Abstract: A complete fertilizer and nutrient material with low solubility comprised of potassium calcium sulfate, calcium ammonium phosphate, and ammonium bitartrate. The low solubility fertilizer is made easily from commonly available substances. Potassium bi-tartrate is dissolved with ammonium hydroxide solution forming a solution. An aqueous slurry is made from calcium sulphate and monocalcium phosphate. The solution and slurry are mixed. A precipitate then forms, which is a complete fertilizer, 8-10-7, having low solubility. The fertilizer is easily produced. The composition can also be used as a nutrient material for growing fungi.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a herbicide applicator spray organization is mounted to a self-propelled street cleaning vehicle. The vehicle includes a forward rotary brush and a rear rotary brush, the forward rotary brush and herbicide applicator spray head are mounted to a parallel link support framework. A storage tank delivers the herbicide fluid to the spray head through a pump and valve interconnection.

Abstract: A water applicator unit according to the teachings of the present invention is shown as including a cylindrical mixing tank fixed to a parallel pair of support tubes which extend above the top as handles and below the tank as legs leading to a pair of wheels. A water pipe attachable to a garden hose at the top, extends under the mixing tank to a spreader tube between the wheels at the bottom. A spreader plate held on the support tube and the spreader tube bends a lower end in spaced relation down over the spreader tube to part the grass as the water drops through holes in the spreader tube directly to the roots of the grass. Carried on cleats on the top of the spreader plate is a short hose and sprayer used to water shrubs and leads from the water pipe through a shut-off valve. The mixing tank also connects to the water pipe from a T-joint through a control valve in the lower end and is used when a fertilizer application is needed.

Abstract: An improved saw bar and a chain sawing assembly includes a frame which houses a drive engine or motor and receives the saw bar, an endless cutting chain, and a sprocket mechanically coupling the drive engine to the cutting chain. The saw bar includes a bar member having a slot formed therein through at least a portion of the thickness of the bar member, with the slot extending from an attachment end to a nose end of the bar member. The saw bar also has a channel assembly, such as a tubular channel assembly, positioned in cooperation with the slot to deliver fluid from the attachment end to a channel outlet. In one embodiment, the saw bar has an idler sprocket pivotally mounted within a sprocket mounting slot formed at the bar member nose end. The channel outlet opens into the sprocket mounting slot to deliver lubrication fluid to the sprocket teeth. In an alternate embodiment, the channel outlet comprises a plurality of apertures along the length of an exposed wall of the channel member.

Abstract: A twin-sheet thermoformed thermoplastic aquatic biomass containment barrier with reinforced hinges is disclosed having a formed first extended linear thermoplastic sheet member which is fused to a formed second linear extended thermoplastic sheet member of substantially the same dimensions as the first member to form a composite unit member having two ends and air pockets formed between the two sheets to give buoyancy to the segment. Reinforcing thermoplastic inserts are located between the first and second members at each end of the composite member. Each insert has portions defining a central pinhole and is fused to the first and second members to form reinforced hinged sections. The hinged segments may be connected by pins to form a floating aquatic biomass containment barrier cell or a network of cells. Such a network is effective for the growth and harvesting of small aquatic plants such as the duckweed plant.

Abstract: A process for preventing the spread of vegetation from one area to another is disclosed.In the first step of this process, a vegetation-encroachment barrier is provided. The barrier preferably contains two halves which are joined at their bottoms, whose tops are normally touching each other, but whose tops may be separated from each other. The two halves of the device are so shaped that, when their tops and bottoms are contiguous, a chamber between them is defined; the chamber exists at a location intermediate the tops and bottoms of the halves.In the second step of the process, a furrow is dug around the area to be protected. Thereafter, the barrier is inserted into the furrow.

