Abstract: A mechanical bird removal device, wherein a bow string is pulled taut, by means of a tow line, across an area to be swept free of unwanted birds. Upon activation of the device, the tow line is allowed to momentarily “free wheel”, thus releasing the bow string to sweep across the area, thus scaring or physically forcing the birds away. Once the area has been swept free of birds, the tow line once again is reeled in and thus resets the bow string for the next cycle.

Abstract: A fly line exchange apparatus and method including a temporary reel that houses a relatively short pull line that temporarily attaches to the end of the existing fly line. During use, the end of the pull line is connected via a quick connector to the end of the fly line. When the main fishing reel on the fishing pole is rotated, the fly line and pull line are pulled together through the eyelets on the fishing rod. When the end of the pull line is pulled through the eyelet closest to the reel, the old fly line is detached from the quick connector. The old spool in the reel is then replaced with a new spool having the desired fly line. The end of the new fly line is attached to the quick connector on the end of the pull line and the temporary reel is rotated to pull the pull line and new fishing line through the last eyelet on the fishing rod. The pull line is then detached from the new fishing line so that the new fishing line may be used.

Abstract: A fishing bobber includes a strike-indicating signal producing transmitter, e.g. a radio transmitter, for transmitting a radio signal to the fisherman when there is a strike on the line. The bobber includes a bobber body adapted to float on a body of water. A fishing line is connected to it during use. The signal transmitter, which may be a lamp, an audible alarm or radio transmitter is supported by and preferably housed within the bobber. Operatively connected to the transmitter are a pair of probes or electrodes for actuating the transmitter. A sensing means is connected to the probes to detect a current passing between them in response to a fish exerting tension on the fishing line to thereby operate the signal transmitter so as to signal the fisherman, e.g. by broadcasting, a radio signal to alert the fisherman when a fish has struck the bait. One preferred form the bobber includes a pair of electrical probes, i.e.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure has a hollow body containing an illumination source and an electrical power source. An arm passes through a small hole in the fishing lure body. A flexible seal holds the arm in place, prevents water from entering the lure, and acts as a pivot. The interior portion of the arm contains an electrical contact. Water movement deflects the exterior portion of the arm, which pivots around the seal, closes the connection to the power source, and causes the illumination source to produce light.

Abstract: A member for displacing the center of gravity used in a lure. The longitudinal dimension of a linear wire extends from the belly of the lure to the tail. A cylindrical magnet piece is secured to one end of the wire. A weight is formed as a hollow cylinder and is inserted from the other end of the wire. This weight is an alloy formed by mixing a material that does not have ferromagnetic properties in room temperature and a material having ferromagnetic properties at room temperature. A hole of the weight is formed to have a diameter slightly larger than that of the wire, allowing the wire passed through the hole to move freely forward and back. Next, a cushion member is secured near the other end of the wire.

Abstract: A heavy fishing line useful in fishing to reduce the environmental impact on marine birds has a high specific gravity and a high sink rate in water. The composite line has a central core of heavy metal and metal salt particles surrounded by a polymeric monofilament for use in long line fishing as well as fish nets.

Abstract: A rodent removal device for directing a rodent away from a dwelling includes an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end. The first end is open. An opening extends into the tubular member. A cover is positionable over the opening. The cover has an inner surface having a coupling member attached thereto. A scented material may be releasably attached to the coupling member. A plurality of conduits is fluidly coupled to and extends outwardly from the tubular member. Each of the conduits has an open free end. A plurality of door assemblies selectively opens or closes the conduits. Each of the assemblies is mounted in one of the conduits. The tubular member may be positioned along an upper edge of a wall of the dwelling. A rodent may enter one of the conduits and may exit only through the first end of the tubular member.

Abstract: An insect and rodent bait dispenser providing flexible means for dispensing a variety of different types of bait is described. The dispenser includes a weatherproof, childproof, enclosure having a pair of shallow reservoirs. Each reservoir includes a vertical element having a central orifice. The orifice is used to support a vertical rod upon which solid bait blocks are stacked. The vertical rod will also support a series of bait trays that may contain liquid or granular bait. The bait trays may be interspersed with the solid bait blocks. The bait trays include planar surfaces and spacing members designed to provide a space between stacked bait trays. The reservoir also accommodates a bottle for dispensing liquid bait into the reservoir. The bottle employs a special cap designed to keep the reservoir filled as liquid bait is removed. The dispenser includes features for mounting the dispenser to a vertical surface.

