Abstract: A new apparatus for the application of liquid chemicals to plants is disclosed. Plants are treated by selectively contacting a wick saturated with chemical solution. As the chemical is deposited on plants, the solution in the wick is replenished by gravitational flow and capillary action from a reservoir at the upper end of the diagonally-positioned wick. Excess chemical not applied to plants is dripped from the lower end of the wick into a collection reservoir from where it can be recovered and recycled for reuse. Adequate mounting and support is provided for all the salient parts to allow for positioning and portability.

Abstract: A device for applying nonselective herbicides to weeds and other target plants in a selective fashion which is inexpensive, not mechanically complex, can be used on sloping fields, and has good speed of application. The device uses fabric covered perforated tubing to transmit herbicide to the target plants by wiping them as the device travels through the field.

Abstract: A contact bar of permeable, absorbant, exudative material such as a paint roller is attached by a spring bar to a mounting bracket. The contact bar is moistened with a treatment liquid such as a herbicide. Each time the contact bar rubs against a plant, additional herbicide is applied to the contact bar, e.g., a spring arm, carrying the contact bar, can be pushed back by the plant against a microswitch, which will open a solenoid valve. The opening of the solenoid valve may apply liquid to the contact bar by spraying the liquid from a nozzle onto the bar or by feeding liquid through a perforated tube under the surface of the material on the contact bar.

Abstract: To apply herbicide to crop escapements, the elevation and angle of rotation of a wick bar mounted to a tractor for capillary movement of herbicide to an application surface is selected to cause the herbicide-coated surfaces to contact the escapements. A lift arm bar: (1) a wick bar at one end; (2) a cross brace driven by a hydraulic cylinder aligned at an angle to a lift arm; (3) a length beyond the crossbar sufficient so that the movement of the cross brace within the stroke range of the hydraulic cylinder is enough to cause a sweep of between 12 inches and 52 inches of change in elevation of the wick bar; and (4) sufficient strength at the crossbrace to withstand at least a hundred pound weight multiplied by two ratios, which are: (a) the extended length to the brace spacing; and (b) the cosine of the angle of the lift arm from a horizontal position to the sine of the angle the hydraulic cylinder makes with the lift arm.

Abstract: A liquid herbicide applicator mechanism mountable on a farming vehicle for wipingly applying the herbicide on undesired vegetation growing in a cultivated field. The applicator mechanism includes a tool bar for carrying a plurality of herbicide dispenser assemblies so that they alternately align with the rows of crop plants and the spaces therebetween as the vehicle moves through the cultivated field. Each of the herbicide dispenser assemblies receives the herbicide from a reservoir tank under the influence of gravity and has a herbicide wiper head which absorbs the herbicide for wiping application on the undesired vegetation. Each of the herbicide wiper heads is substantially rigid but deformably configurable so that it may be shaped into substantial conformity with the contour of the crop plant rows and the spaces in the cultivated field and each wiper head is provided with special absorbent wiper elements.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an endless rope trained over two distally mounted sheaves which define paths spanning either side of said sheaves and means for the continuous application of herbicide to the endless rope. The means for applying herbicide to the rope includes an immersion basin in which portions of the rope are continually pulled through a bath of liquid herbicide. The endless rope is fabricated of synthetic polymeric material, such as nylon, and is made by applying heat to the two free ends until the polymeric material melts and the two free ends are then welded together. Since the endless rope is under some tension, as it traverses the path defined at each end by the sheaves, a second endless rope is tack-welded to the edge of the drive rope at spaced intervals of 1 to 3 inches, again by application of heat to the outer surfaces of the two ropes at the point of contact until the polymeric material is melted to the extent required for welding the two ropes together.

Abstract: A hand-held liquid herbicide applicator for wipingly applying the liquid herbicide on undesired vegetation. The applicator includes an elongated tubular handle for containing a supply of the liquid herbicide with a valve at the lower end of the handle to control the flow of herbicide from the handle to an applicator head carried on the bottom of the handle. The applicator head includes a demountable sponge of special configuration in that it has a porous relatively dense skin which causes even and complete saturation of the entire sponge to prevent uncontrollable liquid flow in one or more localized parts of the sponge.