Abstract: A sheet material (4) for use in cultivating plants comprising a body having a coilable flexible, fluid-permeable structure and a plurality of passages (7,9) formed in and extending from one surface (3) to the another (5) of said body. The passages serve to induce root tips to grow and contain fertilizers. The body has at least one surface formed with projections and/or recesses. Preferably, the surface having projections and/or is provided with a ceramic powder discharging infrared rays of wavelength in the range of about 5 to 15 micrometers, a elution-rate controlling growth regulation fertilizer and a small amount of a chosen element. In use, a given length of the sheet material is wrapped around the plant.

Abstract: Dimensionally-stable porous materials such as porous plastic are used in a variety of ways to provide uniform distribution and application of liquids to vegetation. Porous plastic can be readily cut, sawed and drilled to provide liquid distribution channels and various applicator shapes. Porous plastic is easily glued or welded for joining to other materials. Rods, tubes and handles are easily inserted into the porous plastic, and selected areas of the porous surfaces are readily sealed with glue or by melting to confine liquid application to selected areas. The pore size, preferably in the range of 5 to 200 microns, can be selected in accordance with the viscosity of the liquid and the desired rate of flow and pressure. Porous plastic can be highly abrasion resistant, which is especially useful for constructing applicators which rest upon the ground or pavement. Where abrasion is not a problem, the porous plastic may serve to distribute liquid to a soft absorbent applicator such as a sponge.

Abstract: Hand-held chemical applicators are provided for applying chemicals such as herbicide to selected plants while surrounding plants are shielded from accidental contact. The chemical is forcefully applied by gripping or pressing a selected portion of the plant against an applicator pad containing the chemical. The amount of applied chemical is controlled by variation of the pressure or area of contact between the plant and the pad. Preferably a porous applicator pad is mounted between the distal portions of a pair of elongated tongs so as to define a shielded application zone. A supply of liquid is stored in a small bottle attached to the tongs. One of the tongs is hollow and contains the applicator pad and a channel for the liquid to flow from the bottle to the pad. The second tong is in the form of a resilient strip which the operator can press toward the hollow tong when maneuvering among plants and when grasping a portion of an undesired plant.

Abstract: For the control of weeds in turfgrass, herbicide is selectively applied to the weeds overgrowing the height of the turfgrass after mowing. An applicator pad carrying the herbicide is drawn across the turfgrass as the pad is held parallel to the underlying ground and at a preset height just above the height of the turfgrass. For this purpose the applicator pad is supported by a skid having flat portions resting on the ground as the skid slides over the turfgrass. The preferred form of the skid for unestablished terrain is a large flat plate having an upturned leading edge portion and supporting the applicator pad behind its trailing edge.

Abstract: A hand-held liquid applicator for wipingly applying liquid herbicide to undesired vegetation. The applicator includes an elongated tubular handle and a removable wiper head. The tubular handle serves as a reservoir for containing liquid herbicide and as a conduit for supplying the herbicide to the applicator head. The applicator head is made of porous, bonded crumb-rubber irrigation piping, sealed at one end. Internally disposed inside the applicator head is a bendable wire stiffener which allows the applicator head to be conformed to a desired shape.

