Abstract: A control system for multiple sterilization chambers for the sterilization of medical and other instruments interact with a common vacuum pump, steam generator and ozone generator via a common controller. Instead of placing all instruments of one type in one large chamber and running one generic sterilization program followed by another such program, instruments may be grouped by the type of sterilization program needed and the sterilization programs may be run using a single pump and a single ozone generator fed into multiple sterilization chambers controlled by the controller. One smaller and less expensive vacuum pump and ozone generator may be sufficient to sterilize large amounts of medical equipment present in the total assembly of chambers. The controller may run sterilization programs in parallel fully or overlapping partially in time. Control valves governing flow passage of air, steam and ozone in and out of the chambers are also controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A control system for multiple sterilization chambers for the sterilization of medical and other instruments interact with a common vacuum pump, steam generator and ozone generator via a common controller. Instead of placing all instruments of one type in one large chamber and running one generic sterilization program followed by another such program, instruments may be grouped by the type of sterilization program needed and the sterilization programs may be run using a single pump and a single ozone generator fed into multiple sterilization chambers controlled by the controller. One smaller and less expensive vacuum pump and ozone generator may be sufficient to sterilize large amounts of medical equipment present in the total assembly of chambers. The controller may run sterilization programs in parallel fully or overlapping partially in time. Control valves governing flow passage of air, steam and ozone in and out of the chambers are also controlled by the controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sterilization of objects including the steps of placing the object that should be sterilized in a closed vessel; placing the closed vessel between two high voltage electrodes; applying a high voltage between the electrodes and converting the oxygen in the air inside the closed vessel into ozone; and keeping the sterilized object inside the closed vessel as long as needed. A "closed vessel" includes also any form of closed container or any closed plastic bag. The closed vessel may or may not have internal electric conductors. Furthermore, the invention provides a device for ozone sterilization of objects for use in the method.

Abstract: A multipurpose horticultural crop tractor combines certain clearance and versatile implement mounting features for accommodating a wide variety of alternative field production operations. A movable operator station provides full bidirectional operator control. An operator station may also be suspended on a boom pivotably mounted to the tractor frame for repositioning of the operator station about such frame. The implement mounting system also permits alternate high or low clearance mounting of a conventional three-point hitch, which when used in an elevated position enables attachment of high crop harvesting heads. Alternative implement mounts permit simultaneous usage of two separate implements. The tractor may be outfitted for many alternative functions, such as tillagae, planting, cultivating, spraying, harvesting, materials handling, and irrigating missions, including usage of a vertically movable lift unit with horizontally adjustable lift arms.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting delicate produce comprising a chassis arranged to be hitched to a tractor and driven thereby, plant pick-up and conveyor apparatus, apparatus for separating agricultural produce from plants, conveyor apparatus for receiving produce from the separating apparatus and moving it to one side thereof, sorting conveyor apparatus and produce loading conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: Harvesting apparatus for produce such as paprika comprising a chassis, a pick-up and primary separation assembly mounted on the chassis and including first and second helical elements, each including an elongate helical portion and a tip portion, and side conveyors for raising separated produce; and separation means including rollers for grasping at least a portion of a plant and adjacent rotating apparatus for engaging the produce thereon for separation thereof from the plant.

Abstract: Mechanical fruit harvesting apparatus comprising a cutter for separating the tree canopy from the trunk thereof; and a conveyor for engaging the fruit bearing portions and for vibrating them such that the fruit falls therefrom.

Abstract: In a machine for picking-up agricultural produce from the ground of the type including a carriage movable over the ground, an inclined endless conveyor having at any given time sections constituting a pick-up section and a returning section and further comprising means for moving the conveyor, the improvement which comprises a conveyor with a pick-up section adapted to be moved by said means in the direction of travel of said carriage and a portion of a returning section thereof being adapted to lie loosely on the ground and to fold back upon itself at the point where the returning section changes its direction to constitute a part of the pick-up section, whereby there is formed a small turning radius at said point with the beginning of the pick-up section in close proximity to the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming and mounting in position wire arch supports for low level cultivation tunnels comprising in combination: a support chassis provided with or adapted to be coupled to drive means for displacing the apparatus in a given direction and rate; arch forming means carried by the chassis for forming arch supports from arch wire blanks; and arch displacing means carried by the chassis for imparting to each arch a displacement having a first component of the given rate and being directed opposite to the given direction and substantially normally to the plane of the arch and a second component directed downwardly and in the plane of the arch.

Abstract: Crop uprooting and cultivating apparatus which includes at least one bar having at least one angled edge thereon that extends from a support at least partially across a row to be cultivated or from which crops and/or foliage are to be uprooted. The bar is rotatably supported by a support structure in cantilever fashion, leaving an outer end of the bar free. The bar may extend across a crop row in a direction generally transverse to the direction of movement of the apparatus along the row, or may be angled rearwardly with respect thereto to provide a self-cleaning action. The bar rotates beneath the surface of the soil and uproots crops and foliage as it moves along, the direction of rotation being in a direction opposite the direction of travel of the apparatus. A pair of bars may be provided, one being located on each side of a row being cultivated or where crops are to be uprooted with at least one of the bars extending a distance of more than 50 percent of the width of the row.

Abstract: A device operable for engagement with selected tree portions to convert rotary motion to a linear shaking motion for use in a fruit harvesting operation. The tree shaker includes tree gripping elements with a motion converter operatively connected thereto, the motion converter including a rotary mass having an input drive thereto operable to displace the mass in a first direction with control means to effect a counter-rotation of the mass in response to the first direction displacement, whereby the combination drive control results in a linear reciprocating motion of the mass which is transferred to the associated gripping means for shaking the tree portion. The apparatus can include a single motion converter for use in shaking a tree or limb or a pair of motion converters for use in shaking a tree trunk or a large tree limb.

Abstract: An elongated bar soil working apparatus constructed so that a plurality of bars are supported in a parallel relationship for rotation in one or more horizontal planes and positioned closely adjacent each other whereby the corners of one bar will cooperate with the corners of an adjacent bar to effect a severing action on vines or other foliage moving therebetween whereby the bars are self-cleaning. Power drives are operatively associated with the bars for syncronous rotation of the bars whereby the corners of the bars will be simultaneously advanced through a common plane in closely positioned relationship to effect the severing action on the vines and other foliage located therebetween and prevent vine and foliage build up on the bars. The present apparatus includes a frame which will allow the apparatus to be removably supported by conventional tractor operable tool bar whereby the bars can be advanced through the soil to perform plant uprooting or other soil working operations.

Abstract: A seed planting unit carries a seed planter that dispenses a predetermined amount of seed into the ground at predetermined intervals in response to the coupling between a ground engaging wheel supporting the unit and the drive means of the seed planter. A film dispenser is also carried by the unit for laying film on the ground over the planted seeds; and a transmission is provided for synchronizing the perforating of the film before it is laid with the dispensing of the seeds by the seed planter so that the apertures in the film are aligned with the seeds deposited in the ground.