Abstract: A seed germination unit is provided comprising at least one lower soil retention unit in which the seed can be placed. The unit includes a transparent or translucent upper covering unit adapted to be located above the lower soil retention unit. The upper covering has a depression located in its top surface with a small hole at the lowest point of the depression so as to allow liquid placed within the depression to drip through the small hole and fall into the soil retention unit.

Abstract: An improved system is disclosed for the growing of plants, especially fruiting plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers, which enables the bearing vines to be supported on pervious ventilating surfaces forming a V-shaped valley, the bottom of which is the row of plants flanked by impervious, gently inwardly sloping panels substantially preventing weed growth and delivering rain or spray falling onto the vines into the row. Such valleys can be advantageously arranged parallel and separated by a walkway of mowable turf.

Abstract: A seedling protector consisting of a shade tube constructed of one or more shading materials each having a shade factor to facilitate protection of plants from solar radiation. A support tube may be provided to support the shade tube and a stake may be provided which may be driven into the ground to hold the seedling protector in position about a plant.

Abstract: A porous, fibrous web is mounted coextensively and orthogonally relative to an axis of an associated tree trunk, wherein a central band is positioned medially and exteriorly of the web to mount and secure the band relative to the associated tree trun. The invention may further include an insecticide dispensing further band projected through a top surface of the web to dispense a pesticide solution into the web.

Abstract: A hangable holder suitable for suspending plants and the like comprises a receptacle suitable for holding a plant and a unitary support for the receptacle. The support comprises a waterproof bottom and an exterior peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom. There are at least three longitudinally extending arms projecting upwardly from the exterior wall, each arm being provided with a support hole. There can be an inner wall inwardly from the exterior wall with a space between the two walls for holding articles such as decorative flowers. A ring for selective removable engagement with the arms permits a removable container to be located in the support prior to the use of a receptacle.

Abstract: A spot sprayer for tall weeds in short crops is provided and consists of a housing affixed to a mechanized spray rig, a tank containing a liquid herbicide therein carried on the housing, a pump connected to the tank, a discharge tube extending from the pump, a spray nozzle at the distal end of the discharge tube and a mechanism carried on the housing for sensing the tall weeds in the short crops, so as to allow the pump to transfer a predetermined amount of the liquid herbicide from the tank through the discharge tube and exit the spray nozzle to only spray the tall weeds and kill them.

Abstract: A foundation system for buildings and other structures absorbs both horizontal and vertical displacement from seismic earthquakes. The system comprises a fixed support base with a hardened three dimensional curved member located between a hardened dished top surface of the base and a hardened reverse dished cup on the underside of a concrete beam which has post tensioned members therein. The concrete beam is preferably cambered or curved and allows a certain amount of deflection and the three dimensional curved member, preferable an elliptical shape, allows horizontal displacement. In another embodiment the elliptical shaped curved member is formed in two halves with a spring in between to allow limited compression of the member.

Abstract: A method to remove a depression in a floor extending on top of a supporting underfloor and to prevent recurrence of this depression thereafter, the method comprising: a) determining the pressure that the floor may withstand in use; b) preloading the floor by exerting onto the depression in the floor a pressure at least equal to the pressure determined in step (a), using, for example, dead weights to do so; c) injecting an expandable polymeric foam in an unexpanded state beneath the depression in the preloaded floor between this floor and the supporting underfloor and allowing the foam to expand and level the floor until the depression is removed; and d) releasing the pressure exerted onto the floor after the depression is removed. The pressure exerted onto the floor in step (b) exerts a compressive strength to both the foam injected beneath the floor and the supporting underfloor.

Abstract: A damping device for a tower-like structure, includes a liquid column tube having an arbitrary shape and a pair of opposite upstanding end portions thereof where liquid levels are formed, and an orifice provided at an intermediate portion within the liquid column tube, the liquid column tube being mounted upon the tower-like structure. The damping property of the damping device can be quantitatively defined by employing the orifice. Furthermore, as the intermediate portion of the liquid column tube defined between the opposite upstanding end portions can be appropriately configured, the installation space for the damping device is optimized.

