Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing recreational (e.g., tennis) courts and other surfaces. The apparatus includes self-contained drive system including drive wheels mounted on an elongated frame structure, and additionally supported for rolling movement on a plurality of casters. The apparatus is provided with flexible blade and brush elements for spreading and smoothing court resurfacing material uniformly across the surface. In a forward resurfacing direction, flexible squeegee-type blades, with or without associated brushes, engage the resurfacing material ahead of the device, while flexible brush elements engage the resurfacing material behind the device to erase tracks caused by the drive wheels and casters, and to effect final smoothing and texturing of the resurfacing material. The drive wheels may be moved into and out of ground engaging contact, and a steering device provides for lifting one or the other of the drive wheels out of ground engaging contact.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing one or more adjacent tennis court surfaces. An elongated, box-like frame structure, supported for rolling movement on a plurality of casters, is provided with flexible blade and brush elements for engaging, spreading, and smoothing court resurfacing material at a predetermined thickness as the structure traverses the court surface. In accordance with method aspects of the invention, the device is movable in one direction to resurface an entire tennis court, and after lateral movement to an adjacent second court area, reversible to move in the opposite direction to resurface an entire second court surface. For a given resurfacing direction, the flexible blade elements engage the resurfacing material ahead of the device while the flexible brush elements engage the resurfacing material behind the device to effect final smoothing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating crops in rows to destroy weeds in and adjacent to the crop rows. First and second probes are provided, preferably connected up to a high voltage source of electricity, and mounted so that they extend into crop row from opposite sides thereof. A frame mechanism mounted for movement in a given direction is provided, and the probe mounting structures are pivotally mounted to the frame mechanism for movement about a vertical axis with respect to the frame mechanism. The probe mounting devices are operatively tied together by a turnbuckle assembly or the like, so that the probes will move with each about their respective vertical axes and engage crops in the rows, the crops centering the probes. The probes are also mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis so that they will move out of the way of unyielding obstructions they might encounter.

Abstract: A machine is provided for destroying plants with electricity comprising a tank adapted to hold electrically conductive liquid, an electrode for placing the electrically conductive liquid in the tank at high electrical potential, including a high voltage source of electricity; nozzles for spraying the electrically conductive liquid on plants to be destroyed; and a structure for grounding the high voltage source. Air pressure provided over the liquid in the tank provides the motive force for spraying, and pneumatically operated valves in line with the nozzles are provided for selectively supplying liquid to the nozzles. In this way, there are no moving parts which are electrically charged. Condition-responsive structures, responsive to plant position, are provided for controlling operation of the pneumatic valves, such as air limit proximity switches.

Abstract: A machine and method for destroying plant growth. A specialty application is provided for plant growth around and between railroad tracks, and a general description is provided for preventing damage to the high voltage source of electricity used for the plant destruction, and for minimizing the number of fires started in dry material accessory to plant destruction. A vehicle with a high voltage electricity source is mounted on railroad tracks, with wheels of each wheel set for the vehicle being electrically isolated, and the high voltage source being grounded through one of the wheels. Special plant contacting devices comprising rounded end generally cylindrical contacting members are provided. The current output of the high voltage source is limited to prevent damage to the high voltage source, and the no-load voltage of the high voltage source is held to generally the same level as the full-load current limited voltage to minimize the number of fires started by the plant contactors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying weeds growing in and around crop rows without destruction of crops growing therein. A plurality of electrically conductive spring members are disposed in a generally horizontal plane and connected to a high voltage source of electricity. The spring members have a spring constant such that relatively stiff crops plants will deflect the spring members while relatively flexible weeds will not deflect them. Substantially all of the plants in and around the crop rows are contacted with current-carrying portions of the spring members by moving the spring members relative to the crop rows parallel to the crop rows.

Abstract: The above-ground growth of potatoes and like root crops are contacted with high voltage electricity several days prior to harvesting, the electricity desiccating the above-ground portion of the crops while not harming the tubers. A no-load voltage of about 20 kv with an energy density of about 11-15 kw/foot of width treated is effective. Low-bush blueberries, and like perennial crops, are pruned by contacting the above-ground growth thereof with electricity. Pruning, in the case of blueberries, is most effective when done approximately every other year in the case of blueberries, a no-load voltage of 10-20 kv with an energy density of about 2-3 kw/foot of width treated being effective.

Abstract: Apparatus for destroying selected plants by the application of electricity thereto. A source of high-voltage electrical current is mounted on a moveable platform, and a grounding wheel or the like is provided for insuring safety of the apparatus by grounding various electrical source components. A conductive tip portion of a non-conductive staff member may be connected to the source of current by a cord, and an operator controlled switch in a secondary control circuit is mounted on the staff member. The switch is normally open so that the conductive tip portion will not be energized should the operator release his grip on the staff member. By actuating the switch and bringing the tip portion into mere touching engagement with a plant stem, plant destruction may be effected.