Abstract: A transplanter including a frame structure that is configured to support a tray, an operating handle structure, and a base structure including a chute. The frame structure can include a furrower to from a furrow in soil and the transplanter can also include a furrow closing structure configured to close the furrow at a location beyond an end of the chute. The operating handle structure can enable one or more attributes of the operating handle to be selectively reconfigured. The base structure can be fabricated from one or more injection molded parts.

Abstract: A tote has a hollow main body, a plurality of wheels, and an axle. The hollow main body has a plurality of side walls and a base wall. The base wall defines an open top and a cavity. The open top is circumscribed by a rim. The open top is configured to be covered by a lid. The base wall is bounded by the plurality of side walls. The base wall also includes a pair of outer wheel wells and a central wheel well. The central wheel well is disposed between the outer wheel wells and separated from the outer wheel wells by axle supports. Each of the plurality of wheels is disposed in one of the outer wheel wells and the central wheel well. The axle is connected to each of the wheels. The axle is rotatably supported by the axle supports of the hollow main body.

Abstract: A system for changing seed variety on a planter includes a plurality of row units with each row unit having a plurality of seed meters. Each seed meter has a guide for delivering seed to a transport member and a switch that is activated and deactivated by a switch actuator on the member. The transport member is an endless member. The endless member has adjustable sidewalls, cover, and lugs.

Abstract: Footwear is disclosed having an upper secured to a sole and defining at least a front portion. An apron portion having first and second lateral portions and a lower end, each of the first and second lateral portions including a free lateral outer edge can be attached at the lower end to the front portion. A first fastener for releasably connecting the first and second lateral portions together is also provided, the first fastener being configurable between a fastened position in which the first and second lateral portions are held adjacent one another, and an unfastened position in which at least an upper portion of each of the first and second lateral portions, respectively, can be readily separated.

Abstract: A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.

Abstract: A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.

Abstract: A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.

Abstract: A spray nozzle adapter is used with a conventional spray nozzle having a nozzle plug for regulating the flow of fluid in response to a control lever. The spray nozzle adapter has an intake coupler having an axially extending cylindrical wall defining an intake orifice constructed to couple to the spray nozzle, a shaft coupled to the intake coupler and a valve assembly coupled to the nozzle plug and disposed in the fluid passage of the first shaft for controlling the flow of fluid from the spray nozzle in response to movement of the spray nozzle control lever. The valve assembly includes a valve and a lever coupled to the valve. The valve has a plug for controlling the flow of fluid from the outlet orifice. The lever is securely coupled to the nozzle plug of the spray nozzle to relay the movement of the nozzle plug to the valve. The spray nozzle adapter also has a cone-shaped deflector mounted to the intake coupler to substantially surround the shaft.

Abstract: A hand-held water injecting tool (10) provides for the admixture of water to cementitious materials. The tool (10) is generally comprised of a water-conveying tubular body (12), and a blade assembly (16) having a tip (17). The tubular body (12) has a circuitous configuration to afford both a built-in, ergonomic handle portion (35) and a capacity to perform mixing operations within relatively high-walled containers. At a water-emitting end (20) are present a pair of nozzles (52) which are integrally fashioned from the tubular body (12) to impart jet action to the emitted water. The blade assembly (16) includes a generally triangularly shaped blade (62) attached to the second end (20) such that the water is emitted from the nozzles (52) at a location proximate and external to the blade tip (17) so that the force of the fluid is used in close conjunction with mechanical action of the blade.

Abstract: A cylinder 16 has a piston 19 slidable therein, to force liquid from the cylinder out through a hollow needle 18. A pair of handles 11 extend outwardly from the cylinder, substantially normal thereof. Each handle carries a lever 30 pivoted thereon. In use, movement of the piston is less than the corresponding movement of a manually operable portion 32 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A non-toxic fire ant extermination system providing probe injection of scalding water below ground level within a fire ant mound is disclosed. The system includes a propane fueled water heater and water circulating pump capable of heating water in the range of 200 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit and of delivering the same at a flow rate of least three gallons per minute which is effective to eradicate the insects within the core region of a fire ant mound. The injection probe features a cylindrical capture shield which is radially disposed about the probe and adapted for sliding attachment therewith being spring-biased in a downward direction against the surface of the ground during operation thereof to retain the intense heat generated by the process,to capture fire ants emerging from the mound, and to protect the operator from the backflow of scalding water as the treatment proceeds.

