ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 10 -- United States Patent no. 12,408,573, issued on Sept. 9.
"Vertical tiller" was invented by Richard B. Sears (San Rafael, Calif.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A vertical tiller comprises a rider disc or foot at the bottom of a helix or screw/auger, with the assemble further comprising angled winged appendages having angled sweep sections. The assembly further comprises a turned leading appendage. The turned leading appendage keeps the assembly relatively vertical to prevent the other appendages from fouling, cutting or entangling with cloth, wire or other elements often found at the bottom of planting pots, wire baskets and planting beds. The vertical tiller perfor...