A method of controlling combustion of a gas appliance includes the following steps: a) Read a first burning data in a database; b) Burn gas according to the first burning data; c) Obtain a burning efficiency of the gas appliance; and d) Compare the burning efficiency with a predetermined value, and repeat the step b to the step d when the burning efficiency is higher than the value, or read a second burning data in the database and burn gas according to the second burning data when the burning efficiency is lower than the value. The present invention provides plural stages of burning according to the main component of the gas to be burned to increase the total burning efficiency.

Systems and methods for controlling exhaust steam temperatures from a finishing superheater are provided. In certain embodiments, the system includes a controller which includes control logic for predicting an exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater using model-based predictive techniques (e.g., based on empirical data or thermodynamic calculations). Based on the predicted exhaust temperature of steam, the control logic may use feed-forward control techniques to control the operation of an inter-stage attemperation system upstream of the finishing superheater. The control logic may determine if attemperation is required based on whether the predicted exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater exceeds a set point temperature as well as whether the inlet temperature of steam into the finishing superheater drops below a set point temperature of steam. The attemperation system may include a characterizing function to linearize the valve operation controlled by the control logic to inject cooled, high-pressure feedwater into the steam upstream of the finishing superheater, which may, in turn, control the exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater. The disclosed embodiments may also be applied to any systems where an outlet temperature of a fluid from a heat transfer device may be controlled.

A controller determines and adjusts system parameters, including cleanliness levels or sootblower operating settings, that are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of a fossil fuel boiler at an efficient level. Some embodiments use a direct controller to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower operating settings. Some embodiments use an indirect controller, with a system model, to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower settings. The controller may use a model that is, for example, a neural network, or a mass energy balance, or a genetically programmed model. The controller uses input about the actual performance or state of the boiler for adaptation. The controller may operate in conjunction with a sootblower optimization system that controls the actual settings of the sootblowers. The controller may coordinate cleanliness settings for multiple sootblowers and/or across a plurality of heat zones in the boiler.

A water delivery system is provided, comprising at least one faucet device with a cold water faucet part and a hot water faucet part, a cold water line to the at least one faucet device, a tankless heater device for heating water, a hot water line having a first portion running from an outlet of the tankless heater device to the at least one faucet device and having a second portion running from the at least one faucet device to an inlet of the tankless heater device, and a circulatory pump arranged in the second portion of the hot water line, wherein the circulatory pump has a prefixed first performance level and a prefixed second performance level, wherein the first performance level causes a finite water flow in the hot water line which is below an operation threshold value of the tankless heater device.

A robotic tubesheet walker having two rails connected by a central hinge, wherein the central hinge can be opened or closed by an actuation device. Upon each rail is mounted a carriage, wherein each carriage can move along its respective rail toward or away from the central hinge by means of a drive mechanism. Each carriage further contains at least two “gripper” attachment mechanisms, such as camlocks, to grip the tubesheet. The grippers either insert into tube holes within the tubesheet to fasten the respective carriage to the tubesheet, or retract to disengage. Further attached to the central hinge is a tool support fixture, and attached to the tool support fixture is a coupler that holds maintenance or inspection tools.

A steam generation boiler having a reaction chamber formed by a bottom portion in a lower portion, a roof portion at an upper portion, and walls extending vertically between the bottom portion and the roof portion. The walls include vertical end walls having a tapering wall section that tapers symmetrically with respect to its middle axis towards the bottom portion, in which (i) a first group of steam pipes in the tapering wall section including steam pipes on both sides of the middle axis, pass at an angle with respect to the middle axis in a wall plane of the tapering wall section, and from the wall plane into the reaction chamber, and (ii) a second group of steam pipes arranged to pass to the bottom portion along the wall plane.

A control method for boiler outlet temperatures includes predictive control of SH and RH desuperheater systems. The control method also includes control and optimization of steam generation conditions, for a boiler system, such as burner tilt and intensity, flue-gas recirculation, boiler fouling, and other conditions for the boiler. The control method assures a proportional-valve control action in the desuperheater system, that affects the boiler system.

