An electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system. A housing has a downwardly facing chamber. At least one electrically powered infrared heating element is mounted within the chamber. A source of electrical power is electrically coupled to the electrically powered infrared heating element. A control assembly varies the electrical power to the electrically powered infrared heating elements and the heat generated for controlling undesired vegetation there adjacent using targeted infrared radiation emitted by the electrically powered infrared heating element.

An electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system. A housing has a downwardly facing chamber. At least one electrically powered infrared heating element is mounted within the chamber. A source of electrical power is electrically coupled to the electrically powered infrared heating element. A control assembly varies the electrical power to the electrically powered infrared heating elements and the heat generated for controlling undesired vegetation there adjacent using targeted infrared radiation emitted by the electrically powered infrared heating element.

A gas powered thermal weeder having a burner head for burning gas to generate heat. The burner head has a foot portion for placing in proximity to weeds to be treated with heat generated at the burner head. The burner head is connected by a support tube to a handle portion, with the handle portion and support tube being for use together in supporting and positioning the burner head during the treatment of weeds. The handle portion comprises a gas canister mounting portion to which a gas canister is mountable for supplying gas to the burner head.

A gas powered thermal weeder having a burner head for burning gas to generate heat. The burner head has a foot portion for placing in proximity to weeds to be treated with heat generated at the burner head. The burner head is connected by a support tube to a handle portion, with the handle portion and support tube being for use together in supporting and positioning the burner head during the treatment of weeds. The handle portion comprises a gas canister mounting portion to which a gas canister is mountable for supplying gas to the burner head.

A mist blower with a Venturi housing for spraying water or chemicals onto objects such as livestock, orchards, weed areas or the like. The mist blower includes an air blower having an air discharge opening formed therein. A Venturi housing has its inner end in communication with the air discharge opening. An air discharge housing has its inner end embracing the outer end of the Venturi thereby creating a Venturi gap therebetween. The Venturi housing has a plurality of Venturi openings formed therein. As air is blown through the Venturi housing, the Venturi openings draw additional air into the air being discharged. As air is blown through the air discharge housing, additional air is drawn into the air discharge housing by way of the Venturi gap.

Apparatus for controlling algae and bio-organisms in bodies of fluids, such as water. The algae control system includes a power unit and a transducer unit that includes a sonic head that radiates in multiple directions. The power unit connects to various power sources, including a mains supply connection, a solar panel array, and/or a battery. The power unit is electrically connected to the transducer unit. The sonic head includes a driver and a transducer subassembly. The driver excites the transducer subassembly to emit ultrasonic waves at various frequencies in the water surrounding the sonic head. Emissions at a high density of frequencies are enabled by the transducers. The frequencies include the critical structural resonant frequency for each microorganism to be controlled. The power unit and driver each include a processor in communication with each other. The processors store and execute a program for a selected application configuration.

A method including: recording a first image of a first field region; automatically treating a plant within the first region in-situ based on the first image; automatically verifying the plant treatment with a second image of the first region; and automatically treating a second region concurrently with treatment verification.

A method including: recording a first image of a first field region; automatically treating a plant within the first region in-situ based on the first image; automatically verifying the plant treatment with a second image of the first region; and automatically treating a second region concurrently with treatment verification.

A composite material for food contact applications includes an absorbent layer and a non-absorbent layer, the absorbent layer having a textured surface for absorbing and trapping liquids, for example, oil, grease, or water, and the non-absorbent layer having an oleophobic surface that acts as an oil and grease specific liquid barrier. The material further includes one or more lamination layers. The lamination layer acts as a general liquid barrier between the absorbent layer and non-absorbent layer. This additional liquid barrier enhances the liquid repelling effect of the non-absorbent layer to more effectively trap liquids in the absorbent layer, thereby preventing liquids from seeping through the material onto an external surface.

A weed or insect terminating device features a container having a valve port, a heating element, a valve core, and a biasing mechanism forcing the valve core into an extended position. An axial passage in the valve core extends through only a distal end of the valve core. A lateral passage intersects the axial passage and opens radially from the valve core. A proximal seal is provided between the valve core and valve port at a location between a proximal end of the valve core and the opening of the lateral passage. The proximal seal withdraws from sealed contact with the port in a retracted state of the valve core, while a distal seal remains intact. Heated water from the container can be dispensed through the valve port only via the lateral and axial passages of the valve core, and only when made accessible by retraction of the valve core.