Abstract: A portable liquid applicator device is provided with a simple and effective valve assembly associated with a hollow handle designed to hold a liquid herbicide that can be applied by the device. A head portion of the device including a sponge or a like liquid applicator material is mounted on the opposite side of a plug valve element as a liquid-containing hollow handle portion. The plug is rubber and has a slit extending through it. A rubber cap on the end of the handle opposite the head portion can be flexed to apply an air pressure to liquid within the hollow handle. This forces the plug to flex and allows liquid to flow through the slit. The sponge is held by the head portion so that it assumes a generally figure 8 configuration in end view, a portion being disposed within the head and a portion extending out from the head. A cover may be slipped on the portion extending out of the head.

Abstract: A herbicide wand and method for making, the wand having a tubular member adapted to receive liquid herbicide and provided with a plurality of bores of predetermined diameter, an emitter of braided cord having a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the bores when untensioned and smaller when tensioned, the emitter being threaded through the member in slidable engagement with its wall so that the member has portions within the member immersed in the herbicide and has portions outward of the member to apply the herbicide and the method including forming a plurality of emitters from a length of such cord with each emitter having an integral needle for threading it through such bores.

Abstract: A wick applicator for herbicide which includes first and second horizontally elongated conduits. The first conduit is elevated above the second conduit and a plurality of wicks extend between the conduits and are in fluid communication with the interior of each. Herbicide is provided to the interior of the first conduit while a vacuum is applied to the interior of the second conduit to withdraw herbicide therefrom which is directed thereto by the wicks. A pump is utilized for the purpose and the same recirculates the herbicide back to the first conduit to conserve on herbicide use and to provide a fine degree of control over the flow rate of herbicide through the wicks.

Abstract: Liquid applying apparatus mountable on a lawnmower, the apparatus including a liquid storing portion, a liquid distributing portion and a mounting portion; the liquid storing portion including a substantially airtight chamber, an opening adjacent the bottom of the storing chamber, a conduit extending downwardly from the storing chamber opening to the liquid distributing portion, the liquid distributing portion including a substantially horizontal distribution chamber, the distribution chamber including an inlet opening adjacent the top thereof, the inlet opening being connectable with the conduit, a plurality of spaced outlet openings in the distribution chamber, the outlet openings being arranged along at least one substantially horizontal line disposed longitudinally of the distribution chamber and located intermediate the top and bottom of the chamber, the conduit extending through the inlet opening of the distribution chamber to a point adjacent the horizontal line of openings in the chamber, textile mate

Abstract: A hand-held liquid herbicide applicator for wipingly applying the liquid herbicide on undesired vegetation. The applicator includes an elongated tubular handle having a supply container on its upper end with a special differential pressure operated vent valve in the container. A flow control valve is mounted in the handle for controlling the flow of the liquid herbicide through the handle to an applicator head carried on the bottom of the handle. The applicator head includes an especially configured synthetic sponge which is formed with a porous relatively dense peripheral skin so that the liquid herbicide received from the handle will evenly saturate the entire sponge to prevent uncontrollable liquid flow in one or more localized parts of the sponge.

