Abstract: A retractable porch and stair apparatus suitable for use with trailers and the like has a pair of parallel elongate channel members for attachment to the underside of a trailer. A floor member having preferably iron grating therein for strength and cleanliness is disposed on a pair of parallel runner members slidingly mounted on the channel members so that the floor member can be slidingly moved from the underside of the trailer to a position adjacent thereto. A stair combination having parallel side support members in the form of channel members is connected at one end to a corresponding pair of second channel members mounted on the underside of the floor member and extending to the side of the floor member so that the stair combination can be raised to horizontal position and slidingly moved underneath the floor member, and the floor member and stair members can then be slidingly moved under the trailer for storage.

Abstract: In a deburring apparatus having a housing with front and rear walls, a base and a power rotated deburring wheel within the housing and partly projecting through the front wall, a workpiece holder assembly is arranged forwardly of the front wall in registry with the deburring wheel. The workpiece holder assembly has an elongated feed tube guidably mounted upon the base. A feed screw assembly interconnects the base with the feed tube and is actuated from the rear of the housing. Vertical feed tube is coplanar with and at substantial right angles to the elongated feed tube and upon one end is secured thereto. A workpiece holder shaft is telescoped within the vertical feed tube and mounts a transverse workpiece support. A feed screw assembly interconnects the vertical feed tube and workpiece holder shaft and is adapted on actuation to raise and lower the workpiece holder shaft and connected workpiece support.

Abstract: A connector assembly, for use in connecting a wiper arm and a wiper blade for pivotal movement of the blade in relation to the arm about a common axis which in use is substantially perpendicular to the surface to be wiped, comprises two basic parts, namely a first part (11) for attachment to the wiper arm and a second part (12) for attachment directly or indirectly to the wiper blade, the parts being pivotally connected together for relative angular movement about the common axis (13). The assembly includes a discrete element (33) arranged for rotation about the common axis in relation to one of the parts (11) and there are two first abutment faces (31, 32) on that part (11), and two second abutment faces (36, 37) on the discrete element, the second faces being arranged to co-operate with the respective first faces to limit the range of relative angular movement of the two parts (11, 12) about the common axis.

Abstract: A wiper arm includes a wiper rod which is directly formed from wire rod.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm is described wherein a press fit connection is provided between the wiper rod and a link. The rod carries projections which bite into the softer material of the link.

Abstract: An upright suction carpet cleaner is provided with a solid rear axle having wheels mounted on either end thereof and a power assist transmission generally medially mounted therewith. The transmission comprises a housing carrying an input pinion gear driven from the suction fan motor shaft in constant mesh with a pair of contra-rotating face gears freely rotatable upon the axle shaft. A pair of clutch assemblies selectively engage one or the other of the contra rotating face gears in timing relationship with the axle shaft, with the clutch assembly being selectively operable through a bowden cable connection to a shiftable hand grip on the cleaner handle so that slight forward pressure on the hand grip by an operator is effective to engage the forward clutch and provide power assist drive to the cleaner in a forward direction while a slight rearward pressure on the handle grip by the operator provided a power assist in reverse drive.

Abstract: Over-center hinge for cabinet doors, having a door-related part in the form of a recess-mounted cup in which the ends of inner and outer links are pivotingly mounted whose outer ends are pivoted on a supporting-wall-related part in the form of a supporting arm, a pressure piece biased by a spring being pivotingly mounted within the supporting arm on the inner link nearest the supporting wall and bearing against a counter-surface which during the hinge movement undergoes a change of position relative to the pressure piece such that the hinge, after passing beyond a dead center during the closing movement, is resiliently forced into the closed position.

Abstract: A hinge comprises an L-shaped stationary flap having a pair of legs each having a rounded, tubular end, an L-shaped rotatable flap having a leg formed with a rounded, tubular end aligned with the tubular ends of the stationary flap, and disposed between the legs of the stationary flap, and a hinge pin extending through the tubular ends of the flaps, and about which the rotatable flap is rotatable. A pair of oppositely directed cam shafts project from the opposite extremities of the tubular end of the rotatable flap and are each received in a recess formed in each leg of the stationary flap. Each cam shaft has a flat surface, and each recess of the stationary flap accommodates a cam rest and a spring urging the cam rest outwardly to maintain it in intimate contact with the flat surface of the cam shaft, whereby the door to which the hinge is attached is closed automatically, and kept in its closed position.

