Abstract: A variable sized housing for protecting plants by utilizing water as a heat sink comprising a plurality of panels with coupling means for allowing the panels to construct a housing for surrounding a plant. Each panel has a hollow interior for allowing the storage of liquid therein thus providing insulation.

Abstract: An optical proximity sensor generates information indicative of a distance to an object in a field and in some embodiments also generates information indicative of a spectral reflectance characteristic of the object. The information indicative of the spectral reflectance characteristic can be used to determine whether the object in the field is a living plant or another object such as soil. Light emitted from the optical sensor for reflection off the object is modulated so that reflected light from the optical sensor can be discriminated from reflected ambient sunlight. The optical sensor is scanned over the field to map objects in the field and/or to determine the location of rows of crop plants. A sensor in accordance with the present invention has many uses in agriculture including spraying, cultivation and vehicle guidance.

Abstract: A method for controlling greenhouse light employs first and second algorithms for controlling a supplemental lighting system and a shade control system, respectively, in a greenhouse. The lighting control algorithm controls actuation of electric lamps in the greenhouse based upon a plurality of rules. These rules employ weather and climate data, accumulated and calculated photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) data and off-peak electricity rate hour data to provide uniform daily integrated PPF values in the most cost efficient manner. The shade control algorithm works in conjunction with the lighting control algorithm to insure that the daily PPF values do not exceed a target value on days when the PPF accumulated from solar insolation exceeds the target value. The shade control algorithm operates very precisely to avoid an over shading condition which would require undesirable actuation of the supplemental lighting control system for compensation.

Abstract: A greenhouse and a method for controlling the environment of the interior space of the greenhouse is disclosed. The greenhouse (10) includes an interior insulative panel (22,23) and an exterior reflective panel (26) capable of insulating the interior of the greenhouse and reflecting sunlight into the interior. The greenhouse also includes a closed-system heat exchanger (30,31) having a plurality of spaced water-impermeable water flow passageways (60) through which water flows by gravitational forces and having a means for blowing air (65) between the water flow passageways (60) such that the air does not contact the water and such that the air is either heated or cooled by the water. In addition, the heat exchanger (30,31) may include a water discharge (71) and/or a gas discharge for the control of humidity and gas levels within the greenhouse.

Abstract: A new portable greenhouse construction for providing seasonal or year round gardens. The inventive device includes a floor, side walls, end walls, and a roof defining an enclosure. Ballast containers are connected to the base of the end walls and side walls for stabilizing the greenhouse on the ground when filled with a ballast material, such as water. The roof is arch shaped and includes a pair of retractable, translucent covers which are rolled up onto a shaft to permit fresh air into the interior of the greenhouse through a mesh screen. Weighted rods are disposed at the edge of each cover to bias the covers to a position covering the mesh screen when the covers are unrolled from the shaft. The greenhouse includes an integral floor with a drain therein for draining moisture from the greenhouse.

Abstract: An agricultural implement in accordance with the present invention includes a supporting member affixed to a farm vehicle, such as a tractor. The supporting member supports a plurality of sensors that each has a unique physical location along the supporting member such that the sensors traverse parallel paths as the vehicle moves across a field. Information gathered by the sensors can be combined with information as to the vehicle's position to create a map of the field. For example, information indicative of the presence or absence of weeds at specific locations in a field can be used to create a weed-map. To ensure that such maps accurately depict a field, the agricultural implement includes a control unit configured to automatically assign each sensor unit a unique address based upon the physical location of each sensor.