Abstract: A fire ant bait station having a body portion including a reservoir defined by an enclosed wall and a floor, with an open-ended internally directed collar defined in the floor. A probe is received within the collar in locked, frictional engagement therewith, and is adapted to be inserted into a fire ant mound. The probe includes a tubular shaft with multiple perforations and an internal longitudinal channel formed therein and a pointed tip. The perforations provide access to the reservoir and thus to the bait therewith by the ants.

Abstract: A system and method for injecting liquid/solid mixtures into porous pulse media, such as earth, is disclosed. A two-tank arrangement where liquid only is stored and run through a main pump, while a liquid/solid slurry is stored and moved to join the liquid under pressure by a chemical injector pump is shown. Finally, a displacement wheel commands solenoid valves, for pulsing the pressured liquid, through a distance measuring device such as a laser interacting with a laser target operatively coupled to a ground traveling wheel.

Abstract: An applicator is illustrated for introducing a flow of chemical adjacent the roots of a plant without supplying chemical to adjacent plant material utilizing a tubular guide (A) which acts as a cover for a needle (D) which is carried by an inner tubular support (B) which carries a dispensing tube for connection to a source of pressurized chemical (F). The dispensing tube is connected through the handle (E) and a compression spring (G) is provided to urge the tubular guide (A) downwardly for acting as a guard for the needle.

Abstract: A sprayer adapted for use in association with a garden hose, a tree having subterranean roots and liquid fertilizer, the apparatus comprising: a shaft formed in a hollow cylindrical configuration with inboard and outboard ends each including coupling devices; a spray nozzle having an inboard region coupled to the shaft and an outboard region including a plurality of apertures therethrough; a quick connector having an outboard end including coupling devices and being coupled to the shaft, the quick connector having an inboard end including coupling devices and adapted to be coupled to a garden hose; and a regulator disc including an axle affixed thereto, a handle operatively coupled to the axle and regulator disc, in an operative orientation a user coupling the quick connector to a garden hose, the user then activating the apparatus thereby allowing water to flow through the quick connector into the shaft and out through the spray nozzle.

Abstract: A root-watering system which is attachable to a valved water supply. The system includes a plastic tube with a threaded coupling for attachment to a spray nozzle. A stake connects to the opposite end of the tube and may be inserted into the soil using a foot pedal to bring a stream-directing slot into the vicinity of the plant's roots. A V-shaped barrier protects the slot from being packed with soil.

Abstract: A garden seeder having a seed hopper atop an elongated barrel, a seed dispenser for dispensing a metered volume of seeds from the hopper into the barrel, a resting plate secured transversely to the bottom of the barrel for resting placement upon the ground, and a seed dispensing foot below the resting plate. The resting plate includes a hoe blade portion extending outwardly from the barrel. Seeds pass down the barrel from the seed dispenser, out the dispensing foot, and into the ground. A measurement arm may extend outwardly from the lower end of the barrel to space newly-planted seeds from previously-planted hills. The seed dispenser includes a sliding plate having interchangeable metering insert plugs that are removably inserted into a seed metering hole in the sliding plate, so as to define a selectable metered volume of seeds to be dispensed with each operation of the seed dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a substance such as a hydrophylic polymer into a soil to minimize the need for repeated irrigation, plant feeding or the like. A trailer supports a mixing tank within which the polymer and a liquid such as water are continuously agitated. The mixture, in a liquid form, is sent through a pump to an outlet having a plurality of apertures communicating with the tank via a manifold. A valve operatively conditions the throughput of the water and polymer so that a series of high pressure pulses exit the outlet and cause slugs of liquid to contact the ground at a sufficient velocity that the slugs penetrate the soil and deform under the surface of the soil. The rapid opening and closing of the valve when used with the outlet's apertures can provide a distribution pattern in the soil which is substantially uniform and minimizes the likelihood of disproportionate polymer infusion in the ground which would otherwise cause non-uniformly swelling.

