Abstract: A seed grinder includes a housing that is configured to contain seeds and a buffer solution, a grinding mechanism that is positionable in the housing to grind the seeds in the housing, and a dispensing mechanism attached to the housing and configured to dispense the ground seeds and the buffer solution from the housing into a sample holder.

Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacting by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.