An open flame control device for weed control. The device includes a substantially cylindrical basket having an open framework including a plurality of substantially equally spaced-apart longitudinal struts attached to a plurality of hoops, struts being inwardly and upwardly bent at the upper end of the basket. A hub is located at the upper end of the basket and is attached to the inwardly and upwardly bent struts. An open flame burner is located within the basket and attached to the hub. A porous metal fabric liner surrounds the inside of the basket and is attached thereto. A metal flame reflector is located at the lower end of the basket and occupies the back side portion of the basket. Means are provided for communicating the open flame burner with a supply of propane. Optionally, means are provided to supply water to the bottom of the basket.

A diffuser for a thermal weeder is capable of producing a jet of hot air along an axis. The diffuser includes at least one deflector arranged across the hot air jet axis, so as to deflect hot air radially.

Hood assemblies for use in flaming crops having effective top, right and left lateral sides, on at least one of said effective top and/or lateral sides there being a double plate arrangement such that insulating air, which is free to flow, is present between said double plates. Distinguishing factors can include, at a longitudinally rearward end thereof, the presence of an upwardly opening chimney structure.

Hood assemblies for use in flaming crops having effective top, right and left lateral sides, on at least one of said effective top and/or lateral sides there being a double plate arrangement such that insulating air, which is free to flow, is present between said double plates. Distinguishing factors can include, at a longitudinally rearward end thereof, the presence of an upwardly opening chimney structure.

A torch comprising a functional combination of: 1) an ignition system having an internal bluff body wall, said ignition system having an open end and an end in which is present a spark plug; and 2) an elongated fuel line that is secured to said torch so that heat easily passes from hot gas and flame inside said torch thereinto during use, wherein the fuel line has a fuel flow swirl producing element therewithin; and 3) a thermocouple secured in place inside the torch to monitor temperature at a relatively high temperature location therein, such that if the temperature decreases while fuel is still flowing a signal is generated to provide a spark to the spark plug.

A torch comprising a functional combination of: 1) an ignition system having an internal bluff body wall, said ignition system having an open end and an end in which is present a spark plug; and 2) an elongated fuel line that is secured to said torch so that heat easily passes from hot gas and flame inside said torch thereinto during use, wherein the fuel line has a fuel flow swirl producing element therewithin; and 3) a thermocouple secured in place inside the torch to monitor temperature at a relatively high temperature location therein, such that if the temperature decreases while fuel is still flowing a signal is generated to provide a spark to the spark plug.

A weed burner includes a main body and handle, the main body including base and operating portions, the base portion connects to the handle, the operating portion projecting forwardly from the base portion; the operating portion includes an arcing chamber for letting in a plant and an electrode assembly for discharging high-voltage arcs to the plant, the arcing chamber extending through the operating portion, a bottom end of the arcing chamber being opened and located at an underside of the operating portion; and the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, the positive electrode being disposed in the operating portion and tilting downward into the arcing chamber, the negative electrode being disposed at an underside of the operating portion and surrounding an opening of the bottom end of the arcing chamber.

A mobile vehicle having a burner assembly for movement over a ground surface and directing flame onto the ground surface to incinerate the materials on the ground surface and growing therefrom and including a water spray for reducing air pollution associated with the incineration.

A mobile vehicle having a burner assembly for movement over a ground surface and directing flame onto the ground surface to incinerate the materials on the ground surface and growing therefrom and including a water spray for reducing air pollution associated with the incineration.

An apparatus and methods are provided for removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one removal device configured to damage a target on the unwanted plants; a guidance system configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; a stabilization system configured to provide feedback compensation to one or both of the three-dimensional imager and the guidance system; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, the guidance system, and the stabilization system. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.