Abstract: A termite lure for use with a hole passing through a slab includes: a tubular container housing a mass of entangled cellulose fibers or a grouping of fiberboard disks; and a rod having a length greater than that of the container or grouping of fiberboard disks extending through the container or grouping. The container or grouping is slidably retained on the rod so that the lure can be easily repositioned along the length of the rod. The lure may also include an expansible plug that seals the hole in the slab. Preferably, the termite lure is used with a non-repellant termiticide and the lure in placed in the hole with the cellulose fibers or the lowermost disk of the lure in contact with the soil beneath the hole.

Abstract: A method is provided for mulching an agricultural soil bed using a biodegradable protein mulch material. The method includes the preparation of a film forming solution of a film forming protein material. The film forming protein solution is then sprayed directly onto a surface of an agricultural soil bed. The solution dries to form a thin film of protein material on the surface of the agricultural soil bed. The protein material may comprise a plant protein, a milk protein, an animal protein, a whey protein, casein, an egg protein or gelatin. Following a harvest, the mulch material, which is biodegradable, may simply be plowed under.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of making receptacles, packages, or parcels for living organisms or materials that are sensitive to changes in atmospheric conditions or surroundings, such as cut flowers. The lower portion (31) of a funnel-shaped shell overlies and matches the shape of a top portion (21) of a vase (2) which has the same funnel shape as the lower portion of the shell.

Abstract: A wall-hanging plant pot with a water level control device which keeps suitable moisture and air supplies in the pot. The wall-hanging plant pot comprising a screw or nail, a wall hanger, a container with bottle-neck bottom having one or more projections and bottle-neck bottom, a water level control device, and a cap.

Abstract: Decorative grasses formed from a laminated material constructed of a layer of cloth and at least one layer of polymeric film wherein at least one surface of the laminate is provided with a decorative pattern or design. At least a portion of the layer of polymeric film is laminated to the layer of cloth, as well as methods for forming same, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping which includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member, which is selectively movable between an expanded condition and a flattened condition, is provided with a stabilizing assembly for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining support member in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping wherein the decorative assembly includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member movable between a flattened condition and an expanded condition. A stabilizing member or assembly is connected to the preformed shape-sustaining support member for stabilizing and maintaining the preformed shape-sustaining member in the expanded condition.

Abstract: An isolating plate for a flowerpot for storing water and suplying water with predetermined amount comprises an isolating plate, a groove seat having a spacer, a water control means, a water control chamber, a water supply groove, and an auxiliary water storage chamber. In one application, the auxiliary water storage chamber is an auxiliary water storage basin. By the isolating plate; the isolating plate and the auxiliary water storage basin are placed in the flowerpot. In another application, the auxiliary water storage chamber is formed by a space between the isolating plate and a bottom of the flowerpot. Thereby, by the structure of the isolating plate, the water in the flowerpot is controllable.

Abstract: A railroad gate release mechanism which attaches between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement by a vehicle. The railroad gate release mechanism includes a pivotable arm assembly which allows released movement in two directions of the crossing arm in reaction to impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detented position subsequent to impingement to maintain grade crossing protection. An alternative embodiment includes a pair of swing plates and an elongated arm to which is attached a crossing arm, the elongated arm with the attached crossing arm is pivoted to the pair of swing plates in such manner that the elongated arm and attached crossing arm can be pivoted aside without moving the swing plates for crossing arm maintenance without impeding vehicular traffic flow across the grade crossing.

Abstract: Structure for maintaining a sliding window sash at an intended position with respect to a frame within which the sash moves. The invention serves to retain the sash at a position along an axis generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the window frame. An inwardly facing surface of the frame has formed therein an elongated trough which extends generally parallel to a direction of intended sliding movement of the sash. A blade is mounted within a cavity in the sash and disposed for pivotal movement between a first position, wherein the blade is retracted within an outwardly facing surface of the sash, and a second position, wherein the blade is extended through the outwardly facing surface of the sash into the trough defined within the inwardly facing surface of the frame. The blade is normally biased to the second position, but it can volitionally be retracted to the first position to enable tilting inward or removal of the sash from the window frame.