Abstract: A method is described to utilize used open-cast lignite mines by installing greenhouses with technological products attaining water economy of 7-8 times, unlimited nutritional capacity by enclosing pesticides and nutrients in a system of resins so as to release elements gradually, and with addition of calcium carbonate so as to limit the creation of sulfuric acid by the action of ground bacteria without pollution of the soil. This limits the need to move the greenhouses, and constitutes an original solution of agricultural utilization of these otherwise toxic and infertile soils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable greenhouse which is constructed from at lease two left-right horizontal members which are supported at each opposite distal end by a left-right vertical support post and at least two front-rear horizontal members which are supported at each opposite distal end by a front-rear vertical support post. Each front-rear system includes a front-rear cover sheet which may be raised or lowered by a motor. Each left-right system includes a left-right cover sheet which is raised to a left-right horizontal member, travels to another left-right horizontal member (to form a top), then lowers to the ground. This forms a retractable greenhouse.

Abstract: Weeds growing around the bases of the stalks of cotton plants growing in a row in a cotton field are sprayed with herbicide without spraying the cotton stalks or wasting herbicide on bare ground. The cotton plants are adequately mature that their stalks exhibit a significantly different spectral reflectance characteristic than the weeds typically growing amid the cotton. The cotton plants are adequately tall that the majority of the leaves of the cotton plants are disposed outside the area which can be sprayed using an electronically-controlled valve and nozzle. Light is transmitted toward an object (a cotton stalk, a weed, or soil) in the row and the reflected light is analyzed. If the object has a spectral characteristic of a growing weed, then the valve is activated and the object is sprayed with herbicide.

Abstract: An agricultural implement (for example, a spray device) differentiates living plants growing in a field from background materials (such as soil) by detecting a change in slope of a reflectance characteristic of objects in a field of view. By using a change in slope of the reflectance characteristic, a small percentage of living plant material in the field of view can be detected and the agricultural implement need not be calibrated to a particular background material. In some embodiments, if the change in slope is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold amount, then it is determined that a weed likely exists in the field of view and a solenoid-operated spray valve is opened at the appropriate time to spray the entire area (including the weed) that was in the field of view with herbicide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural covering material comprising a fluororesin film which intercepts the transmission of the ultraviolet rays having a wavelength range of at least 300-330 nm, by at least 40% and which transmits at least 70% of the visible rays having a wavelength range of 400-800 nm.The covering material can be used outdoors in a spread state over a long period of time and is useful as a covering material for greenhouse to replace glass, for cultivation of various useful crops.

Abstract: A selective spraying weed control system utilizes weed detectors that identify weeds in a field of view and releases herbicide from individual nozzles. The timing of the release of herbicide from each nozzle is controlled to correspond to the actual ground speed of each nozzle. Such actual ground speed is extrapolated from direct measurements of ground speed taken from two separate locations in the weed spraying apparatus, and from the location of each nozzle within the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method and apparatus for producing carbon dioxide, fungicidal compounds and thermal energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a greenhouse and supplying carbon dioxide gas thereto, including a heater burning a hydrocarbon fuel arranged to at least indirectly heat the atmosphere of the greenhouse when required; a cooler for cooling the carbon dioxide produced by operation of the heater; a storage device connected by a gas flow mechanism to receive combustion gas from the heater and to hold the combustion gas having carbon dioxide produced by the operation thereof; a distribution mechanism supplying the stored carbon dioxide gas containing combustion gas from the storage device to the greenhouse atmosphere, and a distribution control mechanism for allowing a supply of the carbon dioxide gas at a predetermined time and flow rate.

Abstract: A mobile, enclosed plant growing apparatus including a plumbing/irrigation system and a method for using such. The plumbing/irrigation system includes a modularized reservoir system, light tight piping, growing buckets, risers and sprinklers. A liquid nutrient solution is pumped from the reservoir system, through the piping, into the buckets through the risers, exiting from the sprinklers. The plant growing apparatus is substantially environmentally isolated. The plant growing apparatus may include a light tight enclosure made of a tent-like material. Also, certain growth parameters may be electronically controlled so as to maximize the growth profiles of the plants. The parameters include levels of light, liquid solution, temperature, humidity and pH.