Abstract: A herbicide dispensing apparatus utilizes an upright frame attached to a cultivator or other moveable farm vehicle and carries a pair of downwardly angled herbicide applicator arms which overlie a row crop and diverge laterally outwardly from the row. Wicking means is attached to the arms and conveys herbicide outwardly along each arm and applies it by contact to unwanted plants in the path of the arms. The arms are swingably received in sockets in the frame and pivot toward and away from each other so as to adjust the distance of separation between the ends of the arms so that such ends terminate over spaces between adjacent rows of crop, permitting excess herbicide to drop harmlessly into such spaces. A pair of tubes extend from a herbicide reservoir to the applicator arms, and metering clamps are positioned on each tube and cooperate with flow stabilizers within each tube to closely control the rate of herbicide flow through each tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided primarily for the application of liquid contact herbicides to plants. A liquid applicator roller is mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and in operative communication with a reservoir of liquid herbicide. The applicator roller is mounted above ground and in position for the peripheral surface thereof to be brought into contact with plants. The applicator roller is moved in the direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller, and powered rotation thereof is effected so that it rotates into contact with plants and continuously transfers liquid from the surface thereof onto the plants, the surface being continuously replenished with liquid from the reservoir. The housing mounting the roller is readily adaptable to mount a hand pushed or pulled unit, or to be mounted on a tractor tool bar. A drive wheel can communicate with a raised surface portion of the liquid applicator roller for effecting rotation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring liquid onto the surface of a roller for ultimate transfer onto plants, and a method of constructing a storage tank component of the apparatus. A sponge is disposed in a housing adjacent a roller so that the sponge extends outwardly from the housing into contact with the roller periphery. Liquid is dripped onto the sponge, and excess liquid drains through openings in the bottom of the housing into the storage tank. The storage tank is formed by two plastic pipes bent at a middle portion with an opening between them at the apex of the bend of the top pipe. The top pipe is cut-off to provide an open top complimentary to the sponge housing bottom. Liquid from the tank is recirculated back to the pipe dripping liquid onto the sponge.

Abstract: Liquid herbicide is stored in a reservoir located above synthetic ropes. Headers and manifold tubes fluidly connect the reservoir with the ropes. As the herbicide comes down from the reservoir, it is effectively force fed into the ropes. The length of the rope stays wet due to the forced feeding. As a rope or plurality of the ropes comes into contact with a weed, a dose of herbicide is applied.

Abstract: A direct contact wiper bar and wiper bar system for applying a liquid (such as herbicide) to a stand of vegetation (such as Johnson grass or other weed) includes a wiper bar comprising an elongated tubing with a plurality of holes along its lower portion, a wick made of absorbent material and extending around the lower two-thirds of the tubing and covering the holes, an impermeable plastic shield covering approximately the lower one-half of the tubing and less than all of the wick material, and an outer layer of absorbent material covering the entire assembly. In a first embodiment, the shield is made of a flexible plastic sheeting, or the like, and a length of twine is tightly wound around the length of the shield, wick, and tube to act as the outer covering and also hold the assembly together. In a second embodiment, the shield is made of a rigid plastic pipe cut lengthwise and chamfered at its edges with clamps attaching it to the tube.

Abstract: A rope wick for selectively applying liquid chemicals to plants. The rope wick comprises an outer covering made of braided polyester yarn and an inner core made of spun acrylic yarn.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an endless nylon rope trained over two distally mounted sheaves which define paths spanning either side of the distally mounted sheaves and means for the continuous application of herbicide to the endless rope. The means for applying herbicide to the rope includes an immersion basin in which portions of the rope are continually pulled through a shallow level of herbicide. This is accomplished by training the endless rope onto a drive drum having at least one revolution of rope wherein the bottom of the drum is at a level below the level of the herbicide and an idler drum driven by the driven rope which again has at least one revolution or loop of wetted rope around it and which is submerged in the herbicide within the immersion basin.

Abstract: An apparatus and process applying herbicide-containing liquid to weeds in a field also containing growing cultivated crops neighboring said weeds comprises means for moving an apparatus that transports a load of herbicide-containing liquid in a reservoir therefor along that field and then distributing that liquid from that reservoir to a weed-contacting surface: the pressure-controlled liquid reservoir provides the herbicide-containing liquid to any array of dispenser units arranged to rapidly and reliably and selectively and efficiently apply such herbicide-bearing liquid to the surface of weed plants in the field projecting above a neighboring cultivated crop without misapplication of such herbicide-containing liquids to such neighboring crops.