Abstract: For applying herbicides in fields of row crops an applicator in which the herbicide can be selectively applied to a localized wick in the row in which the weeds are present. The wick is also selectively supplied with herbicide dependent on whether or not weeds are present.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to plants includes an elongate hollow body which contains a liquid chemical. In use, the hollow body is transported through the plants in a direction transverse to the length of the elongate body. The elongate body includes a row of bottom holes and a row of side holes positioned along the leading side of the elongate body. A canvas cover is tightly wrapped around the elongate body in a double layer and the peripheral side edges of the canvas are sealed. The elongate body is filled with the chemical and an air valve is adjusted to bleed air into the interior of the elongate body. The elongate body is then moved through the field and, by adjusting the position of the elongate body above the ground, the chemical which has seeped into the canvas is wiped onto the plants. In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body is circular and made of a plastic material.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a pesticide such as a herbicide with a solid carrier is disclosed. The applicator comprises an elongated tube with a telescopic sleeve having a closure cap at one end for controlling the exposure of a pesticide-solid carrier composition such as a herbicide-wax composition anchored to and projecting from the said end of the elongated tube. The solid composition can be anchored to the end of the elongated tube such as by keying of the solid composition in a plurality of holes formed in the said end of the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydroexpansible composite material, the method of preparing same and a composition for implementing this method, as well as to the uses thereof. The composite material includes a solid flat support having, on at least one of its faces, a coating with a high proportion of a hydroexpansible polymer powder fixed to the support by means of a hydrosoluble binder, the coating being essentially formed of:95 to 55% by weight of hydroexpansible polymer powder;5 to 23% by weight of hydrosoluble binder; and0 to 22% by weight of surfactant.This hydroexpansible material may advantageously be used in medicine, surgery agriculture and especially as sealing agent in cables, particularly electric cables.FIG. 2 shows how, in a cable, this material (11, 13) forms a sealing ring (13) about the point of infiltration of the water, thus preventing its longitudinal propagation.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing herbicides to weeds. It has a long handle which supports a herbicide supply container at the top. The other end of the handle supports a horizontal member which has a relatively flat sponge assembly which receives herbicide from the long hollow handle which is connected to the herbicide supply reservoir. A roller assembly is supported from the lower end of the handle and has a roller arm so that movement of the roller arm causes the roller to roll across the surface of the sponge assembly. A hand operated lever at the top of the handle rotates the roller arm through a pull string. In another embodiment, the flat herbicide receiving pad is supported from an axle between two wheels and the rollers are supported in a reel type assembly.

Abstract: A relatively small sprayer for liquid fertilizers, weed killers, herbicides or the like is mounted on a small frame and is attachable to a three-point hitch of a tractor or may be pulled by hand. A tank is mounted on the frame and a ground engaging roller is journalled transversely across the rear of the frame. An open based enclosure encloses the roller and shields the spray nozzle boom which extends transversely adjacent the front of the enclosure. The nozzles spray the liquid downwardly and rearwardly so that it strikes the plants on the front and top side thereof. It also maintains the roller in a wet condition so that the roller engages the rear of the plants as it passes over same thus ensuring a complete treatment of the vegetation. Flexible skirts extend downwardly from the front and side edges of the enclosure to prevent any spray escaping from around the perimeter of the enclosure.

Abstract: A herbicide applicator including a plurality of swabbing devices for applying a herbicide to weeds which includes a plurality of nozzles adapted to be removably mounted on a herbicide supply pipe through branch connections. A swabbing member made of fabric material is pressed against the bottom of a respective one of the nozzles. This arrangement allows easy replacement of each swabbing member.

Abstract: An applicator is mounted to a transverse boom carried by a tractor and moved through a field at such a height as to directly contact target vegetation above a selected level, and avoid application of treating liquid to any shorter, desirable vegetation. The applicator includes an outlet manifold, a plurality of receivers connected to an inlet manifold, a respective plurality of generally vertically oriented, transversally spaced non-porous applicator rods each extending between the outlet manifold and a respective receiver, an elevated reservoir for treating liquid, and a pump for recirculating back to the reservoir excess treating liquid which has flowed down outsides of the rods and into the receivers without having been brushed-off onto vegetation contacted by the rods. The outlet manifold and receivers are provided with filters, and each receiver is provided with a trash shield, all for preventing clogging and for facilitating clean-out of the treating liquid flow path.

Abstract: An applicator for weedicide or other agricultural or horticultural treating liquid consists mainly of a swabbing brush having a multiplicity of pliant filaments, preferably of cruciform cross-section, trailing from a supply conduit to which the treating liquid is fed from a tank, the supply conduit which may be tractor-mounted being advanced over an area to be treated, so that the brush filaments with treating liquid running down them, are tailed over the area so that the liquid is applied directly to the area being treated. The swabbing brush, when tractor-mounted, is pivoted to swing back if encountering a tree or other obstacle, to be returned by a spring when the obstacle is passed.

