Abstract: The present invention relates to a seed sticker for seeding and planting flowers or sprouts easily and quickly in a small vessel or in a flower garden and a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention is characterized by a seed sticker, inside of which a seed is enshrined, comprising: a transfer paper wherein a coating layer is formed on the surface of the transfer paper; an adhesive layer which is formed on the surface of the coating layer; a seed pellet which is enshrined on the surface of the adhesive layer; a red clay soil sheet accumulated over the upper part of the seed pellet; and a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sheet accumulated over the upper part of the red clay soil sheet and covering both the seed pellet and the red clay soil sheet, and the edge of which is bonded to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes a mask processor for performing a mask process for binary data, which is obtained by a binarization process using a dot arrangement pattern, by using mask patterns having print permitting pixels to generate binary data used for each of a plurality of scans of a print head to a same area of a print medium. An arrangement pattern of pixels that correspond to both of first data representing the print permitting pixels in at least one of the mask patterns and second data representing pixels to which dots are printed in the dot arrangement pattern satisfies the characteristics of (a) power spectrums of a low frequency region are smaller than power spectrums of a high frequency region, and (b) a peak of the power spectrums does not exist in a region lower side of half of the low frequency region.

Abstract: A decorative element includes a first layer and a second layer. The decorative element is disposed on an article, both the article and the decorative element being biodegradable. The first layer includes a protective material and the second layer includes at least one seed embedded therein. The first layer is disposed adjacent the second layer. An adhesive comprising a biodegradable material secures the decorative element to the article.

Abstract: An inkjet recording device records images by forming dots on a recording medium with droplet modulating method. The inkjet recording device includes a recording unit, a multilevel-data creating portion, and a dot-layout-data creating portion. The recording unit ejects ink droplets for forming dots at corresponding pixel positions. The recording unit is capable of changing a volume of each ink droplet to form dots with different sizes. The multilevel-data creating portion creates multilevel data based on image data. The multilevel data includes a dot size for each dot. The dot-layout-data creating portion creating dot layout data based on the multilevel data, so as to prevent the recording unit from forming dots having the same size continuously by greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The recording unit performs recording operation based on the dot layout data.

Abstract: Seed tape (1) for a controlled germinating process is made of at least two paper layers (1′ and 1″) and is intended to be used while placed edgewise. Each germinating unit includes a seed (5), additives (6) and a carrier (8). Each germinating unit (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is formed as a planar member. The longitudinal axis of each planar member extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tape. The additives are places in discrete locations around the seed. The seed, the additives and the carrier are adhered to the inner face of at least one paper layer (1′), which is air-permeable. A narrow stripe (10) of water-absorbing, super-absorbing polymer (SAP) is placed on the adhesive layer of at least one paper layer (1′ or 1″). The resulting seed tape is particularly suited for providing a controlled moist microclimate around the seeds during a two-step germinating process.

Abstract: A holding device which can be attached to a standard cigarette lighter receptacle which is located in the dashboard of an automobile. The holding device comprises: 1) a support member which is inserted into the cigarette lighter receptacle; and 2) an elongated holding member which can accept an object such as a cigar for storage; or a test-tube shaped container which is capable of holding water and one flower or a small floral arrangement. The elongated holding member can have various artistic designs on its outer wall surface which will add to the pleasing aesthetics of the holder in an automobile.

Abstract: For treating freshly cut tree stumps to inhibit regeneration of the stump, the stump is coated with herbicide. The herbicide is applied to the stump by means of a sponge or other application device. The sponge is housed in a housing which is connected to a reservoir with a long handle. After a tree is cut, herbicide is applied to the fresh cut surface. The treatment device may be attached to a saw and include a reservoir carried by the saw operator. The herbicide application device is clamped to the shaft of the rotary saw and positioned adjacent the safety guide so that immediately after the tree is cut, herbicide may be applied to the fresh cut.

Abstract: A method of killing or controlling vegetation particularly along roadside berms involves the application of pressurized hot water from a moving applicator head in close proximity to the ground. The pressurized hot water is applied as jets of hot water from an applicator head at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. C. to 110.degree. C. and the flow rate of about 10 liters/minute supplied from one or more pumps operating at a pump pressure of between 200 to 100 psi. The apparatus is mounted on or in a vehicle such as a van, containing a water tank (1), a boiler (2) arranged to heat pressurized water supplied by a pump (4) under pressure to the boiler (2). The pump (4) is a piston pump which supplies the pressurized water through the boiler to a hand held applicator (5) or optionally a towed boom applicator (6). The hand held applicator (5) has an applicator head inside a shroud so that the pressurized hot water is applied to the surface of vegetation as jets of water within the confines of the shroud.

