Abstract: A machine (28) for use in removing first and second mandrels (20) from a stringer assembly (26) that includes a composite I-beam and the mandrels is disclosed. The mandrels are located in channels on opposite sides of the composite I-beam. The machine includes a framework (30) having an elongate platform (36) for supporting the stringer assembly (26). Mounted on the framework are a plurality of stations (32) located long the longitudinal platform (36). Each station includes first and second movable platforms (42) mounted to opposite sides of the longitudinal platform from one another. Each platform includes a clamp (38 and 40) for sequentially clamping the stringer assembly to the framework when the mandrels are being removed. The movable platforms are attached to the mandrels. A jackscrew mechanism moves the movable platforms with respect to one another when the sides of the stringer assembly are clamped to the platform.

Abstract: The process for making plastic laminates, each of which consists of a package having an upper face and a lower face and consisting of a stack of prepreg sheets with a metal lamina on each face, includes the steps of providing a stack of prepreg sheets with a metal band passing in a serpentine manner back and forth through the stack; connecting end portions of the metal band to a source of electric current of sufficient power and passing the electric current through the metal band to heat the metal band and the prepreg sheets, applying pressure to the prepreg sheets with the metal band passing therethrough in a serpentine manner and, after application of sufficient heat and pressure, cutting through bends formed in the metal band to form a plurality of plastic laminates, each consisting of a stack of prepreg sheets sandwiched between metal laminae formed from the metal band.

Abstract: A machine for machining sheet metal and presenting:a multiple-tool assembly fitted with a number of tools arranged in a ring about a vertical axis;a multiple-die assembly fitted with a number of dies arranged in a ring about a vertical axis;a work station presenting a hammer movable along a vertical axis; anda carriage for moving the sheet.The main characteristic of the present invention is that the work station presents a strikerfor transmitting to the work tool the pressure exerted by the hammer; and a device for rotating the work tool about is longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a stator coil lacing machine to accommodate a range of different stator stack heights which method does not require disassembly of the machine. The method utilizes a stator coil lacing machine which includes stitching means for stitching lacing cord around coils of the stator, delivering means positioned within the arbor for delivering lacing cord to the stitching means, and securing means positioned within the arbor for securing the lacing cord. The method involves orienting a stator on the arbor of the stator coil lacing machine, and adjusting the delivering means, the stitching means, and the securing means to accommodate the particular stack height of the stator. Each of these adjustments can be made without dissembling the machine.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate with electronic circuitry (e.g., a transmitter or receiver) formed thereon and including interconnects. A ferrite disk bonded to the substrate so as to interact with the interconnects, when the ferrite disk is activated by a substantially constant magnetic field thereacross, to provide frequency selectivity within the electronic circuitry. A permanent magnet positioned adjacent to the ferrite disk to provide a substantially constant magnetic field across the ferrite disk so that the magnetic field produces resonance in the ferrite disk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system control for directing and monitoring the operation of an automatic fastening machine, such as automatic drilling and riveting machine, by gathering, recording, and processing relevant data from each drilling and riveting cycle. The cycle data then becomes part of a master record that is useful for logging maintenance schedules, for establishing real-time cycle trends and for historical purposes. Real-time cycle trends are particularly beneficial to effect corrections in subsequent cycles.

Abstract: This invention is for an integrated circuit package which includes two integrated circuit die connected to a common substantially planar lead frame, wherein bond pads on each die face the common lead frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing chip cards having electronic modules. The prior art discloses different production methods for such chip cards wherein the particular electronic module used has a special structure. In contrast, a method is now presented for producing chip cards having electronic modules that uses a standardized electronic module which is adapted to the production technique for the card in a last method step and connected with the card body by the selected technique.

Abstract: A printed circuit assembly and a method of manufacturing therefor are provided for directly connecting unpackaged integrated circuit chips such as flip chips to a footprint of active contact pads on a printed circuit substrate. A reduction in packaging density is obtained by electrically interconnecting one or more of the active contact pads with circuit traces formed on different layers of the printed circuit substrate. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the active contact pads includes an electrically conductive through hole electrically connecting the contact pad and a circuit trace located on the back side of a double-sided printed circuit substrate. In another embodiment, the printed circuit substrate is a multilayer construction, which enables active contact pads to be electrically interconnected with circuit traces on a plurality of circuit layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wire handling grippers, a process and an apparatus for manufacturing electrical cable bundles which use these grippers. The grippers comprise ar least one sweep arm and an internal articulated arm that can gather the wire ends inserted into openings of a component and the grippers comprise two external articulated arms which can gather wires in an area that is further away from the component, which grippers can move along a guide.