Abstract: An elongated tubular handle is provided and closed at one end. The other end of the tubular handle has a tubular applicator body supported therefrom at generally 45.degree. relative thereto by a tubular ell and the tubular body includes circumferentially and longitudinally spaced aperatures formed therethrough and an outer absorbent covering. Liquid herbicide may be carried in the handle and flow therefrom through the ell and into the tubular body through a flow restrictive orifice or aperature and tubular shield is snugly telescoped over the absorbent covering and frictional engagement therewith and is angularly displacable about the tubular body and includes a laterally opening window formed therein for exposing only a selected side of the absorbent covering carried by the tubular body.

Abstract: An applicator on a flexible support for herbicides and the like is formed with a rotating disk carrying a plurality of generally radially extending wicks. The wicks are fed by liquid from a central container and a rotatable cover is provided about the applicators.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for treatment of culture by moistening. This device comprises at least one practically horizontal tubular tank (3) having a slit (4) in which are clamped the upper ends (2) of flexible capillary wicks (1) adapted for resting on the vegetation. This tank (3) is intermittently fed with a pressurized liquid, such as a weed-killer. According to the invention, each inlet (5) through which pressurized liquid is intermittently fed to a tank (3) is provided with a calibrated orifice (6) acting as an atomizer for spraying liquid into the tank. Preferably, a ball valve (7) biased by a spring (9) against its seat (8) is provided for preventing the liquid from dripping into the tank (3) during interruptions of pressure. In case the upper ends (2) of the wicks (1) are so tightly clamped in the slit (4) of the tank that capillary flow would be impeded, a row of orifices (10) is provided along an edge of the slit (4 ) for allowing liquid to seep onto the wicks (1).

Abstract: Hand-held chemical applicators are provided for applying chemicals such as herbicide to selected plants while surrounding plants are shielded from accidental contact. The chemical is forcefully applied by gripping or pressing a selected portion of the plant against an applicator pad containing the chemical. The amount of applied chemical is controlled by variation of the pressure or area of contact between the plant and the pad. Preferably a pair of pads are mounted to the opposing surfaces of the distal portions of pincers or tongs to define an application zone between the pads. Absorbent pads are used for applying liquid chemicals, and chemicals from a pad in the form of a solid bar or cake are applied with the aid of an absorbent pad carrying a solvent and cooperating with the bar or cake.

Abstract: A farm tractor drawn device that when pulled over undesirable plants such as weeds and brush, will detect and automatically spot spray any liquid herbicide solution onto the individual plant, and will therefore economically elliminate the individual plants without having to broadcast apply the herbicide solution over an entire area.

Abstract: An apparatus for sustained dispensation of a chemical agent in minute quantities exteriorally of an animal, the chemical agent being such as a pesticide, insect repellentor other pharmacological agent, the apparatus including a small reservoir containing the chemical agent, a wick received within the reservoir and extending sealably exteriorally thereof, the wick having a diameter of not greater than about 5 millimeters (preferably less than 1 millimeter) and of length exteriorally of the reservoir of about 1 inch, the reservoir and contents having a weight of not more than about 10 grams, and a housing for retaining the reservoir exteriorally of the body of an animal.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for applying a liquid to treat the nap and backing of a rug or carpet. The applicator having a cylindrical body enclosing a hollow reservoir with teeth extending from inside the reservoir outwardly through the body such that the nap of the rug is penetrated to apply liquid to the backing of the rug. The teeth and, optionally, the cylindrical body are porous, allowing the treating liquid to migrate from the reservoir to the surface to be treated as the apparatus is moved across the surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a plurality of substance distribution heads to an agricultural implement used in post-emergence and pre-emergence row crop farming operation. The apparatus includes an elongate support which is disposed generally transversely to the longitudinal direction of the row crops. The elongate support is receivable of a plurality of substance distribution heads. The apparatus further includes a mounting means for mounting the elongate support to the agricultural implement wherein the mounting means includes height adjustment means for adjusting the height of the elongate support relative to the row crops so that the generally vertical distance between the distribution heads and the row crops is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: A roller applicator for treating plants with herbicides and other fluids comprises a nonabsorbent textured roller, a low-pressure fluid delivery system, and means for collecting and recirculating the fluid. The components of the apparatus act in cooperation with one another so as to minimize loss of material by drippage, spray drift, and holdup in the components of the device. The applicator can be used with solutions as well as wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, and other multiphase formulations without separation.