Abstract: A hand held motor driven applicator (10) for applying liquids including weedicides selectively to undesired plants. The applicator includes a motor (12), and a rotor assembly (22) including a rotatable wick support (41) having one or more applicator wicks (45) attached thereto. The rotator assembly is supported for rotation, in use, about a vertical axis (43) by support structure (18). A drive assembly (23) is operatively connected to the motor and rotor assembly for transferring rotary drive from the motor to the rotor assembly. A storage assembly (26) is in liquid communication with the applicator wicks for storing a quantity of liquid for supplying the wicks with liquid while the rotor assembly is rotating. An elongate handle (15) is operatively connected to the support structure so that a user can maintain the rotor assembly proximal to the surface of the ground so that the applicator wicks may apply liquid to selective plants upon contact.

Abstract: A herbicide applicator has a handle and a dispensing end which, in one embodiment may be detachable. Herbicide is introduced into the handle and flows through the handle to the dispensing end. The dispensing end has a plurality openings through which the herbicide flows. An absorbent sleeve is over the dispensing end to control the herbicide flow. The absorbent sleeve has concentric ridges between which the herbicide is dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing CO.sub.2 from the atmosphere. The method comprises the step of delivering a source of nitrogen to the mixed layer of the ocean to cause an increase in the number of phytoplankton in the mixed layer and thereby increase the amount of photosynthesis carried out by the phytoplankton. The source of nitrogen is delivered to the mixed layer at a location where an ocean current will carry the source of nitrogen and phytoplankton over a region of the ocean having a depth sufficient to allow dead phytoplankton and organic material derived from the phytoplankton to fall from the mixed layer and enable carbon originating from the CO.sub.2 to be sequestered from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A weed killing apparatus comprises a hollow chamber (1) having an air inlet and an open end forming a hot air outlet (4), an apparatus which blows air through the chamber to exit the open end thereof, heater (5) in the chamber (1) for heating the air passing through the chamber so that the air exits the outlet (4) end of the chamber (1) as a blast of heated air, and means for introducing moisture (21) into the air flow to mix with the blast of heated air. The foliage of weeds is surface wetted and heated which kills the weeds.

Abstract: A method of killing or controlling vegetation particularly along roadside berms involves the application of pressurized hot water from a moving applicator head in close proximity to the ground. The pressurized hot water is applied as jets of hot water from an applicator head at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. C. to 110.degree. C. and a flow rate of about 10 liters/minute supplied from one or pumps operating at a pump pressure of between 200 and 1000 psi. The apparatus is mounted on or in a vehicle such as a van, containing a water tank (1), a boiler (2) arranged to heat pressurized water supplied by a pump (4) under pressure to the boiler (2). The pump (4) is a piston pump which supplies the pressurized water through the boiler to a hand held applicator (5) or optionally a towed boom applicator (6). The hand held applicator (5) has an applicator head inside a shroud so that the pressurized hot water is applied to the surface of vegetation as jets of water within the confines of the shroud.

Abstract: A seed coating apparatus for applying a coating fluid to seeds, consists of a seed input, a housing connected to the seed input, the housing having a seed output, a rotating seed dispersing member within the housing receiving seed from the seed input, a device adapted to produce a moving air curtain between the seed dispersing member and the seed output, whereby coating fluid applied to the seeds is kept within the seed coating apparatus by the moving air curtain, a rotating fluid dispensing member between the air curtain producing device and the seed output, and a source of coating fluid entering the housing. The rotating fluid dispensing member may preferably be a rotating bowl with apertures arranged vertically along the periphery, so that the fluid is dispensed along a vertical axis.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary wick wiper apparatus (10) for plants, of the type wherein a rotor assembly (12) is operatively connected to a motor (15) whereby it may be rotated about an axis (13) disposed substantially vertically in use, the rotor assembly having a wick (17) beneath it for plant-wiping function and arranged to receive liquid from a reservoir (19) above the bottom of the rotor assembly (12) and movable with the rotor assembly; characterized in that the reservoir (19) has an air vent (28) on a portion thereof which is normally elevated and disposed inwardly relative to the rotor assembly axis of rotation, the air vent (28) being connected to one end of an air tube (29) of small diameter extending circuitously around the rotor assembly (12) and having its other end providing an air-intake opening (33) on a part of the rotor assembly disposed outwardly of the air vent (28) relative to the axis of rotation (13).

