Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes: a sensing device for ultrasonic inspection including an ultrasonic sensor as a transducer, in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are disposed in a matrix or an array; a drive element selecting unit for selecting and driving a piezoelectric vibrator for producing an ultrasonic wave among the ultrasonic transducer; a signal detecting circuit for detecting the electric signal of the reflected echo by receiving the reflected echo from the joined area; a signal processing unit for subjecting the electric signal to signal processing and generating three-dimensional imaging data by causing the electric signals to correspond to mesh elements in a three-dimensional imaging region of the object to be inspected; and a display processing device for displaying the detection results and three-dimensional image data from the signal processing unit, while detecting the size and the position of the molten-solidified portion, and the size and the position

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes: a sensing device for ultrasonic inspection including an ultrasonic sensor as a transducer, in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are disposed in a matrix or an array; a drive element selecting unit for selecting and driving a piezoelectric vibrator for producing an ultrasonic wave among the ultrasonic transducer; a signal detecting circuit for detecting the electric signal of the reflected echo by receiving the reflected echo from the joined area; a signal processing unit for subjecting the electric signal to signal processing and generating three-dimensional imaging data by causing the electric signals to correspond to mesh elements in a three-dimensional imaging region of the object to be inspected; and a display processing device for displaying the detection results and three-dimensional image data from the signal processing unit, while detecting the size and the position of the molten-solidified portion, and the size and the position

Abstract: A method of plant culture including the steps of growing plants, which produce elongated flexible portions, in supported relation on a structure; permitting the flexible portions to grow; and moving the flexible portions substantially into separate predetermined positions relative to the plants, based upon predetermined distinguishing characteristics of said flexible portions, for subsequent plant cultural practices. An apparatus for plant culture wherein the plants grow elongated flexible portions each growing season, the apparatus having a frame adapted to be disposed adjacent to at least one of the plants and having a laterally projecting first support portion and an upwardly projecting second support portion; and a support system for moving the flexible portions of the plant discriminately to the first or second portions based upon predetermined distinguishing characteristics.

Abstract: A method for plant culture including the steps of growing plants, which produce elongated flexible portions, in supported relation on a structure; permitting the flexible portions to grow; and moving the flexible portions substantially into predetermined positions relative to the plants for subsequent plant cultural practices. An apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be disposed adjacent to the plants and having a laterally projecting portion; and a mechanism for moving the flexible portions of the plants into positions overlaying the support portion of the frame extending laterally of the plants.

Abstract: A method for plant culture including the steps of growing plants, which produce elongated flexible portions, in supported relation on a structure; permitting the flexible portions to grow; and moving the flexible portions substantially into predetermined positions relative to the plants for subsequent plant cultural practices. An apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be disposed adjacent to the plants and having a laterally projecting portion; and a mechanism for moving the flexible portions of the plants into positions overlaying the support portion of the frame extending laterally of the plants.

Abstract: The method including the steps of growing plants supported on a structure with pendant portions of the plants extending downwardly therefrom and moving the pendant portions of the plants upwardly over the plants prior to harvest. The apparatus having a conveyor with a grasping section operable to introduce the pendant portions to the conveyor for transport therealong and a releasing section operable to release the pendant portions from the conveyor and a mount borne by the conveyor for securing the conveyor on a vehicle for transport along the plants with the grasping section deployed for contact with the pendant portions and the releasing section disposed above the plants for releasing the pendant portions on to the plants.

Abstract: A method for harvesting fruit from a row crop trained on a trellis wire and an apparatus having a vehicle adapted for earth traversing movement along a row crop supported on a trellis wire, a striking member having an end portion, an assembly mounting the striking member on the vehicle with said end portion disposed for movement with the vehicle along a course adjacent to the trellis wire and for reciprocal movement in a path to and from engagement with the trellis wire, and a mechanism connected in driving relation to the striking member for reciprocating the striking member to move the end portion thereof in the path repeatedly to strike the trellis wire to shake the fruit from the row crop.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting vine borne crops and performing other work operations having a frame adapted to be transported along the vines to cause the crops in the zone to move relative to the frame along a path through the frame, a conduit borne by the frame in proximity to the path, a system for supplying fluid under pressure to the conduit, and a plurality of vents mounted on the conduit for individually releasing the fluid from the conduit in a substantially continuous fluid stream to immerse the crops during relative movement along the path.