Abstract: The terrace glasswork, which is particularly simple to adapt to building conditions, contains the following features: (a) It is made up of a vaulted roof, which is supported above on an existing wall and below on the terrace floor; as well as two gable parts. (b) The roof is made up along its length of several identical, glassed in arch components, the side frame parts of which can be joined and sealed to one another. Each of the latter has two movable glass panes (17, 20) guided so as to slide at different levels. (c) The gable parts are each made up of three gable components, namely of a square basic component (4) and two connecting components (5a, 6a) each of which to the arch components, and which connects together two right-angled frame sides of the basic component (4).

Abstract: A two-piece fastening arrangement for joining two structural greenhouse panels. The fastener is capable of connecting a wide range of thicknesses of structural panels. A cap member snaps into a base member and biases the structural panels between the cap and base. The snap engagement is between two sets of cooperative arms extending from each member, one member having hooks which are inserted into recessed areas or notches of the other member. The notched member has a plurality of notches in the arms making the fastener capable of connecting a wide range of different width panels. The cap member has a crescent shape to bias the structural panel and improve the sealing of the joint. With the crescent shape and size of the notches, different thicknesses of panels can be connected to each other with a uniform fastener.

Abstract: An applicator is mounted to a transverse boom carried by a tractor and moved through a field at such a height as to directly contact target vegetation above a selected level, and avoid application of treating liquid to any shorter, desirable vegetation. The applicator includes an outlet manifold, a plurality of receivers connected to an inlet manifold, a respective plurality of generally vertically oriented, transversally spaced non-porous applicator rods each extending between the outlet manifold and a respective receiver, an elevated reservoir for treating liquid, and a pump for recirculating back to the reservoir excess treating liquid which has flowed down outsides of the rods and into the receivers without having been brushed-off onto vegetation contacted by the rods. The outlet manifold and receivers are provided with filters, and each receiver is provided with a trash shield, all for preventing clogging and for facilitating clean-out of the treating liquid flow path.

Abstract: An applicator for weedicide or other agricultural or horticultural treating liquid consists mainly of a swabbing brush having a multiplicity of pliant filaments, preferably of cruciform cross-section, trailing from a supply conduit to which the treating liquid is fed from a tank, the supply conduit which may be tractor-mounted being advanced over an area to be treated, so that the brush filaments with treating liquid running down them, are tailed over the area so that the liquid is applied directly to the area being treated. The swabbing brush, when tractor-mounted, is pivoted to swing back if encountering a tree or other obstacle, to be returned by a spring when the obstacle is passed.

Abstract: This invention relates to shelters which are readily adaptable in size and configuration to define an environment, preferably about plants, to control the amount of radiation, humidity, temperature and ventilation and to inhibit intrusion into the defined environment by deleterious vectors such as insects, unwanted microorganisms, weed seeds and the like.

Abstract: An assembly for securing roof panels at selectable pitch angles includes an extruded ridge bar having a horizontal ledge and a horizontally extending arcuate flange which form a horizontal slot in which the roof panels are supported at the desired pitch. Horizontally extending end portions of the arcuate flange are removable to set the angle of the slot for the desired pitch. Roof support bars extending along the side edges of the roof panels are connected to the ridge bar at the selected pitch by hinge assemblies having their pivot axes coincident with the center of curvature of the arcuate flange. A header supporting the panels at the eave comprises two extruded channel members pivotally connecting one flange of each channel member. A bifurcated arcuate end portion of the other flange on one channel member straddles the arcuate end portion of the other flange on the other channel member as the channel members are rotated to set the selected roof pitch.

Abstract: A shutter arrangement adaptable to a solar energy system for either a residential or commerical building characterized by a skylight presented in a roof portion of the building, and a shutter supported on the roof portion and selectively slidable behind the skylight from and to a solar energy blocking relationship with respect to the interior of the building in response to temperature variations. The shutter surface facing the skylight presents reflective physical properties, while the surface facing the interior of the bulding presents an ornamental appearance. The invention affords two-fold primary purposes, to-wit, high efficiency for a solar energy passive building and a decorative effect for the building's occupant. Importance lies in the fact that the temperature responsive device or thermocouple serving shutter control is in direct engagement with the inner surface of the glass panel forming part of the skylight.

