Abstract: A network layer is provided that contains at least one thermoplastic biodegradable substance. The network layer contains at least one colored first material in a first direction, the first colored material exhibiting a first absorption coefficient, and at least one colored second material in a second direction, the second colored material exhibiting a second absorption coefficient. The colored first material and the colored second material are in contact with each other, a coloration of the first material is different from a coloration of the second material, and the second absorption coefficient is different from the first absorption coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for plants, said apparatus that features a planter with a closed bottom, sidewalls, and an open top, wherein a protruding lip is defined on an exterior surface of the sidewalls in proximity to the open top; and a first cover with an open bottom, sidewalls, and a closed top, wherein a set of clasping mechanisms are located on two opposing sidewalls in proximity to the open bottom, and wherein the clasping mechanism reversibly attaches the cover to the lip of the planter. The invention further provides a second, insulating cover with an open bottom, sidewalls, and a closed top, wherein the second cover is received by the first cover after the first cover is reversibly attached to the planter.

Abstract: To provide a wavelength conversion film which is capable of maintaining an optical wavelength converting function for a longer period of time than conventional wavelength conversion films. A wavelength conversion film 10 containing an inorganic ultraviolet blocking material and a wavelength converting material, which consists of one or more layers, at least one of which is a base film layer 12 containing a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A biodegradable spectrally selective grow tube or tree shelter that improves the establishment of woody plant forms by reduction and/or elimination of certain biotic and abiotic stress factors. The grow tube may provide an enhanced micro climate that is humid, CO2-replenished and promotes photosynthesis by selectively propagating photosynthetically active radiation. In addition to providing a physical barrier to wind and herbivores, certain embodiments of the grow tube can also provide protection from chemical sprays while permitting ventilation of the grow tube. Various embodiments of the spectrally selective grow tube may comprise separate interior and exterior members for enhancement of the interior and exterior surface functions and that may be constructed from a biodegradeable polymer or paper-based material. The interior member can be dyed or pigmented to selectively transmit wavelengths of the visible spectrum known to promote photosynthesis, such as red light and/or blue light.

Abstract: The invention proposes numerous aspects for improving greenhouses which may lead to durable improvement of the worldwide climate system.

Abstract: A cover element for greenhouses or the like is formed as a panel-like element that includes a first substantially transparent layer having alternate strips with optical means for deviating and concentrating light that are alternated with optically neutral strips, and a second partially opaque layer having optically neutral and substantially transparent strips that are alternated with opaque strips and that include a photovoltaic element.

Abstract: A system for radiating plants with photon radiation to induce photomorphogenic growth is described. The system includes a light assembly operable to transmit photon radiation, a light transmittive material located between the light assembly and a plant, a power supply connected to the light assembly, a failsafe switch connected to and located between the power supply and the light assembly and a photomorphogenic growth controller connected to the light assembly. The power supply is operable to energize the light assembly and the failsafe switch is operable to de-energize the light assembly when a safety signal is received by the failsafe switch. The photomorphogenic growth controller is operable to selectively energize the light assembly.

Abstract: A biodegradable spectrally selective grow tube or tree shelter that improves the establishment of woody plant forms by reduction and/or elimination of certain biotic and abiotic stress factors. The grow tube may provide an enhanced micro climate that is humid, CO2-replenished and promotes photosynthesis by selectively propagating photosynthetically active radiation. In addition to providing a physical barrier to wind and herbivores, certain embodiments of the grow tube can also provide protection from chemical sprays while permitting ventilation of the grow tube. Various embodiments of the spectrally selective grow tube may comprise separate interior and exterior members for enhancement of the interior and exterior surface functions and that may be constructed from a biodegradeable polymer or paper-based material. The interior member can be dyed or pigmented to selectively transmit wavelengths of the visible spectrum known to promote photosynthesis, such as red light and/or blue light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to isolate at least a part of a plant from passage of things or materials of certain size or characteristics. In one aspect, a shroud or sock (10) of material can be removably placed over at least a part of the plant (3) with a releasable closure (13). The material is highly permeable to air and moisture and is substantially light transmissive. However, it has a pore size which blocks the undesirable materials or things (e.g., pollen or insects). The material can have a relatively light weight so that it can be optionally suspended by the plant (3) without significant effect on the growth or health of the plant. The material can have substantial tensile strength to resist deformation, tearing, or puncture during normal handling or in moderate to high winds. It can be utilized to provide a barrier over a part of a plant, substantially an entire plant, or a plurality of plants.