A burner box includes a housing, a fuel tube and a porous heat dissipating surface. The housing is bounded by a sidewall and has a top and an opposite bottom that are each open so that the sidewall defines an open passage that allows unimpeded vertical airflow. The fuel tube extends into the passage and defines a plurality of spaced apart orifices that distribute fuel into the open passage. The fuel tube is at a distance from the top of the housing so that substantially all of the fuel is entrained by the combustion air before the fuel reaches the top. The heat dissipating surface is disposed across the top of the housing and supports a flame. The heat dissipating surface includes enough open area so that the fuel/air mixture passes through the porous heat dissipating surface unimpeded. The heat dissipating surface dissipates heat from the flame and prevents flashback.

A DC voltage converter includes an oscillator that converts a DC battery voltage to an oscillating voltage, a low voltage transformer that increases the oscillating voltage to a higher oscillating voltage, and a voltage rectifying-capacitor charging network or multiplier that increases the higher oscillating voltage to yet a higher DC voltage at an output terminal for DC high voltage utilization devices and the like. An electric control switch is selectively actuated by the user to apply the battery voltage to the oscillator, resulting in the generation of the stepped-up DC voltage at an output terminal. Another DC voltage converter has an electronic switching circuit that automatically turns the oscillator on and off and a load capacitor across the electrodes that is charged and discharged to provide a shocking voltage. Utilization devices for the voltage developed by the converter shown are a miniature animal training device and a cattle prod device. The miniature animal training device has a pair of outwardly projecting electrodes mounted on a side at one end of the housing that is sized and shaped to fit within and conform to the palm of a hand. The cattle prod device has a pair of electrodes fixedly mounted on the end of a housing assembly made up of telescoping tubular housing sections arranged for relative axial movement whereby the pressing of the electrodes against an object to be shocked actuates the electric control switch and causes a shock of the object. The housing assembly is releasably supported by a rigid handle or an extensible handle assembly.

A multi-functional electronic self-protection device is disclosed. The device includes a flashlight with reflector which also mounts shock blocks. The casing includes a circuit board and booster together with a battery, and in the base thereof, a buzzer is mounted. A first switch controls the flashlight so that rotation of the lens case will turn the light on and off. A second switch controls the generation of an electric charge at the shock blocks so that when the casing is rotated and a switch depressed, a strong electrical charge whill be generated at the shock blocks. The base is also slidably mounted on the casing and by slidably displacing the base, a third switch activates the buzzer which is coupled also to the battery.

A horsewhip includes a coupler having one end secured to a handle portion and having a ring formed in the other end. The coupler includes a recess formed in the middle portion. A tail portion includes a loop formed in one end for engaging with the recess of the coupler and includes a free end for engaging through the opening of the ring so as to solidly secure the tail portion to the handle portion. The tail portion may be easily secured to and may be easily disengaged from the handle portion by the users such that the tail portion can be easily replaced with a brand new one.

A whip with a braided handle and method of fabrication which includes a generally cylindrical handle portion. The handle portion has an inboard end and an outboard end and is fabricated of a braided rope construction which comprises a plurality of single yarns twisted together to form a plurality of piled yarns which are then braided, with a helical angle of the twist of the single yarns within their respective plied yarn being equal and opposite to the helical angle of the plied yarns in the braid. Also included is an inboard first thread which is wrapped circumferentially about the handle end from adjacent the inboard end and extends outboardly. An outboard second thread is wrapped circumferentially around the handle portion to provide a handle. A whipping portion extends outboardly of the outboard end of the handle portion and is fabricated of extensions of the braided strands from the handle portion but in an unbraided braid form.

A battery operated hand held device for use in handling or controlling livestock, particularly cattle, swine, sheep and horses. This invention provides a novel alternative to conventional electric livestock prods, which deliver an electric shock to the animal. While operating on the principle of external stimulus to invoke a flight response, this invention relies on vibration and/or sound rather than painful electric shock. This unique mode of action satisfies the needs in the livestock industry for low stress handling equipment and techniques with the welfare of the animal as a priority.

The invention provides a device for use in partially or fully immobilizing animals such as cattle, sheep and the like. The device includes a probe for insertion in the anal canal of the animal the probe comprising a pair of spaced electrodes connected by way of electrical conductors to a power source. The power source providing a pulsed electrical current having a voltage of between 2 and 10 Volts and a frequency of between 20 and 50 Hz to the electrodes.

