Plant Surface Contact Material Applicator Patents (Class 47/1.5)
  • Patent number: 11737404
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing hybrid seeds, in particular hybrid cereal seeds, comprising crossing a stand of shorter female (male sterile) plants (shorter than the fertile plants) with a stand of taller male fertile plants (taller than the sterile plants). The method comprises limiting the proportion of self-fertilized male seed in the final produced seed stock. In particular, the method limits the seed development on male plants after pollination to reduce or eliminate the proportion of self-fertilized male seed in the final produced seed stock. The method limits this proportion of self-fertilized male seed in the final produced seed stock, under a threshold value, preferably under a value to be compliant with a regulatory hybridity level. Limiting the seed stock of male plant comprises passing, at least once, a tool extending above the height of the shorter female plants, but below the level of the height of the taller male fertile plants, between anthesis, preferably end of anthesis, and harvest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: LIMAGRAIN EUROPE
    Inventors: Thomas Jolliffe, Mark Glew, Mark Rusling, Alain Murigneux, Pierrick Varenne
  • Patent number: 11477948
    Abstract: A manually controlled and operable self-propelled seed bed sterilization system and method is provided for preventing weeds from growth in seed beds. The system includes a wheel driven shuttle vehicle having a hot water reservoir, a hot water applicator manifold housing, a dual-function pump and a controllable valve. A self-contained mobile hot water supply vehicle accompanies the shuttle vehicle and has a water heater with hose connections to the reservoir of the shuttle vehicle to provide a continuous water flow path. The burner of the water heater is controlled to heat the water in the range of about 205-207 degrees F. but below the boiling point of water not to create steam. The shuttle vehicle is displaced over the seed bed at a constant drive speed by an electric motor driven by a gas generator. An operator person guides the shuttle vehicle over the seed bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventor: Arnold Lipes
  • Patent number: 11284573
    Abstract: The present invention provides various modular hydroponic growing apparatuses, each having oppositely positioned slats or other compatible surfaces between which is defined an expandable growth channel, wherein at least one of the slats or other compatible surfaces are biased inwardly towards the opposing slat or other compatible surface via a biasing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Cecil Logan Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 11273800
    Abstract: A water rinsing apparatus is disclosed for spraying water upwardly against the underbody of a vehicle to rinse and clean the surfaces thereof. The water rinsing apparatus includes a water delivery tube connectable at its inlet end to a garden hose, and at its outlet end to a manifold which distributes water to a plurality of upwardly directed water spray nozzles mounted in the body of the manifold. Wheels are rotatably mounted on fixed axle members projecting longitudinally from opposite sides of the body of the manifold, and provide maneuverability for the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Scott R. Bell
  • Patent number: 10517287
    Abstract: An extensible pesticide applicator is provided enabling application of both liquid and powdered insecticides to distal, out-of-reach areas. An extensible pole has a distal and a proximal end for manual wielding whereby a pair of nozzles is deployable proximal an out-of-reach habitat. Pressurization of ambient atmosphere into the extensible pole is enabled by a pump member and timed release of the pressurized ambient atmosphere to forcibly eject powdered and alternately liquid pesticide from the distal end is enabled by manual action effected to depress a trigger member. Direct application of pesticide is thereby enabled to distal and out-of-reach habitat without a user coming into proximity with the habitat or the pesticide released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Dustin Oralleus Burrell
  • Patent number: 10319050
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for using remote sensing data to infer agronomic inputs to an agronomic simulation model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: CiBO Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Richt
  • Patent number: 10241488
    Abstract: An automated irrigation control comprising crop sensor physically attached to a crop and a light sensitive sensor having a photo-detector for monitoring light intensity of a crop, an irrigation conduit extending along the span of the irrigation zone and adapted to carry fluid, with one or more controllable valves and sensors, growth sensors placed in close proximity of the crop sensors, a computer control system, an irrigation controller, and a communications link between the computer control system, the one or more crop sensor, the three or more growth sensors, and the irrigation controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente Klein, Fernando J. Marianno