Abstract: A housing assembly which can accommodate either one of a split arm drive mechanism and a dual arm drive mechanism for a casement window. The housing assembly includes an escutcheon and a base as well as an adjustable bushing that is adjustable to at least two positions, one for the split arm drive mechanism and the other for the dual arm drive mechanism. A worm drive assembly is contained within the housing assembly for driving the drive mechanism. A handle is snap fitted into the worm drive assembly for rotating the worm drive assembly and moving the casement window. A spacer is mounted to the base to enable the base to fit a wide variety of window configurations.

Abstract: A modular command post system comprised of removable interconnecting truss elements is provided. The modular command post system is configured to provide shelter and infrastructure to support various electronic equipment used by occupants of the command post.

Abstract: A gutter cover for directing the flow of rainwater from a building roof into a gutter mounted to the peripheral edge thereof while preventing debris such as leaves and twigs from entering and clogging the gutter. The cover is secured to the roof of the building such that rainwater flowing down the shingles will flow across the cover at the bottom roof line. A lower end of the cover has an arcuate nose disposed substantially above the outer edge of the gutter. The surface of the gutter is treated with one or more combinations of coatings and/or substrate textures to slow the flow of water while improving flow to the cover surface. Rainwater will flow around the arcuate nose into the gutter while debris carried by the rainwater is expelled outwardly over the edge of the gutter.

Abstract: An improved method for mounting elevator rails within a hoistway includes the initial step of securing support brackets to a pair of rails. The brackets, rails, a machine for driving a cab and a dead end hitch are then mounted within the hoistway. A cab may then be moved vertically within the hoistway and additional support brackets are placed at vertically spaced locations. The connection of the brackets and rails provides support to dissipate the loads which are transferred into the rail in such systems wherein the machine or the dead end hitch is fixed to a rail. Once the rails have been adequately supported by additional brackets, the brackets which are secured to the rails are removed from the rail. The brackets provide support, but are no longer fixed to the rails.

Abstract: A system (100) for positioning and securing angularly directed structural support members (20) to a longitudinally extended structural member (30) of a building includes at least a pair of mounting devices (105, 105′, 105″) respectively mounted to at least one longitudinally extended structural member (30). Each mounting device (105, 105′, 105″) includes a base plate (110) having a plurality of pairs of fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) disposed in spaced longitudinal relationship. A space (118) between each of the pairs of fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) is provided for receiving the angularly directed structural support member (20) therein. Each of the fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) are formed by angularly directed C-shaped channel members. Each channel member has a central web portion (130) bounded on two vertically directed sides by a pair of flanges (132) expending in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reinforcing a ground on which is disposed a loading structure, comprising a series of structural inclusions disposed in the ground and adapted to mechanically reinforce said ground, the inclusions having a diameter D comprised between substantially 0.2 m and 0.6 m, two adjacent inclusions being separated by a distance (A) such as 2D≦A≦10 D, the series of inclusions being made of a material having a Young's modulus of between 500 and 10,000 MPa, a load transmitting layer interposed between the ground and the loading structure, said layer having a Young's modulus less than the Young's modulus of the series of inclusions, a first nominal height between two adjacent inclusions of the series, and a second height less than the first nominal height at locations situated just above the series of inclusions, where the load transmitting layer is plastically compressed by the inclusions which partially penetrate within the load transmitting layer.

Abstract: A sub-floor, perimeter, L-shaped water drainage panel for new construction basements having walls and supporting footings for receiving and draining water running down the walls and/or water entering at the wall/footing interface. The plastic drainage panel is molded with a plurality of spaced frustroconical wells on vertical and horizontal sections thereof, to engage the wall and footing, and space the panels therefrom and to be filled with wet concrete composition, when the floor is poured, to support the wall and footing against the basement floor and prevent relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A column protector for positioning at a base of a warehouse rack column to protect the column from damage caused by a forklift. The column protector includes a collar and a foot. The collar and the foot form a device that protects columns of a rack systems from forklift impact.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of a plurality of solar panels mounted on a frame made of support beams which may be sheet metal channel members. A butyl tape or other glazing material is applied between the back laminate of the solar panel and the beam. Clips are used to clamp the panels to the support beams. The clips have an upper portion that is generally T-shaped in profile, and a retainer in the form of a channel nut or bar, with a threaded hole that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener. The retainer biases against the inwardly directed flanges of the channel support beam. Electrical wires and mechanical fasteners are concealed within the support beams.

