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 device for propagating beansprouts or other plants has a container for the beansprouts. One side of the container is substantially covered by a supporting plate which may be in the form of a disc perforated with many tiny holes. A shaft is carried by the supporting plate and extends within a center tube mounted within a water tank. The tube is preferably triangular and has three faces provided with a plurality of spaced-apart holes. The spacing between adjacent holes is greater towards the bottom of the tube. A plurality of small resilient stoppers are lodged within the respective holes in the tube. The growing strength of the beansprouts pushes the supporting plate (upwardly in a preferred embodiment). The shaft, which is carried by the plate, moves within the tube.

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 hydroponic plant growing device comprising a container adapted to hold a particulate growing medium and nutrient solution and at least one siphon generating means with inlet opening communicating with the interior of said container and outlet opening communicating with the exterior of said container, the vertical dimension of said siphon generating means being such that the uppermost edge is positioned below the maximum fluid level of said container so as to allow passage of liquid therethrough before the liquid within said container reaches the maximum level.

Abstract: A window garden is comprised of a fixed frame secured to the perimeter of a window opening in a dwelling house and has an outwardly moveable sash frame fixed and hingeable to the top edge of the window frame. A pair of transparent domed members having dead air or vacuum therebetween form a plant displayable enclosure in the window which is protected from frost and obtains maximum winter sunlight when oriented in a southern exposure of a dwelling. Means such as nylon or polypropelene screen material are provided between said fixed and moveable frames to exclude insects when the domed sash frame is moveable outward to allow air to enter therebetween.

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.

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: The art of vertical horticulture is improved when plants growing outward from the sides of tall vertical columns are provided with a system that enhances root growth by causing some of the early formed branches to be converted to roots and then by having these newly formed roots grow in a nutrient aerosol environment which applies both liquid chemical nourishment as well as ample aeration to these roots, the required conversion of some branches into the plant's principal root system being accomplished by a vertical shield positioned around early formed branches both to prevent light from reaching the branches after a period of initial branch growth as well as to contain the moisture of the nutrient spray. Outer segments of the branches extend through perforations in the shield and thereby grow into the plant's system of branches and leaves.

Abstract: Ink metering device in an ink duct for offset or letterpress printing machines having an ink duct roller with metering and support regions disposed adjacent one another in axial direction of the ink duct roller, the metering regions being formed of metering elements adjustable zonewise to varying ink gap spacings, and the support regions continuously contacting the ink duct roller at least indirectly, under spring biasing force, including a flexionally elastic support rail extending over the entire length of the ink duct roller, the support regions being rigid support ledges formed on the support strip, the metering elements being disposed between the support ledges, and adjusting means operatively associated with the metering elements for zonally varying the ink gap spacings for the respective metering elements.

Abstract: A receptacle for holding water and other nutrients a portion of which is adapted to be placed below grade for irrigating plants, and includes apertures in the bottom of the receptacle to allow the slow migration of liquids outwardly therefrom and a lid on a top face suitably formed to prevent evaporation, the apertures provided with a semispherical cap to prevent fouling.

Abstract: Disclosed are coating compositions comprising (a) the reaction product of a compound of titanium and a nitrogen-containing polymer, (b) an inert particulate filler material and (c) a water-permeable polymeric binder. These compositions are especially useful as coatings for leguminous seeds.

Abstract: A hanging planter having a support arm rigidly attached to the bottom of the container at its bottom portion, a medial portion attached to the sidewall of the container and an upper portion comprising a wind-vane-like support arm to limit rotational movement of the container to 90.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus for irrigating plants includes a planter having a container for a growing medium. A liquid reservoir is below the container. There are openings between the reservoir and the container, permitting a flow of liquid from the reservoir to the container. A filler conduit communicates with the reservoir. A float chamber is near the top of the reservoir. A float chamber conduit extends from the reservoir to the float chamber. There is a float in the float chamber and a normally closed air valve is operatively connected to the float so the float opens the valve when liquid from the reservoir rises in the float chamber. There may be an air conduit connected to the valve so pressurized air from the air conduit is discharged when the valve opens. There may be a closed liquid container normally positioned below the planter. A liquid conduit communicates with the insides of the container near the bottom thereof and is connected to the filler conduit.

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: This disclosure is concerned with improved bottom-edge margin indicators for typewriter paper and the like using an optical sensor-monitor wherein spurious effects of the edge of the paper exiting from the bottom margin sensor region and pre-printed material thereon are obviated, and in which the sensor-monitor of the bottom edge of the paper is preferably carried by the platen shield itself in manner that is particularly advantageous for optical sensing of the paper, with the sensor maintained in extremely closed proximity to the paper irrespective of its thickness, and adapted for simple and ready adjustment, if desired, to vary the margin setting.

Abstract: A seedling planter comprising a planting tube provided with a handle and having on its lower end a crown which produces in the soil a planting hole, this crown comprising on the continuation of the planting tube a stationary jaw tapering in wedge fashion towards its tip and having a cross sectional shape conforming to that of the planting tube, and to the lateral margins of this jaw having been affixed pivot pins located in the vertical plane passing through the planting tube's centre-line, on these pivot pins being turnably carried a moving jaw, likewise tapering in wedge fashion in its tip portion, and a yoke lever with U-shaped legs, to the bow part of which has been affixed a pedal lever located on one side of the planting tube, by depressing which the jaw can be made to assume its opened, planting position, in which it is securable with a locking device comprising, affixed to the stationary jaw on the side opposite to the pedal lever, a substantially vertical elastic metal wire provided with two bends sp

Abstract: A root-pruning container involving a series of vertical pyramid like staircase stepped surfaces essentially parallel to the sidewall of said container and displaced to the inside of said container, wherein the vertical and horizontal surfaces forming the steps between the inner pyramid like surface and the outer container sidewall are intentionally sloped behind said pyramidal surface such as to form an acute angle of intersection with the container's sidewall. Because of the acute angle of the step, the root tips of a growing plant are directed into and trapped at the toe position of each individual step resulting in termination of the root growth (root-pruning). Such a container inhibits spiral growth, promotes root branching and results in more even root distribution as well as increased root growth in the growing medium.

Abstract: A combination flower pot and tray is described which can be quickly assembled without visually orienting the tray with respect to the pot. It includes a lug located at the center of the tray and extending upwardly therefrom and adapted to snap fit into an opening in the bottom of the pot. Three provisions are made for helping to orient or locate the tray with respect to the pot including side walls on the tray which conform generally to adjacent side walls on the pot, a cylindrical skirt on the bottom of the pot which fits telescopically into a mating wall between the side and bottom walls of the tray and a blunt conical point at the top of the lug to help guide it into the opening.

Abstract: A bean sprouter having a base with a fresh water reservoir and a collection chamber for waste water used to wash the sprouts. The sprouts are grown in a container that sits on the base. A timer-motor drives a pump which draws water from the reservoir into the growing container so as to maintain a moist atmosphere for growing and provide moisture for washing the sprouts. The timer is set to run the motor for brief periods at selected intervals.

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.