Abstract: A herbicide applicator, of the wiping type, comprises an elongate loop of flexible, solid wick material extending along and depending freely from a vertically adjustable frame member. The loop is suitably formed of polypropylene carpeting. Deployed within the loop is a conduit having spaced, upwardly directed spray nozzles. A tank and pump are connected with the conduit to supply pressurized herbicide liquid through the nozzles, whereby it is applied to the loop wall and spreads therealong. The loop has a broad lowermost end section for applying the herbicide to weeds and holding a quantity of fluid for coping with occasional dense weed patches. A pulsing switch operates the pump as required to vary the rate of delivery of liquid to the loop wall, whereby the quantum of applied liquid can be adjusted to the demand.

Abstract: A vacuum/gravity feed contact herbicide applicator includes a wicking head and an elevated container for gravity feeding herbicide liquid via an internal generally vertical conduit into the head. The container and conduit are sealed to maintain a partial vacuum. The wicking head is structured so that the liquid rises in a generally vertical internal passageway to a level limit by the partial vacuum such that the liquid does not overflow from an outlet opening of the passageway in an upper side of the wicking head. A first wicking material is disposed in the passageway for drawing the liquid upward through the outlet opening for transfer to a second wicking material surrounding the wicking head and covering the outlet opening. The wicking material is non-woven fibrous rayon fabric material impervious to air when saturated but pervious when unsaturated, to control passage of air into the wicking head and spillage of liquid from same.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile device for applying a weed-killer between rows of cultivated plants, e.g. vine stocks. This applicator has a moistening contact action, as distinguished from spraying. It comprises at least one tubular container, the axis of which is horizontal during use, with flexible wicks extending outside of this tube for applying a weed-killer to the weeds.The main feature of this applicator is that the wicks are in the shape of flat braids laying side-by-side so as to form a single continuous sheet, ensuring a uniform distribution of the product over the treated area.One embodiment of the invention is a tractor-mounted device in which two swivelling arms extending right and left of a median frame carry the applicator devices. These arms are resiliently biased outwardly and may fold inwards when meeting an obstacle such as a vine stock, and spread out again after clearing the obstacle.

Abstract: An applicator unit is moved through a field of growing vegetation, for instance as an implement mounted across the front of a farm tractor. The unit includes a horizontal, laterally extending outlet manifold ranked above a similarly arranged inlet manifold. Between each manifold a plurality of forwardly convex knee-like rod members are mounted. In use, a treatment liquid to be directly applied to vegetation is arranged to run out of the outlet manifold in a superficial sheet along the surface of each rod. As vegetation is grazed by the rods, some of the treatment liquid is wiped onto the vegetation. Any treatment liquid which is not thus wiped onto vegetation is collected from the lower ends of the rods into the inlet manifold and pumped back up to a reservoir from which it flows to the outlet manifold. By preference each knee-like rod is disposed at an incline as seen in front elevation in order to decrease the chance that a tall thin plant can pass untreated between two adjacent rods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for applying chemicals to plants comprising a reservoir containing chemical solution or liquid chemical; wick means for applying said chemical to plants to be treated by contact of the wick means with the plants; supply line connecting said reservoir with said wick means for supply of said chemical to said wick means; said supply line including a pressure chamber intermediate said reservoir and said wick means; and pressure means to force said chemical from said reservoir and into said pressure chamber thereby pressurizing said pressure chamber and contacting said wick means with said chemical; wherein on reduction of pressure from said reservoir, the pressure in said pressure chamber forces said chemical back along said supply line towards said reservoir and away from said wick means, and when pressure in said reservoir is less than ambient pressure, chemical is withdrawn from said wick means.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an elongated hollow body with exposed portions of wick extending along the body and having inner portions extending into the body through openings of the body. Each end of an exposed portion is peripherally sealed with respect to the body opening through which it extends, and inner portions of the wick communicate with a chemical in the body. Exposed portions of the wick span the length of the body and the chemical is applied by moving the body horizontally across a field in a direction transverse to its length. The wick material can be braided nylon rope, and the body can be made of any selected length for multi-row application of the chemical.