Abstract: A portable hand-held herbicide and insecticide applicator is comprised of a hollow tubular frame including a handle section and a pair of extended spaced prong sections, forming a liquid reservoir conduit having spaced discharge ports between which extends an absorptive rope mop in wicking relation with and saturated by liquid in the reservoir conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective application of liquid herbicide includes a tubular handle which serves as a reservoir for containing the herbicide and for supplying the herbicide to an integral applicator head. The reservoir handle has a valve for controlling the herbicide dispensing flow rate of the applicator head which includes at least one elongated wicking element by which the herbicide is wipingly applied on undesired vegetation.

Abstract: Apparatus selectively applies a sprayable treatment liquid to target vegetation. The apparatus is configured for being carried by an agricultural implement, as at the rear of a tractor, and includes support structure including a boom extending across several rows of vegetation. A plurality of wig-like applicators of flexible, absorbent textile material are carried in selectedly positionable relationship from the support structure. The applicators are adapted for physically contacting target vegetation, being positionable with respect to the individual rows. The applicators are carried in such manner that they open forwardly for receiving and partly surrounding target vegetation in the rows and for subsequently contacting foliage of the target vegetation as the tractor travels along the rows. Foliage parting aprons are optionally utilized with the applicators, being carried in front of a respective applicator for parting foliage of the target vegetation before the same is contacted by the applicator.

Abstract: A liquid applicator for wipingly applying various liquids to various items includes a liquid supply container mounted on one end of a tubular handle with a shutoff valve for metering liquid flow to the handle. A pair of applicator heads adapted for different liquid application movements are interchangeably mounted on the other end of the handle, and each of the applicator heads have a liquid distributor tube for evenly dispensing the liquid to a wicking element carried by the applicator head.

Abstract: A series of wick ropes are pressure fed with herbicide. They are moved along weeds to be killed at about a 35.degree. angle so that the ropes wipe along the weeds applying herbicide thereto. Each rather short section of rope is fed by a different reservoir so that if the applicator is on a slope as by a roadside, the head upon the ropes at one end is not much greater than upon the other end.

Abstract: A liquid applicator device and a method of utilization thereof primarily for applying herbicide to plants. An elongated container has a closed first end and an opening in the second end through which a roller with fibrous covering is insertable and withdrawable. The roller has a handle extending from one end thereof and a closure structure is operatively associated with the handle for closing the opening in the container second end when the roller is within the container. The roller is mounted for coaxial rotation within the container, and a plurality of blades are mounted within the container around the internal periphery thereof, the blades interconnected by rings and also rotatable with respect to the container.

Abstract: A liquid applicator device and a method of utilization thereof to effect plant destruction. A first distinct container containing herbicide, with a rotary valve extending from one end thereof, is mounted on a second elongated container with the metering valve between the first and second containers. An elongated roller having a fibrous cover for receiving herbicide from the container and for ultimately transferring the herbicide to a plant is insertable into the second container, and has a handle extending from one end thereof outwardly of the second container. The opposite end of the roller is operatively connected to an actuator for the valve between the containers so that relative rotational movement between the roller and the containers results in metering of a predetermined amount of herbicide from the first container to the second container.

Abstract: A plant care kit includes a plurality of elements for cleaning and waxing the leaves of household plants. The leaf cleaner includes a support member for gently supporting the leaf of a plant to be cleaned. A soft, porous cleaning element, such as a sponge or the like, is secured to one surface of the support member for engaging the bottom side of a plant leaf. A handle is mounted on the support member, opposite the cleaning member to facilitate grasping by the user and to allow the user of the device to hold the support member in one hand. The leaf cleaning device further includes a second similar cleaning member such as a sponge or the like that may be held in the other hand of the user and placed on top of the leaf to be cleaned. The leaf is sandwiched between the first and second cleaning members and drawn along the length of the leaf thereby simultaneously wiping the upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A moisture control system for a contact roller-type fluid applicator automatically maintains the fluid level on the roller surface within a predetermined range. A sensor biased against the roller continuously monitors the moisture content and signals an electronic controller to initiate sequential wetting and delay cycles when it is below a preset value.

