Abstract: A downdraft channel gasifier for the efficient conversion of biomass materials to usable heat energy, which includes at least two generally triangularly shaped air ducts positioned longitudinally across an enclosed housing defining a combustion chamber. The air ducts have sloping sides which downwardly converge towards one another to define at least one open-botton V-shaped channel, the sloping sides primarily supporting the biomass fuel which will be combusted to derive producer gas. The air ducts are hollow and are in fluid communication with a high pressure air source at one end, and with the gasification chamber through air jet openings near their apexes. The high pressure air exits out air jet openings along the top edges of the air ducts, providing primary air for gasification of the biomass in the channels. The producer gas passes down between the channels and horizontally to an exit.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for treating compressible materials, such as hay or other fibrous materials, with a treating substance, preferably anhydrous ammonia, as a preservative for the treated compressible material. The treating substance is preferably introduced into a treating area as a gas, but may be introduced in aqueous or liquid form to establish a fog of treating substance in the treating area.The compressible material to be treated is introduced into the treating area which preferably has air locks, established by a pair of pressure rollers, at both the compressible material inlet and outlet to maintain the treating substance within the treating area.Within the treating area, a path is established for continuous movement of the compressible materials from the inlet to the outlet rollers.

Abstract: A harvester pick-up is disclosed for harvesting agricultural products which are located above, but in contact with, or very close, to the field surface. The agricultural products, such as tomatoes, are seized between two contra-rotating flexible discs which are operated in contact with the field surface and deformed thereby to lift all agricultural products located on said field surface up above the discs where they are then discharged into a conveyor belt.