Abstract: A pickup 21 is connected with a portioning element that carries out individual portioning operations between two portioning pauses. By means of a sensor 22 and a counter 29 the actual values of the portioning operation steps are measured and are compared in a comparator 35 with a desired value from a desired-value setter 30. When the actual value reaches the desired value the programmed controller 27 for the next portioning operation and simultaneously the counter 29 is reset via the line 38. Thus the overrun of the portioning element after switching off is counted for the next portion. With each difference between desired value and actual value of a preceding portioning operation thus effectively the remaining desired value for the next portioning step is corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus for drafting and parallelizing strands of fiber comprising three side-by-side rolls nested in three side-by-side troughs which conform to and are adjacent the bottoms of the three rolls. The rolls are rotated in the same direction at sequentially greater speeds. The first two rolls include fiber-combing teeth, and the third roll is composed of a smooth, rubber-like surface. The fibers pass sequentially around the bottoms of the three rolls through a very narrow gap between the rolls and troughs to emerge in a parallelized, drafted condition. The unit may be incorporated into a no-twist yarn system as the sole mechanism for drafting and parallelizing the fiber, to form no-twist yarn in a continuous manner; or be used in place of conventional drafting system.

Abstract: A harnessing device formed by a locking head and an attached ladder strap. The head contains a locking tang and a guide channel that receives the strap after encirclement of items to be harnessed. The tang engages the rungs of the ladder strap for the adjustable retention of the harnessed items. The free end of the strap has a light-weight webbed tail that facilitates the insertion of the strap into the head. The strap is advantageously molded of a stretch reorientable material and is subsequently stretched to produce a suitable strengthening and elongation of the webbed tail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle for texturing a thread by a gaseous fluid flow. The nozzle is provided with an angular channel for guiding a thread, a channel for feeding gaseous fluid thereto, opening obliquely into the angular channel, and at the exit of the angular channel is located a texturing bridge. A second channel for guiding a second thread is provided, which opens obliquely into the angular channel for guiding the first thread.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of making a multi-layer ceramic capacitor and, in its more particular phases, to a capacitor having closely predictable tolerances. The method comprises the steps of providing or fabricating green ceramic sheets and imprinting or otherwise depositing on such sheets patterns of electrode material, the patterns each defining a continuous electrode area many times the anticipated area of the final capacitor. A multiplicity of layers of the ceramic and electrode are stacked and increments of the composite mass are cut therefrom in the direction perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the electrodes, which increments are thereafter fired, terminated and glazed or enveloped in an insulating coating whereby there are formed capacitors which are substantially marginless, i.e. do not include borders of ceramic material projecting beyond the electrode area.

Abstract: A connection wire manufacturing system is provided in which a number of pairs of press-connecting terminals are formed in a hoop material, each being coupled at the heads with each other, and the hoop material with the pairs of press-connecting terminals is transferred to a press-connecting step where those pairs of terminals are separated into individual pairs of terminals and those individual ones are press-connected to connection wires with given lengths properly prepared into a continuous connection wire line which is allowed to be taken up by a take-up drum.

Abstract: A servicing machine for a steam generator is accurately set up in the generator channel head with a pivoted arm mounted for rotation in a plane parallel to the tubesheet. The angular position of the arm, the longitudinal position of a carriage mounted on the arm and the vertical position of a platform on the carriage are remotely controlled to maneuver a probe used in mapping the precise location of the thousands of holes in the tubesheet. Various operations are then performed at each precise hole location by tools carried by the arm mounted carriage to prepare for installation of new tubing. The operation of a pair of remotely controlled pivoted arms, one on each side of the channel head divider plate, is coordinated to automatically position the ends of U-shaped tubes in corresponding holes in the tubesheet on opposite sides of the divider plate and to secure the same in place.

Abstract: A novel overhead door section system and method, the section including a section facing fabricated from a high tensile steel and secured to a novel end stile and center stile. The end stile includes an angle support secured therein. The angle support clamps an end of the section facing against a front face of the end stile and is secured to ribs in the section facing and to a side wall of the end stile. A novel back facing and method provide additional strength to the panel and may also enclose an insulative layer inside the panel.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a high-frequency bipolar transistor structure wherein the emitter, higher impurity concentration base, and lower impurity concentration base regions are defined in a single masking operation. Permeation etching is used to etch regions of an oxide layer under a layer of resist which defines regions of the higher impurity concentration thereby simultaneously defining the emitter and lower impurity concentration base regions. The higher impurity concentration base regions are formed by ion implantation of impurities through the unetched oxide regions. The resist is then removed and the lower impurity concentration base and emitters are formed through the resulting opening in the oxide. This results in the self-aligning of the emitter regions with respect to the base regions.