  • Patent number: 9492479
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to compositions of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and methods of manufacture thereof. In certain aspects, the invention provides air-free compositions of HOCl. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making HOCl that involve mixing together in water in an air-free environment, a compound that generates a proton (H+) in water and a compound that generates a hypochlorite anion (OCl?) in water to thereby produce air-free hypochlorous acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Wiab Water Innovation AB
    Inventors: Geir Hermod Almås, Adrian Bignami
  • Publication number: 20150101243
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for inoculating a plurality of plants. In various embodiments, an exemplary method includes spraying a plurality of plants with an inoculum utilizing an automated inoculum spraying subsystem of a mobile inoculation system. The method additionally includes spraying the plurality of plants with a grit medium utilizing an automated grit blasting subsystem of the mobile inoculation system. Spraying the plants with the grit medium inflicts a plurality of wounds to the tissue of the plants on a plurality of surfaces of the plants. The wounds inflicted by the grit medium allow the inoculum to be absorbed into the plants to inoculate the plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Hartsook, Michael R. Bohnert, David J. Baitinger, Ana Paula da Silva Dias, Travis J. Frey
  • Patent number: 8998524
    Abstract: A liquid-application device that permits a user to selectively apply herbicide to weeds without applying the herbicide to adjacent plants. A reservoir of herbicide is mounted to a container end of an elongated tube and a wick is mounted to an opposite end. The tube has a central passage through which the liquid flows from the container end to the wick end by gravity. A valve mechanism at the wick end controls the flow of liquid out of the central passage. A wick retainer in the valve mechanism holds a wick that receives liquid released through the valve. A shroud covers the wick and the wick protrudes after the shroud is seated on a weed leaf. The shroud can be withdrawn by a mechanical connection, such as a trigger, or by simply forcing the shroud out of the way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Robert A. Shoaf
  • Patent number: 8943746
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for inoculating a plurality of plants. In various embodiments, an exemplary method includes spraying a plurality of plants with an inoculum utilizing an automated inoculum spraying subsystem of a mobile inoculation system. The method additionally includes spraying the plurality of plants with a grit medium utilizing an automated grit blasting subsystem of the mobile inoculation system. Spraying the plants with the grit medium inflicts a plurality of wounds to the tissue of the plants on a plurality of surfaces of the plants. The wounds inflicted by the grit medium allow the inoculum to be absorbed into the plants to inoculate the plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Hartsook, Michael R. Bohnert, David J. Baitinger, Ana Paula da Silva Dias, Travis J. Frey
  • Publication number: 20140283442
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an automated mobile inoculation system (10) for inoculating a plurality of plants with a desired pathogen at a high-throughput. The system includes a chassis (14) having a plurality of wheels (18, 22) rotationally mounted thereto such that the system (10) is terrestrially mobile. The system additionally includes an inoculum dispensing system (126) structured and operable to controllably dispense an inoculum comprising a desired pathogen onto a target zone of each of a plurality of plants in opposing rows of plants in a plot as the system traverses the ground between the opposing rows of plants. The system further (10) includes at least two abrading arm assemblies (54) connected to the chassis (14) and biased outward, away from the chassis, wherein the abrading arm assemblies are structured and operable to puncture, lacerate, cut and/or abrade the target zone of each plant as the system traverses (10) the ground between the opposing rows of plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Robert John Thomas, III, Jeffrey W. Hartsook, Ana Paula da Silva Dias, George J. Baley, Harindra Manilal William
  • Publication number: 20140259897
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an applicator system comprising a beam; an applicator transducer; an applicator hose system coupled to the beam and the applicator transducer, the applicator hose system comprising: a trolley system configured to move bi-directionally along the beam based on a cable-pulling operation of the applicator transducer; a hose carrier configured to carry at least a portion of a hose; and an applicator that is coupled to one end of the hose carried by the hose carrier and operably coupled to the trolley system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ravindra Godbole, John Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140215907