Abstract: A farm structure for growing plants or crop in a small area or increasing an area for farming, composed of several tiers of cloth, one above another, each cloth supporting a quantity of earth in which plants are growing; water used in watering plants on the uppermost tier, dripping downward successively through at the tiers, so to water the plants in each tier; extra layers of cloth snapped under any tier for greater water retention, flood lights under each tier, giving light to plants in a tier therebelow and warming a soil thereabove, and an elevator mechanism for lowering the tiers of a large outdoor model, so that harvesting can be done more efficiently at a ground level.

Abstract: A mini-greenhouse apparatus (10) suitable for indoor or outdoor use; wherein, the apparatus comprises: a tapered transparent receptacle member (14); an anchor unit (13) engageable with the larger end (14") of the receptacle member; and, a cap unit (12) adapted to cooperate in three different modes; with an enlarged central aperture (17) formed in the smaller end (14') of the receptacle member; and, whereby like mini-greenhouse apparatus components cooperate with one another in a nesting fashion.

Abstract: A farm tractor drawn device that when pulled over undesirable plants such as weeds and brush, will detect and automatically spot spray any liquid herbicide solution onto the individual plant, and will therefore economically elliminate the individual plants without having to broadcast apply the herbicide solution over an entire area.

Abstract: A retractable greenhouse canopy apparatus (10) including a support mechanism (22) pivotably mounted to the ground beside a greenhouse (12) for extending above but not fully across the greenhouse. The support mechanism includes a first portion (23) extending upwardly from the ground and a second portion hingedly attached to the distal end of said first portion. An insulated blanket (14) is supported by the support mechanism and includes a first portion (54) for covering a section of the greenhouse beneath the support mechanism and a second portion (56) for covering a section of the greenhouse beneath the second portion of the support mechanism.

Abstract: An energy efficient system for controlling the environment in a greenhouse. The system includes an infrared heater, having a burner, a heat disbursement means and an exhaust means, and a layer of reflective and insulative material selectively deployable below the roof and inside the walls of the greenhouse to retain heat within the greenhouse, to prevent excess heat from the sun from entering the greenhouse and to reflect light into the greenhouse from the sun. The system also includes an air-to-water heat exchanger, connected at the exhaust end of the heater, that transfers heat from the heater's exhaust to water used in the greenhouse. The heated water is stored in an underground tank. A series of connected pipes, in communication with the tank, are set into the floor of the greenhouse to circulate the water through the floor to remove excess heat from the water.

Abstract: Precultivated epiphytes, as well as derivatives of these are used in the usual manner for the artificial cultivation of epiphytes, in particular orchids as well as hybrids and/or intergeneric derivatives of these. Within the concept of the invention the precultivated epiphytes or the derivatives of these are brought into a permanent biological union with the bark of a live host tree which is several years old and forms lignified bark (that can originate from a geographical area other than that of the epiphytes). If necessary at least that portion of the host tree that is used for creation of the biological union is kept, at least temporarily, in a controlled climate, and the plant arrangement created in this manner is kept alive in toto and used subsequently either in whole or in part.

Abstract: A glazing unit alarm system includes a light transmitting electrically conductive coating which extends over at least most of the area of a glazing panel and forms part of an alarm circuit. Changes in the resistance of the coating, occasioned by breakage or attempted breakage of the glazing panel, trigger an alarm. The alarm system is characterized by the electrically conductive coating being constituted by an emissivity coating, e.g. a low-emissivity coating, for modifying the effect of incident electromagnetic radiation on the glazing panel over different wavelengths.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing noxious gases, such as, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur or carbon from industrial influent gas streams which utilizes growing plants positioned in long residence contact time apparatus for removing the noxious gases.

Abstract: In the subsurface application of herbicides, a plurality of upwardly directed nozzles having one millimeter openings are pulled beneath the soil surface behind the trailing side of a sweep in parallel paths two to four centimeters apart while jets of herbicide are emitted so that moving soil passing over each jet receives ample herbicide properly spaced to control germinating weeds. The pressure of application and speed of movement forms treated bands having widths before diffusion of five millimeters of soil and liquid uniformly mixed to a depth of approximately eight centimeters over the treated area. The sweep operates at a depth up to eight centimeters and pesticide incorporation depends on such variables as soil density, soil moisture, spacing of nozzles and injection pressure. A uniform distribution of chemicals in bands near or completely to the surface of the soil is made possible with a one-pass operation, while the soil and plant residue on the surface remain substantially undisturbed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bag-like container, and a spherical container in which a latent heat accumulating material is enclosed, and a heat accumulating apparatus employing such containers. A heat accumulating mat material (A) is of a flat bag-like container divided into a plurality of sections, where a latent heat accumulating substance is enclosed. A spherical container (1A) has a heat transfer area enlarging portion of a recess (102), a groove (103). A solar heat accumulating greenhouse 2A has a radiator heat exchanging portion (2B, 2D), a heat accumulating tank 2C and a forced circulation liquid system.