Abstract: A crop protection device that is designed to cover a number of citrus fruit trees during periods of cold weather. The device is a heated canopy system that is made from a lightweight, high strength fabric that is supported by a number of ground-mounted frame members. The ends of the fabric are attached to one another by a drawstring, which is wound through a series of eyelets on the fabric. The device also includes a heater and blower unit that continuously blows hot air within the confines of the fabric after the fabric has been mounted over at least one citrus plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural use of a breathable polyolefin film (1), filled with CaCO3 and/or MgO-based fillers, having a water vapor permeability, based on ASTM D 6701-01 standards, of at least 500 g/m2 H2O/24 h and having an air permeability, based on ATICELCA MC 19-74 and TAPPI T 460 om-88 standards, below 100 min/cc of air, and having an average basis weight of 10 to 60 g/m2.

Abstract: Multilayer interference pigment consisting of a transparent carrier material coated with alternating layers of metal oxides of low and high refractive index, the difference in the refractive indices being at least 0.1, which is obtainable by alternate coating of the transparent carrier material with a metal oxide of high refractive index and with a metal oxide of low refractive index in a wet process by hydrolysis of the corresponding water-soluble metal compounds, separation, drying and, if desired, calcination of the resulting pigment.

Abstract: Multilayer interference pigment consisting of a transparent carrier material coated with alternating layers of metal oxides of low and high refractive index, the difference in the refractive indices being at least 0.1, which is obtainable by alternate coating of the transparent carrier material with a metal oxide of high refractive index and with a metal oxide of low refractive index in a wet process by hydrolysis of the corresponding water-soluble metal compounds, separation, drying and, if desired, calcination of the resulting pigment.

Abstract: A cone shaped, multi-use garden accessory, consisting of a single unit. The cone body is open at each end. The base, or larger end, is formed by a rounded rim. The neck, or smaller end, has a tubular extension with prongs affixed. Stiffeners are arrayed within the cone and extend through the tubular neck and along the prongs. The entire structure is composed of translucent, semi-rigid or rigid material.

Abstract: A composition for use in an agricultural film, comprising a polyolefin in a mixture with an anti-fog effective amount of a polyoxypropylene glycerol stearate. Preferably the film has about 40% w/w of a low density polyethylene, about 40% w/w linear low density polyethylene, about 10% w/w EVA and about 2% w/w the polyoxypropylene glycerol stearate additive. The film has improved anti-fog properties and physical properties of tensile strength and tear properties.

Abstract: The novel transparent polyolefin, polyester or polyamide article disclosed is stabilized against the effects of light, oxygen, heat and aggressive chemicals by addition of 0.005-0.30 % by weight the polymeric substrate of a hydroxyphenyl triazine UV absorber, and is characterized by its thickness between 1 and 500 &mgr;m. Preferred polyolefin articles thus stabilized are agricultural films containing as further stabilizer a sterically hindered amine. The novel compositions act as selective UV filter especially useful in agriculture.

Abstract: A hanging planter includes a bowl-like lower portion and a ring-like upper portion, with the upper portion nesting within the rim of the lower portion to provide a plant holding assembly. The upper edge of the lower portion and lower edge of the upper portion are crenelated, with the mating edges defining a series of plant growth openings therethrough when the two components are assembled. The crenelations are preferably of variable depths in each section, to define at least two different levels of plant growth openings through the sides of the assembly, with the upper edge of the upper portion defining a third plant growth opening for the device. Plants are selected according to their growth habits, with trailing plants being placed low in the planter, long flowering plants being placed at an intermediate level, and more upright plants being placed atop the others. The result is an essentially unbroken array of plant life covering the present planter, after the plants have grown out.