Abstract: An inkjet printer uses ink supply containers that includes bladders for holding waste fluids produced by printhead maintenance stations. The bladders are connected serially or in parallel to the output ports of the printhead maintenance stations to store waste fluids within the bladders of the ink supply containers. As the ink supply containers are depleted of their supply ink, they are replaced and new ink supply containers having bladders within them are installed to renew the capacity of the printer to store waste fluids. In two embodiments, the need for a waste fluid reservoir is eliminated and in a third embodiment, the operational life of a waste fluid reservoir is extended. In all of these embodiments, the production of plastic waste by the printer is reduced.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a waste ink treatment system and a humidification chamber to separate waste ink produced by a printhead maintenance station into solid ink pigment particles and a solvent stream and use the solvent stream to maintain inkjets in the printheads of the inkjet printer in operational status. The waste ink treatment system mixes the waste ink with a metal salt to precipitate the solid ink pigment particles out of the waste ink. The solvent stream remaining after the precipitation of the pigment particles is humidified and directed to air baffles positioned on opposite sides of each printhead in every other printhead module in the process direction. A kit is provided to retroactively modify an existing inkjet printer to treat the waste ink and use the solvent stream to maintain the operational status of the inkjets in the printheads of the inkjet printer.

Abstract: A standing tree baling apparatus includes a main frame and a boom pivotably connected to the main frame. The boom has a first end and a second end. A boom lifter is connected between the main frame and the boom for raising and lowering the boom about a pivot joint at the first end of the boom. A rotation arm has a first arm end and a second arm end. The rotation arm is pivotably connected to the second end of the boom at the first arm end. A driver pivots the arm relative to the boom. A compression ring is sized for loosely encircling a trunk of a standing tree and adapted for forcibly moving a succession of branches of the tree non-destructively inward toward the trunk of the tree as the ring is raised about the tree to facilitate baling of the tree with rope line. The ring is connected to the second arm end.

Abstract: A standing tree baling apparatus includes a main frame and a boom pivotably connected to the main frame. The boom has a first end and a second end. A boom lifter is connected between the main frame and the boom for raising and lowering the boom about a pivot joint at the first end of the boom. A rotation arm has a first arm end and a second arm end. The rotation arm is pivotably connected to the second end of the boom at the first arm end. A driver pivots the arm relative to the boom. A compression ring is sized for loosely encircling a trunk of a standing tree and adapted for forcibly moving a succession of branches of the tree non-destructively inward toward the trunk of the tree as the ring is raised about the tree to facilitate baling of the tree with rope line. The ring is connected to the second arm end.

Abstract: A standing tree branch compression ring is adapted to be vertically raised about the trunk of the tree by lifting means. As the ring is lifted, the ring forcibly moves the tree branches inward. A plastic ring liner is affixed to the outer surface of the ring to reduce the coefficient of friction of the ring to mitigate tree branch damage. The ring includes a plurality of segments that form a generally toroidal shape and includes a releasable segment to accept the tree trunk from the side. The segment is then connected to the remainder of the ring, around the tree trunk, before the ring is raised.

Abstract: A standing tree branch compression ring is adapted to be vertically raised about the trunk of the tree by lifting means. As the ring is lifted, the ring forcibly moves the tree branches inward. A plastic ring liner is affixed to the outer surface of the ring to reduce the coefficient of friction of the ring to mitigate tree branch damage. The ring includes a plurality of segments that form a generally toroidal shape and includes a releasable segment to accept the tree trunk from the side. The segment is then connected to the remainder of the ring, around the tree trunk, before the ring is raised.

Abstract: A towable trailored standing tree baler provides independent maneuverability with sufficient structural strength required for baling large trees. A telescopic wheeled frame provides ground support directly underneath a tree branch compression ring and therefore provides a strong structural foundation for pushing the ring upward. The support wheels of the frame can be both steered and tilted so that the apparatus can be centered on the tree even on uneven ground. A compression ring lifting boom utilizes an interconnecting rotation arm between the end of the boom and the compression ring so that the ring may be positioned at a very low starting point close to the ground and then moved accurately upwardly with the circumference of the ring being held level and centered. A specialized lining material on the ring reduces friction against the tree limb bark and therefore reduces tree limb damage.

Abstract: A towable trailored standing tree baler provides independent maneuverability with sufficient structural strength required for baling large trees. A telescopic wheeled frame provides ground support directly underneath a tree branch compression ring and therefore provides a strong structural foundation for pushing the ring upward. The support wheels of the frame can be both steered and tilted so that the apparatus can be centered on the tree even on uneven ground. A compression ring lifting boom utilizes an interconnecting rotation arm between the end of the boom and the compression ring so that the ring may be positioned at a very low starting point close to the ground and then moved accurately upwardly with the circumference of the ring being held level and centered. A specialized lining material on the ring reduces friction against the tree limb bark and therefore reduces tree limb damage.