Abstract: A spherical annular seal having a through hole in a center thereof and a partially convex spherical surface portion on an outer surface thereof, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the spherical annular seal defining the through hole is reinforced by a reinforcing member formed of a metal mesh, and a uniform lubricating sliding layer of a lubricating composition containing 70 to 90 wt. % of boron nitride and 10 to 30 wt. % of alumina is formed on a surface of the partially convex spherical surface portion.

Abstract: A high pressure forming process is used to form asymmetric scroll compressor elements wherein a single or multiple piece die is closed at one end by a stop which is formed to correspond to a side of the scroll compressor element opposite to a scroll. A punch sized to fit within the die includes an endface having a scroll shaped cavity. A blank of an appropriate metal is placed in the die against the stop and the punch is then inserted into the die and fully extended to form the blank into a scroll compressor element with a single stroke of the punch. The punch includes vent holes for allowing trapped gases and lubricants to escape as the scroll is formed. The punch may also include an ejector system to facilitate removal of the scroll compressor elements from the punch/die combination.

Abstract: To form a pipe fitting (90) having a body (92) formed with at least one outer bulge (93) defining an inner circumferential groove (93a), in which a sealing ring (93b) can be located, so that the fitting, upon circumferential compression, can sealingly engage a pipe (91) inserted therein, a blank (11) is inserted into a two-part die, joined together at a severing plane. The die is formed with an annular recess or groove (7, 8). A mandrel is inserted in the pipe to maintain its inner diameter, and an upset member is forcibly moved against the end portions of the blank. The material of the blank (11) will flow into the annular groove (7, 8), thus forming the circumferential bulge (93). To accurately dimension and shape the resulting inner groove (93a), a roller element is inserted into the pipe, and rotated about itself, and additionally moved in an orbital or spiral path against the inner wall of the initially formed groove, to define its shape and size.

Abstract: A method for making either a ringless annealing furnace roll or a furnace roll having a series of spaced rings for supporting a metal strip being removed from an annealing furnace. Each ring is centrifugally cast with an outer rim of a steel alloy that is relatively insoluble with respect to the alloy of the strip being transferred from the furnace, and an inner liner of an alloy that can be readily welded to a roll. The inner liner material is fused to the rim material to form a composite ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing panels and major airplane fuselage sections, including a reconfigurable fixture that holds panels for routing and drilling by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination holes drilled into the parts and subassemblies and making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinate of the dimensions and contour of the assembly.

Abstract: A cam lock for the folding blade of a knife is disclosed herein wherein the heel of the knife is pivotally carried between opposite sides at one end of a handle. The handle includes an elongated slot defined between opposing surfaces of the handle for receiving the blade in its folded or storage position. A self-biasing cam lock assembly having components carried on the heel of the blade and the handle maintains the blade in its operative extended, unfolded position or in its folded storage position. The cam lock assembly includes an L-shaped cam member secured to the blade heel having an arcuate surface terminating at one end in a linear surface and a cut-out at its opposite end. Rectilinear slide members are carried on the handle having a spring bias yieldably urging the pin and slide member into engagement with either the cut-out or the linear surface respectively to maintain the blade in either of its two positions.