Abstract: An implement for contact application of liquid herbicides comprises an ultra-lightweight frame supporting a wiper bar and mounted on a tall narrow wheels, and sized so that it can be drawn through a field by a motorcycle without trampling the crops. The wiper bar includes a stiff structural support member enclosed in a sponge or synthetic chamois material and a distribution conduit extending along the wiper bar with small outlet orifices for discharging herbicide liquid into the material along an upper side of the wiper bar. Liquid is supplied to the wiper bar through a gravity feed system including a tank, drip valves, and feed lines arranged to provide a head of liquid above the wiper bar to keep the distribution conduit constantly filled with liquid along its entire length even under sloping field conditions. The distribution conduit is of minimal diameter to contain a minimum weight of liquid and to restrict the flow of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is provided for use in applying agricultural chemicals. The apparatus is primarily configured to improve the application of minimal-contact-kill type herbicides to field weeds or the like extending above the tops of a field crop, but also includes provision for the simultaneous application to the field of other agricultural chemicals adapted to be sprayed, such as insecticides, fertilizers or other herbicides. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted on the front of a tractor and includes shiftable frame and support structures for adjusting the height and inclination of the direct engagement or contact type applicator to crop and weed conditions and to terrain conditions, as well as permitting disposition of the normally laterally extending parts of the apparatus in positions to facilitate movement of the apparatus along roads, through gates or the like between uses thereof.

Abstract: A portable herbicide applicator and method of destroying plants utilizing the same are provided that allow herbicide application in a safe, simple, and effective manner. The applicator includes a container having a closed end and an open end with a wiper positioned within the container. A fibrous exterior portion of an applicator structure is connected to a handle and is insertable into and withdrawable from the container, the wiping structure wiping excess liquid off of the fibrous covering when moved relative thereto. A cap is mounted by a strap to the container for closing the container open end while the herbicide applicator is being used, and a hook may be provided on the cap for hooking an opening on the handle and latching the applicator structure in place when it is positioned within the container. A strap on the container facilitates carrying with the open end facing upwardly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating containment barrier grid structure (20) for containment of floating aquatic plants (26) in a body of water (30). The barrier grid structure (20) includes a plurality of interconnected square barrier segments (24), the top edge of the barrier segments extending above the surface of the water so as to prohibit substantial wave action. The floating containment barrier grid structure (20) being anchored by cables (38) and stakes (40) in a somewhat tensioned state while floating in the body of water (30). The barrier grid structure (20) being tensioned to enable portions of the barrier grid structure (20) to be submerged beneath the surface of the water by a harvesting machine (28) while harvesting the floating aquatic plants (26).

Abstract: A new apparatus and system for the systematic application of liquid chemicals to plants is disclosed. A soft woven nylon rope wick is used to convey chemical solution from a reservoir by means of capillary action. The rope apparatus, which is physically supported, is leveled and positioned to selectively contact certain plants as the wick is moved across an agricultural field. Thus chemical solution is deposited selectively only on contact with the wick.

Abstract: A contact roller herbicide applicator apparatus comprising a substantially cylindrical roller applicator including an internally gravity fed hollow cylindrical roller reservoir having a plurality of feed apertures formed therein in combination with a multiple-ply herbicide applicator member including intermediate porous pad and an outer applicator member in surrounding relationship relative to the hollow cylindrical roller reservoir to apply herbicide in direct contact with weeds or other undesired foliage.