Abstract: A greenhouse roof structure for the usual rectangular in plan greenhouse comprises at least two rectangular roof panels each having a lower edge hinged to the structure for movement about a respective horizontal hinge axis. The roof panels are movable about their hinge axes between a fully closed position in which their upper edges meet to form a roof peak, and a fully open position in which they extend generally vertically at least approximately parallel to one another for the greenhouse space to be upwardly fully open to the ambient atmosphere, as is needed for example to "harden" new plants before they are exposed to the harsher ambient conditions outside the greenhouse. Preferably trusses extend transversely between the two outer side walls, support members are carried by the trusses, and transversely extending upwardly convex arch members are each connected at its ends to respective support members to connect them against the forces, such as wind forces, applied by the roof panels.

Abstract: A self-aligning row crop spraying device includes a parallelogram-shaped device comprised of a pair of guide support members disposed parallel to each other and a pair of transverse members also parallel to each other. One of the transverse members is fixed to a structure allowing the remainder of the parallelogram-shaped device to move freely about the transverse member. A pair of guide members form a channel for receiving plants. The device allows a spray nozzle to remain aligned with a row of crops throughout the spraying process.

Abstract: A smart weed recognition and identification system comprises a chlorophyll sensor for detecting green vegetation and memory map means for storing images which contain different forms of green vegetation. The memory maps stored in memory are processed to eliminate the background information and leave a memory map containing only green vegetation. The enhanced memory map is further processed by an operation of segmentation into identifiable regions and the identifiable green vegetation regions are processed to identify unique attributes for each of the regions.

Abstract: Plant-cutting shears with a chemical applicator includes two cutting blades, each having a handle. A resilient fluid-absorptive element capable of holding a quantity of a systemic herbicide or other liquid plant-treatment chemical is provided. The chemical-holding element is mounted on the shears such that a surface of the element lies approximately in the cutting plane of the blades, but with the element isolated from fluid contact with the overlapping active areas of the blades. In operation, with a single cutting motion of the shears, a user may cut a plant and cause the resilient chemical-holding element to make direct fluid-applying physical contact with the plant wounds.

Abstract: A greenhouse is disclosed having a raised central section of transparent or translucent flexible light-stabilized plastic material, and peripheral or vent sections substantially of open-weave scrim material formed from loosely woven thin and narrow strips of transparent or translucent light-stabilized plastic material having a lace-like reinforcement of light-stabilized plastic; with greater than 50% of the surface area of the scrim being deformable to a more open condition thereby permitting increased passage of air and moisture. Preferably, at least the central section is retractable.

Abstract: An improved greenhouse assembly comprising in combination, greenhouse cover support means and a thermoplastic film cover supported by said cover means, the improvement comprising said film having outermost of the assembly a variable light diffuse surface which is substantially clear when wetted but has an enhanced degree of surface haze when dry. The greenhouse covering provide suitable variable light transmission into the greenhouse dependant on weather condition.

Abstract: An optical proximity sensor generates information indicative of a distance to an object in a field and in some embodiments also generates information indicative of a spectral reflectance characteristic of the object. The information indicative of the spectral reflectance characteristic can be used to determine whether the object in the field is a living plant or another object such as soil. Light emitted from the optical sensor for reflection off the object is modulated so that reflected light from the optical sensor can be discriminated from reflected ambient sunlight. The optical sensor is scanned over the field to map objects in the field and/or to determine the location of rows of crop plants. A sensor in accordance with the present invention has many uses in agriculture including spraying, cultivation and vehicle guidance.

Abstract: System for draining a land surface (10) which is covered by a waterproof membrane (12), whereby tubular gutters (14) are installed in trenches in the land surface (10) adjacent to the margins of the waterproof membrane (12) and whereby the land surface (10) is slightly sloped such that water falling onto the membrane (12) will flow in a natural manner in the direction of a gutter (14). Each tubular gutter (14) can be assembled from one or more interconnected tubes each comprising one or more aligned apertures (16, 18, 20) in the upwards directed wall section. The marginal section of the membrane (12) adjacent to the aligned row of apertures (16, 18, 20) in the tubular gutter wall is attached to the tubular gutter (14) by suitable elements (17, 22, 32) such that water flowing along the membrane (12) will be received in the gutter.