Abstract: A shelter providing a closed, isolated and controlled environment for growing plants is formed of an inflated plastic tube having a bed of particulate material on the bottom of the tube and a number of plant containers on the particulate material bed. A combined air return, thermal insulating duct and sun shade for the tube is formed by a thin, flexible shade sheet of decreased light transmissivity having a peripheral edge continuously secured to the periphery of the tube along an area intermediate the top and bottom of the tube. The tube, and the air duct that is formed between the shade sheet and the top of the tube, are inflated by blowing air into one end of the tube, and flowing air from the other end of the tube into the space between the shade sheet and the top of the tube to be returned through the air duct back to the blower. Air in the shelter is conditioned by suitable filters or heating or cooling devices at the blower.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a plurality of substance distribution heads to an agricultural implement used in post-emergence and pre-emergence row crop farming operation. The apparatus includes an elongate support which is disposed generally transversely to the longitudinal direction of the row crops. The elongate support is receivable of a plurality of substance distribution heads. The apparatus further includes a mounting means for mounting the elongate support to the agricultural implement wherein the mounting means includes height adjustment means for adjusting the height of the elongate support relative to the row crops so that the generally vertical distance between the distribution heads and the row crops is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: An energy efficient system for controlling the environment in a greenhouse. The system includes an infrared heater, having a burner, a heat disbursement means and an exhaust means, and a layer of reflective and insulative material selectively deployable below the roof and inside the walls of the greenhouse to retain heat within the greenhouse, to prevent excess heat from the sun from entering the greenhouse and to reflect light into the greenhouse from the sun. The system also includes an air-to-water heat exchanger, connected at the exhaust end of the heater, that transfers heat from the heater's exhaust to water used in the greenhouse. The heated water is stored in an underground tank. A series of connected pipes, in communication with the tank, are set into the floor of the greenhouse to circulate the water through the floor to remove excess heat from the water.

Abstract: A ventilation assembly for buildings of the type having a roof frame comprising a plurality of arcuate roof members extending outwardly from a central gutter section and supporting a flexible roof covering, the ventilation assembly including a pair of vent arms which normally rest upon the gutter section and to which the roof covering is secured on either side of the gutter section but which may be raised above the gutter section to lift the roof covering and form a ventilation opening for hot air from the building.

Abstract: Expandable vent closure apparatus for a greenhouse comprising a clear inflatable mat, the opposed surfaces of which are sealed to one another to form a plurality of horizontal tubular members and a plurality of internal air passages connecting one to the other. Air means connected to the uppermost tubular section inflates the mat within a wall mounted support assembly from the top down to seal the vent opening or upon deflation to open the vent.

Abstract: A greenhouse construction is provided which includes adjacent panels, each including a front wall section, a sloped roof section and a curved section which is located between and connects the front wall and sloped roof sections to form a continuous module. Each panel includes and is laterally bordered by glazing bar sections and glazing is provided which extends between these sections. The glazing is, at least in part, supported by the glazing bar sections and includes a curved glazing section corresponding to and constituting at least a part of the curved section of the associated panel. One of the galzing bar sections of each panel abuts the corresponding glazing bar section of the next adjacent panel and is in mirror image and matched relationship therewith. Together the glazing bar sections cooperatively form a glazing bar. The abutting glazing bar sections include matched curved sections which can be matched by being bent simultaneously by a common bending force.

Abstract: Construction for roof of greenhouse consisting of triangular glazed panels are hinged together and removable to provide a sawtooth construction when assembled and placed over a rectangular base.