Abstract: In an implantable device for the release of active substances to plants, wherein said device is a ceramic molded article that is interspersed with pores and in which the active substance is distributed in open pores, the pore volume at the time of implantation is dimensioned such that it comprises the total active substance amount to be released, with the kind of the total porosity, its volume, size and scattering as well as the distribution of the pores being determinable within given limits.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus for use in applying a treating liquid chemical to surfaces at or adjacent a longitudinal channel and including a first chemical applicator assembly (11) and a second assembly (10) mounted on a frame (31) adapted to be connected to and extend from one side of a tractor (9) or other conveyance whereby the applicator assemblies (11, 10) may be drawn along said surfaces and raised or lowered in use, each applicator assembly having an applicator head (14, 13) for supplying said liquid chemical and being mounted on a support housing (17, 16) having wheel means (21) therebeneath, the support housing (16) of the second applicator assembly (11) being further from the tractor (9) than the other and the two being hingedly interconnected and tiltable relative to the frame (31) and to each other about parallel longitudinal axes for treating adjacent parallel surfaces which are not co-planar, each support housing (17, 16) being mounted on its said wheel means (21) in such manner that the latter

Abstract: The vegetation control material applicator comprises a toroidal reservoir for containing a nominal amount of vegetation control material in fluid form and a circular valve assembly mounted between the reservoir and the circular saw blade of a brush saw. The reservoir and the valve assembly are mountable on the arbour of the brush saw with the valve assembly being in contact with the underside surface of the saw blade. The reservoir and valve assembly each have a diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of the saw blade. The reservoir has an opened side which is in communication with the valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve disc and a valve seat. The valve disc is made of a material having the ability to resonate and to sustain a vibration therein. The valve seat is made of a material having vibration dampening properties.

Abstract: Chain saw guide bar and method of using a guide bar for spraying liquid on a sawn surface through a plurality of orifices formed in a guide bar side plate. The liquid is introduced into an inlet portion of a passage formed in a center plate of the guide bar and is conducted forwardly to the orifices. The liquid is sprayed from the orifices at equal pressures, and in spray directions having a component oriented parallel to a centerline of the guide bar. Thus, by adjusting the velocity of the sprayed liquid, the length dimension of the area sprayed can be adjusted.

Abstract: Liquid herbicide be applied to individual weeds with an apparatus that includes a shaft to which a herbicide reservoir is attached. A pair of opposing jaws is pivotally attached to a one end of the shaft. Each jaw includes a plate with a surface from which a plurality of needles project and an absorbent pad into which the needles extend. A user operable pump is mounted on the shaft and a conduit coupling an inlet of the pump to the reservoir. Another conduit couples the outlet of the pump to the absorbent pad on each jaw. An lever, at the other end of the shaft, is connected to the pair of jaws by a cable. When a user moves the lever, the pair of opposing jaws pivot into a position at which that the weed is grasped between the absorbent pads with the needles penetrating the weed. Herbicide, in the absorbent pads, coats the surface of the weed and then flows into holes produced by the needles.

Abstract: This invention provides a contact chemical applicator for distributing liquid chemicals to foliage. Each applicator is comprised of a substantially elongated and downwardly disposed body with a ground contact means at a lower end of the body which makes contact with the ground as the applicator is moved in a direction of travel. The applicator has a pair of applicator arms that extend substantially outward at opposed angles transverse to the body and the direction of travel and are positioned in a line or in a V-shaped configuration. In use, each arm contacts the foliage and/or the ground and thereby supplies the liquid chemical.

Abstract: A method is provided for feeding a liquid material to a tree by using a liquid feeding apparatus which has a container body. A selected branch or root of the tree has bifurcated offshoots which are cut in a manner such that the bifurcated offshoots partially remain with the branch or root, and the liquid feeding apparatus is attached to the branch or root in a manner such that the remaining bifurcated offshoots are inserted into the container body. In this condition, the liquid material is supplied into the container body from a liquid storage tank while expelling air from the container body.

