Abstract: An expandable multi-compartment luggage having a second luggage bag hingeably attached to the first luggage bag. The second luggage bag having an upper portion and a collapsible lower portion. The collapsible lower portion being moveable between a collapsed position to an expanded position defining a lower interior compartment. The luggage also including a dividing wall disposed between the upper and lower portions of the second luggage bag, and which is movable from a closed position dividing the upper interior compartment of the second luggage bag and the lower interior compartment of the second luggage bag and an open position with the upper interior compartment of the second luggage bag being in communication with the lower interior compartment of the second luggage bag.

Abstract: A decorative element includes a first layer and a second layer. The decorative element is disposed on an article, both the article and the decorative element being biodegradable. The first layer includes a protective material and the second layer includes at least one seed embedded therein. The first layer is disposed adjacent the second layer. An adhesive comprising a biodegradable material secures the decorative element to the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.

Abstract: A low-profile container with a wide flat bottom for use in transplanting trees and other large plants with minimal disruption to the root ball. It typically has a diameter dimension of approximately four feet or more, with the minimum contemplated diameter dimension being approximately one-and-one-half feet, as well as arcuate side walls and at least one sturdy ring on its outside surface that is configured for lifting the combined weight of the container, plant, and root ball. A plant would be grown in the container, transported to its intended planting location in the container, and then transplanted into a pre-dug hole with the assistance of the container. Optionally, the container also may have drainage holes adjacent to or through its bottom surface and obliquely positioned anchoring passages that assist in maintaining the plant and container in an upright position in the presence of strong winds.

Abstract: A combinable planting plate includes a base, a support plate and a planting layer. The base has a plurality of cup-shaped chambers or cone-shaped projections for storing water. The base has a plurality of square rings and combining studs on its circumferential edge to combine more than two bases together to increase a planting area as needed. The support plate is combined on the base, possible to be a flat net plate or a plate with a plurality of cone-shaped projections for storing water-absorbing material. The support plate has a circumferential short wall for receiving the plating layer therein for planting lawn, flowers, evergreens, etc. according to a person's taste and liking.

Abstract: A planting module for planting a seed or a bulb in the earth includes the seed or bulb disposed in a dissoluble capsule so that after the module has been placed in the earth and water is supplied, the capsule disintegrates and the seed or bulb sprouts.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus including a seed carrier of a fibrous material, and at least one seed embedded within the seed carrier. The seed(s) and seed carrier are integrally formed with one another. The invention is also a method of planting, including the steps of providing at least one seed, and creating a seed carrier composed of a fibrous matter. Additionally, the inventive method includes the steps of embedding the seed(s) within the seed carrier such that the seeds become integrally formed into the seed carrier.

Abstract: An automated transplanter has been designed for seedlings previously loaded and correctly spaced on a low tensile-strength, biodegradable tape wound on a spool. The transplanter design allowed for rapid planting of the tape with the attached seedlings while minimizing the tension placed on the tape. The design linked the unspooling of the tape directly to the ground speed of the tractor and provides for an anti-backlash mechanism to prevent the spool from free-wheeling when the tractor speed slowed quickly. Using this design, synthetic seedlings attached to a low tensile-strength tape were successfully planted at speeds up to 7.5 mph.

Abstract: A method of planting tubers including filling or part-filling elongate tubes with soil lifted from a planting area. Seed tubers, preferably of mini-tuber size, are inserted into the soil-filled tubes after placing the tubes onto the planting area. Also claimed is a method of harvesting tubers by lifting the tubing from the planting area, removing the haulm from the tuber plants and gaining access to the tuber crop growing within the tubing by cutting/splitting away the tubing. The tuber crop is separated from the soil and collected. Machinery for performing the above planting and harvesting methods is also claimed.

Abstract: A process for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuarys where an aquatic plant which is ready for transplanting is positioned in a holder having a device for retaining the transplantable plant and a thin base. When the holder is brought into contact with the underwater bottom the thin base engages the underwater bottom and secures the holder including the plant in underwater bottom. A watercraft having apparatus for positioning the holder incorporating the aquatic plant on the bottom of an estuary is also provided for. With this apparatus and the holder of this invention aquatic plants can be planted on the bottom of estuary in a semiautomated fashion. The holder also incorporates an organic buttom which retains the aquatic plant during the planting process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for rapidly pricking out plants. It is comprised of a positioning element comprising an internal vertical passage wherein the plant together with its ball of earth, introduced through the top or through the bottom, may be immobilized momentarily by appropriate device, before it is driven from top to bottom towards the planting area by use of rods penetrating sideways into the positioning device through slots provide to this effect so as to bear directly to the earth ball without touching the foliage. It relates to the industrial field of agriculture machines and is intended to the automatic high speed transfer of earth ball-borne plantlets.

Abstract: A conical tree transplanter is formed of first and second pairs of opposed tapered blades loosely connected sequentially side by side to form a cone having a narrow end and a wide end. The first pair of opposed tapered blades is removable from the second pair of opposed tapered blades by movement in the direction from the narrow end towards the wide end of the cone and is supported by the second pair of opposed tapered blades against movement from the wide end to the narrow end of the cone. A connector is located on each of the tapered blades at the wide end of the cone for connection to a lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A starter plant (10) is planted in soil (17) in a bottomless container (18), which is placed on a support surface (28). The plant is allowed to grow in a controlled environment until a time in its growing season when its root system is sufficiently developed to hold the soil (17) in the container (18) when the container (18) is removed from the surface (28). Then, the plant and the container (18) are planted as a unit in soil (30) in a field. The plant is allowed to grow to full size in the field, where it develops a densely rooted basal plate (32) inside the container (18) and feeder roots (34) that extend below the bottom of the container (18) into the soil (30). The plant is harvested from the field by undercutting the feeder roots (34) and removing the container (18) and the plant as a unit from the soil (30). The foliage (12) may be trimmed to a volume no bigger than the container (18), and the trimmed plant (38) may be stored or shipped.

Abstract: Device for automatic positioning of plants is provided with a vertical positioner element conical at the top and cylindrical at the bottom wherein is introduced by known means the plant with its earth ball. The earth ball is located in the cylindrical portion while the plant itself is in the conical portion which is upwardly tapered. An insufflation head is provided with a seal adjusted to the positioner element and permitting the injection of air or a gas when the assembly, including the positioner element and the insufflation head, is above a hole which has been previously made in a receiver element where the planting is to take place. The device facilitates and automates the setting in place of plants of all kinds while preserving their integrity owing to the use of non-mechanical handling means.

Abstract: Seedlings are planted in dry areas containing water at a lower level by i) determining the depth of the water-containing level; ii) selecting a seedling breeder having a length corresponding to the depth of the water-containing level, said breeder comprising an elongated cylindrical body having an opened upper end, a plurality of openings in the periphery of at least the lower portion of the body, a length which corresponds to the depth of water-containing soil in said planting place, means covering said plurality of openings and a thin tube extending to the deep portion of said body for supplying water thereto; iii) filling said seedling breeder with culture soil; iv) planting the seedling in the seedling breeder; v) breeding the planted seedling in the breeder until the roots of the seedling reach said plurality of openings; vi) removing said cover means; and vii) implanting the breeder in a seedling planting place by inserting the breeder into the ground of said planting place.