Abstract: A new package for semiconductor optoelectronic devices is disclosed, which comprises a novel geometrical configuration and provides plug-in capability. The package configuration provides a convenient means for supplying electrical signals to or from the device(s) within the package while maintaining a coaxial geometry, useful in optical and thermal control. Techniques for bonding devices into the package are easily automated using conventional bonding and assembly equipment. The package permits use of the device in a variety of orientations.

Abstract: A Charge Coupled Device (CCD) structure employing two levels of electrode metallization. The field plate electrodes are arranged in pairs with the second one of each pair partially overlapping and insulated from the first one of its pair and the first one of the next pair. The structure can be operated two-phase or four-phase with four electrodes per bit and three-phase with three electrodes per bit by providing suitable amounts of electrode overlap and suitable drive circuitry. A particularly advantageous mode of two-phase operation with four electrodes per bit is enabled by providing asymmetrical overlapping of electrodes, the second electrode of each pair overlapping the first electrode of its pair more than the first electrode of the next pair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the insertion of pre-wound coils into the slots of a stator of a rotary electric machine. The device comprises a cylindrical finger holder having on its periphery an annular series of longitudinal grooves, housing a series of fingers which extend beyond one end of the finger holder to receive the pre-wound coils. At the other end of the cylindrical finger holder opposite that from which the fingers extend is an end portion which is insertable into a stator and is provided with reference means for determining the correct angular orientation of the finger holder and the fingers with respect to the stator slots when the said other end portion of the finger holder is inserted into the interior of a stator.

Abstract: Reed switch contact unit is made in a sealed box and a pivotally-mounted guide member (7) with a V- or Y-shaped slot aligning the bottom reed during assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement whereby a plurality of coils may be simultaneously formed on a common coil form and thereafter that form sliced or sectioned to yield individual coils is disclosed employing an elongated hollow coil form of insulating material with a plurality of lateral surface openings spaced therealong and extending in the direction of elongation. A conductive strip extends along the surface of the coil form and has a plurality of conductive tabs extending from the strip and through corresponding coil form openings into the hollow interior of the form. A plurality of wire ends are attached to the conductive strip and the coil form rotated to generate the plurality of coils thereon. A second conductive strip may be placed along the formed coils for terminating the other coil lead so that when individual coils are severed from the form, convenient terminals connected to the beginning and terminus of the coil are available for connecting the coil in circuit with other components.

Abstract: A method and machine for making a quick change drill assembly that can be snapped into and out of a spring-loaded ball-locking chuck. The assemblies are comprised of standard sized adapters having various sized bores to receive drills having shanks of corresponding interference-fit diameters. Adapters and drills are fed from opposite ends of the machine to positions from which they are interference fit and automatically discharged. The adapters are fed into a storage tube from a feeder bowl and in the storage tube they are selected or rejected according to the direction of the bore. Selected adapters are air driven to a magazine in a retracted position and from which it is movable to a supplying position. In the supplying position the individual adapter is forced into a radially biasing collet in a hydraulic press.

Abstract: Metallic anode holders are suspended by a conveyor, and moved in succession above a table supporting induction-heating coils. The coils can be raised to surround lower depending parts of the holders which may be optionally previously coated with a separating agent to prevent direct contact with the grouting subsequently applied. The associated anode carbon blocks with recesses are conveyed successively beneath a beam supporting induction-heating coils which can be lowered into the recesses which subsequently receive the parts of the holders for grouting therein. It is possible to heat the recesses and the parts of the holders in situ and simultaneously, in which case the grouting operation can be performed without letting the components cool down. Metallic cathode busbars previously installed in a recess of a carbon block are likewise conveyed beneath a beam supporting an induction-heating coil, which serves to heat the busbars and the recess prior to grouting the busbars in the recess.

Abstract: There is provided a shaving apparatus having a shear plate formed with hair-entry apertures and a cutting unit associated with and drivable relative to the shear plate. The cutting unit comprises a cutting element having cutters, a hair-pulling blade being associated with each cutter and positioned in front of the same in the direction of driving the cutting unit. To enable the shaving apparatus to be operated at a high speed, the hair-pulling blades are elastically coupled to the cutting element whereby each hair-pulling blade is movable, upon driving of the cutting unit, toward and into contact with its associated cutter upon contact of the hair-pulling blade with a hair. Each hair pulling blade is normally spaced from its associated cutter throughout their respective lengths.