Abstract: A patch (10, 30, 40) or other device applied to a fruit or vegetable for releasing a gas, preferably ethylene, which accelerates maturation or which retards maturation, preferably carbon dioxide. The device attaches to a portion of the fruit or vegetable and releases the gas upon application or upon demand. Ripening or retardation is selective in a bunch of connected fruits such as bananas when applied to one finger, thereby providing selective ripening.

Abstract: A modified glove makes it possible to treat selected plants with liquid without contaminating adjacent plants such as in use of herbicides for weed control. Adjacent thumb and finger(s) are absorbent pads which hold the treating liquid. When the plant is grasped between thumb and finger, the liquid is dispensed and coats the plant where touched. A special cuff forms a trough to protectively catch any drips. An abrasive element may be attached to one or more of the fingers of the glove to scarify the plant while stroking with the liquid loaded absorbent pad to enhance absorbtion of the liquid in plants with a liquid resistant surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for a process for wet-treating seeds with an acaricidal, fungicidal, insecticidal or nutritive agent which consists of a foam-forming apparatus comprising a first foam-formation chamber equipped with openings which allow a gas and the aqueous composition containing at least one nonphytotoxic foaming agent to be admitted and containing, downstream of these openings, at least one sieve, this first chamber continuing into a second chamber for compressing and structuring the foam, which ends in an outlet nozzle for the foam.

Abstract: An assembly for a seed treating device incorporating a high volume, downwardly tapered hopper with metering gates and a series of high pressure chemical nozzles which laterally introduce a measured chemical treatment to the flow of falling grain or seed inside a spray chamber. A series of valves control the flow of chemicals through the apparatus while sump pump gathers and recirculates excess chemicals from inside the spray chamber for reuse or disposal. The spray chamber exit can be closed with a water tight seal and the system flushed with water and filtered for purposes of cleansing.

Abstract: A docking sleeve is provided for insertion into a bore in the side of a work-piece. A sealed chemical-holding cylinder is passed through the docking sleeve into the bore and an actuator is screwed into the docking sleeve to pierce a seal of a the cylinder so that chemicals contained therein can vaporize and treat the inside of the work-piece.

Abstract: A method for destroying plants by superheating air, compressing it and using it to melt the plant's waxy cuticular coating while utilizing foam made in the process as an insulating agent. The melting of the waxy layer causes dehydration and death to the plant. The foam has a temperature close to the boiling point of water and surfactant combination. This requires that not only the water but also the compressed air be heated above the boiling point of water to achieve a foam whose temperature is approximately 212.degree. F.

Abstract: A foam marking apparatus and method for applying foam to both pre-emergence and post-emergence crops in order to demark the boundaries of a spray application. The foam marking apparatus includes a foam generating system, a distribution line, and a foam sock applicator. The foam sock applicator includes a body having at least one opening and a flexible finger which aids in the application of the foam.

Abstract: A method of killing noxious insects with the use of either a shaped article having a projection previously coated with a particular active compound or a shaped article having a projection and provided with a spout for discharging said active compound. Pressure is applied from outside onto and around the stalks and/or stems of fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants, thereby forcibly making the surfaces of said stalks and/or stems absorb the active compound.

Abstract: This invention is a device for injecting chemicals into the soil, comprising two embodiments. In both embodiments a disc cuts the soil, making way for a brace with a knife that cuts away the soil further. A nozzle connected to a tube, which draws chemical from a reservoir, sprays the chemical directly into the soil. A belt, which encircles two drums, keeps the vegetation on the soil. In one embodiment the discs are on the drums. In the second embodiment the disc is separate from the drums.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical body is adapted to holding a liquid, such as water, herbicide, pesticide, or the like, and has a cap removably secured thereto for removing and disposing the liquid therein. Another generally cylindrical dispensing body is adapted to slidably fit over the end of the body opposite the cap. The dispensing body has a top with holes disposed therein wherethrough the liquid may be passed. Another generally cylindrical cap body has a top formed of a cellulosic material which is adapted to absorbing liquids such as water, pesticide, etc, and a valve assembly is situated in the end of the body opposite the cap for gravitatively passing liquid therethrough when the valve release is depressed. The valve release member is depressed by the action of the dispensing body sliding towards the cylindrical body and pressing the valve release. A spring maintains spring bias against the body to prevent the valve release from being continually pressed or opened.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying fluids are disclosed. Multiple distinctive airflows are used sequentially to create eddy currents at and near the outer canopies of vegetation. Such currents promote uniform chemical coverage of fruit and foliage throughout the vegetation. Nozzles adapted for selective use and adjustment independently and in multiple directions and planes also enhance coverage, particularly when fruit and foliage is especially dense or sparse or close to or remote from the ground.