The invention provides a device for use in partially or fully immobilizing animals such as cattle, sheep and the like. The device includes a probe for insertion in the anal canal of the animal the probe comprising a pair of spaced electrodes connected by way of electrical conductors to a power source. The power source providing a pulsed electrical current having a voltage of between 2 and 10 Volts and a frequency of between 20 and 50 Hz to the electrodes.

An extendable electronic discharge staff will consist of a central sliding member translating within a tubular body member to be positioned by the means of a spring-loaded ball detent. When the central sliding member is positioned, it will be locked in place by the means of a locking nut at the distal end of the tubular body member. A forward adjustable handgrip will be located and locked into position along the length of the tubular body member to accommodate the size and comfort of the person using the device. By rotating the rear hand grip, the device will be turned on or off, and by sliding the rear handgrip forward or backward a high or low voltage will be delivered to the distal contact end of the central sliding member. On an alternate embodiment having three contact positions, the default center position delivers low voltage while both forward and backward outer positions deliver high voltage. This action gives the operator two different voltage capabilities along with a visible snapping arc to indicate the potential of the device. A sealed cylindrical housing fixed to the rear of the tubular body member will house a removable battery pack and electronic control module. The device is capable of giving a momentary delivery, a prolonged delivery, or several prolonged deliveries and has been designed not to stun an individual unless necessary, giving the unruly individual several warnings in advance.

A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.

A method for processing application forms comprising extracting content from filled first forms of consumers, each of the first forms comprising one or more fields, arranging the extracted content of one or more fields of the plurality of fields of the plurality of filled first forms in a first matrix; encoding the content of each of the rows of the first matrix to define a second matrix; and disposing the encoded content of the second matrix in multiple empty second forms such that content of one column is disposed on only one of the empty second forms, each of the second forms includes the same type and number of fields as that of one of the filled first forms, further wherein the number of the filled second forms is based on the number of the one or more fields in the filled first forms.

A station combines a toilet paper dispenser, dispenser for dispensing hand wipes, a dispenser for dispensing surface antibiotic wipes, and a deodorant feature. The station includes a toilet paper dispenser made from a plastic type material and the toilet paper dispenser may be a single or double roll dispenser. The station cover houses a battery-operated fan that pulls air from inside the dispenser. A tray inside the dispenser holds a fragrance cup holding a quantity of deodorant. The base holds one or two rolls of commercial toilet paper, each of which rolls on a hollow plastic axle to hold a bottle containing wipes. A microswitch may be integrated in the cover to disengage the fan when the cover of the unit is open.

When the present time of a clock circuit is a medication time recorded in advance in a SD card, a notice that the medication time has come is given by a voice output portion or the like. Presence/absence of a medicine package in each block of a medicine package case is sensed by a medicine package sensor. The time point and the presence/absence of the medicine package are recorded in the SD card. A notice corresponding to the presence/absence is output. At a time except for the medication time, taking-out of the case, opening/closing of the cover, taking-out and return of the medicine package are recorded in the SD card based on detection signals from the medicine package sensor, medicine package case sensor, and case cover opening/closing sensor. A notice corresponding to the sensed situation is output.

A medicine station or stand-alone alert device has a processor having access to memory, wherein the memory stores a control module, and the processor is configured to execute the modules stored in the memory. The medicine station or stand-alone alert device also includes one or more indicators. The control module is configured to periodically check for an external notification from a primary alert device that it is time to take a medication. Upon receiving the external notification, the control program is configured to cause the medicine station or stand-alone alert device to enter an amplified alert mode with respect to the primary alert device via the one or more indicators.

A medicine dispensing device includes a shell-like base unit, a shell-like cassette with a number of compartments for storage of medicines which is rotatable relative to the base unit, a unit for rotating the cassette relative to the base unit at predetermined times, a lid firmly connected to the base unit, and an aperture situated in the lid in such a way as to be movable to become central to any desired compartment of the cassette when the cassette is rotated relative to the base unit and the lid. A hatch is provided close to the aperture and can assume a position in which the aperture is closed and a position in which the aperture is exposed. The hatch is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The hatch has a rear edge which has an extent in the circumferential direction of the device.