    Abstract: The present relates to a steam concentration conduit, a steam concentration nozzle and weed killing apparatus for expanding and directing a flow of steam from a steam apparatus, into a concentrated flow of steam. The steam concentration conduit comprises a body having a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted for receiving the flow of steam from the steam apparatus. The body defines between the first end and the second end, a conduit for expanding and directing the flow of steam received at the first end into a concentrated flow of steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MS GREGSON
    Inventors: Mamadou Diallo, Mario Vitali, Guy Martel
  • Publication number: 20140130405
    Abstract: An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Johnny Lee Kubacak
  • Publication number: 20140128802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for a chemical applicator used applying chemicals to living organism's internal tissue, including the internal tissue of plants and animals, for organisms which reside on or in mediums such as land, air or water. The device of the present invention is predicated, in part, on the piercing elements being engageable with the chemical reservoir in order to effect the coating of the piercing elements with the chemical. Once coated, these piercing elements are then used to pierce the living organism's tissue such as plant tissue to deliver the chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: ARIANA HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Rad Omid
  • Publication number: 20140096443
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for controlling unwanted vegetation which apparatus comprises a reservoir (2), release means (6) connected to the reservoir (2), and a nozzle (10) for applying a stream of foam including steam, connected to the reservoir (2) through the release means (6). A liquid is heated in the reservoir (2) to an elevated pressure, the liquid comprising water and a surfactant, i.e. a foaming agent, and forms a foam when discharged through the nozzle (10). The foam contains steam, and is effective at killing the foliage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Hobbs, Jason Morehen, Malcolm Myers
  • Patent number: 8567116
    Abstract: An herbicide delivery device comprises a cane-type structure that applies herbicide directly to unwanted foliage, comprising an ergonomic handle at a top end and a dauber mechanism at a bottom end further comprising a rotating spherical foam rubber applicator. An interior of the cane structure houses a replaceable vessel of liquid herbicide. The dauber mechanism can be removed to access and refill the tube. The dauber dispenses a small amount of herbicide as the applicator is pressed against a surface. In use, the user walks around an outside area and directly places the foam rubber applicator against foliage to dispense the herbicide without endangering any nearby plant life. A protective cap is attached over the dauber mechanism when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Scott L. Hall
  • Patent number: 8438778
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively applying a liquid plant chemical such as a herbicide to a plant includes a hollow tubular reservoir, an integrated funnel handle at the upper end of the reservoir, and an applicator tip at the lower end of the reservoir. The applicator tip includes a valve and a wick that allows the chemical to be dispensed in a controlled manner onto a specific plant, avoiding chemical drift. A protective cap fits over the applicator tip during storage, while retainer tabs keep the protective cap from squeezing the wick. The retainer tabs may be sharp enough to prick the plant to place the chemical internally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas C. Rose
  • Patent number: 8418400
    Abstract: A liquid herbicide applicator includes a length adjustable handle member and a reservoir removably coupled to the handle member, the reservoir defining an inlet for receiving a liquid and an outlet from which to dispense liquid. The applicator includes a valve assembly coupled to the reservoir outlet operative between an open configuration that allows the liquid to flow through the outlet and a closed configuration that prevents the liquid from flowing through the outlet. The valve assembly is biased toward the closed configuration. A dispenser assembly having a cap portion is operatively coupled to the valve assembly and includes an application portion connected to the cap portion, the cap portion being selectively movable closer to the valve assembly so as to urge the valve assembly to the open configuration and away from the valve assembly so to allow the valve assembly to return to the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Wiese-Martin, Alan G. Martin
  • Publication number: 20130047500