Abstract: An assembly for contact killing of weeds by coating the weeds with liquid killer comprises: an elongated, finger or band-shaped, resiliently yielding supporting body, for instance in the form of a spring wire (14,44), a prestressed, closely wound helical spring (34) or a resilient tube (54); a capillary carrier for the killer, for instance in the form of a porous socket (15,25,35) or a wick (45, 55) disposed along the body and joined with it; a supply means (32-34,36,37) for killer (38); and a fastening means (13,23) supporting the assembly and positioned at least at one end of the assembly (10,20). The assembly can be supported in a direction deviating from the vertical direction (FIGS. 11-13).

Abstract: A wiper bar system, transversing a tractor's path, comprises a fluid housing with open fluid channel therein, a wiper blade and a moisture absorbent wick surrounding the wiper blade. The fluid housing is mounted to the rear face of the wiper blade with a portion of the wick interposed therebetween. The spatial relationship between the fluid housing and wiper blade is adjustable by the user to control the amount of fluid/herbicide flowing from the fluid channel to the interposed wick and ultimately the amount of fluid/herbicide delivered to the portion of the wick surrounding the weed-contacting surface of the wiper blade.

Abstract: A new apparatus which dispenses liquid agricultural chemicals upon physical contact with foliage and recovers excess chemical for reuse is disclosed. A hollow horizontal cylindrical chamber with an opened section forms a mounting means. An expanded metal section with an external fabric covering is affixed over the opening. Means is provided for spraying agricultural chemical onto the fabric, recovering and recirculating the excess chemical for reuse, and moving the saturated fabric into contact with foliage or plants.

Abstract: A liquid applicator roller apparatus evenly applies liquids to plants even when moving over uneven terrain. A sponge extends into engagement with the peripheral surface of the horizontally mounted applicator roller for depositing a film of liquid on the roller surface just before it contacts plants. Liquid is supplied to the sponge, and a metering device controls the flow of liquid to the sponge to ensure that the elevated end of the sponge is fed with liquid when one end is higher than the other. The metering apparatus includes a housing having a central bore parallel to the roller, and liquid connectors at opposite ends of the bore having sealing surfaces which cooperate with a metal ball that rolls within the bore. A supply line extends into the housing from the top, to supply liquid to the bore.

Abstract: A herbicide application system employing a wick applicator in adjustable suspension with a three wheeled all terrain vehicle. The suspension system comprises a rectangular frame that is rotatably affixed to the ATV and to the wick applicator, such that the operator may independently adjust the angle of the wicks and the elevation of the liquid reservoir via an associated lever/linkage assembly and a tilt arm/spring loaded detent assembly.

Abstract: A rotary applicator for applying herbicides or other chemicals to vegetation is described. The applicator is especially useful for use in fruit orchards, nurseries and around any plant or bush that grows on or from a stem or trunk above ground.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for depositing a treatment liquid, such as a weedkiller, on plants, the device comprising a tank for the liquid, a plurality of wicks outside the tank, and elements for transferring the liquid contained in the tank to the ends of the wicks. The tank has a horizontally elongate shape and a cross-section which is very much greater than that of the wicks. The tank forms a ramp integral with a dispensing tube, which is mounted underneath the bottom of the elongate tank, parallel to its longitudinal axis, so that the dispensing tube is fed with liquid from a zone of the tank bottom, preferably adjacent to one of the ends of the tank. The dispensing tube has a cross-section similar to that of each wick, and a plurality of inlets or branches in which the ends of the wicks are immobilized by clamping and sealing devices, so that the remainders of the wicks extend freely outside the dispensing tube and the tank.

Abstract: A wick applicator assembly for wiping liquid chemical on vegetation, such as weed growth among young field crops, comprises a tractor-mounted elongated bar having a plurality of individual wick stations arranged serially therealong. Each wick station comprises a porous tube individually connected at one end to a common line containing liquid chemical under pressure and at the other end to a common return line for recycling unused liquid to a supply tank. Each tube is covered with a sleeve of fabric material which becomes saturated with liquid seeping from the tube pores for wiping against target vegetation. Adjustable flow restrictors at the inlet and outlet ends of each tube serve to control the saturation level of its sleeve.