Abstract: A planting system and method for planting multiple seed varieties is provided. The planting system includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. The seed meters are aligned in a non-horizontal configuration within each row unit, and one of the plurality of meters is operated at a time to plant a seed variety associated with the meter being operated.

Abstract: A hand held motor driven applicator (10) for applying liquids including weedicides selectively to undesired plants. The applicator includes a motor (12), and a rotor assembly (22) including a rotatable wick support (41) having one or more applicator wicks (45) attached thereto. The rotator assembly is supported for rotation, in use, about a vertical axis (43) by support structure (18). A drive assembly (23) is operatively connected to the motor and rotor assembly for transferring rotary drive from the motor to the rotor assembly. A storage assembly (26) is in liquid communication with the applicator wicks for storing a quantity of liquid for supplying the wicks with liquid while the rotor assembly is rotating. An elongate handle (15) is operatively connected to the support structure so that a user can maintain the rotor assembly proximal to the surface of the ground so that the applicator wicks may apply liquid to selective plants upon contact.

Abstract: A portable, steam weed killing apparatus designed to be environmentally friendly, economical, fast acting and used by an individual standing in an upright position. The apparatus is intended for killing weeds and unwanted plants in gardens, flower beds and along sidewalks by application of concentrated heated water or steam thereto. The apparatus includes electrically powered, portable steam generating unit containing a water reservoir, an electric pump and an electric steam heater. The apparatus also includes an elongated, rigid guide bar with a weed cover attached to its distal end. A flexible hose delivers steam from the steam generating unit to the weed cover. During use, the weed cover is placed over the undesired plant and the steam generating unit is operated to deliver a concentrated amount of steam to the plant located inside the weed cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a conventional seed meter to achieve the lowest error rate of seed spacing and single seed placement per space. The apparatus having an endless belt with cells formed integrally and mounted on a track system with vertically spaced tracks for supporting the belt such that a plurality of longitudinally spaced cells are formed on an upper level for a visible showing of the calibration efficiency. A vacuum seed meter and/or a mechanical seed meter are mounted in side-by-side arrangement such that the outlet of each seed discharge chute of each meter is located directly above and in contact with the upper surface and the slots of the belt and an opening formed in the upper track below the belt and directly below each discharge chute. The apparatus particularly for the vacuum seed meter including further a plate secured to the upper track and extending into the seed meter discharge chute to reduce the chute horizontal length to that of a cell.

Abstract: A dispenser or applicator for dry insecticide includes a container having a removable cover; the cover is attached to a lower end of an elongate handle having a hand grip at its top A partition inside the container is the floor of the insecticide container, with a skirt extending below the partition; insecticide is dispensed through apertures in the container floor. These apertures are normally closed by a spring-biased stopper disk having tapered fingers which protrude through the apertures; the stopper disk is moved to an open position by inertia when the container is struck against the ground, unblocking the apertures and allowing a measure of insecticide to escape before the stopper disk rebounds to its closed position. Walls of the so container housing extend below the apertures to form a skirt which prevents scattering or dispersal of the powder.

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 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 plant feeder apparatus includes a rigid support assembly which includes a top end portion, a mid-portion, and a bottom end portion. The bottom end portion is adapted to penetrate soil to a sufficient depth such that the soil is capable of retaining the support assembly in an upstanding orientation, and the top end portion is adapted to support a chemical dispenser assembly. The chemical dispenser assembly includes a container for containing a quantity of a dissolved chemical. A conduit is connected to the container for conveying a portion of the dissolved chemical out of the container. A manually-operated valve assembly is supported by the container for controlling outflow of dissolved chemical from the container, and a flow conduit assembly is supported by the support assembly and is connected to the conduit for conveying dissolved chemical from the container to the soil. The flow conduit assembly includes a top end portion in fluid communication with the conduit.

Abstract: A portable fertilizer root feeder for fertilizing plants which fertilizer root feeder operates on the principle of gravity and positioning of an applicator tube in order to regulate the flow of the fertilizer. The fertilizer root feeder includes a portable tank with a hose extension, a frame which supports the tank and which tank may be strapped to an operator's back for transport of the tank and a T-stake for making a hole in an area about plant roots such that the hose extension may be placed within the hole to deposit fertilizer. The invention operates without any mechanical parts and operates based on the principles of gravity.

Abstract: A tool for depositing seed uniformly along a prepared furrow. The tool uses the rolling motion of a ground engaging wheel to drive a seed pickup and delivery mechanism. A pickup wheel which is coupled to the ground engaging wheel contacts the seeds via a slot in the seed container. A suction force created by an oscillating bellow is channeled to a pickup aperture in the circumference of the pickup wheel. Picked seed is carried by the pickup wheel to a guiding duct to be released and delivered to the soil. The tool also includes an electronic monitor that produces a short audible beep for every deposited seed.