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for inoculating a plurality of plants. In various embodiments, an exemplary method includes spraying a plurality of plants with an inoculum utilizing an automated inoculum spraying subsystem of a mobile inoculation system. The method additionally includes spraying the plurality of plants with a grit medium utilizing an automated grit blasting subsystem of the mobile inoculation system. Spraying the plants with the grit medium inflicts a plurality of wounds to the tissue of the plants on a plurality of surfaces of the plants. The wounds inflicted by the grit medium allow the inoculum to be absorbed into the plants to inoculate the plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Hartsook, Michael R. Bohnert, David J Baitinger, Ana Paula da Silva Dias, Travis J. Frey
  • Patent number: 8361542
    Abstract: Methods for applying a treatment, such as colorant, to an installed landscaping material (such as wood chips or mulch), reducing the need to replace worn or weathered material. The methods include applying a pre-treatment to protect elements proximate the landscape material that are not to be treated, applying a treatment liquid to the landscaping material by spraying, and then rinsing any elements proximate the landscape material that may have be inadvertently and undesirably treated. Also described is a sprayer apparatus for applying treatment liquid to a landscaping material. The sprayer apparatus includes first and second spray outlets and an agitator therebetween. In use, the landscape material to be treated is first sprayed, the material is agitated (e.g., turned), and a second spray of treatment liquid is applied to the landscape material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Alan T. Miller, Terrance P. Fenelon
  • Publication number: 20120316064
    Abstract: A fluid application apparatus is disclosed having adhesive compositions and controlled release compositions for applying treatments such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, to target plants, and the like. In at least one embodiment, the application apparatus includes a treatment release device adapted to release a pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer, or the like, for adhesion to and treatment of a target plant, the release device comprising: a substrate; a quantity of media adapted to contain a controlled release composition disposed upon the substrate and adapted to release the controlled release composition to a target plant for treatment; and an adhesive composition disposed upon the substrate and adapted to adhere the treatment release device and the quantity of media adapted to contain a controlled release composition to the target plant for treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: John P. Ruckart
  • Patent number: 8312670
    Abstract: A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy Dean Heckler, Adam Matthew Wake
  • Publication number: 20120252671
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for boring into the earth near a Kudzu vine root system to apply herbicidal helium gas to the roots and eradicate the Kudzu vine. The technique uses a perforated tube with a drill bit that protrudes from one end of the tube to bore into the earth near the vine roots. Boring is stopped when all of the tube perforations are below the earth's surface. About 0.5 cubic meters of helium gas are applied to flow through the tube enabling the helium gas to flow out through the tube perforations and attack the Kudzu vine through the vine's root system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Jacob Harrison Schindler
  • Publication number: 20120096765
    Abstract: A liquid herbicide applicator includes a length adjustable handle member and a reservoir removably coupled to the handle member, the reservoir defining an inlet for receiving a liquid and an outlet from which to dispense liquid. The applicator includes a valve assembly coupled to the reservoir outlet operative between an open configuration that allows the liquid to flow through the outlet and a closed configuration that prevents the liquid from flowing through the outlet. The valve assembly is biased toward the closed configuration. A dispenser assembly having a cap portion is operatively coupled to the valve assembly and includes an application portion connected to the cap portion, the cap portion being selectively movable closer to the valve assembly so as to urge the valve assembly to the open configuration and away from the valve assembly so to allow the valve assembly to return to the closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Wiese-Martin, Alan G. Martin
  • Publication number: 20120084886
    Abstract: Microbial compositions comprising at least two components are disclosed. The first component comprises HYTa which is a consortium of microbes derived from fertile soils and commercial sources. The second component comprises at least one of chitin, chitosan, glucosamine and amino acids. The various microbes in HYTa are capable of fixing nitrogen, digesting proteins and other biopolymers such as chitin and chitosan, providing protection against plant pathogens and supplementing the microbial flora of soil. Also disclosed are processes where the aforementioned microbial compositions are used to treat soil, seeds, seedlings and/or plant foliage alone or in combination with chitin, chitosan, glucosamine and/or amino acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: AGRINOS AS
    Inventors: Jaime López-Cervantes, Karl Reiner Fick Rochin