A product distribution device for accommodating at least one row of products with products which can be arranged in succession on a support surface of a product guide element in a receiving space with the following features: at least one door for stocking the receiving space with the products, guide means which are guided along the support surface in one conveyance direction F for advancing the products in the conveyance direction F, a catch element which can be switched between one catch position of the conveyance means and one conveyance position of the conveyance means.

The present invention is generally directed to a grinder tool preferably having one or more of the following aspects or features: (i) some, preferably most, of the footprint of its bit being shielded by the disc; (ii) the peripheral edge of the disc is at least partially covered by a rock stop hard surface layer; (iii) non-rigid mounting hardware structured to provide a non-rigid mechanical connection between the well and the bit sub-assembly (for example, the non-rigid mounting hardware may include: a rubber isolator; a mesh isolator; and/or a fluid filled isolator); (iv) a stump grinding tool rotating disc assembly having at least one first type bit sub-assembly (including a bit) and at least one second type bit sub-assembly (including a bit), where: (a) the first type bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, (b) the first type bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, and (c) the first bit footprint geometry is different than the second bit footprint geometry; (v) a rotating disc assembly includes a disc that includes multiple guide protrusions extending axially from both axial ends of the disc around an angular range leading the angular position of each bit sub-assembly; (vi) a rotating disc assembly having rollers built into the peripheral edge of the disc; and/or (vii) disc assembly with a bit holder member that extends over a portion of the opposite axial faces of the disc.

Disclosed is a low-temperature heat-generating solid wood laminate floor, which comprises: an exterior finished layer, an upper base material layer, a heat-generating layer, and a lower base material layer, which are stacked in sequence and hot-pressed. The upper base material layer, heat-generating layer and lower base material layer comprise 9 layers in total after hot-pressing, the heat-generating layer being positioned at the 5th to the 7th layer, the upper base material layer being above the heat-generating layer, the lower base material layer being below the heat-generating layer, the upper base material layer consisting of 3 to 5 layers, the lower base material layer consisting of 4 to 6 layers, and the exterior finished layer being provided on the upper base material layer by hot-pressing.

Wood particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein: the wood particles are characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L; the L×H dimensions define two side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers; the W×H dimensions define two cross-grain end surfaces characterized individually as aligned either normal to the grain or oblique to the grain; the L×W dimensions define two substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces; and, a majority of the W×H surfaces in the mixture of wood particles have end checking.

Embodiments provide a unidirectional multi-path kiln with two or more chambers and generally parallel flow paths extending through the kiln, on opposite sides, from charge entry portals at a first end of the kiln to charge exit portals at a second end of the kiln. Moist heated air flowing from the second heated chamber is received in the first chamber and circulated around the lumber charges with one or more fans. The lumber charges proceed in the same direction on the flow paths through the heated second chamber, which may be an existing kiln. Charge exit portals at the distal end of the kiln and/or intermediate charge portals between the second chamber and a third chamber may be provided with insulating members configured to reduce airflow from the second chamber through the charge exit portals.

This application is directed to groove milling devices for milling a groove in a component. In one example, a groove milling device includes a milling disk which is rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the groove milling device comprises a displacement device for moving the milling disk along the rotational axis during the milling process. In an example, the groove milling device may include a control device which actuates the displacement device automatically when a predetermined depth of the milled groove is reached during the milling process. In an example, the groove milling device may include a switch for activating the displacement device by an operator during the milling process. In an example, the energy required for actuating the displacement device may be generated by a generator coupled to a main drive spindle of the groove milling device.

A simulation apparatus includes a storing unit that stores therein information about a shape of a blank piece to be cut out from raw wood, information about a final shape of a wooden piece obtained by compressing the blank piece, and image data of a surface of the blank piece. The apparatus also includes detecting unit that detects a knot appearing on the surface of the blank piece by image recognition using the image data; a shape estimating unit that estimates a shape of the detected knot using shape information on the blank piece; and a determining unit that determines, in accordance with the shape of the estimated knot, a cutting location and a cutting shape of the blank piece in such a manner that the cutting location and shape include a part and a thickness of the knot is substantially the same as that of the compressed blank piece.