Abstract: An improved two-piece lock for securing polymeric sheeting for use in covering greenhouses. The lock has an elongated lower member affixed to the frame of the greenhouse and one or more layers of polymeric sheeting are held in the lock between the lower member and an upper member. The upper member has two downwardly extending bars one of which fits into a channel of the lower member and the other of which abuts a concave contact bar of the lower member which faces the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for plant cultivation includes a sealed dark chamber and a sealed lighted chamber which accommodate a root portion and a stem and leaf portion of a plant respectively. The lighted chamber is defined by a transparent housing above the dark chamber and the lighting is provided by optical fibers. The dark chamber is supplied with nourishment, oxygen and the like, while the lighted chamber is supplied with CO.sub.2 -containing air which is controlled to a predetermined temperature and humidity. The supply of light occurs on a scheduled basis in accordance with a state of stomata of the plant.

Abstract: To improve heat economy in certain building structures, e.g. greenhouses and sports halls, a plastic film is applied which is held in place by evacuating the space between the structure and the plastic film. Periodic excess heat is accumulated in a heat storage chamber, which can also be combined with a composting chamber.The building structure is preferably made in the shape of a geodesic dome. Greenhouses of this type can be placed with advantage on pontoons or barges.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for spraying a target surface, especially a penetrable surface like the canopy of a standing crop. The spray nozzles, mounted on a suitable vehicle, are moved over the surface and an arcuate shield, with its concave side facing towards the target, is mounted close to each nozzle on the side of that nozzle remote from the target. The effect of the movement of the shield upon the air lying between it and the target surface is to induce in that air a component of movement towards the surface, so improving the incidence upon the surface of the spray from the associated nozzle. The air movement may also tend to deflect the canopy, so helping to expose regions of the crop beyond the canopy. Such exposure can be promoted still further by mechanical deflectors. The arcuate shields may be of aerofoil section and the specification describes modified designs in which a shield comprises a series of elements with gaps between them, the envelope of all the elements having an aerofoil outline.

Abstract: An apparatus for plant cuture is disclosed which allows plants to be effectively grown even in basements and other places where solar radiation is unavailable, utilizing combined illumination by solar rays and artificial rays. Light source assemblies emitting the mixed rays are mounted on a housing in which plants grow and are movable therealong to periodically illuminate the plants, thereby promoting efficient photosynthesis. The light source assemblies may even be shared by a plurality of such housings which are arranged side by side or one upon the other.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions particularly suitable for agricultural purposes are disclosed. These compositions contain at least 80% of either a polyolefin such as polyethylene or a copolymer of ethylene. A 0.5-15% additive containing the bond boron-oxygen such as anhydrous borax imparts a desirable opacity to these polymers in the high wavelength infra-red region of the spectrum, while not substantially interfering with the visible light necessary for photosynthesis.

Abstract: A field sprayer has a pair of outwardly extending booms each formed by an enclosure having an upper wall of inverted V-shape with an airfoil at the apex for re-directing air rising on one side down the other side to avoid turbulence. The enclosure on the leeside thereof supports a plurality of jet nozzles which project through an opening in the enclosure. A front wall depending downwardly from the front edge is formed of two parallel flexible layers with vertical staggered slits whereby it can flex rearwardly as the enclosure moves forwardly by contacting the plants. The jet is directed to a position immediately behind the rear edge of the front wall in flexed position so as to engage the plants when bent forwardly. Ground wheels are arranged at the outer ends of the booms and a single central pivot supports the inner ends for movement to a trailing transport position.

Abstract: A cover attachment which can be used on a conventional field sprayer or as original equipment includes the plurality of separate arch-shaped arms extending rearwardly from the elongate support frame. Over the arms and beyond the end of the arms is draped a cover in the form of a plurality of separate cover panels each of which has a central ribbed section and plain edges for overlapping at the arms. The arms are attached to the frame by collars surrounding the frame which collars also support a front sheet which extends downwardly from the frame to a position in contact with the crop. The front sheet is also of plastics material and includes a backing sheet to allow flexing while preventing splitting. The height of the front sheet is arranged so that it contacts the crop and bends it forwardly so the nozzle can spray directly onto the bent crop. The height of the arched cover sheet at the rear edge is arranged to be above the top of the crop to avoid wiping the liquid from the crop.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying plants periodically to a watering station while ensuring that said plants are uniformly exposed to light. The apparatus includes at least one conveyor in the form of an endless cable disposed about a pair of spaced drums. One of the drums is driven by a motor to cause the cable to be circulated about the drums. The cable supports a plurality of plant hangers at spaced locations there along. Each hanger is arranged so that when a plant is suspended therefrom it is in a first orientation arranged to trip a sensor at the watering station to water the plant. The hanger is also arranged to automatically assume a second orientation when no plant is suspended therefrom. In the second orientation the hanger does not trip the sensor at the watering station. The cable is arranged to be driven at a slower speed during watering operations and at a higher speed during plant loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: A structural arrangement is provided which is particularly useful in connection with solar greenhouses. The structural member is suitable for use in a parallel arrangement of the same particularly for the purpose of providing controlled shading. The structural member is provided as a hollow bar of elongated form provided with at least one longitudinally extending track channel having a relatively narrow longitudinally extended slot-mouth. The bar may be provided with two such channels and these channels are substantially circular in cross-section with the mouths defining reentrant angles therewith. In a solar greenhouse, members of the above type support a glazing with a curved-eave section, the bars being curved to shape and the channels therein accommodating the bulbous lateral edges of shades which are retained therein. The shades are transferred from one roller in the direction of a second roller.

