Abstract: An apparatus for killing fire ants by means of a concussion explosion within the mound of the ants is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated shell containing an explosive powder removably mounted at one end of an elongated barrel by means of a holding mechanism. A firing mechanism, is mounted at the opposite end of the barrel for remotely exploding the shell. The outermost part of the shell is tapered to facilitate movement of the shell and the barrel through a wall of the ant mound prior to exploding the shell.

Abstract: Planting apparatus including a supporting frame adapted to be connected to a tractor or similar vehicle; a seed hopper mounted on the supporting frame for containing a supply of seeds, and seed metering mechanism spaced beneath the discharge outlet of the seed hopper for controlling the movement of the seeds discharged from the hopper on the ground. A magnetic seed treating device is disposed in the path of seeds discharged from the hopper for causing the seeds to pass through a magnetic field to magnetically treat the seeds as the seeds are planted.

Abstract: A seed planting apparatus comprises a mobile planting machine to be connected to a tractor or similar vehicle, and having a seed hopper for containing a supply of seeds to be planted. A seed outlet on the hopper feeds a seed dispensing apparatus for delivering seeds to the ground to be planted. A microwave seed sensing apparatus is disposed in a path of travel for seeds discharged from the hopper for detecting the seeds and producing an observable indication to the operator of the presence of seeds in the path of travel. The seed planting apparatus may also include magnetic seed treatment apparatus. The microwave sensing apparatus may therefore be connected in a control circuit for actuating the magnetic field in response to the presence of seeds and for producing an indication to an operator of the passage of seeds.

Abstract: A method of treating semen from male fowl to increase the production of fertile eggs by female fowl inseminated with the treated semen by exposing the semen to a magnetic field of predetermined intensity and for a predetermined period of time. The semen so treated increases the number of fertile eggs produced by the female fowl inseminated with the treated semen. The invention also includes a method for treating fertile eggs to increase the hatch rate and the rate of growth of fowl hatched from the treated eggs. The eggs are treated by placing the eggs in a magnetic field of predetermined intensity to expose the eggs to the magnetic field and then removing the eggs from the field after a predetermined period of time. Preferably, the magnetic treatment of the eggs is done prior to incubation.