Abstract: A hand tool for use with a water supply to allow easy cultivation and watering of gardens and the like. One end of a hollow, tubular handle is attached to a valve which, in turn, is coupled to the water supply for allowing the user of the hand tool to cause water to flow through the handle. A blade is attached to the other end of the handle. An aperture extends though the blade in communication with the cavity through the handle so that water flowing through the handle will flow through the aperture in the blade. A baffle is attached to the blade about the aperture through the blade on the side of the blade opposite the handle for deflecting water flowing through the handle and out the aperture in the blade.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed including a substantially transparent container or reservoir tube and valving for receiving and selectively dispensing metered quantities of liquid such as water to a plant. A bottom end of the tube is supplied with a valve mechanism that will open upon application of pressure in a axial direction against the ground surface. The valve will reclose upon removal of the axial pressure. An upward end of the container or reservoir tube may be provided with a filler device such as a manually operated water dispensing nozzle. This nozzle may be connected to a source of liquid supply, such as a garden hose. The transparent tube is provided with volume identification markings to facilitate visual identification and dispensation of selected, metered volumes of liquid contained. The discharge volumes may be easily and quickly replenished by the valved filler device.

Abstract: A hand held fire fighting tool which attaches to a hose, having a handle through which water passes under pressure, having a connected head part which has a sharpened hoe, designed to pierce the ground surrounding burning roots, grass roots and debris when thrust forcefully thereagainst to thereby expose burning embers in fire mop up operations. Fire mop up consists of mixing burning embers with mineral soil, the layer of earth beneath combustible ground cover. The elimination of the mixture of burning embers and combustible material results in the extinguishing of a fire.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing rooted plants from the soil is disclosed which has an elongated tube adapted for attachment to a source of pressurized water. A valve controls the flow of water through the apparatus. A nozzle is formed in one end of the tube which has a flattened section of tubing with two opposed segments for dispersing water in a narrow planar flow pattern. The top segment has a notch which is spaced from the bottom segment such that the pressurized water flowing through the tube is deflected upwardly by the bottom surface through the notch, creating a flow pattern with a generally perpendicular portion extending perpendicularly and outwardly from the planar flow pattern and the bottom segment. The weeding apparatus preferably has side slots located between the two opposed surfaces, forming a nozzle exit with a horizontal opening between the two surfaces with the slots defining openings angular to the horizontal opening.

Abstract: A garden tilling tool having a soil penetrating portion in the form of a tine. The tool may be formed with a single tine or a multiple tine tool in the form of a garden fork or the like. Each tine has an opening adjacent to the end thereof, or formed in the end thereof, attached to, or integrally formed with, the tool are fluid delivery means, including a coupler for connection to a garden hose or the like, a valve for selectively controlling the flow of water through the coupler from a pressurized municipal water source, through the opening into contact with the soil upon penetration of the tine. In an embodiment, a water passage manifold communicates with a jet tube having an open end in close proximate relation to the end of the tine for passing water through the tool at the point of contact with the soil.

Abstract: A subterraneous treatment apparatus for injecting controlled amounts of fertilizer or other nutrient materials into the soil adjacent the root system of plants. The apparatus includes a closed cylindrical container for the storage of fertilizer and a multi-valve holding chamber assembly consisting of a cylindric holding chamber below the container to receive a measured amount of fertilizer and a terminally disposed upper inlet valve and a lower discharge valve to control the flow of fertilizer therethrough. The apparatus further includes an elongated tube which extends below the holding chamber and is provided with a ground-penetrating section to facilitate insertion into the ground. The multi-valve holding chamber assembly prevents a stream of water from entering the closed container and permits a precise amount of fertilizer to be released into the elongated tube for subterraneous injection to the root zone.

Abstract: A device for preparing a deep fertilization hole in soil and for then facilitating dispensing a quantity of fertilizer into the hole formed after the device is used to remove a column of soil in forming the hole. The device includes a hole-making tube, an anvil tube, and a soil ejection rod, all coaxial one to another. The anvil is releasably connectable to the upper end of the hole-making tube. The anvil transmits hammering forces applied against its upper end to drive the lower end of the hole-making tube into the soil. The soil ejection rod is slidably translatable longitudinally within the hole-making tube and is provided to push the column of soil from the hole-making tube which has been removed in forming the fertilizer hole. Removal of the anvil facilitates use of the hole-making tube to deposit the fertilizer into the hole.