Abstract: A structural arrangement is provided which is particularly useful in connection with solar greenhouses. The structural member is suitable for use in a parallel arrangement of the same particularly for the purpose of providing controlled shading. The structural member is provided as a hollow bar of elongated form provided with at least one longitudinally extending track channel having a relatively narrow longitudinally extended slot-mouth. The shades are transferred from one roller in the direction of a second roller. The rollers may be provided with internal motors which rotate the same.A ventilating system is provided wherein air located between the glazing and the shade is drawn up and exhausted out the top of the structure via a blower assembly.

Abstract: A shelter for the growth of plants and the like is provided which shelter is comprised of panels. The panels are formed of films which are adapted to control the transmission of energy into the shelter and further adapted to control the flow of fluids stream into and out of the shelter.

Abstract: An improved controlled droplet applicator for applying fluid in droplet form to a target area. The applicator includes a rotary atomizer for generating fluid droplets of ideal size and density. The improvement includes a fan for rotating with the atomizer and for causing the fluid droplets to move toward the target area.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between incoming cold fresh air and outgoing warm exhaust air. The heat exchanger is constructed of a number of relatively long flexible plastic tubes supported within a flexible plastic outer housing. The inner tubes are supported in spaced-apart relationship within the outer housing. A manifold on each end of the tubes in sealing engagement with the inner tubes and with the housing so that air can be forced through the inner tubes in one direction and through the housing in the other direction. The diameters of the inner tubes and outer housing being large enough so that blockage by ice or frost is minimized.

Abstract: A greenhouse construction is provided for support against a supporting structure such as a house. The greenhouse construction comprises a glazing structure consisting of glazing and glazing bars. There is also provided a ridge which supports the glazing structure against, but spaces the same from the supporting structure. The ridge includes openings respectively opening into an enclosure defined by the glazing structure and into ambient atmosphere and there is also provided a blower which exhausts air from the enclosure and expels it into ambient atmosphere via one of the aforesaid openings. The ridge is provided in the form of a plurality of channels, one of which has a face adapted for abutting against the supporting structure and defining a pocket for receiving the glazing bars. Another of the channels is supported on the channel with the aforesaid pocket and this additional channel is provided with its own pocket for supporting a flashing structure.

Abstract: The process of this invention uses 2 bars to tip alfalfa or clover hay forward while a third bar holds spray devices that deliver liquid chemical drying agents to the crop in such a way that most of the chemical is applied to the plant's stems and very little is applied to the plant's leaves. Effectiveness of the liquid chemical drying agents is maximized in this way.

Abstract: A plant cultivating device enables plant cultivation by effective use of the floor's dimension at a place of high cost per unit dimension of the floor on the building erected in the urban district.The plant cultivating device comprises a cylinder and an upper plate for covering the upper portion of said cylinder. The cylinder being constructed by combining two side plates, the side surface of which is unitarily formed. The upper plate being constructed with transparent material.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a greenhouse or solarium structure with glazing and with provision for ventilation. This method includes supporting a blower in an enclosure having an opening for the venting of the greenhouse or solarium structure and supporting a channel on the enclosure. Inter-engaged with the channel is at least a portion of the glazing of the greenhouse or solarium structure and this is done such that the glazing and enclosure form a part of the structure such that air within the structure can be evacuated by the blower through the opening.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse construction is provided in which a glazing is supported by a supporting frame to define an enclosed space. The glazing is permeable to solar radiation. A shade is provided for being drawn across the glazing to intercept the solar radiation. A motor driven roller is connected to one end of the shade to play out the shade or wind the same up. To the other end of the shade is connected a constant force or constant torque device which overcomes friction and keeps the shade stretched out. This device consists of a coiled up spring which is reverse wound onto a roller to which is connected a cable connected to the shade.