Abstract: A device for forming circles on a drawing surface that includes, in part, a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member. The first rotatable member is substantially flat and includes an opening formed therein. The second rotatable member is resiliently disposed within the opening. A first means elevates the first rotatable member above the drawing surface to prevent smearing of lines on the surface. A second means elevates the second rotatable member above the drawing surface to prevent smearing of lines on the surface and to engage the surface for stabilizing the rotatable member over the surface. The second mechanism elevates the second rotatable member to approximately the same level as the first rotatable member. A plurality of holes are disposed in the first and second rotatable members. The holes accommodate a marking instrument used for forming the circles.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the shape of a frame of spectacles is provided wherein the shape of a frame is measured with a measuring element which is held in contact with a groove in a rim of the frame while being moved along the groove. To accurately position the measuring element with respect to the groove of the frame before the start of measurement, positioning means is provided which moves the measuring element horizontally toward the frame, presses the measuring element against the frame with a biasing force, and which positions the measuring element at a measurement position. Further, to permit smooth vertical movement of the measuring element and to achieve accurate shape measurement, thrust means is provided which pushes the lower end face of a measuring element supporting shaft upward at a location displaced from the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: In a sight scope, an erect sleeve is received in a scope body. An erect lens system is disposed within the erect sleeve. An erect lens system is pivotably supported at its end portion on the side of an eye piece by the scope body. The other end portion of the erect sleeve on the side of an objective is biased by a spring so as to contact an inner end face of an adjusting member of an inclination adjusting mechanism. The end portion of the erect sleeve on the side of the objective is moved by the adjusting member in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the scope body. By this, the erect sleeve is adjusted in its angle of inclination with respect to the axis of the scope body. A projection is formed on that end portion of the erect sleeve on the side of the objective. The projection is tapered when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the scope body. A top portion of this project is in contact with the inner end face of the adjusting member.

Abstract: A non-slip sewing ruler comprising an elongate guide member including a pair of apertures disposed therein. Releasably attached to the top surface of the guide member is a handle member having a pair of pin members extending therefrom. Each of the pin members defines a pin point which is received into a respective one of the apertures when the handle member is attached to the guide member. The handle member is selectively movable between a first position wherein the pin points reside within the apertures, and a second position wherein the pin points protrude from the bottom surface of the guide member.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring apparatus carries a video camera 6 and a mechanical probe head 7 having a probe element 8 for contact-measuring the workpiece surface. With the aid of the coordinate measuring apparatus, the locations on the workpiece 9 to be mechanically contacted are driven to under visual control with the aid of the monitor 10 connected to the video camera. For this purpose, the probe element 8 is located in the viewing field of the video camera 6.

Abstract: A device for locating the position of a receptacle in a wall which is covered during the construction process. The receptacle locating device includes a guide module, such as a plate-shaped body with an interior opening conforming to the configuration of a receptacle, for indicating the receptacle. The receptacle locating device also includes an attachment module for connecting the guide module to a portion of a mounting apparatus, such as a leg of a squaring tool. When another portion of the mounting apparatus, such as the other leg of the squaring tool, is held against a second wall, such as the floor, that intersects the first wall, the receptacle locating device attached to the mounting apparatus can be aligned with the receptacle and later used to pinpoint the location of the receptacle after the receptacle is subsequently covered.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying the inside of the air duct of a vehicle air conditioner with heating, cooling and drying mode, which includes a first duct part containing a heater unit, a second duct part containing an evaporation unit, the first and second duct parts forming the air duct, an auxiliary blowing fan for introducing in the cooling and drying mode air firstly into the first duct part to heat the air and supply the heated air to the inside of the second duct part, and a main blowing fan for introducing air firstly into the second duct part then to flow towards the heater unit.

Abstract: A process for drying water-containing materials in a closed-circuit system using a vertical drying tower having inlets located at a lower portion of the tower, the inlets circulating superheated steam in countercurrent to the water-containing materials descending through the vertical drying tower thereby drying the water-containing materials, the improvement being:(a) providing an auxiliary fluid having a temperature below that of the superheated steam entering into the vertical drying tower;(b) providing a double jacket having a permeable inner wall wherein the double jacket surrounds the lower portion of the vertical drying tower below the inlets; and(c) introducing the auxiliary fluid through the permeable inner wall of the double jacket and into the vertical drying tower in a tangential or radial direction relative to the permeable inner wall.