Abstract: An applicator device for injecting additives such as fertilizers, herbicides and the like into soil. The device comprises a housing from which extends an elongated injector bar moveable to selectively supply from the housing additive or water. The bottom end of the injector bar is provided with a point for easy insertion into the soil, in which point is an aperture through which additive or water from the housing flows into the soil.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus is connected by means of an air hose to a high pressure compressor and air tank unit, and is connected by means of a hose to a conventional water faucet. The device includes a bin for storing granular fertilizer and an air valve connecting the high pressure air supply into a rigid outer tube that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the ground. An operator stands on a horizontal ground plate attached to the outer tube to seal the hole, and opens the air valve to force high pressure air into the pre-drilled hole. The compressed air rapidly lifts up the apparatus and the operator standing thereon. As the compressed air then escapes, the apparatus and person standing on the ground plate falls back to reseal the hole, producing an effective repetitive hammering action that causes the compressed air to more effectively loosen the soil, creating many small crevices in the soil around the roots of a plant. The fertilizer in the bin then is released into the outer tube.

Abstract: A vacuum type seeding machine including a rotatably mounted cylindrical seeding drum, a vacuum manifold member and a supporting member for the cylindrical seeding drum rotatable relative to the manifold member for applying vacuum to the cylindrial seeding drum. The cylindrical drum includes ducts extending therealong from an end face communicating with said vacuum manifold member, the ducts communicating with a series of ports on the surface of the cylindrical seeding member to hold seeds thereagainst in a predetermined seeding pattern when vacuum is applied to the ducts.

Abstract: The nozzle structure for a root feeding device includes a ground inserting tube or pipe having a nozzle unit at the end thereof formed with an axially extended bore and radially extended fluid discharge passages intermediate the ends thereof. The nozzle unit is generally comprised of a pair of coaxially aligned cone sections with the outer cone section of a reduced size and the outlets of the radial passages positioned between the adjacent ends of the cone sections. The fluid discharged from the outer end of the axial bore acts to pre-soften or lubricate the soil for hard ground penetration; and the fluid from the radial passages assists penetration and is discharged into a receiving chamber formed about the nozzle unit, when in the soil, for ground dispersion annularly about the nozzle unit.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus is connected by means of an air hose to a high pressure compressor and air tank unit, and is connected by means of a hose to a conventional water faucet. The device includes a bin for storing granular fertilizer and an air valve connecting the high pressure air supply into a rigid outer tube that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the ground. An operator stands on a horizontal ground plate attached to the outer tube to seal the hole, and opens that air valve to force high pressure air into the predrilled hole, creating many small crevices in the soil around the roots of a plant. The fertilzier in the bin then is released into the outer tube. The high pressure air valve is reopened. The high pressure air forces the granular fertilizer out of the bottom of the outer tube and into the previously created crevices.

Abstract: A hydraulic weeding apparatus consisting of an elongated hollow tubular shaft being attached to a hand grip type body having a coupling for attaching the device to a source of pressurized fluid such as a common garden hose. A positionally adjustable, hook-type gripping device is spaced from the open end of said tube and is arranged with an outwardly extending free end which is arranged to encircle and grip the base of a weed root when the shaft is rotated. A splash shield is positioned above the gripping device to prevent the fluid from flowing upwardly along the shaft so as to protect the user. A valve can be provided in the body of the device for controlling the flow of fluid through the tubular shaft whereby the open end of the shaft can be inserted adjacent to the root of a weed to a depth where the gripping device can attach to the loose weed so as to easily remove it.

Abstract: Underground irrigation apparatus (10) having a ground penetrating part (12) arranged for being inserted into ground to be irrigated with the assistance of a handle part (14) connected to the ground penetrating part. A fluid control assembly (16) associated with the ground penetrating part (12) and the handle part (14) provides a fluid flow under pressure to facilitate insertion into ground to be irrigated of the ground penetrating part (12) and subsequently a redirected flow to irrigate ground in which the ground penetrating part is inserted. The fluid control assembly (16) includes a valve (44) connectible to a suitable source of fluid for alternately directing same in a desired direction. A removable mixer portion (70) directs fluid along the path which irrigated ground in which the ground penetrating part (12) is inserted in order to add a fertilizer, and the like, to the irrigating flow.

