Abstract: Greenhouse provided with glass panes, at least the inner side of the said panes being provided with a coating which prevents deposits on and/or damage to the said pane. To prevent condensation which forms against the pane from forming drops, it is proposed for the coating to be of hydrophilic design. A process which allows this to be achieved is based on ordinary glass which is provided with a coating which prevents deposits on and/or damage to the said pane and involves subjecting this coating to an etching treatment. Panes can be entered in the treatment assembly where several stations are provided to apply both the coating preventing deposits and or damage and to realise the etching treatment.

Abstract: A method of determining the weight of animals and the development of plants in a controlled environment. The method comprises measuring the increase in CO2 production over a test period. CO2 production is a measure of the metabolic rate and this is related to weight of animals and development of crops which can often be determined by weight. There is illustrated a poultry rearing house (1) having vents (3), lights (6) and an air heater (9). CO2 sensors (15) are connected to a CO2 controller (17) and in turn to a central controller (5). To test the increase in CO2 production over time, the birds are settled into a passive state with no feed and the lights (6) turned off. The level of CO2 produced is measured. The vents (3) are closed. After a time, the rate of CO2 produced is measured and the increase calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for harvesting agricultural products, in particular fruit, such as capsicums, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, peppers, etc., from plants which are cultivated in greenhouses. The product-bearing plants are cultivated in parallel rows. Between the rows, processing passages which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof are provided, in such a manner that each row adjoins a processing passage. Between the rows, harvest conveyor tracks which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof are arranged, in such a manner that each row adjoins the harvest conveyor track. The product to be picked from a specific row is harvested from the processing passage which adjoins this specific row, is laid onto the harvest conveyor track which adjoins this specific row and by the harvest conveyor track is removed to a delivery point at one of the ends of the specific row.

Abstract: A method of determining the weight of animals and the development of plants in a controlled environment. The method includes measuring the increase in CO2 production over a test period. CO2 production is a measure of the metabolic rate and this is related to weight of animals and development of crops which can often be determined by weight. There is illustrated a poultry rearing house having vents, lights and an air heater. CO2 sensors are connected to a CO2 controller and in turn to a central controller. To test the increase in CO2 production over time, the birds are settled into a passive state with no feed and the lights turned off. The level of CO2 produced is measured. The vents are closed. After a time, the rate of Co2 produced is measured and the increase calculated.

Abstract: A greenhouse is combined with a gas turbine generator set, wherein power, heat and fertilization products are all supplied to the greenhouse by the gas turbine and its exhaust gas in a balanced system for year-round continuous plant production. The system is preferably located at a landfill along with other similar units and is fueled by landfill gas. Excess power from the gas turbine generator in summer months is sold to the electric utility grid as “green power”.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the transmission of energy through an energy transmissive structure having at least one energy transmissive panel comprising in combination at least one elongated support adjacent to the energy transmissive panel of the energy transmissive structure. A polymer bag made of polyethylene terephthalate encapsulates the elongated support which allows the polymer bag to be inflated or deflated around the elongated support. The outer surface of the polymer bag has a reflective coating for reflecting energy through the energy transmissive structure. There is at least one elongated weight attached to the polymer bag to ensure that the polymer bag is maintained in its optimum position. There is at least one air distribution header attached to the elongated support to inflate or deflate the polymer bag.

Abstract: Composite material for the screening of radiation, comprising a polymer, an additive and the customary stabilizers and processing aids necessary for the particular polymer. The additive is preferably an interference pigment.

Abstract: A device for enhancing photosynthesis has a membrane which is formed so that the membrane covers plants or vegetables, the membrane having photo-transforming qualities which convert UV light for plants and vegetables into growth-enhancing light that promotes photosynthesis.

Abstract: A main structure that can be constructed using either solid steel assembly (32) or reinforced concrete assembly (33) acts as the main structural component for new and remodel construction. The main structure whether it uses assembly (33) or assembly (32) is comprised of cells of equilateral size and each cell has a passage between inner and outer wall created using this method of construction. The inner wall uses the passages to secure accompanying structures and systems to a wall that use this structural system. The outer wall uses the passages to secure retaining assembly (34) to the structure. Retaining assembly (34) holds a strata of soil to the wall and creates plateaus along face of outer wall. The plateaus created by securing retaining assembly (34) to main assembly's (32) or (33) give vegetation a place to be planted and secured to a wall that incorporate the construction method of this invention.