Abstract: A deep root tree and shrub fertilizer stake driver comprising an elongated tube having a hollow circular configuration and having an upper end and a lower end, a plurality of axial slots formed in the tube extending upwardly from the lower end thereof and a rigid rod having an upper end and a lower end slidably positionable within the tube of a slightly longer length as the tube.

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 device for dispensing a quantity of granular fertilizer to an underground location. The device consists of an inner and outer tubular section with the inner tube being hollow. Both tubular sections have a lower pointed end and the inner tube is rotatably disposed within the outer tube. An inner opening and outer opening are located at the lower end of the inner and outer tubes. A funnel is provided on the inner tube as well as a handle which actuates the rotation of the inner tube. Another handle is provided on the outer tube. When the handles are in alignment the openings are not in alignment. This forms a solid outer tube. The inner tubular section is filled with fertilizer, the handles grasped firmly and the device is thrust into the ground. The inner handle is then rotated 90 degrees bringing the inner and outer openings into alignment. The device is then removed from the ground, leaving the fertilizer in the hole formed by the displaced soil.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for transplanting of vegetables or other plants is provided which eliminates stoop labor while properly placing plants (142) within earth openings (84); at the same time, a measured quantity of liquid (42) is delivered to the opening (84). The apparatus (10) includes a pair of elongated, juxtaposed, frustoconical chamber (12, 14) each equipped with selectively actuatable stopper means (16, 18) adjacent the lower ends thereof. Actuation of a pivotal operating handle (90) simultaneously opens the stopper means (16, 18) for delivery of a plant (142) and liquid (42) to a plant site. An adjusting assembly (106) is provided for varying the amount of liquid (42) delivered during each transplanting operation.

Abstract: A weed remover (14) for eradicating, killing, collecting and dispensing weeds without the user having to touch the soil or weeds comprises a frame (22), a handle (16), a foot bar (34), a digging blade (36), a vacuum inlet tube (40), a vacuum blower (86), an outlet hose (94), and a weed collecting housing (48) secured to frame (22). A weed disposal bag (44) is secured to the weed collecting housing (48) and tubes (40, 42) provide a track for weeds to be sucked into a disposable weed bag (44) by vacuum generated from an electric motor (28). A battery charger (100 ) is provided as well as a tank (26) for weed killer or other fluids and delivery tubing is provided (50, 58, 150) for delivering the weed killer to soil near the severed weed root.

Abstract: A movable type of device for fertilizing the soil by piercing a nozzle into the same comprises a moving support which is adapted to lift, retain and move a device for fertilizing the soil by piercing a nozzle into the same. This device comprises a nozzle for injecting a specified amount of fertilizer from its tip end portion into the soil by use of a blast of air, a nozzle striking hammer for applying an impact force to the nozzle to drive the same into the soil, a nozzle drawing-out for drawing the pierced nozzle out of the soil, a blast source for causing a blast of air to be produced, and a fertilizer metering chamber for metering the fertilizer. The fertilizer metering chamber indludes a fertilizer holding chamber which is arranged to temporarily hold therein the specified amount of fertilizer supplied from a fertilizer storage chamber. The fertilizer is suitably fed into a passage of the device for being injected into the soil from the tip end portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for dispensing matter into the ground having a rod, and a body conduit terminating at one end into a funnel and terminating at another end into a body aperture. The rod is slidably disposed within the body aperture and the body conduit. A cylinder reservoir is bound to the body conduit. A measuring device is rotatably bound around the body conduit in order to dispense a certain quantity of solid or fluid matter through a dispensing conduit and into the body conduit. A method for dispensing matter in the ground comprising rotating a filled measuring device until it registers with a lower plate aperture spacedly positioned from the bottom of a cylinder reservoir in order to flow matter from the measuring device through the lower plate aperture, and through a dispensing conduit and into a body conduit wherein it is funneled through a funnel into the ground.

Abstract: A hand held device for directing water soluble insecticide or the like on growing plants by use of a directable hand held source of water under pressure. A quantity of water soluble insecticide fertilizer, plant food or the like in the form of a solid bar or brick is attached to a length of dowel or a paddle like structure with a water directing end surface. By directing a stream of water on the water soluble bar or brick, the water soluble substance of the bar or brick is mixed with water and directed toward a selected plant. Manipulation of the water stream and/or dowel or paddle like structure can provide precise directional flow of the mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing matter into the ground having a rod, and a body conduit terminating at one end into a funnel and terminating at another end into a body aperture. The rod is slidably disposed within the body aperture and the body conduit. A sleeve is coaxially and rotably disposed around the body conduit. A cylinder reservoir is bound to the body conduit with the sleeve rotably and coaxially extending into the cylinder reservoir. A measuring device is contained within the cylinder reservoir and is bound to the sleeve in order to dispense a certain quantity of solid or fluid matter through a dispensing conduit and into the body conduit. A method for dispensing matter in the ground comprising rotating a filled measuring device until it registers with a lower plate aperture of a cylinder reservoir in order to flow matter from the measuring device through the lower plate aperture, and through a dispensing conduit and into a body conduit wherein it is funneled through a funnel into the ground.

