A method operates a hand-guided processing device having a user-activated operating sensor device with a plurality of different detection positions. The method involves the steps: a) detecting a sequence of activations of the operating sensor device at different detection positions of the plurality of detection positions, and b) when the detected sequence corresponds to a given sequence, calibrating the operating sensor device for at least one detection position of the plurality of detection positions based on at least one of the activations of the detected activations.

An autonomous ground maintenance system comprising a vehicle comprising a chassis supported upon a ground surface by ground support members, a container supported by the chassis, the container defining a discharge outlet operable to disperse treating material held within the container to a target area of the ground surface, a gate adapted to selectively open and close the discharge outlet, a sensor adapted to identify the target area, and an electronic controller supported by the chassis, the controller being in communication with the sensor and the gate. The controller is adapted to position the chassis at a location proximate the target area such that the discharge outlet is capable of delivering the treating material to the target area and energize the gate to open the discharge outlet.

An autonomous ground maintenance system comprising a vehicle comprising a chassis supported upon a ground surface by ground support members, a container supported by the chassis, the container defining a discharge outlet operable to disperse treating material held within the container to a target area of the ground surface, a gate adapted to selectively open and close the discharge outlet, a sensor adapted to identify the target area, and an electronic controller supported by the chassis, the controller being in communication with the sensor and the gate. The controller is adapted to position the chassis at a location proximate the target area such that the discharge outlet is capable of delivering the treating material to the target area and energize the gate to open the discharge outlet.

An integrated aeration spreader for use with an aerator includes a mounting plate, a mounting block rigidly coupled to the mounting plate, a support arm rotatably coupled to the mounting plate, a support block rigidly coupled to the support arm, a shaft rotatably coupled to the support block, wherein the shaft extends through the mounting block, a first nut threaded on the shaft, a first spring having a first end engaged with the first nut and a second end engaged with the mounting block, a second nut threaded on the shaft, and a second spring having a first end engaged with the second nut and a second end engaged with the mounting block.

An integrated aeration spreader for use with an aerator includes a mounting plate, a mounting block rigidly coupled to the mounting plate, a support arm rotatably coupled to the mounting plate, a support block rigidly coupled to the support arm, a shaft rotatably coupled to the support block, wherein the shaft extends through the mounting block, a first nut threaded on the shaft, a first spring having a first end engaged with the first nut and a second end engaged with the mounting block, a second nut threaded on the shaft, and a second spring having a first end engaged with the second nut and a second end engaged with the mounting block.

A mobile light exposure device or improving the yield and quality of biological material has a first module for emitting one or more light pulses, which includes a light treatment panel whose surface area is between 0.01 m.sup.2 and 10 m.sup.2, a second module or adjusting the optical power density of the treatment panel and optionally adjusting the temperature of the panel, and a means of locomotion for moving the device at a speed of between 1 and 10 km/h. The optical power density of the panel is between 100 W/m.sup.2 and 10,000 W/m.sup.2, preferably between 300 W/m.sup.2 and 3,000 W/m.sup.2, and the light pulses delivered to the biological material are of identical or different wavelengths and of durations less than or equal to two seconds.

Super absorbent polymers (SAP) generally exhibit adhesive and cohesive properties in the presence of moisture. To prevent unwanted absorption of moisture from the atmosphere, and in order to increase shelf life and handling life of SAPs; dried spent coffee ground powders may be mixed with the SAPs to prevent unwanted hydration of the SAP mixture. The natural oils in the grounds are responsible for providing a hydrophobic coating on the SAP particles.

Super absorbent polymers (SAP) generally exhibit adhesive and cohesive properties in the presence of moisture. To prevent unwanted absorption of moisture from the atmosphere, and in order to increase shelf life and handling life of SAPs; dried spent coffee ground powders may be mixed with the SAPs to prevent unwanted hydration of the SAP mixture. The natural oils in the grounds are responsible for providing a hydrophobic coating on the SAP particles.

Grass and/or turf growth is impacted by a number of factors both above ground and below ground. For example, soil temperature, nutrient levels, water levels, oxygen, humidity, above ground temperature, wind, and light. With respect to just light, there are a host of factors which can impact everything from root depth to disease resistance of grass/turf. While sunlight and artificial light can produce swards which are suitable for initial use, shade and/or damage can negatively impact portions of grass/turf for which there are no commercially available solutions. Described herein are a method and apparatuses for addressing turf growth and/or repair, and in a manner that minimizes downtime.

Grass and/or turf growth is impacted by a number of factors both above ground and below ground. For example, soil temperature, nutrient levels, water levels, oxygen, humidity, above ground temperature, wind, and light. With respect to just light, there are a host of factors which can impact everything from root depth to disease resistance of grass/turf. While sunlight and artificial light can produce swards which are suitable for initial use, shade and/or damage can negatively impact portions of grass/turf for which there are no commercially available solutions. Described herein are a method and apparatuses for addressing turf growth and/or repair, and in a manner that minimizes downtime.