Abstract: A portable, wheeled greenhouse includes a chassis that can be wheeled, having upper and lower end portions. The upper end portion includes a tub-like reservoir with side walls and a bottom wall. One or more racks are supported upon the combination of wheeled chassis and tub and above the bottom of the tub so that each rack is sized and shaped to support and suspend a plurality of potted plants above the bottom, yet close enough to the bottom of the tub so that any water that is optionally contained within the tub contacts the supported pots and waters them via wick action. A translucent or transparent canopy fits about the combination of tub and chassis, the canopy can include a support frame with a cover.

Abstract: A portable, minature greenhouse. The greenhouse is modular, having vertically stackable sections. The base section has a floor, wheels, and insulated upright walls having reflective interior surfaces. Subsequent sections have transparent walls. Optionally, at least one wall is slidably mounted to the greenhouse. An opaque, insulated lid covers the top section. The lid has openings enabling passage of air. The base and subsequent sections have slots formed in their walls for receiving slats placed therein in spaced apart relation. The slats form shelves of selectively variable width. The greenhouse has at least one light and reflective hood mounted in the lid, a timer disposed to control the light, a water supply conduit, forced air ventilation, an air filter which in alternative embodiments has an activated carbon element or a HEPA element, and an air ionizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distilling water using solar energy. A distilling apparatus employs anthracite coal as the heat absorbing medium. The materials used in the apparatus are restricted substantially to glass, coal, silicone and a noble metal such as stainless steel to increase longevity and water quality. To produce and maintain optimum health, water treated according to the invention should make up the bulk of a person's daily water intake, exclusive of the water that is contained in foods and beverages, and the water should be ingested within 7 days of the time it was evaporated.

Abstract: A greenhouse has a frame of standard PVC tubes and PVC fittings. A rectangular base frame supports a plurality of vertical tubes, which, in turn, support a rectangular gable-type roof frame. Some of the tube-to-fitting couplings are friction-fit connections, some are glued connections and others are quick connect/disconnect connections for rapid assembly and disassembly of the greenhouse. A poly cover includes a center portion which extends from the base frame over the vertical tubes and the gabled roof frame and is coupled thereto by quick-connect/disconnect retainers, and a pair of end portions are releasably connected to respective ends of the center portion by double-pull zippers having box and pin connectors for variable, regulated ventilation and complete removal of the end portions.

Abstract: A garden hot house for growing plants in a protected enhanced environment is made up of a translucent cover, a support frame, a mulch sheet, a temperature regulating system, at least one peg, and a quantity of dense material. The mulch sheet covers the soil surface and acts to retain heat and water within the soil. The frame is placed between mulch sheet and the cover and supports the cover, which is then placed upon the frame and secured to a base by the pegs. This defines a protective chamber. The temperature regulating system is a dark plastic tube of a desired volume filled with water placed within the chamber to moderate fluctuations in temperature. The garden hot house can be vented in a multiplicity of ways to regulate temperature while still remaining structurally stable and provides an enhanced growing environment for plants well into the plant's development.

Abstract: A system for conveying plant trays in a greenhouse having continuous conveyors, each in the form of a cable having cable ends spliced together and adapted to support and convey in an upright condition plant trays through the greenhouse, the continuous conveyor having an upper plant transport portion and a lower cable return portion. The system has first end and second end pulleys to receive the continuous conveyors and a motor attached to the first end pulleys to drive the continuous conveyors, whereby, the system is capable of transporting the plant trays through the greenhouse on the continuous conveyors from the first end pulleys to the second end pulleys.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using micro-variations of a biological living plant organism to generate music. The method includes the steps of detecting a plant microvoltage across a varying resistance of the biological living plant organism within a Wheatstone bridge, generating a feedback signal from an output of an external MIDI sound generator, subtracting the feedback signal from the plant microvoltage to provide a difference signal and providing the difference signal as a drive signal to the MIDI sound generator to generate music.

