Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus and method for mechanically breaking or decompressing blocks of compressed particulate material and, more specifically, to an apparatus and method for breaking apart blocks of coir, peat moss, or similar materials generally used in the horticultural industry. The apparatus can decompress particulate material in a dry state or a wet state without causing physical damage to the material. The apparatus generally comprises a breaking chamber, a rotary breaker assembly, and a screen at the bottom of the chamber through which decompressed material falls. The breaker assembly generally comprises rotary breaker bars, which decompress the particulate material as they rotate. The decompressed material then falls into a discharge chute, where it is then discharged from the apparatus for further use.

Abstract: Plant potting machines and methods have synchronized continuous motion pot track and soil drilling systems. In especially preferred forms, potting machines and methods of forming a planting recess in soil contained within a pot are provided which move a soil-filled pot continuously along a linear segment of a pot track, and move a drill bit continuously in synchronized registry with the soil-filled pot at the same time as the pot moves continuously along the linear segment of the pot track. Most preferably, simultaneous horizontal and vertical motion components are imparted to a soil-drilling drill bit relative to the linear segment of the pot track, for example, by moving the drill bit in an arcuate (preferably circular) orbit above the pot track.

Abstract: Plant potting machines and methods have synchronized continuous motion pot track and soil drilling systems. In especially preferred forms, potting machines and methods of forming a planting recess in soil contained within a pot are provided which move a soil-filled pot continuously along a linear segment of a pot track, and move a drill bit continuously in synchronized registry with the soil-filled pot at the same time as the pot moves continuously along the linear segment of the pot track. Most preferably, simultaneous horizontal and vertical motion components are imparted to a soil-drilling drill bit relative to the linear segment of the pot track, for example, by moving the drill bit in an arcuate (preferably circular) orbit above the pot track.

Abstract: Plant potting machines and methods have synchronized continuous motion pot track and soil drilling systems. In especially preferred forms, potting machines and methods of forming a planting recess in soil contained within a pot are provided which move a soil-filled pot continuously along a linear segment of a pot track, and move a drill bit continuously in synchronized registry with the soil-filled pot at the same time as the pot moves continuously along the linear segment of the pot track. Most preferably, simultaneous horizontal and vertical motion components are imparted to a soil-drilling drill bit relative to the linear segment of the pot track, for example, by moving the drill bit in an arcuate (preferably circular) orbit above the pot track.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for breaking blocks of compressed particulate material (e.g., coconut coir, peat moss and the like) includes feeding blocks of compressed coconut coir into a confined breaking space, and breaking coconut coir from the blocks to form a loose mass of coconut coir by causing the blocks of compressed coconut coir to tumble against one another along a general figure-eight flow path. Most preferably, the blocks of compressed particulate material fed into the confined breaking space are brought into contact with a spirally oriented rotary breaking bar. The breaking bar is supported concentrically relative to a central axis by means of radially disposed support arms which carry generally triangular lift teeth. The action of the spiral breaking bar and lift teeth (if present) cause the blocks of compressed particulate material to tumble against one another in the confined chamber along a general figure-eight flow path.

Abstract: A plant potting machine includes a pot track for sequentially conveying plant pots along a potting path. A soil lift conveyor having a soil discharge chute lifting soil above the pot track and discharges the soil through the soil discharge chute and into those plant pots on the pot track positioned in the potting path therebelow, while a soil infeed conveyor conveys the soil from a source thereof to the soil lift conveyor. The soil flow rate between the infeed and lift conveyors is synchronized by a chain-and-sprocket synchronizer. Thus, a soil flow-control motor connected to the chain-and-sprocket synchronizer continuously drives the same so that the soil infeed and lift conveyors respectively feed and lift soil in a continuous synchronous manner to thereby effect control over the flow of soil from the soil source to the discharge chute.