground speed of the apparatus, thus providing the proper sprig output rate from the shredder. The shredding assembly utilizes a rotating shaft having a plurality of shredding members extending therefrom for shredding the bulk sod cooperatively with a shredder bar. The planting assembly comprises a sizable chute for guiding the sprigs from the shredder to the ground to be planted without clogging, a plurality of coulters for pressing the sprigs into the ground, and a plurality of press wheels for firming the soil planted subsequent to the coulters.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing sections of turf for initial placement, replacement and/or rotation is provided. The apparatus includes a frame adapted for placement on a section of turf. A plurality of spaced apart actuators are mounted to the frame. Each actuator has an actuator rod with a sharpened end which is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. The actuator rods have an insertion angle of approximately 60.degree. or less with respect to a contact surface such that upon actuation, the actuator rods are moved from the first position to the second position and the sharpened ends of the actuator rods are adapted to pierce the selected section of turf to firmly engage the section of grass turf to the frame for placement or replacement.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for planting runners enabling efficient and economical plantation of runners of summer lawngrass in a lawn of winter lawngrass. A plurality of longitudinal and parallel grooves having small width are formed in a ground surface and a runner net tape, prepared by dispersing runners between a pair of nets, is supplied to each groove. The net tape is forced into the ground from its central portion so that the net tape is buried in the grooves in twofold form. The net tape may also be dipped in water or a liquid for post-planting care before it is supplied to the groove.

Abstract: A machine designed to automatically and economically remove spaced earthen plugs, fracture the soil around holes formed by the plug removal, fill the holes with earthen material and tamp and crimp the grass to provide a revitalized golf green that rapidly returns to a playable surface.

Abstract: In order to place dry granular materials into the subsurface of the soil without mechanical tillage, minute charges of the material are carried by high pressure jets of liquid, such as water, down into the ground from a series of side-by-side nozzles that simultaneously fire the jets toward the ground at regular intervals as the nozzles advance along a path of travel. Instead of passing through the water pump and the sensitive jet-producing nozzles, the granular materials remain separated from the water until the jets have issued from their nozzles and are passing through a ceramic mixing chamber in which a venturi is located. During the short pauses between successive blasts from the nozzles, material is continuously fed into a collecting chamber for each nozzle to form a small charge. As the water blast takes place, the charge is automatically drawn into the venturi and carried out of the machine by the high pressure jet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting netting into a ground surface is provided. The apparatus includes a frame adapted to be connected to a prime mover and having a roller transverse to the direction of normal movement of the frame. The roller has spaced annular extensions thereabout, the roller limiting the depth of entry into the ground of the extensions to the radius of the annulus formed by the extensions. The apparatus further includes a vibrator associated with the roller causing the roller to vibrate. The extensions able to effectively fluidize the ground surface so that the netting fed to the underside of the roller can be located in or under the ground surface by pressure from the extensions while the ground is fluidized. The apparatus may be used with a prime mover by mounting the apparatus on a rear portion thereof and by including a material delivery device located on the prime mover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (51) for inserting elongated artificial grass fibres (30) into the ground. The device (51) is provided with a frame (40), which is movable across the ground and which has at least one planting pin (25) being movable up and down in the frame (40), as well as with means for placing an artificial grass fibre (30) to be inserted into the ground under said planting pin (25), in such a manner that the fibre in question can at least partially be pressed into the ground by the planting pin (25) subsequently moving downwards. Preferably the device is provided with a plurality of planting pins (25), which are arranged in a row extending transversely to the intended direction of movement of the device, and which can jointly be moved up and down with respect to the frame by setting means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a support-free vegetation mat which is particularly useful for roof greening. An earth substrate and plants with roots or moss having a stackable, dimensionally stable substrate with raised edges is provided. The vegetation mat is cultivated and transported and on laying the mat is separated from the substrate by sliding or drawing off. Thus, the vegetation mats are not only cultivated, but also transported in a stackable, dimensionally stable substrate with raised edges. Only at the time of laying the vegetation mat is the latter separated from the substrate by sliding or drawing off.

Abstract: A device for making sowing furrows in a lawn, provided with a mobile frame having a number of disc-like cutting members disposed adjacently of each other transversely of the direction of forward movement thereof and drivable round a horizontal shaft. According to the invention the cutting edge of each disc-like knife has a continually varying distance to the shaft of the knife, this such that the difference between the largest and smallest distance to the shaft of the knife lies in the order of magnitude of the cutting depth and the knife has one or more outward protruding lobes.

