Abstract: An apparatus for tending to rows of vines is presented which may be pulled, or driven, between a pair of rows of a vineyard. The apparatus includes implements to tend to the vines on both rows at the same time. The apparatus include a left portion that tends to a left row of vines and right portion that tends to a right row of vines. The portions are attached to the apparatus using linkages that permit the portions to adjust to changes in row spacing or the position of the apparatus between the rows. The apparatus also includes weeder assemblies that weed the ground between the vines while preventing damage to the vines, and a spray device for spraying the vines.

Abstract: Utilizes machine vision to thin fields, for example by selectively spraying plants with enough fertilizer to kill the plants, for example to maintain a minimum distance between plants or to enable remaining plants to grow in a pattern, for example two dimension diamond pattern. The use of fertilizer to kill plants has the benefit of fertilizing the field, i.e., the remaining plants not to be killed, at the same time. This unexpected result which occurs in the thinning and simultaneous fertilizing of a field is based the discovery that immature plants are more sensitive to fertilizer than mature plants. The system and method eliminates the need for harmful chemicals and mechanical thinners and may be retrofitted onto existing spray systems and platforms, thus eliminating herbicides and thinning machinery.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for assembling and disassembling pipe. The device has a drive mechanism that be used to either assemble or disassemble pipe. The drive mechanism has two independent traction drives that can independently impart longitudinal forces on a pipe, either in the same or opposing directions. The drive unit can thus transport pipe or can facilitate the assembly of pipe from modular units or the disassembly of pipe into modular units. The method includes pulling or pushing pipe from the field from a fixed location with a traction device.

Abstract: A molded panel for buildings is manufactured in a manner that permits the blocking tab along the upper edge of the panel to be molded in a position that is close to its final desired position. Pressure is applied to the locking tab as it cools, thereby bringing the locking tab into its final position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for assembling and disassembling pipe. The device has a drive mechanism that be used to either assemble or disassemble pipe. The drive mechanism has two independent traction drives that can independently impart longitudinal forces on a pipe, either in the same or opposing directions. The drive unit can thus transport pipe or can facilitate the assembly of pipe from modular units or the disassembly of pipe into modular units. The method includes pulling or pushing pipe from the field from a fixed location with a traction device.

Abstract: A dental instrument has a concave central section to facilitate end-to-end rotation during use. First and second ends of the instrument extend axially from the central section. At least one of the ends interfaces with a dental device such as a mirror or tip. The ends are configured for a smooth transition from adjacent end to the respective device.

Abstract: The present invention provides exterior building products, such as roofing and siding, shake, shingles, siding, sheathing, panels, planks, vertical siding, soffit panels, fencing, decking, fascia, comer posts, column comers and trim boards in which a plurality of cementitious layers are provided with an improved interlaminar bond by employing a resinous bond promoter, a rheological agent, mechanical means to distribute fibers in a direction which is perpendicular to the machine direction so as to bridge between layers in the product, or a combination thereof. These techniques help to increase interlaminar bond strength to improve the mechanical properties of the product. When certain resinous bond promoters are used, the additional benefits of water absorption resistance and pigmentation throughout the product can be provided with minimal expense. Improvements in interlaminar bond strength of about 10-46% were observed with a percent elongation improvement of about 7%.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool to facilitate installation of deck construction includes a main body portion having at least one structural feature that defines a plane. At least one flange is coupled to the main body portion and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane. The flange may be used to maintain consistent spacing between decking planks during assembly. The tool also may be used to strike lines, space fasteners, maintain baluster spacing, identify distances and angles, and indicate levels.

Abstract: Methods for treating plants and fields in agricultural applications are provided by selective delivery of superheated steam. Particularly preferred applications include delivery adjacent to grape vine leaves in order to defoliate basal leaves and to kill localized insect pests, and by injecting superheated steam in strawberry beds prior to planting to kill nematodes. The superheated steam is delivered at temperatures in excess of about 250° F.

Abstract: Methods for treating plants and fields in agricultural applications are provided by selective delivery of superheated steam. Particularly preferred applications include delivery adjacent to grape vine leaves in order to defoliate basal leaves and to kill localized insect pests, and by injecting superheated steam in strawberry beds prior to planting to kill nematodes. The superheated steam is delivered at temperatures in excess of about 250° F.