Abstract: A safety razor having a movable head includes a handle to which a blade assembly carrier is secured. The blade assembly carrier is adapted to receive blade assemblies of different configurations as produced by different manufacturers; together, the blade assembly carrier and the blade assembly define the head of the razor. The head is movable about an axis parallel to edges of the blades. The head also is attached to the handle in such a fashion that the head "floats" with respect to the handle, that is, the head not only pivots about an axis parallel to the edges of the blades, but it also translates and is angularly displaceable relative to the handle. The resultant shaving action is superior to that attainable with other safety razors. Because of the simplicity of the components, the expense of the assembly is markedly reduced compared with prior safety razors having movable heads.

Abstract: A pipe cutter especially adapted to cut soil pipes and the like from the outside in a very narrowly confined space.The soil pipe of a bathroom commode projects outwardly from the wall and is capped a short distance from the wall. The present cutter is mounted on the existing mounting bolts of the soil pipe assembly. The cutter assembly comprises an input shaft which may be driven by a separate electric drill which turns a pinion geared to a ring gear, driving it at slower speed, the latter having mounted, on the inner perimeter, a spring-loaded cutter blade for projecting the blade radially inwardly under spring action during rotation of cutter blade.

Abstract: A pocket knife is disclosed herein having a body including a pair of side portions separated by a spacer so as to define a storage cavity for a knife blade. The blade is pivotally carried by its end from a selected end of the body between a stored position and an open or operative position. A releasable lock mechanism is operably carried on the body for retaining the blade in its open position. The blade is provided with a cutting edge along an underside and a cutting edge of shorter length is provided along the top side and a finger depression is formed on the blade adjacent to an enlarged portion for grasping by the thumb of the user for urging the blade from its closed position into its open or operative position. A clip is incorporated into the body for supporting the knife in a pocket, on a belt or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotating head carrying a flexible, non-metallic cutting line extended radially into a cutting plane. An additional length of line is extended into the cutting plane automatically during rotation of the head as its speed increases from a first magnitude to a second magnitude. A laterally displaced cam within the head moves outwardly for releasing a spool carrying coiled cutting line to advance a first angular displacement within the head. The spool rotates a second angular displacement to return the cam to its original position by the drag of the cutting line during vegetation cutting but not by free air travel. After the cutting line length extension is completed, the spool is secured by the cam at its initial position automatically against further rotation within the head.

Abstract: Apparatus for checking linear geometric dimensions of the raceway of a ball bearing ring. A base supports a rotatable plate, which makes a ring rotate about its geometrical axis, and a mobile arm which applies to gauging heads a reciprocating motion along the transversal direction of the raceway. The gauging heads have relevant feelers which, due to the motion of the gauging heads and the rotation of the ring, contact the raceway surface along lines having an oscillating form. The gauging heads provide signals responsive to the radial dimensions of the ring in correspondence with the raceway. The signals provided by the gauging heads are processed by electronic circuits for obtaining signals responsive to said geometric dimensions, for example signals indicating the raceway minimum diameter.