Abstract: A water-absorbing laminate comprising a water-absorbing film and a non-woven fabric, in which the water-absorbing film is formed by film-forming a mixture of (A) a water-soluble polymer containing, as the monomer component, at least 40 mole % of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated compound containing one or two carboxyl groups or groups from which a carboxyl group can be easily derived and in which 5% to 50% of the carboxyl groups and/or groups from which a carboxyl group can be easily derived are in the form of a salt, and (B) polyvinyl alcohol in a weight ratio of (A)/(B) of not less than 1/99 to less than 1/9. This water-absorbing can be produced by laminating the water-absorbing film on the non-woven fabric under pressure either in a hydrous and heat-softened state of the film or through an adhesive and, optionally, heat-treating the resultant laminate.

Abstract: The inventive Quonset-type pipe-frame greenhouse is constructed with: a plurality of main rib members each in a semicircular or inverted U-shaped form erected on the ground in parallel with each other and connected together with at least one longitudinal connecting member to form a main room; a plurality of auxiliary rib members each straddling on the ridge line of the main room and connected together with at least one auxiliary longitudinal connecting member to form a monitor roof-like protrusion; and transparent sheet members of a plastic resin for the walls of the main room and the monitor roof-like protrusion each capable of being turned up at the lower end to make an opening for ventilation according to need. The inventive greenhouse is advantageous in the improved ventilation in the upper part of the room to assist healthy growth of the plants and in the improved aerodynamic strength of the structure capable of resisting a strong wind without the danger of falling down.

Abstract: A greenhouse with two gable ends formed of a framework which extends between the ends and which includes a sloped roof or eave and also includes sloped gable end bars supported atop vertical bars included in the gable ends. Wedge shaped gable adaptors of reversible configuration are inserted between the tops of the vertical bars and the lower surfaces of the sloped bars to provide a firm support for the sloped bars and a connection between the vertical and sloped bars. The vertical bars are of like configuration in cross-section and are aluminum extrusions arranged in mirror image of each other. Use of the reversible adaptors enable the same extrusion design to be used on opposite ends of the greenhouse. The adaptor structure includes prongs which are inserted into the extrusions which are hollow. The prongs have relative lengths and widths which facilitate mounting of the adaptors in the partially erected greenhouse.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system for cooling a greenhouse uses lava rocks as the medium. The cooling system includes a grid mounted to an aperture in a wall. Lava rocks are contained in the grid. Water is dispensed on the rocks for causing evaporation. A fan located forwardly draws air through the rocks. The grid extends rearwardly of the aperture and is inclined. The water is dispensed by spray nozzles.

Abstract: A structural arrangement is provided which is particularly useful in connection with solar greenhouses. The structural member is suitable for use in a parallel arrangement of the same particularly for the purpose of providing controlled shading. The structural member is provided as a hollow bar of elongated form provided with at least one longitudinally extending track channel having a relatively narrow longitudinally extended slot-mouth. The bar may be provided with two such channels and these channels are substantially circular in cross-section with the mouths defining reentrant angles therewith. In a solar greenhouse, members of the above type support a glazing with a curved-eave section, the bars being curved to shape and the channels therein accommodating the bulbous lateral edges of shades which are retained therein. The shades are transferred from one roller in the direction of a second roller.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile device for applying a weed-killer between rows of cultivated plants, e.g. vine stocks. This applicator has a moistening contact action, as distinguished from spraying. It comprises at least one tubular container, the axis of which is horizontal during use, with flexible wicks extending outside of this tube for applying a weed-killer to the weeds.The main feature of this applicator is that the wicks are in the shape of flat braids laying side-by-side so as to form a single continuous sheet, ensuring a uniform distribution of the product over the treated area.One embodiment of the invention is a tractor-mounted device in which two swivelling arms extending right and left of a median frame carry the applicator devices. These arms are resiliently biased outwardly and may fold inwards when meeting an obstacle such as a vine stock, and spread out again after clearing the obstacle.

Abstract: A hydronic heating system that includes a tube or series of tubes placed on modular composite panels. The panels are fabricated with a grooved surface to permit the flush embedment of the tubes on the panels.