  • Patent number: 8150554
    Abstract: Therefore, the illustrative embodiments provide a computer program product comprising a computer recordable media having computer usable program code. Resource needs are determined for each plant in a plurality of plants to form individual resource needs. Conditions are identified in an environment in which the plurality of plants are located by receiving input from a sensor system to form current conditions. A plurality of per plant prescriptions are calculated for the plurality of plants using the individual resource needs and the current conditions. The application of the resource is controlled from a mobile utility vehicle to each plant in the plurality of plants using the plurality of per plant prescriptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120017500
    Abstract: A device for cleaning and applying solution to the leaves of a plant. The device comprises a pair of tongs equipped with permanent sponge pads along the inner portion of each tong leg. A plurality of sleeve hooks is provided along each leg to allow securement of replaceable quilted sleeves, which cover the legs of the tongs while in use. The tongs are used to grasp an elongated leaf and run along its length to clean and remove dust from them using a dry sleeve. Alternatively, the sleeves may be used when wet, either with water or in conjunction with a desired solution. The wet sleeves are then used to apply the solution to specific leaves in a controlled operation, without risk of spreading or misting solution onto undesirable locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Russell Shane Davis, Melissa Corkern Davis
  • Publication number: 20110289832
    Abstract: The present invention features a multi-step organic lawn care program that comprises four or more specified treatments that are applied at specific times throughout the year. Each step serves specific functions that assist in the maintenance and improvement of turf. Each treatment is intended to be applied at a prescribed time to ensure maximum benefits to the turf. The treatments are preferably applied in a liquid format are generally effective at detoxifying a surface that has been treated with chemical fertilizers. The treatments may be applied in conjunction with other products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Fire Belly Organic Lawn Care
    Inventor: Thomas John Kelly
  • Publication number: 20110252502
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions include polynucleotides encoding herbicide resistance or tolerance polypeptides, vectors comprising those polynucleotides, and host cells comprising the vectors. The nucleotide sequences of the invention can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms, including microorganisms and plants. Compositions also include transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated polynucleotides encoding glyphosate resistance or tolerance polypeptides are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Athenix Corp.
    Inventors: Laura C. Schouten, Brian Vande Berg, Volker Heinrichs
  • Publication number: 20110162266
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pollen applicator device and method for biological control of mites via pollen application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Shmuel GAN-MOR, Eric Palevsky, Benyamin Ronen
  • Publication number: 20110067134
    Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic soybean event MON 87708 plant and plants, plant cells, seeds, plant parts, and commodity products derived from event MON 87708. The invention also provides polynucleotides specific for event MON 87708 and plants, plant cells, seeds, plant parts, and commodity products comprising polynucleotides specific for event MON 87708. The invention also provides methods related to event MON 87708.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald J. Brinker, Wen C. Burns, Paul C.C. Feng, Anju Gupta, Sio-Wai Hoi, Marianne Malven, Kunsheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20110047867
    Abstract: A method and system of treating plants is provided. The method includes measuring optical properties of a plant using a plurality of spectral bands. The method further includes calculating in a computational device at least two vegetative indexes using the optical properties, each of the at least two vegetative indexes correlating to one or more plant growth parameters. The method further includes calculating in the computational device a water invariant chlorophyll index from at least two vegetative indexes using the plurality of spectral bands. The also provides for treating one or more of the plants based on the water invariant chlorophyll index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: KYLE H. HOLLAND
  • Publication number: 20110039706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a mutated hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), to a chimeric gene which comprises this sequence as the coding sequence, and to its use for obtaining plants which are resistant to HPPD inhibitor herbicides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Marco Busch, Kerstin Fischer, Bernd Laber, Alain Sailland
  • Publication number: 20110030272