An elevating and clewing continuous log turner includes a mainframe having a movable frame adapted for vertical or horizontal translation relative to the mainframe. A rotating group is mounted in the movable frame. The rotating group has a passageway therethrough. Roller arms are pivotally mounted around a perimeter of the rotating group. The roller arms concentrically clamp the log relative to the rotating group to thereby rotate the log about its longitudinal axis simultaneously with selective rotation of the rotating group. At least one actuator horizontally and vertically translates the movable frame relative to the mainframe.

A waste strip-removing apparatus for use with a ripsaw that saws an incoming board into one or more usable boards and removes the opposite side edges, which become two waste strips that must be removed and transported to a different destination from that to which the usable board(s) is (are) transported. The apparatus includes two air-blasting units each having one or more air nozzles assigned to each waste strip. The air-blasting units are positioned with respect to a lateral direction by a positioning mechanism so that air directed from the nozzles impinges on the waste strips and moves them laterally away from the usable board(s). The positioning mechanism can include a linear motor having two forcers movable along a platen and respectively attached to air-blasting units.

Systems and methods for adjusting a moisture concentration of veneer are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method for adjusting a moisture concentration of a veneer can include estimating a moisture concentration of a veneer surface at one or more locations thereon. The method can also include comparing the one or more estimated locations to a minimum moisture concentration level. The method can also include moisturizing at least a portion of the one or more estimated locations that are below the minimum moisture concentration level to increase the moisture concentration thereof.

A method for detecting the three-dimensional structure of a log comprises the operating steps of: making the log (2) rotate axially, leaving it free to translate during the rotation;during said rotation repeating the step of detecting the relative surface structure of the log (2) at least at one log surface portion (13), so that the relative surface structure of substantially all of the points of at least the log (2) lateral surface is detected at least once; andcombining the relative surface structures detected to reconstruct an overall surface structure for at least the log (2) lateral surface,the detection steps being carried out in such a way that each detection step result shares at least several points with at least one other detection step result, while the step of combining the relative surface structures is carried out in such a way that the shared points are made to coincide with each other.

An extension table assembly for a power tool having a working surface for supporting a piece of material to be modified, and a working area where the power tool can modify a piece of material. The extension table assembly comprising a frame portion, at least one arm portion, a drive system, and a measurement system.

A locking retractor is disclosed, as are stretchers and cots using the retractor to secure a patient. The retractor includes structure for locking the retractor spool to prevent rotation in both directions. However, a cam is coupled to the shaft and is arranged relative to the locking structure to prevent the spool from locking during an initial portion of the spool's rotation, until a first locking point is reached. Once the first locking point has been reached, a clutch prevents the locking structure from engaging while the spool is still rotating, but the locking structure will engage to lock the spool in both directions once active rotation stops. A user-actuatable lever is provided externally that disengages the locking structure when actuated to allow the spool to extend and retract freely.

Methods for fumigating soil include providing a fumigant including at least one volatile substance into or onto soil and applying over the soil a multilayer polymeric film to form a vapor barrier between the fumigant-treated soil and the atmosphere to at least partially contain the fumigant. The multilayer film includes at least one barrier layer comprising at least one vinylidene chloride polymer and protecting layers on each side of the barrier layer. The multilayer film preferably has at least one UV protecting layer and optionally at least one reflective layer.

An agricultural implement system that includes a control system configured to receive a first signal to initiate seeding operations, to transition a ground engaging tool toward a working position at a first time after receiving the first signal, and to activate a product delivery system at a second time, different from the first time, after receiving the first signal.

A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

A metering system for a seeding machine is provided. The metering system includes selectively powered metering sections operable to individually allow or restrict seed dispensation. A damper arrangement is also provided so that pneumatic conveying of the particulate within the machine is consistently maintained when particulate flow is varied between the metering sections.

A method and apparatus for managing undesired material in an area. A sensor system monitors the area for the undesired material. A number of operations is performed on the area using a vehicle system. The vehicle system comprises a vehicle and a structure connected to the vehicle. A computer system receives data for the area from the sensor system. The computer system identifies a presence of the undesired material along a number of paths in the area using the data to form an identification. The computer system initiates removal of the undesired material based on the identification.

