Abstract: A singular federated Low Power Wide Area Virtual Network (LVN) computing system and method provides a controlling interface between Radio Access Network (RAN) Provider participants and participating Application Provider End-Devices. The system leverages the advantages of each RAN Provider participant. It allows Application Providers to use a variety of RANs, and RAN Providers to offer services to Application Providers without the need for direct relationships. Steps include an End-Device transmitting a message, receiving the End-Device transmission at one or more gateways, determining if the End-Device is a LVN member, if no, discard the transmission message, if yes, test the validity of the received end device transmission message at a network controller, if not valid, discard the transmission message, if valid, weight the message by the receiving gateway's class, fractionalize the message, and attribute value to the RAN provider and the Application Provider.

Abstract: A method for clearing stalled containers in a taping or other container sealer includes the steps of (i) conveying a container to a sealing station, (ii) sealing the container with a sealer at the sealing station as the container travels through the sealing station, (iii) detecting a stalled container in the sealing station, and (iv) raising the sealer upon detection of a stalled container in the sealing station to relieve the stalled condition so that the container travels through the sealing station and is sealed by the sealer. Raising the sealer can clear the stalled container, thereby minimizing or eliminating events that require an operator's attention.

Abstract: A method for clearing stalled containers in a taping or other container sealer includes the steps of (i) conveying a container to a sealing station, (ii) sealing the container with a sealer at the sealing station as the container travels through the sealing station, (iii) detecting a stalled container in the sealing station, and (iv) raising the sealer upon detection of a stalled container in the sealing station to relieve the stalled condition so that the container travels through the sealing station and is sealed by the sealer. Raising the sealer can clear the stalled container, thereby minimizing or eliminating events that require an operator's attention.

Abstract: A system (10) for dispensing dunnage material includes a chute (30) connectable to a supply (20, 40) of flowable dunnage. A container (12) or a bottom of the chute (30) is moved into a dispensing position where the bottom of the chute (30) is proximate the fill plane of the container (12). A controller (16) selectively opens a shutter (50) at the bottom of the chute (30) to dispense dunnage and then closes the shutter (50) to separate the dispensed dunnage from the dunnage in the chute (30) while also removing the dunnage above the fill plane of the container (12). The chute (30) includes at least one substantially horizontal plate member (54) that is openable to selectively vary the size of an aperture (52) created thereby at the bottom of the chute (30) for dispensing dunnage material therethrough.

Abstract: A system (10) for dispensing dunnage material includes a chute (30) connectable to a supply (20, 40) of flowable dunnage. A container (12) or a bottom of the chute (30) is moved into a dispensing position where the bottom of the chute (30) is proximate the fill plane of the container (12). A controller (16) selectively opens a shutter (50) at the bottom of the chute (30) to dispense dunnage and then closes the shutter (50) to separate the dispensed dunnage from the dunnage in the chute (30) while also removing the dunnage above the fill plane of the container (12). The chute (30) includes at least one substantially horizontal plate member (54) that is openable to selectively vary the size of an aperture (52) created thereby at the bottom of the chute (30) for dispensing dunnage material therethrough.

Abstract: An elongated member having one arcuate shaped edge and on the opposite side a straight edge may be used to plant vegetative matter on a bank or hill. The elongated member is curved into a semi-circle and held in place by spikes so that a planting hole may be formed on the uphill side thereof.

Abstract: An elongated member having one arcuate shaped edge and on the opposite side a straight edge may be used to plant vegetative matter on a bank or hill. The elongated member is curved into a semi-circle and held in place by spikes so that a planting hole may be formed on the uphill side thereof.