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively applying a liquid plant chemical such as a herbicide to a plant includes a hollow tubular reservoir, an integrated funnel handle at the upper end of the reservoir, and an applicator tip at the lower end of the reservoir. The applicator tip includes a valve and a wick that allows the chemical to be dispensed in a controlled manner onto a specific plant, avoiding chemical drift. A protective cap fits over the applicator tip during storage, while retainer tabs keep the protective cap from squeezing the wick. The retainer tabs may be sharp enough to prick the plant to place the chemical internally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas C. Rose
  • Patent number: 7805884
    Abstract: A Japanese knotweed injector system for injecting a dose of weed-killing fluid into the stem of a Japanese knotweed, including a fluid dispenser system with a fluid passage, a collared needle with a fluid delivery aperture in communication with the fluid dispenser system, and an actuator connected to the fluid dispenser system for actuating the transmission of fluid from the fluid dispenser system to the fluid delivery aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Phillip Burgess
  • Publication number: 20100175316
    Abstract: An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Johnny Lee Kubacak
  • Publication number: 20100028504
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a pre-selected design on an outer surface of a pre-selected piece of fruit by a natural ripening process. The apparatus includes at least one sticker having a predetermined design. The at least one sticker is engageable with and attachable to such outer surface of such pre-selected fruit prior to such pre-selected fruit ripening. The at least one sticker prevents an area covered thereby from changing color as such pre-selected fruit ripens and a remaining outer surface thereof does change color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: James K. Perry
  • Publication number: 20090288338
    Abstract: A horticultural applicator (10) device comprising a raft (12) having a means for applying a substance to plants (14) and a means to drag the raft (22). The raft (12) is dragged over the top of the plants and the means for applying the substance (14) mounted to the raft (12) applies the substance onto said plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy Dean Heckler, Adam Matthew Wake
  • Patent number: 7585898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for a copious bloom of diatom algae comprising macro and or micro nutrients adsorbed on metalate modified silica sol. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing an aqueous dispersion of a composition comprising of iron adsorbed onto metalate modified silica sol containing 0.01% to 50% of Fe, and a micronutrient adsorbed onto metalate modified silica sol consisting of Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, Mo, B, V, Ni, Se, I, Fl, Cr, Cd and mixtures thereof in the proportion 0.001% to 30% of the weight of silica and macronutrient adsorbed onto metalate modified silica sol consisting of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Cl, Na the elements of each macronutrient varying from 1% to 50% of the silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Sampath Kumar Thothathri
  • Patent number: 7581350
    Abstract: A gardening apparatus that isolates a targeted plant for spraying of chemicals such as herbicides, while protecting desired vegetation in proximity to the targeted plant. The gardening apparatus can be held and operated in one hand, while the other hand is used to operate a sprayer. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft that permits a user to spray a targeted plant from a safe distance such as in an erect position. Located at the distal end of the shaft is a shield, and on the opposite proximal end of the shaft is a hand control mechanism for adjusting the opening and closing of the shield around a plant stem. The adjustability of the opening/closing of the shield through the hand control mechanism permits targeting of different sized stems as the shield can be adjustably configured to surround the stem, whether thick or thin, without having to touch the targeted plant by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: RASCO, LLC
    Inventor: Richard M. Ram
  • Patent number: 7540110
    Abstract: The system for delivery of insecticide provides a portable enclosure for delivering insecticide to an infested tree trunk. The system includes an annular shell disposed around with the trunk of the tree that defines an annular tank. An annular base supports the wall(s) of the annular shell and has a liquid impermeable membrane attached thereto that can be wrapped around the base of the tree trunk to prevent pesticide seepage into the ground. A pump delivers insecticide into the annular tank at an upper end of the tank. A drain hose attached to the base of the tank returns insecticide to the pump for recirculation. The pump is actuated in pulsating mode to agitate insecticide in the tank, causing waves of sufficient pressure to induce the insecticide to penetrate deeply through any bores in the trunk to kill both adult insects and larvae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Faleh A. Al-Sulaiman, Muhammad A. Hawwa