Abstract: A multi-storey parking garage which can be reassembled comprises a skeleton support structure with vertical supports, substantially horizontal ceiling beams and a plurality of floor plates which are supported on the ceiling beams for forming a passable surface, wherein a gap formed between neighboring floor plates extends above a ceiling beam in the longitudinal direction thereof. The floor plates are disposed on the ceiling beams with the interposition of a groove-shaped profiled body, in particular of an elastic plastic material. The profiled body extends in the longitudinal direction of the gap below same and serves for accepting and draining liquid dropping onto the floor plates.

Abstract: A roof scuttle is provided which is adapted to be easily installed on any curb on a roof which curb may be existing, pre-formed or formed on the roof at the time of installation. The roof scuttle has a rectangular frame with an outwardly extending drip flange and the bottom of the frame is placed flat on the curb and the inside wall of the frame of the roof scuttle secured to the curb. This eliminates any external fastening of the roof scuttle to the roof which can cause leakage problems and also provides a more secure and safe installation. One embodiment of the roof scuttle uses a wood frame supplied with the roof scuttle which frame is useful for transportation of the roof scuttle and also for installations requiring a wood frame curb. The roof scuttle may be installed over irregular shaped openings, existing roof scuttles, and wide or narrow concrete, wood or metal curbs.

Abstract: A door assembly allows one to easily and freely change a hinged side and an opening direction of a door when or after a resident moves into a house. Detachable inner frames having doorstop portions, flat portions, and locking nails are mounted to locking grooves in left and right vertical outer frames around spacers and a door main body is mounted to a heelpost side flat portion through hinges. By dividing a doorframe into the vertical outer frames and the inner frames, in order to change a hinged side of the door, the inner frames are pulled out from the vertical outer frames and inserted into the locking grooves in the vertical outer frames after changing orientation of the inner frames according to the hinged side or exchanging the inner frames for the inner frames suitable for the hinged side and the opening direction to thereby easily change the hinged side of the door main body.

Abstract: A raised floor system which includes a plurality of upright support columns, a plurality of floor panels, and a cable tray support assembly. The cable tray support assembly includes a plurality of support pedestals and a platform section. Each support pedestal has an elongated stringer member, a first upright sleeve member, and a second upright sleeve member. Each first and second sleeve member defines a bore extending from a top end through a bottom end. The stringer member is attached to the sleeve members proximate the respective top ends of the first and second sleeve members so that the elongated stringer member is supported above the respective bottom ends of the first and second sleeve members. At least one of the first and second sleeve members of each first support pedestal is removably connected, in overlying registration, to the body portion of one support column of a pair of support columns. One platform section is suspended from the stringer members of a pair of opposing first support pedestals.

Abstract: A perimeter weighted foundation has a central pier pedestal and a base extending outwardly from and below the pier pedestal. The base includes an outer perimeter wall section and a radially extending, disk-shaped spread section interconnecting the bottom of the pier pedestal and the top of the perimeter wall section with the top surface of the spread section being positioned substantially below the top of the pier pedestal. The pier pedestal includes vertical post tensioned anchor bolts in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,586,417 and 5,826,387. The spread section includes two layers of sleeved post tensioned bolts which extend through the bottom of the pier pedestal, through the spread section and into the top of the perimeter wall section to post tension the perimeter wall section, the spread section and the pier pedestal.

Abstract: Roof insulation applicator (10) for applying blanket insulation or other sheet material to the roof of an industrial building includes a carriage (12) for mounting on adjacent purlins (14 and 15) of a partially completed roof. Support roller (40) is applied by the carriage to the upper surfaces of the purlins (14 and 15) and the carriage is tiltable about the support roller (40). The center of gravity of the carriage (12) is applied rearwardly of the support roller (40), between the support roller (40) and the rear of the carriage. Purlin engager (60) is mounted to the front of the carriage and engages under the upper laterally extending flange (22) of the purlin (14). The purlin engager at the front of the carriage limits the downward pivoting of the rear end of the carriage so that a lever arm effect is applied by the weight of the rear portion of the structure to the support roller (40).