Abstract: A unit for removably retrofitting a normal air actuated sprayer to be used for wiping an herbicide on a small selected area is disclosed. The unit comprises a porous cloth pouch with an absorbent material such as a piece of a synthetic sponge inside that may be slipped over the spray nozzle and fastened in a water tight manner to the spray pipe. Means to direct drippage or a direct stream of herbicide downward are provided to allow safe use close to and under desirable vegetation.

Abstract: A method of applying herbicide to plants involves delivering a liquid herbicide solution to the plant foliage in a high pressure jet of sufficient energy to physically disrupt the surface of the foliage. The high pressure jet can be either a coherent jet or it can be a stream of droplets. The coherent stream can have sufficient energy to cut the foliage, creating new surfaces that are more wettable by the herbicide solution, and more susceptible to penetration by the herbicide in the solution. The droplets in the droplet stream can be made to be of sufficient size and energy to penetrate the plant tissue, and even to penetrate the plant's cells, thereby speeding uptake of the herbicide by the plant.

Abstract: An applicator for seed treatment products includes an elongated, cylindrical tube having an enlarged flange at a top end for receiving a canister of treatment products. The bottom end of the tube is inserted into a seed hopper filled with seeds, the tube penetrating beneath the surface of the seeds. A canister of treatment products is opened at one end and inserted into the flange with the open side down. The canister fits snugly in the flange so the treatment products can escape only from the bottom of the tube which is within the seed pile. The user stirs the pile with the tube to distribute the treatment products evenly throughout the pile.

Abstract: A pesticide applicator has a mounting surface onto which is bonded a solid pesticide composition. The bonding is provided by a cellulosic sheet disposed between the pesticide and the mounting surface avoiding the requirement for surface knurling or fasteners such as are found in previous solid pesticide applicators. A solid pesticide composition is also disclosed comprising a solid carrier, a pesticide and an amount of flour to promote the dispersion of the pesticide into the wax. Previously known chemical surfactants are not required.

Abstract: A pair of pincer-type cutting blades are pivotally supported from a frame to be mounted from a front loader and fluid cylinders having base ends pivotally supported from the frame outwardly of the remote sides of the cutting blades include outer ends universally coupled to the front ends of the cutting blades, the pivot axes of the cutting blades and the base ends of the cylinders being substantially parallel and the cylinders being downwardly and outwardly inclined toward the free ends thereof relative to a plane normal to the aforementioned axes, whereby the cutting blades, during movement toward their closed positions, are slightly downwardly and laterally displaced at their forward ends. A front loader including forwardly projecting lift arms is provided from which the aforementioned frame is supported and the front loader includes a forwardly spaced and downwardly directed spray head intermediate the lift arms thereof for downwardly directing a spray of vegetation killer upon a cut tree stump.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for the controlled application of fluid to a surface is disclosed. The applicator assembly includes a bottle, a pump trigger mechanism, a hand-held applicator and a solution conduit extending between the hand-held applicator and the trigger mechanism. The applicator includes a pair of opposed pads which receive fluid from the bottle through the conduit and a clamping projection for controlling the flow of fluid through the conduit into the applicator pad.

Abstract: A docking sleeve is provided for insertion into a bore in the side of a work-piece. A sealed chemical-holding cylinder is passed through the docking sleeve into the bore and an actuator is screwed into the docking sleeve to pierce a seal of a the cylinder so that chemicals contained therein can vaporize and treat the inside of the work-piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling weeds and undergrowth by the application of hot water thereto. The apparatus is particularly characterized by its construction including an endless, ground-engaging belt, or apron, disposed immediately aft of the hot water spray. Thus, when hot water is sprayed on the weeds and undergrowth, the sprayed vegetation is not only compressed by the apron, but also heat from the water is retained therein, insulated from ambient conditions by the apron.

Abstract: A herbicide disperser for selectively controlling unwanted weeds without killing the desired grasses. The apparatus includes a central frame generally transversely disposed with a pair of rear wheels and a front wheel for mobilization. The frame has a herbicide storage tank mounted to it, tubular handles for manual pushing and a forward and rearward series of spring tines which aid in guiding the unwanted weeds upwards to a wick assembly which saturates the unwanted weeds with herbicides. The tines are able to distinguish between the desired grasses and the unwanted weeds in that the unwanted weeds are longer and are picked up by the rearward tines and guided to the wick assembly and the desired grasses are passed over.