Abstract: A polymeric spray shield assembly adapted to be connected to a support frame moved over plants growing in spaced rows from the earth and to be moved along the earth between the rows of plants while liquids such as herbicides not intended for contact with the plants in the rows are sprayed onto weeds between the rows of plants. The spray shield assembly comprises a polymeric spray shield having an inner surface defining a channel opening through an open side and front and rear ends of the spray shield, a top wall portion being adapted to have means attached thereto for suspending the spray shield from the support frame and through openings adapted to receive connector assemblies through which liquids are sprayed into the spray shield, and dependent opposite side wall portions. Stiff polymeric slotted end closure sheets are attached across the open front and rear ends of said channel to help retain the spray.

Abstract: A method of applying herbicide to plants involves delivering a liquid herbicide solution to the plant foliage in a high pressure jet of sufficient energy to physically disrupt the surface of the foliage. The high pressure jet can be either a coherent jet or it can be a stream of droplets. The coherent stream can have sufficient energy to cut the foliage, creating new surfaces that are more wettable by the herbicide solution, and more susceptible to penetration by the herbicide in the solution. The droplets in the droplet stream can be made to be of sufficient size and energy to penetrate the plant tissue, and even to penetrate the plant's cells, thereby speeding uptake of the herbicide by the plant.

Abstract: A building including high efficiency transparent insulation and optical shutter solar collector (HETIOSSC) to effectively control heat loss and gain in a passively-solar climate control system. HETIOSSC includes a layer of protective glazing, a transparent insulation, an optical shutter, an optional solar radiation absorbing material and optional heat storage elements. When the building and its heat storage are too warm, the optical shutter layer becomes opaque to prevent overheating. During cloudy and cold winter days, HETIOSSC still has a solar transmission and insulation efficiency great enough to collect sufficient sunlight for heating. Location of HETIOSSC on the roof, rather than the walls, does not alter shape and orientation of a building.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composite plastic film and a greenhouse constructed by using the same as a covering sheet spread over a framework capable of exhibiting improved temperature elevation-suppressing effect in summer and improved warm-keeping effect in winter. The composite film has a double-layered structure consisting of a transparent or translucent thermoplastic resin film as the substrate and a transparent overlayer of a polymeric resin formed on one surface of the substrate film and these two layers are correlated each with the other in relation to two newly defined parameters including "the total heat volume", which is a product of the overall weight and the specific heat capacity of the film, and "the absorptivity of radiation heat" defined in terms of the decrease in the radiation temperature of sunlight by transmitting the film, the overlayer having the total heat volume not exceeding 10% of that of the substrate film and the absorptivity of radiation heat not exceeding 60% of that of the substrate film.

Abstract: A selective spraying weed control system utilizes weed detectors that process four bands of reflected illumination from a field of view that may contain weeds. The system uses distributed processes assigned individually to control associated spray nozzles.

Abstract: An indoor golf facility comprises an air supported ultraviolet light translucent canopy overlying an undulating natural grass playing surface. A plurality of curtains are suspended from the canopy and are arranged in an array defining a plurality of fairways, each of which is divergent from a tee portion to a green portion.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere storage chamber (22) including:(i) means (34) for generating cooled and pressurised air located within or adjacent the chamber such as an airconditioner;(ii) one or more air supply ducts (28) associated with the generating means for circulating said cooled and pressurized air throughout the chamber (22) wherein the or each supply duct (28) extends substantially the length of the chamber (22) and has an unrestricted air flow passage which has a transverse dimension or width that tapers progressively inwardly throughout its length towards an end remote from the generating means (34);(iii) air outlet means (51, 61, 62) associated with the or each supply duct (28) which air outlet means (51, 61, 62) extends substantially the length of the or each supply duct (28);(iv) one or more elongate hollow storage members (23) having one or more heat sources (27) located closely adjacent thereto wherein the interior of the or each storage member functions as a return duct (29) for return of heat lade

Abstract: Designed is a system for recycling abandoned appliances as refrigerators, for conversion into solar applications. Designed is a converted refrigerator into a solar greenhouse, thus extending the growing season in cold climates. Illustrated is a solar powered fan, a skylight with a back reflector, a door window, screen to provide an insect barrier and a recycled refrigerator.