Abstract: A solarium includes window panel frames for supporting a plurality of window panels. Each window panel frame comprises a set of frame members defining a first surface, a diametrically opposed second surface, and a pair of third surfaces extending therebetween. The third surfaces define a third surface connecting recess positioned adjacent their corresponding intersection with the first surfaces. The window panels are made of thin and flexible sheets of material, such as heat shrinkable polymeric resin. A panel locking component is attached to the marginal edges of the window panels. The panels are undersized relative to the window frames when not mounted thereto, are secured to the window panel frame using the panel locking components, and then heat shrunk to a tensed state.

Abstract: A light element with a translucent surface includes an energy converter, wherein the translucent surface is so formed as to direct only that portion of the radiation onto the energy converter that impinges on the translucent surface. The energy converter may be a solar cell, a fluid line or a light guide. The light element is particularly suited for illuminating interior spaces with diffuse light.

Abstract: The air culture system (realized on fixed or movable trays (4) disposed inside one or more greenhouses (1)) comprises a management system comprising a central unit (3) and one or more peripheral logic units: at least one peripheral unit (2) is disposed inside each greenhouse (1). The central unit (3) allows to control and to manage the working of the system, by modifying the reference values of the parameters (greenhouse temperature, physical and chemical characteristics of the nutritive solution, etc) controlled by each peripheral unit (2) to grow the plants disposed on the trays (4) inside the greenhouse (1) managed by the peripheral unit (2), under conditions which should be as similar as possible to the ideal ones. Moreover, the central unit (3) gathers and processes for informative and statistic purposes the values of the above-mentioned parameters detected (and, if it's the case, previously processed) by the peripheral units (2).

Abstract: An apparatus used to deliver light from overhead to stimulate plant growth in a controlled environment. The distance between tops of the plants and the lights can be adjusted to correlate with plant growth by a motorized assembly for raising and lowering a bar suspended from an upper support and upon which are mounted growth lights. Horizontal sway of the bar upon which the growth lights are mounted is minimized by a guiding structure for one end of the bar. When florescent growth lights are used, bulk and heat produced by their ballasts are eliminated by locating all ballasts remotely from the apparatus.

Abstract: A sun shield capable of protecting persons or plants against the harmful effects of incident radiation and being formed from a substantially transparent flexible material (13) which at least substantially absorbs and/or reflects incident radiation in the ultraviolet and infrared frequency ranges and which may be repeatedly folded without becoming damaged. The supple, flexible and durable transparent material (13) may be mounted on a framework (14) to be attached to, for example, a child's car seat (11) or pushchair (26) or to serve as a parasol or canopy, or to protect plants from excessive ultraviolet or infrared radiation.

Abstract: A glass laminate for greenhouse, comprising a heat ray-reflecting film laminated on one side of a transparent glass, which glass laminate is characterized in that (1) the heat ray-reflecting film comprises a transparent thermoplastic resin film and at least one metal oxide layer and at least one metal layer, both formed on one side of the resin film, (2) the glass laminate has the heat ray-reflecting film laminated, via an adhesive layer, on one side of the transparent glass, at the side opposite to the thermoplastic resin film side, (3) the glass laminate has a film for prevention of growth of the waterdrops formed by dew condensation, which is formed on the surface of the thermoplastic resin film, and (4) the glass laminate has an integral transmittance of 55% or more for a visible light having a wavelength of 400 nm to less than 750 nm and an integral transmittance of 50% or less for a near-infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm to less than 2,100 nm; and a greenhouse wherein the above glass lami

Abstract: A light transmissive thin flexible covering for a greenhouse having two outside sheets. The two outside sheets have sandwiched there between an array of chambers which connect and hold the sheets together, the chambers are sealed and generally contain air and thus provide an insulating space. The cover can be placed or rolled over the framework of a greenhouse to provide an enclosed thermally insulated space. The structure of a greenhouse generally comprises an array of sequentially arched support rods or pipes. The support rods or pipes at either end have a base plate to which they attach. The ends of the structure are sealed to provide a completely enclosed interior space to protect plants during cold weather. The cover has ultraviolet reflective qualities which prevent the penetration of ultraviolet light into the interior or the degradation of the cover due to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: When a tree has special value, there are hazards that vandals will damage the tree, thereby running the risk of killing it. Cemeteries have long been poular with vandals, resulting in damage to many tombstones. The Memorial Grove described in Truong U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,488 resembles a cemetery in that there are long periods when the visitor density is low, thus increasing the probability of vandalism. An installation is provided in which a plurality of potted trees are normally maintained at a level lower than the spectator's level, there being a system so that a potted tree can be placed on a platform and lifted to a level making it suitable for the spectator to see but not touch. Such an installation can be predominantly outdoors, or can utilize a building permitting the potted tree to be exposed to the weather much of the time, while having a shiftable skylight usually maintained in its parked position but shiftable to cover the opening in the roof to thus protect the tree during adverse weather.