Abstract: A herbicide applicator has an inclined underside surface supported at a selected elevation and slope with respect to the ground. Liquid herbicide is fed at a variably controlled rate to an upper edge portion of the inclined underside surface, and the herbicide flows down the underside surface without dripping before reaching the lower edge portion of the underside surface. Preferably, the underside surface is provided by a durable, non-absorbent, structural-grade material that has been roughened to increase its liquid storage capacity, for example, by grooves, indentations, or pockets. Preferably, liquid herbicide is uniformly fed to the underside surface by a distributor having a perforated tube and a strip of porous plastic sealed within a channel so that liquid fed to the tube must exit through the pores in the porous plastic strip.

Abstract: The present device relates to an agricultural chemical applicator for applying herbicides. The system is activated by a sensor bar having a plurality of conductive wire rod sensors. When a sensor contacts an unwanted plant, a detector and control circuit detects the current leakage and activates a time delay circuit which uses two timers in series and an opto-isolator to activate a solenoid valve. When a particular sensor is activated, a particular valve will be opened, thereby sending chemicals through a specific nozzle. Each sensor has its own circuit and its own nozzles.

Abstract: A device for the transcuticular administration of active substances to plants, and a method of using the same to treat plants with fungicidal, herbicidal, insecticidal and/or acaricidal substances.

Abstract: An applicator for the topical application of liquid treatment fluids to plants provides for remote actuation of opposed grasping or pressure plates, thereby allowing even and symmetrical pressure to be applied to the plant as the treatment liquid is administered. The result precludes uneven pressure to the plant and possible subsequent bending of the plant and contact with another adjacent plant, thereby precluding secondary application of any treatment liquid to the adjacent plant and possible injury to that adjacent plant. The application operation is easily conducted remotely, by actuating a trigger to clamp the plant in the opposed members. One of the members includes a porous sponge or pad, which pad communicates with a treatment liquid container via a tube or conduit in order to provide a positive coating of plant treatment liquid to the plant interposed between the two plates adjacent the pad. The treatment pad is shielded from inadvertent contact with adjacent plants by the two plates.

Abstract: A method for applying a liquid to a crop (8;13) according to the invention comprises of moving a body (2) containing the liquid over the crop (8;13) such that the body (2) comes at least partially into liquid transferring contact with the crop (8;13). Plants (13;8;23) not for treatment with the liquid may be shielded from the body (2). Another liquid may simultaneously be applied to the shielded plants.The method is preferably performed using a device comprising a displaceable frame (1;21;31) having arranged thereon at least one liquid transfer body (2) connected to a container (16) for the liquid. The body (2) may have a flexible part (12), for instance a textile material. The device may further comprise means (7;17;27) for shielding plants (8;13;23) not for treatment with the liquid, and liquid distributing means debouching inside the shielding means and connected to a container for another liquid. The shielding means may further be fitted with adjustable cutting means (9).

Abstract: The pollen-supporting anthers of lilies is removed, without staining the fingers or clothing of the operator, and without spilling pollen in the work area, by using a tweezer fitted at each free end with an anther-contacting member that includes a layer of foam material. The softness of the foam material, permits the anthers, which are held quite loosely on the lily filaments, to break free without pulling away the filaments. The anthers with supported pollen can then be deposited in a waste receptacle, simply by opening the tweezers over the waste receptacle and gently tapping the tweezers on the receptacle.

Abstract: A fluid applicating apparatus is provided for use with a cartridge 10 having a self-sealing, penetrable membrane 16 and an inner volume containing fluid to be dispensed. The applicating apparatus includes an applicator 48 located at one end of an elongated body 20, the applicator being formed of a porous, compressible material. The flow of fluid between the inner volume of the cartridge 10 and the applicator 48 is controlled by providing a penetrating member 34 movable between a first position in which it penetrates the membrane 16 and permits fluid communication between the inner volume and the applicator 48 and a second position in which it is extracted from the inner volume. The membrane 16 seals off the inner volume upon removal of the penetrating member such that fluid does not leak from the inner volume when the penetrating member is withdrawn.

Abstract: A device for the transcuticular administration of active substances to plants, and a method of using the same to treat plants with fungicidal, herbicidal, insecticidal and/or acaricidal substances.