A seed metering assembly for a farm implement has a meter roller that can be accessed and removed in a relatively quick manner. The seed metering assembly includes a fluted meter roller that is segmented into a number of discrete fluted sections. Each fluted section has an associated flow control member that is selectively operable to impede the flow of granular material from a seed hopper to its corresponding section of the fluted meter roller.

A wireless communication system for agricultural vehicles, in which each vehicle has a global positioning system (GPS), a multi-channel transmitter/receiver module having a limited communication range, and a signal processor connected to the transmitter/receiver module. The transmitter is controlled by the signal processor to transmit on a predetermined communication channel a signal comprising a unique vehicle identifier and a signal indicating the current positional coordinates of the vehicle. The signal processor also analyzes the signals received from other vehicles within the communication range and determines from the identifier and the positional coordinates data when another vehicle is ready to perform a joint operation with the vehicle. Prior to initiation of a joint operation, the communication system is switched to a different communication channel.

A seeding machine, such as a row crop planter, is described which is adapted to switch between two or more seed varieties as the machine traverses a field. The control system uses a programmed quantity of seed representing a number of seeds in the seed meter that need to be substantially consumed once the flow of a first seed variety is stopped before introducing a second seed variety to minimize seed mixing. The seed quantity can be determined by a calibration process or published from the manufacturer or third parties. The seed quantity can also be part of a seeding prescription that includes assignment of where each seed variety is to be planted in a field. The seed quantity and the distance traveled to empty the meter can be used to optimize the planting operation including the machine direction which can also be part of the prescription.

The seed distribution tower of an air seeder has a distribution head that splits a single, primary stream of conveying air and seeds into a plurality of secondary streams for delivery to openers that deposit the seeds into the ground as the seeder advances. The outlets through which the secondary streams exit the head are constructed as modules that can be individually installed and replaced without disassembling the entire head. Shut-off valves and/or flow sensors may or may not be incorporated into certain or all of the modules to provide optimum user flexibility.

A method and system enables sectional control for an air seeding system of a farm implement by exposing a main header, or selected ports of the main header, to a purging air flow when product flow through the selected ports is stopped. A plenum of air is fluidly coupled to the main header and provides a purging air flow to any exit port of the main header that has been shut off from product flow. Valves are used to selectively flow couple the exit ports of the main header to the product flow and to the purging air flow.

An emissions recycling system is used on a vehicle towing an agricultural implement to enrich the fertility of the soil. The system includes an exhaust collector for collecting exhaust emissions from the internal combustion engine of the towing vehicle and an exhaust distribution system for injecting at least a portion of the exhaust emissions collected by the exhaust collector into the ground worked by the ground working tools of the agricultural implement. Fertility of the soil is enriched by bioactivity within the soil's micro flora which consumes the greenhouse gas and emissions.

A no-till apparatus for application of herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in a standing crop has inter-row assemblies configured to pass along inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants. Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator, a no-till soil preparation element, a cover crop seed applicator, and a post-seeding element.

An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. A pushing frame provides arms that are slidable into base tubes of a base frame and the cylinders are connected between the arms and the base tubes to slide the pushing frame with respect to the base frame. Further cylinders are employed to pivot the base frame, the pushing frame and the pushing plate between deployed and non-deployed positions.

One closing assembly of a row unit for an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to support ground-working tools of the row unit. Multiple arms are coupled to the frame, each arm of the multiple arms being independently rotatable about a common axis. Each arm is configured to be coupled to a closing disc configured to direct soil into a trench.

Disclosed are apparatus and method for decontaminating and sterilizing chemical and biological agents, which can efficiently decontaminate and sterilize high precision electronic devices, communication devices, computers or inside of vehicles and air planes contaminated with chemical and biological agent by using mixture of non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma and oxidizing peroxide vapor. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a first fluid supplying line L1 and a second fluid supplying line L2, which are installed in the form of closed circuit between the inlet 11 and outlet 12 of the decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a peroxide vapor supplier which is installed on the first fluid supplying line; and a non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma reactor 70 which is installed on the second fluid supplying line L2.