Abstract: A grass planting apparatus which is adapted for connection to a tractor or other motor vehicle and which is well suited for no till operation in the planting of warm season and other Grasses is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame having mounted thereon a forward set of cutting coulters, a rear set of planting coulters and a set of furrowers positioned at the mid-portion of the frame. The planting coulters are employed in conjunction with a set of agitator feeders which may be in the form of elongated kicker tines. A feeder trough for the grasses to be planted has openings therein to receive the planting coulters and for passage of the grass materials through the bottom of the trough.

Abstract: A sod roll-out machine with endless tracks having a low center of gravity to prevent tipping on hills or inclines. The machine can be operated and steered by one person, wherein the roll of sod can be unwound in a forward or reverse direction. A pair of arms are elevated by hydraulic cylinders to facilitate the loading of a roll of sod to the distal ends of the arms, and to maintain the roll of sod slightly above the earth during the unrolling process. Due to the unique two track driving mechanism, the machine can be turned in place and operated in areas having limited accessibility. The tracks are driven by a motor, wherein each track can be individually controlled to be rotated in either a forward or reverse direction. A hydraulic pump is driven by the motor, wherein hydraulic fluid is provided to each of the hydraulic cylinders to control the elevation of each of the elevating arms.

Abstract: A seed delivery device comprises a flat, flexible seed of bio-degradable material, a plurality of apertures formed through said sheet to present a waffle-like configuration to allow passage of water and sun therethrough, and a plurality of seeds bonded to one side of said sheet between said apertures, wherein said sheet may be positioned adjacent the earth to cause growth of the seed through the sheet. The seed delivery device is formed of paper-mache, wherein said apertures are rectangular, symmetrically positioned relative to one another, and tapered. The seed delivery device also comprises nutrients impregnated into said sheet.

Abstract: Turf can be grown by mixing an artificially-granulated soil and turfgrass seeds, sprinkling the resultant seed-soil mixture on a ground and then covering a surface of the thus-sprinkled mixture with an artificially-granulated soil of the same type as the first-mentioned artificially-granulated soil to a thickness at least equal to the average grain size of the seeds but not greater than 5 mm. The artificially-granulated soils contain 0.01-2.00 wt. % of a fertilizer as calculated in terms of effective components of the fertilizer, is pH 6-7 and has an average grain size 0.5-1.5 times the average grain size of the turfgrass seeds. To prepare the seed-soil mixture, the soil is mixed with the turfgrass seeds at a rate of 30-300 g of the soil per gram of the seeds. The seed-soil mixture may be subjected to germination-hastening treatment before being sprinkled on the ground.

Abstract: A turf handling machine includes a chassis and a turf carrying apparatus mounted to the chassis for carrying a roll of turf. The roll of turf having an axial width and a circumferential surface. The chassis is mounted to two continuous driving tracks. The driving tracks normally drive the chassis in a forward direction over a ground surface upon which the turf is to be laid at a driving speed. A turf conveying apparatus is positioned on the chassis below the turf carrying apparatus. The turf conveying apparatus is arranged to contact a substantial portion of the circumferential surface of the roll of turf so as to cause the roll to be unwound and conveying the turf toward the ground surface behind the driving tracks when driven. The conveying of the turf is automatically synchronized with the driving speed so that the turf is laid at the driving speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclcosed for cultivating soil and turf by utilization of pressurized liquid injected into the soil and turf. A roller assembly (33) is provided for applying mechanical pressure to the turf after cultivation. Further, a means for setting a first speed in a transport mode and a second speed in a cultivating mode is provided. The apparatus is designed to be bidirectional to allow the apparatus to be used in both a forward and reverse direction. The flow of the pressurized liquid is controlled to be at intervals of from about 0.010 to 0.065 seconds and at pressures from about 2,300 psi to about 5,500 psi through nozzles having diameters of from about 0.033 to about 0.090 inches. The apparatus (10) utilizes a water hammer effect to effect the flow of pressurized liquid out of the nozzles 55 and has found a relationship in the pressure and pounds per square inch of the cross-sectional area of the bore of the manifold to the accumulated area of the output ports of the nozzles.

Abstract: A machine for cutting large pieces of sod into smaller, generally square blocks suitable for planting, comprising a cutting mechanism for cutting the large pieces of sod into smaller, generally square pieces of sod which are of generally equivalent size and shape, a discharging means for discharging the smaller pieces of sod onto the ground, and a weighted means to plant the sod into the ground.