Abstract: In a spray drying device with a drying chamber and at the bottom thereof a fluidized bed, which is maintained on a perforated plated, the fluidized layer is divided by means of separation means into two zones, of which only one is supplied with particles from the spray drying chamber, whereas the second zone is substantially supplied with particles only from the first zone and is designed for treatment of the particles while they pass through the zone in a flow without substantial back mixing. The device makes it possible to manufacture a product which without after-treatment, is substantially dustless and has the desired particle size distribution, degree of dampness and surface treatment. Furthermore, an improved exploitation of energy is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for detaching a filter cake created by a suction dryer from off the filter surface of a filter medium and for an essentially simultaneous treatment of the cake to a form advantageous for further processing. The apparatus comprises a suction dryer (1, 11, 27), a connected filter surface (4, 14, 28) and a basin (2, 13, 27) for the material to be filtered. According to the invention, in the vicinity of the filter surface (4, 14, 28) of the filter medium, there is installed a blowing member (7, 17, 21) with at least one part, the blowing effect whereof can advantageously be extended over the whole width of the filter surface (4, 14, 28) of the filter medium, on which surface the filter cake can be formed.

Abstract: An insulating sole cover including an upper portion that has a top panel with a flat portion and a heel portion with an arc portion therebetween. The top panel has an outer rim with a top side wall extending upward therefrom. Also included is a bottom portion that has a bottom panel that is rigid along a bottom surface. The bottom panel has a bottom rim with a bottom side wall that extends upward therefrom. The bottom side wall is capable of being sealed to the top rim of the top side wall to form an interior area therebetween. Included are a plurality of cells. The cells are formed within the bottom portion and are proportionately dispersed within the interior area of the top panel and the bottom panel. Each cell has a filler contained therein to provide insulation from cold. Lastly, a plurality of openings are positioned within within the spacing between each cell. The openings are capable of decreasing the compaction coefficient of the filler within the interior area.

Abstract: The instant invention is a one piece thong constructed from a flexible base. A cut line along the front of the base provides an upwardly extending tab for insertion between the first and second toe. The tab is shaped to conform to the toes and uses an enlarged upper portion for securing the base to the foot. A second cut disposed along the back of the base provides a flexible strap for securement around the heel of the foot. In the preferred use, the heel strap couples directly to the toe tab providing a slip-on thong by forming a strap that fits over the bridge of the foot.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe sole with rotatable and replaceable rear soles and replaceable cleats to provide the user with longer wear. The invention also provides the user with the ability to quickly and easily adapt the sole to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski boot adapted to be maintained in support on a ski in a manner whereby it can be freed by front and rear binding elements affixed to the ski. The boot includes a front tip, and a rear tip, the zones of retention and support extending on both sides of a vertical median plane. The front tip has a retention feature with asymmetrical mechanical characteristics with respect to the median plane so as to allow for the release of the boot as a result of a torsional bias beyond a bias threshold which is different depending upon the direction of rotation in which the torsional bias is exerted.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus adapted for connection to a tool of a construction vehicle comprises a framework having a proximal end and a distal end, the framework including a trenching device positioned intermediate the proximal end and the distal end for digging a furrow in which a silt fence is positioned. The proximal end has a mounting arrangement for clamping the framework to the tool of the construction vehicle and the distal end has a depth limiting arrangement for limiting the digging depth of the trenching device.

Abstract: An iron having a steam chamber cover connected to the soleplate without the use of additional fasteners or adhesives. The soleplate has a raised steam chamber wall. A top of the steam chamber wall has a channel. A rim of the steam chamber cover is positioned in the channel and a portion of the wall is deformed to sealingly lock the rim in the channel. The cover can also be stamped towards the soleplate to press the cover against ribs of the soleplate inside the steam chamber.

Abstract: An illuminated vehicle display device comprising a flat back plate having a light source disposed thereon, and a front, box-like housing member which has a rearwardly disposed opening so that the housing member encloses the light source when it is detachably attached to the flat back plate. The front housing member has a partially translucent/transparent (i.e. partially non-opaque) panel disposed in a window defined through its front wall. A plurality of protruding tab members defined on the inside faces of one or more walls of the housing member coact with a plurality of corresponding slots defined in the back plate to simply, securely and detachably snap fasten the housing member to the back plate. Electrical power wires threaded through a hole in the back plate are used to connect the light source to an external power supply. The back plate is mountable to a vehicle license plate mounting assembly.