Abstract: A utility greenhouse (10) has a frame (30) comprised of electrical metal tubing (EMT) sections. Main frame members (12) bear the majority of the building's load. Main frame members (12), long side members (14) and short side members (16) all embed into the ground and are shaped to extend vertically upward for a wall height distance then curve upwards and inward so that a pronounced rounded appearance for the frame (30) results. The main frame members (12) and the long frame members (14) intersect the short frame members (16). Ties (26) secure the intersecting frame members together. A continuous sheet plastic skin (24) overlies the frame. The skin (24) is held to the frame (30) at an outer cover brace (18), an inner cover brace (20), and through ties (26) which secure skin (24) to the long and short frame members (14, 16). A door (54) is formed by cutting the skin (24).

Abstract: A method for improving the chemical stability of a living organism by reducing the occurrence carbon-14 beta-decay in the organism. Organic nutrients with a carbon-14 content lower than that found in natural are provided to the organism. In the case of photosynthetic organisms, carbon dioxide produced from subterranean carbon sources is the major nutrient. Organic nutrients for non-photosynthetic organisms are synthesized directly from subterranean sources of carbon, or are derived from photosynthetic organisms that have been produced with a reduced carbon-14 content.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of a liquid chemical treatment to plants in a field. The apparatus includes a movable framework and first and second spaced-apart depending portions, mounted upon the framework for providing a space extending longitudinally of the framework. First and second air displacers are carried by the first and second depending portions for creating first and second opposed streams of air in directions at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The air displacers are positioned on the depending portions so that the first and second opposed streams of air are longitudinally offset from each other. Nozzles are carried by the framework for introducing the liquid chemical treatment into the streams of air produced by the air displacers. The streams of air cause the plants to bend to and fro as the plant passes through the space so as to permit the chemical treatment to reach the underside of the plants. A method for using the apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A portable plant growing cart that can accommodate one or more plant trays thereon, This cart is constructed of a plurality of rigid frames which preferably are pivotally connected together so as to aid in the storage of the cart when not in use. A movable light source is supported from these separate frames above the trays at any desired elevation, Additionally, a fabric-like reflective shroud is supported over both the light source and the cart so as to reflect light back towards the plant trays when desired.

Abstract: A system for cultivating and managing various crops according to the present invention provides a vinyl house A incorporating a spacious cultivation area therein without the use of supporting pillars, a track rail structure B and a track car C for easily conveying harvests and various units necessary for cultivation in the cultivation area, an agricultural chemicals spraying unit D for preventing the crops from being damaged by blight and harmful insects, and a heating unit E for producing warm air in cold weather and furnishing the air to the crops on the levees G through ducts F, whereby cultivating the crops even in cold weather due to the warm indoor air and producing the crops all year regardless of the change of seasons.

Abstract: A portable self-supporting greenhouse comprising: a plurality of transparent inflatable tubular rings forming a cylindrical shaped structure, the tubular rings having a first inlet for inflating the transparent tubular rings and interconnecting passageways which allow the transparent rings to be inflated via the first inlet, at least one opaque inflatable tubular ring attached to the transparent inflatable rings forming a base for the structure, the opaque ring having a second inlet for inflating the opaque ring with a dense medium. A transparent cover is provided which comprises a plurality of transparent inflatable radial segments defining an annular top which is in communication with the transparent rings, the annular top having an opening and an inflatable transparent hatch positioned over the opening and removably secured to the annular top.