Abstract: A system for simulating the lighting cycle of the sun obtains a set of inflection points on a solar lighting cycle and also obtains the annual minimum sunlight value for a location at a predetermined latitude; reconstructs the daily and yearly solar cycle based about the set of inflection point and the minimum yearly value; determines the lighting period based upon the daily and yearly cycles; activates a lighting device for the determined lighting period; transmits a series of electrical pulses to the soil and receives a return signal from the soil, the return signal indicative of the conductivity of the soil; determines whether the conductivity indicates whether the soil has an adequate moisture level; and activates an LED to indicate the soil does not have an adequate moisture level.

Abstract: An environmentally controlled greenhouse is located near a landfill site and uses the landfill gas to both heat the greenhouse and furnish a clean carbon dioxide enriched product gas to enhance plant growth. The clean CO2 system product gas is used to regenerate adsorber beds which remove undesirable constituents from the landfill gas. A portion of the landfill gas may also power an extraction steam turbine which heats the greenhouse with extraction steam. The system is controlled to enhance plant growth by adjusting the temperature and CO2 levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for screening off large surfaces, for instance glass surfaces, growing surfaces or the like and a method of assembling such apparatus for screening off is described. The apparatus includes at least one curtain (14), for example a greenhouse curtain, which is held up by a number of support lines (12) along which the curtain is mobile for opening or closing it. The curtain includes a number of suspension lines (26) integrated in the curtain across the support lines (12), which suspension lines (26) are freely mobile along the length of the curtain. The support lines (12) can be coupled together by one or several of the suspension lines (26) via connectors. At least some of the suspension lines (26) integrated in the curtain (14) are stretched between at least some of the support lines (12). When stretched the suspension lines (26) are freely mobile in the curtain and in the said connectors (15) and at least some of the connectors (15) are attachable to the suspension lines (26).

Abstract: A glazed roof has a ridge and at least one free ridge end, a ventilation path being provided through a ridge end component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling light and temperature necessary for the optimum growth of vegetables and plants for backyard gardeners. This is achieved by using a photo-transforming membrane supported by a light-weight, luminescent, portable and easily-assembled without tools frame. The components of the apparatus can be efficiently and compactly packaged, suitable for mass distribution. The membrane has photo-transforming qualities which transform UV-light into a bandwith of light that promotes photosynthesis. This, in turn, enhances crop growth and increases internal ambient temperature.

Abstract: A kit for a knockdown greenhouse which is easy to assemble and ship in a conventional parcel service container is disclosed which includes a plurality of base strips for forming a rectangular base frame having first and second parallel side base members and first and second end base members. The base strips have a length generally equal to or less than the length of the container. First and second side base members have a series of anchors spaced along a length of the base members. A plurality of elongated bendable rib sections are included having a length generally less than the length of the container. Couplings are provided for joining ends of a predetermined number of the arch sections together generally end to end to form an arch-shaped rib whereby a plurality of arch-shaped ribs may be constructed. The arch-shaped ribs have first and second anchor ends which are interconnectable with the anchors of side base members to position the arch-shaped ribs upright.

Abstract: A commercial greenhouse roof and roof glazing system that maximizes the intake of direct winter sunlight while managing spring, summer and fill sunlight to similar levels so that continuous produce and other crops can be grown. This system has transparent corrugated roofing sheets with north and south facing sections running in an east/west direction, where portions of the outer face of the outer glazing sheet are coated, insulation separates each sheet at locations of top surface coating, gas spaces separate each sheet at locations of no coating, and reflective material coats the interior surface of the interior sheet at portions of insulation. This system has no moving parts other than the movement of the sun in relationship to the structure. The color of the sunlight spectrum is split in the summer months so that the photosynthetic active portion is maximized in summer months leaving the unwanted summer heat gain outside of the structure.