Abstract: A plate closure for use in an internally illuminated sign having a plurality of wiring ports to provide access to the interior of the sign for connecting wires from a power source including a housing made up of a pair of interlockable halves. Each of the halves has a peripheral sealing lip opposed to the peripheral lip of the other half to form a peripheral housing wall. The housing wall has a pair of substantially parallel opposed end walls, a top housing wall and a bottom wall. A top wiring port is formed in the top wall. A left wiring port is formed in one of the end walls, and a right wiring port is formed in the other of the end walls. Each of the wiring ports provides a selective access to the interior of the housing to provide wiring for a light source. Each of the walls, having one of the wiring ports, has a mounting groove in a portion of the housing wall defining the wiring port. Each mounting groove extends into the respective wall and opens into the respective wiring port.

Abstract: A device for displaying a sign at various heights, including a base and a pair of spaced, parallel uprights extending upwardly from the base. A cardholder is slidably positioned between the uprights with the sign being removably mounted to the cardholder. A frictional retaining force exerted between the uprights and the cardholder maintains the cardholder and the sign at various heights.

Abstract: An identification device which includes blank band having an imprintable surface upon which information in the form of a bar code or the like can be imprinted in a conventional bar code imprinting machine. Various bands are provided with separate fasteners which are assembled with the band after the imprinting and which, when the band is located on a person or object, lock the band against undesirable removal of the band.

Abstract: An improved magazine for a semi-automatic pistol adapted to be loaded with a plurality of horizontally oriented and vertically stacked cartridges or bullets. A follower on the upper end of a coil spring supports the stack of rounds which are fitted individually into the top opening of the magazine with the first being disposed on the follower and subsequent rounds being supported by the body of the previous round. The last loaded, or uppermost round, when the magazine is fitted into the gun, will be the first round to be loaded into the chamber of the gun for firing. At the upper sidewalls thereof, the magazine includes lips which, at upper edges, are spaced apart a distance less than the diameter of the cartridges to be used in the pistol. A ridge disposed in each of the side walls of said magazine parallel to the upper edges of said lips, the ridges are spaced apart a distance less than the diameter of the cartridges which are held thereby.

Abstract: A cartridge magazine for use with a firearm includes a housing arranged to enclose a plurality of cartridges. The housing has an opened end and a mouth for permitting cartridges to be loaded therein and dispensed therefrom. A follower is movably positioned within the housing and biased toward the mouth.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a firearm a striker which is slidably mounted in the breach end of the barrel of the firearm for movement between a rearward cock position and a forward firing position. The striker is biased toward the firing position and is moved to the cock position against the bias by an actuator. The fire control mechanism includes a trigger housing which is fixed to the breach end of the barrel and a trigger which is mounted for pivoting movement between a cocked position and a firing position. The sear is also mounted on a housing for pivoting movement between a striker holding position and a striker release position. The sear is effective to hold the striker in its cocked position and is, in turn, held in its regular holding position by the trigger.

Abstract: A gunstock that is provided that includes a core, a unidirectional fiberglass layer, a decorative layer, a woven fiberglass layer, and a resin impregnating the layers. The core includes a forearm, a grip, and a buttstock. The unidirectional fiberglass layer is laid over the core. The decorative layer may be a fabric or a natural foliage that is laid over the unidirectional fiberglass. The woven fiberglass is a seamless sock that is woven directly over the decorative layer. Resin transfer molding is employed to impregnate the resin into the fiber. Once impregnated with the resin and cured, the fiberglass becomes transparent along with the resin such that the decorative layer can be seen through the fiberglass and resin composite. Composite crossbolts are also provided through the action area of the core. These crossbolts include fiberglass arms that extend along the sides of the core toward the butt of the stock. A method for constructing a gunstock as described above is also provided.

Abstract: A line breaker for pulling a fishing line away from a point of entanglement comprises a horizontally extending tool having a pair of horizontally spaced ends, an upper surface, a lower surface, one of the ends constituting a handle for grasping by a fisherman, a pair of horizontally spaced and vertically projecting pegs extending relatively divergently outwardly from the upper surface of the tool adjacent the other end. The fisherman can wrap a slack portion of the line around the pegs individually and collectively and thereafter pull on the tool in a direction away from the point of entanglement for the purpose of breaking the line away from its entanglement.

