Abstract: A method for isolating bast bark and wood bodies from a bast plant stem (18), whereby the bast plant stem (18) is formed internally by an essentially cylindrical wood body (9), and the wood body (9) is radially covered by a bast bark (3c) containing bast fibers, and is connected to the bast bark (3c) via a meristem tissue (11), which intends that the bast bark (3c) is separated by means of a tensile force (Fz) from the wood body (9), or at least from a constituent part of the wood body (9) through the division of the meristem tissue (11).

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements in paper fastening to enable a user to remove a desired portion of papers from a fastened stack of papers without having to unnecessarily detach unwanted papers in the stack from the prongs of the fastener. The improved paper fastening arrangement is for use with a fastener having a base including two ends each having a leg extended therefrom, the leg foldable relative to the base. The arrangement comprises a sheath including an extension shaped to slideably engage one of the legs, the extension including an opening that defines a cavity to receive the leg, wherein the extension at least partially covers the leg and is operative to engage through sheet materials. At least one guide tab depends from the extension downward from the opening, the guide tab being foldable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating kenaf into fiber and core uses a modified stick machine conventionally used in the cotton industry for removing trash from unginned cotton. Lengths of kenaf are delivered onto the periphery of a saw cylinder so the toothed wheels snag the fiber and draw the kenaf across a grate. Core is detached from the fiber, passes through the grate and is delivered to a core outlet. Fiber on the toothed wheels are removed by a doffing wheel and delivered to a fiber outlet. Multiple saw cylinder/doffing wheel assemblies are provided.

Abstract: A mobile flax decorticator wherein the flax is collected in the field by passing the decorticator through the field and picking up the flax from swaths and the like, the flax straw is then decorticated by passing first through a shredder and then a decorticator, the decorticated flax is directed into a pneumatic cyclone wherein the bast fibres are separated from the dross with the bast fibres exiting through the apex outlet of the cyclone and entering into a suitable packaging equipment such as a baler.