Abstract: A herbicide disperser for selectively controlling unwanted weeds without killing the desired grasses. The apparatus includes a central frame generally transversely disposed with a pair of rear wheels and a front wheel for mobilization. The frame has a herbicide storage tank mounted to it, tubular handles for manual pushing and a forward and rearward series of spring tines which aid in guiding the unwanted weeds upwards to a wick assembly which saturates the unwanted weeds with herbicides. The tines are able to distinguish between the desired grasses and the unwanted weeds in that the unwanted weeds are longer and are picked up by the rearward tines and guided to the wick assembly and the desired grasses are passed over.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a igloo-type building of the type having a number of arcuate roof frame members extending between side gutters, the vent assembly including a Z-sectioned member secured to the roof frame members and extending parallel to the side gutters, the region between the Z-sectioned member and adjacent gutter defining a vent opening into the building. A roller blind has its fabric secured to the Z-sectioned member and may be unrolled to close the vent opening or rolled up to open the vent opening.

Abstract: An economic and practical system for enhancing plant growth by delivering gaseous carbon dioxide to the plants. The vegetation is planted within an elongated trench preferably in an overstocked condition whereby the vegetation is permitted to grow sufficiently to define a closed canopy. The carbon dioxide-rich gas may be delivered to the trench by conduits beneath the level of the canopy. The trenches can include a floor and side walls which extend vertically upwardly and divergently from each other to restrict the flow of air beneath the canopy thereby minimizing the dilutive effects of the atmosphere. The trenches can also be oriented generally perpendicularly to the prevailing wind direction to minimize the tendency of the wind to carry off the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present device relates to an agricultural chemical applicator for applying herbicides. The system is activated by a sensor bar having a plurality of conductive wire rod sensors. When a sensor contacts an unwanted plant, a detector and control circuit detects the current leakage and activates a time delay circuit which uses two timers in series and an opto-isolator to activate a solenoid valve. When a particular sensor is activated, a particular valve will be opened, thereby sending chemicals through a specific nozzle. Each sensor has its own circuit and its own nozzles.

Abstract: A greenhouse in which a foil (2) is affixed in a profiled frame (3) of "V"-form by a snap-on frame (1) also of "V"-form and in which at least one of the legs (3a) is provided with an extending edge (4). In a particular embodiment one of the legs of the profiled snap-on frame (1) is provided with another extending edge (5) and possibly a flap (6). The new construction has not only the advantage of simplicity but also the advantage that it is easy to fit and easy to remove.

Abstract: A polymeric spray shield assembly adapted to be connected to a support frame moved over plants growing in spaced rows from the earth and to be moved along the earth between the rows of plants while liquids such as herbicides not intended for contact with the plants in the rows are sprayed onto weeds between the rows of plants. The spray shield assembly comprises a polymeric spray shield having an inner surface defining a channel opening through an open side and front and rear ends of the spray shield, a top wall portion being adapted to have means attached thereto for suspending the spray shield from the support frame and through openings adapted to receive connector assemblies through which liquids are sprayed into the spray shield, and dependent opposite side wall portions. Stiff polymeric slotted end closure sheets are attached across the open front and rear ends of said channel to help retain the spray.

Abstract: A thermally efficient integrated greenhouse system in which thermally insulated walls support an arcuate transparent roof having the configuration of an arc of a quarter-circle with the long axis of the structure oriented in an east-west direction with the inner surface of the north wall reflective. A thermal barrier made up of a plurality of interconnected tubes of metalized plastic is provided with means for inflating the tubes to extend the barrier along a chord of the arcuate roof and with means for exhausting the tubes to retract the barrier. Solar panels along the south side of the greenhouse supply heat to a heat storage medium contained in a bin in the greenhouse. When heat is called for, a plenum in the bin above the heat storage medium is pressurized to lift the bin lid.