Abstract: A seine for collecting bait from a body of water having a bed. The seine comprises a mesh receptacle having an intake portion and a collection portion. A frame is operably connected to the mesh receptacle and has a first portion for holding the intake portion of the mesh receptacle in a receiving state and a second portion for holding the collection portion of the mesh receptacle in a receiving state. An anchor is operably connected to the frame and has a prong capable of penetrating into the bed of the body of water thereby securing the seine to the bed. A handle is operably connected to the frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lure retriever for retrieving a lure on a fishing line, comprising a body, a lure release member mounted to the body and for releasing a snagged lure, and a friction drive system for engagement with the fishing line to advance the lure release member to a snagged lure. This has the advantage of preventing disengagement of the fishing line with the lure which would otherwise occur when the user simply pulls the fishing line. In addition to the foregoing advantage, the friction drive system provided on the apparatus, permits the apparatus to be drivable in a variety of either positive or negative inclinations. This circumvents the difficulties previously encountered in prior art arrangements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a float with light indicators. The float is provided therein with a green and a red lights, batteries, a contact switch, and loadstone holder connected at a lower end to a fishhook holder that downward extends out of the float to connect a fishhook. When the float is stably floating on a water surface, the fishhook holder and the loadstone holder are in a higher position in the float to cause the contact switch to lighten the green light indicator, and when a fish bites the fishhook and thereby causes the fishhook holder and the loadstone holder to move downward, the contact switch is caused to lighten the red light indicator. An angler may easily determine whether a fish is hooked from the lightened red indicator and timely pulls the fishing rod.

Abstract: A beach trolling device comprising a flat elongated buoyant rudder and a post secured to one side and near a forward end of the rudder. The post will extend at a right angle outwardly from the side of the rudder. A fishing line is also provided. A plurality of fishing hooks are attached in spaced apart relationships onto the fishing line ear a forward end thereof. A structure is for attaching the forward end of the fishing line to a free end of the post, so that a person can troll for fish beyond the surf from the shoreline of the beach.

Abstract: An animal trap comprising an elongated, U-shaped cage with a cover and vertically slideable doors at each end is disclosed. The trap further includes a triggering mechanism that results in the activation of at least one trap door when an animal removes bait from a bait tray. The triggering mechanism includes a vertical bait pin positioned above a hole in the bait tray, a flexible linking means connecting the bait pin to a latch pin that holds the trap door in an open position. When the bait is removed from between the bait tray and the lower end of the bait pin, the bait pin falls and accelerates through the hole in the bait tray creating tension in the flexible member which actuates the latch pin allowing the trap door to fall and lock in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for controlling mice and other rodents includes a tubular housing having an opened rear end, a closed front end and a spring element for selectively closing the rear end. The housing is mounted at an inclined angle relative to a supporting platform which opposes the force of the spring element and maintains the rear end of the housing in its opened position when the housing is mounted on the supporting platform. An attractant induces mice or other rodents into the housing which, as a result of the weight of the rodent, pivots relative to the supporting platform resulting in disengagement of the rear end of the housing and the supporting platform. Upon disengagement, the spring element closes the rear end of the housing entrapping the rodent therein. Breathing openings covered by a removable seal can be provided in the housing to dispose of the trapped rodent in a living state.

Abstract: A watering device (10) for use with a cut tree (2) in a base. The waterer (10) can be shaped to resemble an ornament. The waterer has a an inlet (22) and an outlet (28). A flexible tube (30) is attached to the outlet. Thus, water poured into the inlet exits through the outlet and into the tube. The tube, typically hidden within the tree, can extend downward and into a base or reservoir. Therefore, the water can exit the tube and into the base.

Abstract: A device for improving the delivery of water, aeration and fertilizer to the root system of plants provides an open-ended, water retaining, root barrier envelope which is placed around the root system of the plant, and a plurality of root deflector ribs for delivering water, aeration and fertilizer that extend downwardly along the envelope, and which are attached to the root barrier. Water, aeration, and fertilizer which are applied to the plant in the envelope will percolate downwardly through the upper portion of the soil surface embedding the root. The water will also move downwardly through the deflector ribs and then migrate inwardly through the perforations to a sub surface portion which is below the watered portion of the upper soil surface.

Abstract: An effective method for sterilizing seeds for sprouted vegetables and a sprouted vegetables cultivating method in which the growth of sprouted vegetables is promoted, while restraining the occurrence of their putrefaction caused by the breeding of microorganisms, are provided.