Abstract: Compact and portable apparatus particularly useful in aligning the axles of trailers comprises an instrument case connected by an elongated spring-loaded cable to the trailer kingpin and connected by a pair of cables to clips releasably fastened at spaced locations to the trailer axle. The case contains a sector gear which is connected to the kingpin cable and which meshes with a pinion gear coupled to a pointer adapted to register with an array of graduations to provide a readout of the misalignment which is readily readable by a workman stationed at the location adjacent the trailer axle adjustment mechanism. If desired, the case may include a lamp which is connected to a self-contained power supply and which is illuminated when the axle is properly aligned with respect to the trailer frame. In one modified embodiment, a potentiometer is coupled to the input lever and is operable to provide an analog signal corresponding to the misalignment of the axle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a new navigational calculating device which provides a mechanical means of solving position finding problems by solving a plane right triangle. It is an alternative to traverse tables, trigonometric formulas, and chart plotting for determining a dead reckoning position. It is particularly useful for small water-going craft in which conventional methods of navigation are difficult or impractical. A plotting board may be used to provide a visual application of calculation results.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying seeds and other granular products includes a drying vessel that is connected to a vacuum pump which evacuates air from its interiors. The drying vessel has an enclosing side wall and a tubular portion which is surrounded by the side wall, all such that an annular drying cavity is formed within the vessel. The tubular portion is made from a material that is transparent to microwave energy and houses waveguide-radiators, each of which is connected to a different microwave launcher that is located at the lower end of the transparent tubular portion. The launchers produce microwave energy that is directed into their respective waveguide-radiators which in turn allow the energy to escape through apertures in their side walls. This energy passes through the transparent tubular portion of the drying vessel and into the drying cavity of the vessel. Within the annular drying cavity, the vessel contains drying columns into which the granular product is directed.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for the drying of articles, especially foodsfs, biological materials and other substances susceptible to cell damage with overheating, wherein the material is spread in a high-vacuum vessel directly adjacent a cooled condenser and is subjected to a vacuum by a pump capable of developing pressures as low as about 0.1 mbar. The chamber is evacuated until there is a noticeable formation of the condenser whereupon the connection between the pump and the chamber is closed and the product is heated to evaporate liquids but below a predetermined temperature (say a maximum of 50.degree. C.) while the condensate resulting from the evaporation is collected directly below the product and is discharged.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed reactor an approach flow floor extends across below the suspension phase. Approach flow bodies are positioned in openings in the flow floor, each flow body has a pick-up pocket in its upper surface with a flow hole extending downwardly from the pocket to the lower end of the flow body. The upper end of the flow hole conically widens as it approaches the pocket. A distribution plate is located within the pocket spaced upwardly from the upper end of the flow hole. A baffle plate is positioned on the lower surface of the distribution plate spaced above the flow hole. The upper surface of the flow floor is inclined upwardly from the openings in which the flow bodies are positioned.

Abstract: A sole for footwear made of thermoplastic of sufficient transparency to permit display of the bottom of the article of footwear to which it is attached. In various embodiments of the invention an at least semitransparent thermoplastic sole is attached to an article of footwear with a patterned insole or inlay adjacent to the top of the sole and protected thereby or with a patterned inlay embedded within the thermoplastic sole. In a preferred embodiment an, at least, semi-transparent composition is provided by a blend of predominantly elastomeric block polymer and predominantly nonelastomeric block polymer with each of the block polymer types chosen from radial and linear block copolymers of conjugated, diene and monovinyl substituted hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe is disclosed which is particularly suited for use in the game of baseball. The athletic shoe comprises a sole having an upper secured to it and extending upwardly from its upper side. A first set of cleats extends downwardly from the sole and comprises at least three thin and arcuate cleats. Moreover, this first set of cleats is secured to the ball portion of the sole and positioned in a ring so that each cleat has substantially the same radius and center as each other. A second set of thin and arcuate cleats is also secured to the ball portion of the sole in a ring concentric with the first set of cleats but on a smaller radius than the first set of cleats. The first and second set of cleats provide improved pivoting for the athletic shoe.

Abstract: This invention provides dredging means having means to screen long slender particles wherein the long dimension extends in the direction of flow through a fluid-flow conduit. The screening means comprises a pair of opposing corrugated surfaces, the folds or corrugations on the opposing surfaces being substantially parallel, and separated by a distance, and having a wave length, determined by the size particle to be screened. Preferably, the corrugated surfaces are formed as a plurality of corrugated plates inserted within and extending along the direction of fluid-flow in a conduit. The axis of curvature of the corrugations or folds extend perpendicular to the flow of the stream.

Abstract: A bucket-wheel excavator has a frame provided with an unsplit-ring bearing that defines an axis for a shaft assembly. This assembly is formed by a solid core shaft extending along the axis through the bearing, an input-side tube shaft fitted over the core shaft to one side of the bearing and having one end turned away from the bearing and formed with an input flange, and an output-side tube shaft fitted over the core shaft to the opposite side of the bearing and having one end also turned away from the bearing and formed with an output flange. The opposite ends of these tube shafts are provided with angularly interengaging formations that rotationally couple them together and bolts press these formations axially into tight engagement with one another. A bucket wheel is carried on the output flange and a drive motor is connected to the input flange for rotating the shaft assembly and bucket wheel about the axis.

Abstract: A snow removal bar for the snow removal plate of a snow plow consists of a rubber or plastic element which is reinforced with steel plates on both sides thereof, and which has an upper edge mounted on the lower edge of the snow removal plate with screws. Hard material elements, preferably metal or corundum, are embedded in the rubber or plastic element.