Abstract: An applicator for the topical application of liquid treatment fluids to plants provides for remote actuation of opposed grasping or pressure plates, thereby allowing even and symmetrical pressure to be applied to the plant as the treatment liquid is administered. The result precludes uneven pressure to the plant and possible subsequent bending of the plant and contact with another adjacent plant, thereby precluding secondary application of any treatment liquid to the adjacent plant and possible injury to that adjacent plant. The application operation is easily conducted remotely, by actuating a trigger to clamp the plant in the opposed members. One of the members includes a porous sponge or pad, which pad communicates with a treatment liquid container via a tube or conduit in order to provide a positive coating of plant treatment liquid to the plant interposed between the two plates adjacent the pad. The treatment pad is shielded from inadvertent contact with adjacent plants by the two plates.

Abstract: A room air environment conditioner for conditioning and improving the air quality in a room. The apparatus includes an enclosed cabinet containing growing plants on trays filled with water to facilitate sprouting and growing of said plants without dirt or sand. The cabinet is separated into light and dark portions to permit regulated growth of said plants. The trays holding the plants have perforated covers upon which are placed a porous material to hold the seeds and the trays are first placed in the dark portion of the cabinet. Once the seeds sprout with roots they are transferred to the lighted portion of the cabinet to grow and generate oxygen. There is an air ionizer located within the cabinet and also a holder containing various chemicals or powders with curative components. A fan blows air through a wetted filter and the cabinet thus changing the oxygen and ionization content of the air in the room, cooling the air and introducing curative powders into the room.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlling device which comprises a control box, a power box, a right sensor control unit attached to a plurality of proximity detectors, a left sensor control unit attached to a plurality of proximity detectors, and a valve box control unit, wherein each proximity detector comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a first circuit for handshaking, noise reduction and voltage regulation, and a second and third circuit for digital signal generation, analog reception and digital conversion, wherein the first circuit is connected between a left or right sensor control and second and third circuits of a proximity detector.

Abstract: A plant production bed is provided in which a slotted drain pipe extends longitudinally between a pair of slab components of a soaking bed. The slabs slope downward from their outer edges toward the slotted drain pipe, but are substantially level in a direction parallel to the slotted drain pipe. The slotted drain pipe is oriented horizontally. Because of the slope of the slab components, substantially less nutrient solution or water is required than in known flat bottomed systems. In a preferred embodiment, two complementary slabs are provided on opposite sides of a central swale and are tilted so as to provide a "vee" shape when viewed in cross-section, with the top of the swale being at the apex of the "vee". Several parallel soaking beds are arranged opposite sides of a central walkway under which a common flume pipe extends for providing nutrient solution or water to the beds or receiving same from the beds.

Abstract: In a plant cultivation method, in cultivation of a plurality of plants within a cultivation bed which includes nutritive elements required for growth of the plants, a location adjacent a growing point of the plants is selected to supply gas to the growing point. In a plant cultivation apparatus, a cultivation bed is provided on which a plurality of plants are cultivated. The cultivation bed includes nutritive elements required for growth of the plants. An apparatus body for accommodating the cultivation bed has a gas-supply unit for supplying gas toward a location in the vicinity of a growing point of the plants. A gas-conditioning unit is arranged on the apparatus body for conditioning gas therewithin. An illumination unit for emitting a light to the plants.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a tractor or similar vehicle for safe spray application of liquid chemicals around trees or like plants basically includes an elongated boom unit and a multinational spray unit pivoted by its inboard end on the boom unit, formed of an inboard section and an outboard section. The outboard section carries a spray nozzle and is pivoted by its inboard end to the outboard end of the inboard section. Spring members normally bias both sections of the spray unit into alignment with the boom unit, but first allow the inboard section followed, in turn, by the outboard section to move out of such alignment so they partially encircle a tree as the spray unit of the device contacts the trunk of the tree while the tractor moves the device forward and past the tree. Proximity switches and a photocell sense the correct positioning of the tree to emit sprayed chemical from the nozzle only when the spray unit is in contact with the tree.