Abstract: A longitudinally curved building panel, such as a wall or ceiling panel, comprising upstanding lateral side flanges having a plurality of stress-reduction apertures and a mounting bracket for suspending a pair of adjacent building panels.

Abstract: A structural system is comprised of two components. The first component is an I-shaped bearing member having an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The upper and lower flanges have undercuts formed therein. The second component is a connection member having a notch in each corner for engaging the undercuts in the upper and lower flanges. The components of this system may be used to construct a structural component comprising a plurality of I-shaped bearing members positioned parallel to one another. A plurality of connection members interconnect the bearing members; the two upper notches of the connection member engage the undercuts in the upper flanges of two adjacent bearing members while the two lower notches engage the undercuts in the lower flanges of two adjacent bearing members. A method of constructing a structural component is comprised of positioning a plurality of bearing members parallel to one another.

Abstract: In a pillar trim mounting structure, a clip mount is protruded from the center of the back of an upper end of a center pillar trim; locking pieces are provided on both sides thereof; a clip mounted on the clip mount and the locking pieces are fitted in a mounting hole and locking holes of a center pillar panel, respectively, so that the strength of mounting the pillar trim is increased and the center pillar trim become disengaged even when an air bag is activated. Since the conventional bolt is eliminated, the ornamental cap is also eliminated and a simple appearance can be achieved. When the air bag is activated, an upper surface of each of the locking pieces work as a barrier or a guide and prevents the air bag from entering the center pillar trim and the air bag can be guided in a proper direction of expansion.

Abstract: A support beam for a long functional unit, specifically in a paper and/or coating machine, including a long hollow body having a round or polygonal cross section and manufactured from a fiber reinforced material which was produced in a winding process, whereby the invention provides that the fiber reinforced material is one having a modulus of elasticity of >100 Gpa, and a heat expansion of ≦2×10−6 1/° K in its longitudinal direction, as well as a fiber orientation whereby a first fiber content of 70% to 90% is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction and a remaining second fiber content is aligned in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting the pipes of a plumbing system during the construction of a cement building structure. More specifically, apparatus which is attachable at one end to a form board and at another end to a pipe in order that the position of the pipe be maintained during a concrete pouring operation.

Abstract: In a method of laying floor panels having circumferential tongues, receiving grooves, locking grooves and locking lips, a first row of floor panels is joined through interlocking engagement of the shorts sides. The connection of the floor panels of each subsequent row of floor panels is implemented through attachment along their shorts sides as well as attachment of their long sides with the long sides of each preceding row of floor panels, by using wedges by which neighboring floor panels can be reliably pushed together in longitudinal and transverse directions, while at least partially engaging, without play, the locking lips with the locking grooves as well as the tongues in the receiving grooves.

Abstract: Environment protective liner plank structure having several legs and a panel. Each leg is composed of multiple layers of rice grasses (or wheat stems) which evenly overlap each other in the same direction. A layer of adhesive is sprayed between each two layers of rice grasses (or wheat stems). When each layer of rice grasses (or wheat stems) is evenly overlaid on a lower layer of rice grasses (or wheat stems), a male mold is used to compress the rice grasses (or wheat stems) into a compact state. The lowermost layer of rice grasses (or wheat stems) of the panel is evenly overlaid on the adhesive on the uppermost layer of rice grasses (or wheat stems) of the leg. A plane board mold is used to compress the rice grasses (or wheat stems) into a compact state. A layer of adhesive is sprayed over the lowermost layer of rice grasses (or wheat stems) of the panel and then an upper layer of rice grasses (or wheat stems) are overlaid on the lowermost layer of rice grasses (or wheat stems).

Abstract: The invention refers to a packaging system (1) for a medical device, comprising a frame (2) for supporting the device (15) in a laid-down position, said frame being provided with means for assisting in positioning the device towards an essentially upright position during unpacking thereof. The invention also refers to a method of packing the packaging system (1), comprising the steps of: packing the device (15) in an essentially laid-down position on the frame (2); and preparing the assisting means to assist in unpacking on demand. Furthermore a method of unpacking the packaging system (1) is proposed, comprising the steps of: activating the assisting means; and unpacking the device packed in the essentially laid-down position with the help of the assisting means towards its essentially upright position. The method of packing and the method of unpacking are combined into a method of transporting.