Abstract: A portable leaf cleaner is disclosed into which plant leaves to be cleaned or otherwise treated are introduced between rolls which apply a cleaning fluid to the leaves. Means are provided for controlling the flow of fluid to the rolls. One of the rolls is driven by a reversing motor while the other is frictionally driven by the first roll. The other roll is resiliently urged against the first roll, so as to be movable relatively to the first roll, to thereby prevent breakage or damage to the leaves as they pass between the rolls. The reversing motor is energized by a battery or cell, and the device is supported by a handle which is adapted to be grasped in one hand and has means associated therewith for controlling an electrical circuit which energizes the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing the amount of liquid chemicals on the applicator roller of an agricultural chemical applicator are directed to an elongated sensor plate supported in generally parallel closely spaced relation to the roller and electrically insulated therefrom. Both the roller and sensor plate are electrically connected into an electrical circuit as opposite plates of a capacitor whereby the capacitance thereof increases with the amount of liquid chemicals on the roller. The electrical circuit interprets the capacitance as a measurement of the amount of liquid chemicals and compares that measurement to a predetermined value to provide an indication of whether additional liquid chemicals should be dispensed onto the roller.

Abstract: To apply herbicide to weeds extending above a crop, a nylon carpet on the cylinder of a roller applicator has herbicide applied to it as a tractor or other vehicle carries it through a field. The roller is held just above the crop where it contacts weeds and is rotated in the opposite direction as the tractor. A moisture sensor is spaced from the applicator on the roller and controls a valve that applies the herbicide to the roller to maintain a preset moisture level in the roller carpet. The amount of moisture is set by experimentation to permit an adequate amount of herbicide to be applied to various weeds without causing dripping from the point of contact on the roller by the weeds.

Abstract: The agricultural chemical applicator of the present invention comprises a roller frame assembly having folding wing sections at opposite ends thereof. Rollers are mounted on each of the frames and include a liquid absorbing material which receives an agricultural chemical from a dispensing conduit located above the roller. A wiper engages the roller to prevent excess liquid from dripping off of the roller. The rollers are connected for driving engagement by interlocking lugs at the ends of the rollers adjacent the hinged joints of the roller wings.

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: An apparatus for applying herbicide to tall weeds which extend above a line formed by the upper reaches of desirable crops is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of hydraulic rams for elevating and lowering a rotatably mounted roller which has a covering of nap material such as nylon-dacron carpeting for facilitating the adherence of the herbicide thereto. A fluid pressure system or systems for controlling the flow rate of herbicide to the roller and for controlling the rotational speed of the roller is provided so that the herbicide application characteristics of the apparatus can be varied in accordance with the weed density and height conditions encountered. A wiper for spreading the herbicide and for foaming the herbicide prior to application to the weeds can also be included.

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: A plant care device for cleaning and/or the application of fluids to the leaves of decorative foliage plants including a pair of opposed inwardly flexible arms connected at one end thereof for normal outwardly biased disposition with regard to each other in an open position of the device. The other ends of the arms are each provided with an enlarged generally flat headed portion in turn receiving at each inner surface thereof, a fluid absorbable pad, said pads adapted to close upon each other in the closed position of the device with a plant leaf interposed therebetween. The flexibility of the arms enables the device to be gently closed upon the leaf and accordingly enable the cleaning or fluid application tasks to be accomplished without tearing or otherwise breaking a leaf.

Abstract: Normally crops are sprayed with herbicide or the like by means of expensive and heavy spray bar equipment pulled or carried behind a tractor. The present device comprises a pair of spaced and parallel bars which include porous tubes or wick-like devices connected to a tank of herbicide or other chemical so that a film of the liquid chemical is maintained on the surface of the tubes. These are mounted transversely behind a tractor together with a supply tank and the tubes can be raised and lowered relative to the ground so that they can be drawn across the crops and adjusted so that the tubes engage the weeds but not the crops as the weeds normally grow higher than the crops in the initial growth stages.