Abstract: A flower pot cover comprising a rigid open framework having a fabric cover and a water-resistant lining.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a planter for mounting within an existing hollow wall cavity such that it gives the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the plant growing out of the wall. The planter comprises a generally rectangular front port opening into a plant display portion having a downwardly sloped rear wall such that said display portion rapidly decreases in size from said front port to a point of maximum depth of said display portion. A downwardly tapered soil holding portion of a height greater than the height of said front port is located below and within the depth of said plant display portion. The downwardly sloped rear wall of said display portion and said tapered soil holding portion being of a shape and cooperating to accommodate insertion of said planter through an opening in a wall generally corresponding to the front port with a clearance behind the wall generally equal to the maximum depth of said display portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing purified water to row crops is disclosed which comprises a dark plastic lower sheeting layer upon which impaired water can be ponded, and a clear plastic upper sheet which is positioned above the lower layer in the shape of an inverted V by means of a suitable supporting structure. The apparatus is designed to be placed between two row crops in a field in need of irrigation, and irrigation takes place by filling the lower sheeting layer with impaired water which evaporates when solar energy is transmitted onto the lower layer through the clear upper sheet. The evaporated water collects on the underside of the clear plastic sheet and drips downward along the sheet until it contacts the ground in the vicinity of a crop row. In another embodiment of the invention, clear rigid panels can be employed instead of the clear plastic sheet.

Abstract: A sealable frame structure for a closable opening, such as a doorway, comprises a sub-frame (1) which is adapted to be built into an opening in a wall and a frame shroud (7) adapted to be fixed to the sub-frame. The sub-frame is U-shaped in cross-section and its web is provided with a series of holes (2) by means of which the sub-frame may be secured to the wall by anchor fixings. One limb (3) of the U-shaped frame is provided with a series of holes (4) for the reception of studs (8) welded on the frame shroud (7). A strip (9) of stainless steel or like material is secured to the other limb (5) of the subframe by means of bolts (10) and nuts (11) and the frame shroud (7) is secured to the strip (9) by screws (12) which engage in drilled and tapped holes (13) in a strip (14) of steel. An extruded strip (15) of silicone rubber having a protruding profile (16) is fitted over an edge of the strip (9) and forms a seal with the edge of a door closing the doorway.

Abstract: A modular, foraminous ground cover for constructing custom floricultural grounds displays. Pre-shaped, fiberglass ground cover subassembly modules are provided with a plurality of discretely placed foramens which will accommodate therein the placement of seedlings or plants. The foramens are of varied sizes, with the larger susceptible of diminishment, during planting and plant growth and, enlargeable at harvest time. The subassembly modules are joinable to one another by tongue-in-groove margins that are straight edges interior of a display assembly; the outer border of the display is reinforced and is defined as its periphery. Where required for strength and pest protection, a flexible planar strip is attachable to the display periphery reinforcement and serves as an in-ground footing and rodent barrier.

Abstract: Natural stone slabs are connected to a concrete slab by elastic hook and through the intermediary of an elastic layer to allow slight mobility of stone slabs relative to the concrete slab in a facade-facing element.

Abstract: A multifunctional frame element is proposed, which is usable as a picture frame and also in many other different ways as a frame. The frame element has a clip fastening for pictures, plates, object carriers and the like which is not visible from the outside, so that art objets and the like can be attractively presented. Coins can be presented in such a way that an observer can easily see both sides of the coin.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse includes a peripheral wall structure defining a partially enclosed area having an open side through which plants can be placed inside for admitting light into the greenhouse, and a roof over the wall structure. The roof is removable from over the peripheral wall structure to provide for the easy installation, removal, or rearranging the plants. The inside surfaces of the wall structure and roof are light reflecting to reflect light entering the greenhouse through the open side toward the plants inside the greenhouse. The greenhouse also includes a floor which is a separate component from the peripheral wall structure. The exposed surface of the floor can also be light reflecting. The inclination of the roof relative to the horizontal can be changed to adjust the angle of light reflection of the roof.

Abstract: A self-watering device is set forth wherein a reservoir includes a conduit associated therewith. The conduit optionally includes a valve at a lowermost end thereof with a check ball captured between spaced webs for permitting selective passage of water therethrough to an associated plant, such as a Christmas tree. The device further includes a lid securable over the reservoir with a fluid level indicator directed slidably through the lid, and optionally includes a coiled outlet conduit of translucent character capturing a fiber optic cable therethrough for enhanced use as an ornament. The ornament may further include a modified lid of a funnel configuration that is inverted for use in a filling procedure of the reservoir.

Abstract: A plant container is in the form of a plant pot (flower pot) having a bottom with a center opening and several water drain openings with the bottom receivable in a circular pot tray formed with a center tubular pole that extends upward through the bottom center opening of the pot. An overhead suspended rope is passed through the center tubular pole and an adjustable position pot stopper with a position locking screw positioning the plant pot on the hanging rope.

Abstract: A multi-purpose receptacle of the type utilizing discarded pneumatic tire of a motor vehicle is disclosed. This receptacle comprises an annular body defining an upper tread portion, a sidewall converging downwardly from said upper tread portion, a supporting rim terminating at the lower end of said sidewall, a bottom wall secured within the lower end of said sidewall, and jointing means connecting the free ends of said body.