Abstract: A machine for cutting coarse sod into relatively small plugs for ready packaging and subsequent transplanting, comprising an endless conveyor belt upon which comparatively large rectangular sections of sod can be deposited, so that the sections of sod can be moved intermittently toward a sod cutting device. The sod cutting device preferably is of the single pass cutter type, utilizing a plurality of elongate, closely grouped blades designed to periodically move in unison downwardly into contact with sod to be cut, with such downward cutting movements being immediately followed by an upward movement, thus to permit an advance of the section of sod without interference. I coordinate the movements of the sod cutting device with the belt advance, such that forward movement of a section of sod is in each instance prevented until the cutting blades are clear of the section of sod being cut.

Abstract: A machine for effecting an orientation of carrots or other elongate, tapered vegetables placed thereon, comprising a vibratory table of elongate configuration whose upper surface is principally constituted by a plurality of generally parallel members. These members are spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the table, with the spacing between members increasing incrementally such that the minimum spacing between members exists at one end of the table, and the maximum spacing exists at the other end. Alignment means are utilized such that elongate vegetables cuased to be individually aligned with the longitudinal axis of the table can travel for a substantial portion of the length of the table, bridging at least some of the spaces between members.