Abstract: A multi-sided display device for mounting a plurality of sign panels on a pole is disclosed. The device is adaptable for all sizes and types of poles and signs, allows the signs to be rotatably adjusted around the pole to attain the optimum viewing orientation simultaneously from all directions, and also maintains the sign in a concentrically centered position relative to the axis of the pole. A sign holding mechanism is positioned at the top and bottom of the sign and is connected to a clamping mechanism, also at the top and bottom of the sign for securely mounting the device to a pole. The sign holding mechanism preferably comprises a ring or hoop and a plurality of brackets or clips which attach the signs to the ring. The clamping mechanism has means for adjustment to a wide variety of sizes and shapes of poles.

Abstract: In a battery-operated electric release device for fire-arms having an electronic switch 11 arranged in line between a first capacitor 8 and an electromagnet 9. The battery 3 is connected to the capacitor with no additional mechanically operated switch arranged therebetween. The electronic switch 11 is fired by discharge of a second capacitor 14 through a trigger controlled mechanical switch 15. The second capacitor 14 is provided with a voltage divider 12, 13 so that its charging time is greater than that of the first capacitor 8, whereby the fire arm cannot be prematurely discharged.

Abstract: An improved gill net hauling and fish picking system employing a net modified by incorporation of a longitudinal suspender line secured to the mesh along its length midway between cork line and lead line. With the suspender line caused to run over an elevated net guiding support, preferably in the form of a split sheave device, in approaching the storage drum, the halfwidth panels of the net draped from the suspender line are spread out and the mesh opened up to facilitate removal of fish therefrom.

Abstract: A fishing lure containing one or more light sources includes a guideway along which an electrical contact moves back and forth in response to an oscillatory movement of the lure. A series of spaced-apart stationary electrical contacts are positioned along the guideway to be successively engaged by the movable contact to intermittently complete a circuit and energize the light sources. The light sources are internally mounted for protection by the body of the lure and the light is transmitted to exterior locations by optical conductors.

Abstract: A bubble-forming device is constructed of a shallow dish-shaped bubble engaging disc having a central opening spaced apart inner and outer circular walls forming an open ended chamber of annular cross-section located on the convex side of the disc, the open end of the chamber being in communication with the opening in the disc, the inner wall having a lateral aperture in communication with the annular chamber and having an air supply inlet opening concentric with the open end of the chamber and the opening in the disc, a detachable cover covering the opening in the disc and having an aperture which is located so that air entering the chamber via the inlet opening and the lateral aperture emits from the aperture in the cover over the surface of said disc.

Abstract: A conductive fluid activated device for use in toys and the like is provided. The device includes resistive responsive circuitry adapted to produce various sounds or to control electric components such as motors, solenoids and the like. A fluid retaining reservoir is adapted to receive probes which extend from and are connected to the circuitry. Various configurations of the reservoir and the probes allow the resistive responsive circuitry to respond differently depending on the configuration of the reservoir and the probes by sensing resistive changes created by the presence and motion of various fluids in or passing through the reservoir and probes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided primarily for the application of liquid contact herbicides to plants. A liquid applicator roller is mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and in operative communication with a reservoir of liquid herbicide. The applicator roller is mounted above ground and in position for the peripheral surface thereof to be brought into contact with plants. The applicator roller is moved in the direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller, and powered rotation thereof is effected so that it rotates into contact with plants and continuously transfers liquid from the surface thereof onto the plants, the surface being continuously replenished with liquid from the reservoir. The housing mounting the roller is readily adaptable to mount a hand pushed or pulled unit, or to be mounted on a tractor tool bar. A drive wheel can communicate with a raised surface portion of the liquid applicator roller for effecting rotation thereof.

Abstract: A cover for protecting a plant against weather damage and method of making same are provided wherein such cover comprises a plurality of spaced arch-like supports and a flexible polymeric material fastened to and carried by the supports, and the supports and polymeric material cooperate to define the cover having an inverted roughly U-shaped outline.

Abstract: A fin-stabilized container formed from foldable sheet material, particularly suited for aerial planting of seeds or seedlings. A cone or pyramid of sheet material is folded so as to form three or more fins at the trailing end and closure means for a container cavity at the forward end.

Abstract: A watering system for flower pots and plant boxes which uses watering cylinders located adjacent to the plant roots with the watering cylinders connected to a water supply unit through a closed pipeline system with the water supply unit maintaining a constant supply of water to the watering cylinders. One can regulate or control the water level in the watering cylinders by vertically adjusting the ventilation tube located within a transparent water pipe in the water supply unit.