Abstract: A metered seed planting apparatus (10) comprising a shoe unit (11); a pivoted seed hopper unit (12); an adjustable seed metering unit (13); a vertically adjustable furrow plow unit (14); a seed bed covering unit (15); and, a wheeled marking unit (60); wherein, the apparatus accomplishes the furrowing, planting, and covering of a seed bed, while simultaneously providing visual markings which identify the seeded portions of the seed bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for breaking up soil and introducing a substrate into the broken up soil. The substrate is contained in a reservoir. A series of pneumatic cylinders acting in timed sequence function to first open a rapid-closing valve for introducing a blast of compressed air for forcing a probe into the ground for breaking up the soil. The rapid-closing valve is then closed, a pressure drop sensed, and an injection valve opened to pressurize the reservoir to inject substrate into the fissures formed during the break up of the soil. The substrate may comprise fertilizers, curing substances or filling materials which, together with the compressed air with which they are injected, serve to better condition the soil for cultivation. If desired, additional compressed air lines may communicate with the interior of the reservoir for ensuring a positive pressure in the reservoir to carry out substrate injection.

Abstract: The apparatus is intended for the breaking of ground used for the cultivation of plants with a probe, whereby by means of a rapid closing valve compressed air and by means of an injector valve a substance may be introduced into the soil in an impact like manner. The rapid closing valve is arranged in the upper area and the injector valve in the lower area of an intermediate reservoir for the substance. The rapid closing valve is followed by an injector tube with a compressed air outlet. The injector tube may be raised in case of an open rapid closing valve with a delay in time from an injector valve seat of the intermediate reservoir to release the injector valve.

Abstract: A manually operated tool for simultaneously preparing a seed bed, feeding seed and dispersing the seed uniformly in the bed consists of a rake-like structure, the head of which is integrated with an appendage bearing enclosure for containing a supply of seed and for cooperating with the rake-like structure when manipulated to cause controlled scarifying of the ground and efficient and controlled feeding and dispersing of the seed.

Abstract: A new apparatus for the application of liquid chemicals to soil is disclosed. A hand tool opens a slit in the soil by means of an injector blade and places a chemical-laden filament in the slit. The chemical-laden filament is dispensed from a floating spool in a fluid reservoir, through a conduit and to the soil. A handle provides both support for the reservoir and the injector knife as well as a working means for opening the soil.

Abstract: A row seed planter for planting seeds in a prepared furrow in home gardens having a ground-engaging wheel-like seed reservoir and dispenser rotatable subassembly rotatably journaled on the lower end of an elongated handle member adapted to be hand-grasped near an upper end thereof and extend upwardly and rearwardly from the rotatable subassembly. The rotatable subassembly includes a rigid flat annular ground-engaging disc member having a large diameter center hole therethrough, a seed housing shell structure defining a seed chamber of predetermined capacity communicating with the center hole, a seed elevating disc fixed to the opposite side of the ground-engaging disc member from the seed chamber forming an opposite side closure wall for the center hole, and a single apertured seed discharge disc plate mounted closely adjacent the seed elevating disc and restrained against rotation relative to the handle member.

Abstract: A hand-held and operated seeder apparatus is provided which is capable of carrying and spreading seed and the like to selected lawn areas. This operation is accomplished by securing the lower end of a storage handle to a cup member. When the apparatus is moved up and down, seed in the handle flows from the handle to the cup and the seed is then jostled to and over the top of the cup. The seed falls onto localized areas of ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for use in mixing agricultural chemicals for placement through an applicator onto the soil. A fumigant is added to anhydrous ammonia in measured amounts as the ammonia is being injected in the field from the applicator under pressure. The liquid fumigant, which is quite corrosive to some of the aluminum valves and fittings ordinarily used with anhydrous ammonia, is pumped under pressure to be mixed with the ammonia downstream from the aluminum valves and fittings that might be damaged thereby and upstream from the applicator so that a solution or homogeneous mixture of the anhydrous ammonia and fumigant can be delivered to the ground without damage to any equipment because of the corrosive characteristic of the fumigant.