Abstract: System for delivering air-filled packing cushions to a point of use in which a continuous string of the cushions is fed into an elongated duct with the string extending longitudinally of the duct, and an air flow is established in the duct to convey the string of cushions through the duct. In one disclosed embodiment, the air flow is created by a blower mounted externally of the duct, with a baffle plate inside the duct directing the air flow in a longitudinal direction. In a self-contained system in which the cushions are made at the point of use, the duct extends vertically, and the cushions are fed directly into the lower end of the duct by a machine which makes them.

Abstract: An improved agricultural feed stock loading apparatus that includes a feed tunnel. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a multi-part tunnel system that can be removed from the bagger and/or adjusted in width and/or length for shipping and moving convenience, and to accommodate different-sized bags. Other embodiments include a foldable brake beam and shaft mechanism that facilitates shipping and road travel. Other embodiments include a feed wagon portion with a large buffer table as a unitary part of the bagger, facilitating depositing a large amount of feed onto the bagger, and freeing the loading machinery for other duties.

Abstract: A product (18) is packed in a shock-resistant way in a box-shaped cardboard packing (20) by local application of an adhesive layer (16) on a base surface (17) of a plane cardboard blank, with which layer the product (18) is brought into contact and subsequently the cardboard packing (20) is completed by folding up the other elements of the plane blank (1) and closure of the packing. The plane cardboard blank may be made as a separate packing unit with adhesive layers in the form of adhesive tapes with an outward adhesive surface covered by a protective layer.

Abstract: A method, packaging system and packaging element for packaging a sterilizable item for aseptic presentation onto a sterile field wherein the vertical orientation of the sterilizable item does not need to be reversed during packaging, sterilization, unpackaging or presentation and instructions for handling are printed on the packaging element so that they are exposed when the packaging element is folded according to the packaging system and method.

Abstract: A system for providing dunnage to packages as the packages are formed is disclosed. The system includes a dunnage forming machine having a work station for inflating and sealing plastic pouches to form dunnage units. An accumulator is positioned below the station for receiving and collecting such units as they are formed. The accumulator includes an outlet opening laterally offset from the station. A pair of counter rotating brushes having axes journaled in spaced relationship are mounted at the outlet. Each of the brushes includes circumferentially spaced bristle sets defining unit receiving spaces between adjacent sets. A motor drive is operably connected to the brushes for causing counter rotation. A unit volume sensor is provided for emitting a machine start signal when the volume of units in the accumulator reaches a predetermined low volume. A process for providing dunnage in packages being formed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag manipulating method and assembly including a pair of bag grippers that receive and grip opposing side edges of a bag positioned in a loading station. The bag grippers are movable in a plane substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the loading station. The bag manipulating assembly also includes upper and lower bag spreader assemblies, each having a suction cup to apply suction to the bag and a spreader plate that is insertable into the bag and movable to spread apart the bag. Preferably, the bag grippers move toward each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis while the bag is being spread apart to facilitate opening the bag. To facilitate closing and sealing the bag, the bag grippers move away from each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis after the bag has been filled.

Abstract: A harvester and method for cutting and harvesting bottom growing aquatic vegetation in shallow areas of water bodies, such as lakes. The harvester is manually operated. The harvester moves on wheels and is capable of being adjusted to cut the aquatic vegetation at a desired height that does not disturb the water bottom ecology. The vegetation is collected on the harvester, removed from the harvester, dewatered and used for compost in garden and agricultural activities.

Abstract: An auger for a combine includes a central tube having an outer cylindrical surface and having a first diameter; flighting extends from the outer surface of the central tube. The flighting has an outer edge. An auger diameter is defined as the diameter extending from a top edge of the flighting to the bottom edge of the flighting. The first diameter is approximately 25 percent of the outer diameter.

Abstract: A scrapping plate assembly for cotton harvesters includes a series of elongated trapezoidal ribs on the pressure plate defining separate paths for each picker spindle and providing an increased zone for compressively engaging the cotton bolls and extending the contact zone with the spindle barbs thereby increasing removal of bolls from the plant stalks and reducing dropage.