Abstract: A plant cover apparatus includes a bag having an interior encompassed by a wall that extends from a top end of the bag and tapers inwardly to a bottom end of the bag. The bottom end includes a rim that laterally circumscribes a plant-receiving opening formed through the bag. The bag has a slot that extends vertically from the opening through the wall. The slot includes opposed margins having cooperatively interlocking parts that can temporarily be joined and separated to increase the size of the opening. The bag may be vertically suspended from a support member positioned next to the plant. An exterior perimeter of the bag may be rigid enough to help the bag maintain its shape when suspended.

Abstract: A removable netting system includes a netting tunnel adapted to be placed surrounding the fruit along a row of multiple vines without touching the fruit, thus protecting vine fruit from destruction by birds. The netting tunnel includes a pair of nets joined along top and bottom edges and rings which maintain the netting tunnel along the row of multiple vines.

Abstract: A plant cover apparatus includes a bag having an interior encompassed by a wall that extends from a top end of the bag and tapers inwardly to a bottom end of the bag. The bottom end includes a rim that laterally circumscribes a plant-receiving opening formed through the bag. The bag has a slot that extends vertically from the opening through the wall. The slot includes opposed margins having cooperatively interlocking parts that can temporarily be joined and separated to increase the size of the opening. The bag may be vertically suspended from a support member positioned next to the plant. An exterior perimeter of the bag may be rigid enough to help the bag maintain its shape when suspended.

Abstract: A machine for mixing and dispensing beverages includes a single manifold, a bottle restraining unit and a randomizing beverage activator. The manifold is connectable to a plurality of separate, pre-filled beverage holders of already prepared beverages and provides pre-defined portions of selected beverages to a dispensing outlet. The bottle restraining unit restrains the pre-filled bottles, which are either plastic bottles or glass bottles. The activator dispenses at least two beverages from the set of the beverage holders by randomizing an attribute of a drink. The attribute is chosen from an amount of the beverages and the beverage holders.

Abstract: A tree net assembly includes a pole vertically oriented and positioned adjacent to a plant. Each of a pair of globes is slidably positioned around the pole, and each of the globes has a plurality of wells each extending toward a center of a respective one of the globes. each of a pair of rods is comprised of a resiliently bendable material. Each of the rods is removably coupled between the globes when the globes are positioned on the pole. The globes are spaced apart from each other a distance less than a length of the rods. The rods curve outwardly from the pole between the globes such that the rods define a sphere surrounding the plant. A net is positionable around the rods to surround the plant.

Abstract: A device for detecting an offending object such as weeds or insects, and addressing the offending object by removing or marking the same. The device has image acquisition and image recognition systems that captures images of plants and automatically responds by way of an action when a weed or insect is identified. The action head may grip the offending object or release a substance such a herbicide to eliminate a weed.

Abstract: A protective system for vegetation has an underground housing from which a protective canopy can be deployed. The canopy unfurls as it is deployed and its position above ground can be adjusted after it is fully unfurled. After use, the canopy can be furled and lowered back into the housing. A liquid delivery system allows use of anti-freeze or fertilizer to be delivered via the system. Deployment of the system can be done manually or automatically in response to a selected signal.

Abstract: A water-saving device includes a frusto-conical housing having a wide lower end that overlies a ground surface. A lip is integrally formed at the upper end, extending radially inwardly. A vertical cut is formed in the housing with a flange adjoining each edge of the cut. The flanges are spaced apart to admit a tree trunk into the hollow interior of the housing and are attachable to one another to enclose a tree trunk. A first pair of apertures is formed in the lip. A conduit has a first end in fluid communication with a row hose and extends upwardly from the row hose, through a first aperture, and downwardly through the second aperture. A water emitter is in fluid communication with a second end of the conduit and is positioned within the hollow interior of the housing below the lip and above the ground surface.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree and storage cover a trunk and progressively larger branches from the top to near the base of the tree. The tree trunk rests in a central bore of a frustoconical base and has at least three swivel castor wheels mounted on the lower wall, providing movable support for the tree assembly. At least one castor wheel has a foot-operated brake. A conical cover covers the standing, decorated tree and attaches to the base. The cover has flaps spaced along one vertical edge of the cover and receiving mating patches spaced along an opposite edge the flaps and mating patches having VELCRO, hook and loop material on the mating surfaces thereof. The cover has three triangular portions each having mating flaps and patches in turn. The base and the lower end of the cover have mating strips of hook and loop material.

Abstract: An easily and installed support for a flexible covering, such as a bird-excluding net or a thermal blanket, may be made from lightweight and readily available plastic pipe components. The support is configured as a wheel and a vertical center pole that can hold the wheel in a horizontal position above the tree, similar to an umbrella. Netting or other flexible covering is attached to the wheel before it is lifted on the center pole and carried to a tree that is to be covered.

Abstract: A tree shelter includes two semi-cylindrical cages having complementary coupling devices that secure the cages to each other into a cylindrical configuration. The cages are formed of a biodegradable material. Additives may be included in the material for added functionality, including a bittering agent, a deer repellant and/or a fertilizer. The tree shelter also may include a bird guard that prevents birds from entering the shelter. The shelter is easily and inexpensively manufactured and is easy to install in the field.