Abstract: A method of and device for loosening agriculturally used soil, especially for loosening in depth compacted agriculturally used soil, according to which a current of compressed air is introduced into the soil to be loosened and is released in or below a minimum depth of loosening thereby breaking-up the soil by the freed and following compressed air. The device for practicing the above outlined method includes primarily a probe adapted into the soil to be loosened. This probe has associated therewith a compressed air conveying conduit. The probe is within the region of its end provided with at least one air outlet.

Abstract: A mobile grass seed planter having mounted thereon a frontal line of spaced water nozzles, and behind each nozzle, in a second or back row, is a row of outlets through which seed is directed under air pressure. In operation, as the planter is moved over the earth, a plurality of parallel narrow grooves are cut into the earth by the pressurized water, and the seed is then blown into the grooves. The liquid and airblown seeds are supplied to the planter via hoses from pressurized sources, typically mounted on a truck, tractor, or trailer.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held device for use in transplanting crops includes a tubular conduit operable for directing fluid outwardly from the discharge end thereof for impingement against the ground to form a crop-receiving cavity in the ground. Additionally, an orienting attachment connected to the tubular conduit is engageable with the ground for positioning the discharge end thereabove. The orienting attachment also includes a stabilizer for contacting a stretch of the ground to position the tubular conduit so that fluid may be discharged substantially vertically thereinto.

Abstract: A gardening implement comprising a hollow rod having a straight portion, a curved handle portion, and a tapered lower end with a discharge opening at the lower end, a pair of flanges extending beyond the lower end of the rod and connection means on the upper end of the rod for connecting it to a standard garden hose.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting fluid in soil of the type comprising a hollow pipe which is pushed into the soil. The apparatus is connected to a fluid source such as a garden hose for the purpose of irrigating trees, garden plants, lawns or the like. A vibrator powered by fluid flow through the apparatus is attached to the pipe. The vibrator imparts a reciprocating force to the pipe which aids the user in penetrating the soil.

Abstract: A root feeder wherein a closed housing defining a mixing chamber has a restricted water feed inlet and a fertilizer feed inlet and a plurality of tines communicating with the chamber and extending outwardly therefrom, the tines having outlet ports at their outboard ends and having open inboard ends so disposed relative to the mixing chamber as to insure a thorough mixing within the chamber due to a generated churning of the water and fertilizer before charge into the tines and feed from the ports thereof to the soil in which the root feeder is embedded.

Abstract: A nutrient dispersal device adapted for vertical insertion into the soil is comprised of a cap section, a hollow elongated cylindrical body section rotatably connected to the cap section at an upper end of the body section and a hollow tip section rotatably connected to the lower end of the body section. Liquids entering through a cap section aperture, mix with nutrients stored within the tip section and the resultant mix is dispersed through nutrient dispersal apertures arranged in the sidewalls of the body section. The diameter of the body section is advantageously less than the diameter of the tip section such that the nutrient dispersal apertures arranged in the sidewalls of the body section are not blocked by the surrounding soil during vertical insertion of the nutrient dispersal device into the soil.

Abstract: This device consists primarily of a main body with perforated sleeve means, for insertion into a ground surface, for the purpose of introducing a controlled amount of water and liquid fertilizer to plant roots underground. It includes a manually controlled valve, and is connectable in plurality with similar units that will receive liquids from drum means.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for injecting water, fertilizers and the like into cultivated ground, comprising a source of irrigating liquid leading through a flexible tube and a flow regulating device to an injecting hollow tubular member, having an enlarged pointed head with a plurality of outlet bores sorrounding the injecting tubular member near the head thereof in order to deliver the irrigation liquid near the root area of a plant under the ground when said tubular member is inserted in the ground, being said tubular member able to receive in its interior in the fluid path a bag having multiple perforations filled with fertilizers, conditioners and the like.

Abstract: Droppings are disposed by placing a rotating sprinkler within a container over droppings and dissolving the droppings, lifting the open-bottom container from the droppings, and flowing the solution or dispersion outward. A valve actuates the sprinkler once the open-bottom container has been placed over the dropping. A ballast tank fills with water to hold the container down on droppings when disposing of droppings which are resistant to solution or dispersion.