Abstract: A disposable-herbicide wafer (13) with adhesive backing for attachment (15) to vegetation-cutting blades including those of weeding tools, anvil-type pruning shears, lawn mowers, grass whips and other devices that remove brush, weeds and other unwanted vegetation. As vegetation is cut, the herbicide wafer deposits herbicide on the rooted portion of the plant, thereby preventing plant re-growth.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable greenhouse. When assembled, the greenhouse of the present invention comprises a frame constructed of tubular members over which a covering is fit. In its unassembled form, the greenhouse components may be packaged in a standard corrugated paper container, wherein selected components of the greenhouse form a rigid internal frame that provides strength and support to the container.

Abstract: A greenhouse structure, in particular a greenhouse that employs an automatic control system to control the opening and closing of skylights and side windows, the extending or closing of upper and inner sun-shielding screens, and the convection and circulation of air inside the greenhouse. The construction thereof is simple and quick.

Abstract: A flame retardant, drapeable screen having long-time UV-stability useful for shading and energy saving, particularly for greenhouses, comprising flexible strips with a thickness less than 100 um, which form a continuous product by means of a crochet or weave process and a yarn system, where the strips comprising at least a part of the surface of the product, and where at least some of the strips comprise light and/or heat reflecting foil strips, e.g. a low emitting metal foil, preferably an AL-foil.

Abstract: A plant spray shield for spraying a plant with a chemical, such as a weed killer, has a generally funnel shaped body having an elongated slot extending along one side thereof to allow elongated plant stems and leaves to be inserted into the funnel shaped body through the slot. A handle is attached to the body for holding the body around the plant so that the plant held in the spray shield is isolated while spraying the plant with a chemical to shield other desirable flora and fauna from the sprayed chemicals. The handle is generally L-shaped and the body and handle are molded as a one piece unit. The handle is positioned about 90.degree. from the elongated slot in the body to position the handle away from the direction of the spray being sprayed on the plant. A method is provided for selecting the plant spray shield in accordance with the apparatus, inserting plant stems into the removed slotted portion in the body, and spraying a chemical onto the inserted plant stems and/or leaves.

Abstract: An integrated plant device is illustrated and described that has a multiplicity of compartments for storing plant propagating equipment, for storing gardening tools, and for storing plant flats. The compartmentalized plant device assembles into a transportable storage chest on wheels.

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 caused 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: An apparatus and a method for controlling the amount of solar energy and heat transferred into and out of a building or other structure through a glazed opening using a system of pneumatically actuated, reflective shutters. The air discharged from the blower flows through a venturi. The venturi communicates with a system of inflatable, reflective shutter elements. A control valve downstream from the venturi regulates airflow through the venturi. A photoelectric sensing element is installed at the level of the growing plants. The electric current generated by the sensing element is proportional to the intensity of the sunlight entering through the glazed roof. The control valve is operated by an electrical control means which responds to the electric current generated by the photoelectric sensing element.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously topping and precisely applying sucker control chemicals to tobacco plants and for related uses wherein the apparatus comprises a housing wherein the front and bottom of the housing are open. A blower is positioned in the top of the apparatus for creating a downwardly directed air stream to facilitate decapitating the tobacco plants by a mechanical cutter positioned in the bottom of the apparatus as the tobacco plants pass therebeneath. A pair of spaced-apart rotating belts are located beneath the mechanical cutter and define a pathway from the front to the back of the housing and act to gather tobacco plants at the front and guide the tobacco plants through the housing. A spray manifold is provided for applying sucker control chemicals downwardly in a confined pattern onto decapitated tobacco plants as they pass from the mechanical cutter and beneath the spray manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating turf by high-pressure liquid injection comprises a plurality of frames 5 being arranged in parallel, a plurality of nozzles 2 being mounted on and along said frames 5 perpendicularly to the axis 5L thereof so as to be rotatable about the axes 5L of the frames 5 and to be positioned at two or more angles, and the nozzles 2 in two adjacent lines 2L being rotatable in opposite directions to each other. Since the liquid is applied obliquely to the surface E of the turf from two opposite directions, the soil grains are stirred to rotate and neither pressed nor moved in one direction, thereby to prevent formation of a compacted subsurface layer 7 in the soil.