  • Publication number: 20090005722
    Abstract: A dressing having a flexible sleeve shaped to accommodate a substantially cylindrical body portion, the sleeve having a lining which is substantially non-adherent to the body part being bandaged and having a peripheral securement means which attaches two peripheral portions to each other without those portions being circumferentially adhered to the sleeve portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Barbara Jennlngs-Spring
  • Publication number: 20080190016
    Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed for biocidal treatment of vegetation and/or pests, the device (10) comprising an inner tube (30) connectable to a source of one of heated pressurised gas and heated pressurised water, an outer tube (26) disposed over the inner tube so that a space is defined between the inner tube and the outer tube, and a wand (22) in communication with the inner tube (30) and the outer tube (26). The wand (22) has an outlet aperture and the outer tube (26) is connectable to a source of the other of heated pressurised gas and heated pressurised water. The heated air and water mix in the wand (22) immediately prior to passing through the outlet aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Patent number: 7399366
    Abstract: Several products and processes for preventing the occurrence of rust stains resulting from irrigation systems using water having iron ions, such as well water, and for cleaning off rust stains resulting from the use of said irrigation systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, ammonium sulfate is mixed with well water and then this mixture is mixed with incoming well water being sprayed on the surfaces. In another embodiment, ammonium bisulfate is used for the removal of rust stains. Then ammonium sulfate is mixed with the incoming well water being sprayed in the next cycle, to prevent rust formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Wegner, Frank J. Benasutti
  • Patent number: 7263210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for volume-specific treatment of ground and plants as required. The aim of the invention is to improve a method and system as above, such that the distribution of plants is scanned with complete spatial coverage and the treatment of the ground or plant condition is efficiently controlled, by simultaneously taking account of morphological, plant physiological, equipment performance and specific local properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Knut Kümmel
  • Patent number: 6990770
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus preferably coupled to a boom on a truck which can simultaneously trim and chemically treat trees or other vegetation with a herbicide. The apparatus, in addition to have a standard saw blade assembly with limb clamping jaws, includes a sprayer assembly. The sprayer assembly includes nozzles which administer herbicides or other chemical treatments adjacent to the saw blades, allowing herbicide to be precisely administered to the tree limbs as they are cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Steven J. Terrell & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Terrell
  • Patent number: 6886256
    Abstract: A chamber is formed in the upper end of a brush saw cutting head housing. The brush saw cutting element drive spindle's upper end projects into the chamber. The drive spindle's lower end projects beneath the housing and is drivingly couplable to the cutting element. A disc is mounted against the underside of the cutting element. A cavity is formed in the disc. At least one channel extends through the disc, between the cavity and the disc's external rim. An aperture extends through the drive spindle, between the chamber and the cavity. Herbicide supplied to the chamber flows from the chamber, through the drive spindle aperture, into the cavity. The drive spindle rotates the disc. Centrifugal force imposed on herbicide within the cavity forces the herbicide through the channel(s) onto the underside of the cutting element, for transfer onto the stumps of material cut by the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Apex Reforestation Ltd.
    Inventors: Bryan Marc Hobday, Peter Williams
  • Patent number: 6802153
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for applying a chemical, such as an herbicide, to a surface. A chemical reservoir stores a quantity of the chemical for dispensation to the surface. A flow control unit in fluid communication with the chemical reservoir has a conduit in which the chemical flows. The flow control unit is adjustable to control the rate of chemical flow in the conduit. At least one wiper assembly is in fluid communication with the flow control unit. The wiper assembly includes at least one wick sheet which receives and absorbs the chemical received from the flow control unit and applies the chemical to the surface via a wiping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: DuBois Growers, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne DuBois, Mark DuBois, Brett DuBois, Monte DuBois