Abstract: A conveying method and a conveyor for carrying out the method is disclosed for manually moving plant stock around in a greenhouse. The method utilizes an elongated rectangular conveyor with rounded corners and handholds at each end and having the proper mix of rigid and pliable characteristics to allow pulling the conveyor from one bench across an aisle bridged by a stationary conveyor to an adjacent bench or along the length of a bench.

Abstract: A weed killing apparatus comprises a hollow chamber (1) having an air inlet and an open end forming a hot air outlet (4), an apparatus which blows air through the chamber to exit the open end thereof, heater (5) in the chamber (1) for heating the air passing through the chamber so that the air exits the outlet (4) end of the chamber (1) as a blast of heated air, and means for introducing moisture (21) into the air flow to mix with the blast of heated air. The foliage of weeds is surface wetted and heated which kills the weeds.

Abstract: A system for simulating the lighting cycle of the sun comprising: means for obtaining a set of inflection points on a solar lighting cycle and obtaining the annual minimum sunlight value for a location at a predetermined latitude; means for reconstructing the daily and yearly solar cycle based about said set of inflection point and said minimum yearly value; means for determining the lighting period based upon said daily and yearly cycles; and means for activating a lighting device for the determined lighting period.

Abstract: A system for propagating plants in a greenhouse, wherein plant containers are circulated along a serpentine travel path which lies in a generally vertical plane. Plants in the containers are passively irrigated and fed. Sprays may be used to treat the plants for diseases, insects, etc.

Abstract: A controller for agricultural sprayers utilises a detector (23, 123, 148) to generate red, blue and green colour signals across a field of view. The colour signals are used to generate a `its green` or `not green` output to switch a spray nozzle (13) detection of something deemed to be green. The algorithm which determines if there is something which is `green`, rather than `not green`, looks at the level of green component over the red and blue components in the colour signal and if both are exceeded then the decision is that it is `green`. The level of green over each of red and blue can be compared against preset values to determine the `green`, `not green` output. The level of green can be established by summing pixel by pixel over an area within the field of view under consideration to see if the sum for the area exceeds a set level to decide that the area is `green` and requires spraying.

Abstract: Grower experience, with poor disease control of grape vines has suggested that, despite overspraying, actual spray coverage was poor, failing to penetrate the dense outer foliage, so that parts of the tree, particularly the top, were inadequately sprayed. Consequently, there was a requirement to ensure that spraying materials were deposited more efficiently and effectively upon targeted foliage, thereby reducing the volume of liquid carrier and therefore the amount of chemical required for a particular crop. This problem has been overcome by directing two fan-driven spray units (14) upward and into the foliage canopy, so as to displace the leaves in upward and outward directions, in co-operation with at least one further spray unit (16) downwardly directed, so as to spray into and partly through the canopy. The spray units are mounted on an inverted U-frame (21), which in turn is mounted on a mobile chassis or tractor (10) for transport through the crop area.

Abstract: A prismatic container is used for insertion into a notch in an element in order to release a chemical agent from a container volume into the element. The container includes a plurality of first sides inclined outwardly relative to each other from at least one junction. These first sides form lateral sides of the container. A pair of second sides, parallel to each other, form longitudinal ends of the container. At least one of the first and second sides forms at least part of a cap for closing off an opening which provides access to the container volume for storage of the chemical agent. The second sides are formed of a biodegradable material which dissolves in order to release the chemical agent. Pyramidal and conical container configurations can also be utilized.

Abstract: An automatic spot weed sprayer which is self-adjusting in the vertical to compensate for changes in crop height as the device moves along a row of crop. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is secured to the tool bar of a tractor which also carries a series of cultivators for removing weeds between crop rows. A photoelectric sensor passes down each row, just above the crop, to detect weeds which typically grow faster and therefore higher than the crop itself. When the beam is broken by a weed, a signal is sent to a Programmable Logic Computer (PLC) which then triggers a spray nozzle to dispense herbicide by a time delay based on the speed of the tractor. Concurrently, two sets of vertically spaced photoelectric sensors continually monitor crop height and signal the PLC to raise and lower the spray bar to compensate for crop height changes as the sprayer travels about the field.

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.