Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating individual plants from plant and non-plant matter. In one embodiment, an air curtain is directed to a falling mixture of plant and non-plant matter. The air directs some of the plant and non-plant material into a waste or recycling bin and permits further processing of individual plants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trimming plants is described. Workers place individual plants separating individual plants from plant and non-plant matter. In one embodiment, an air curtain is directed to a falling mixture of plant and non-plant matter. The air directs some of the plant and non-plant material into a waste or recycling bin and permits further processing of individual plants. In another embodiment, individual plants are placed in a trim belt and then passed through a trimming station that trims the individual plants.

Abstract: The present invention is a space efficient container-forming machine having an optioinal pre-formation dunnage removal and staging section, an apparatus for forming the bodies of multi-sided containers from flat single-sheet paperboard blanks that assures proper alignment of the leading and trailing edges of the container blank before adhering the first and last body panels of the blank together, an apparatus for altering the path of the partially-formed container bodies while rotating the bodies themselves to a selected angle or position, and a final formation section where the bottom panels of the container are folded and adhered together. In a preferred embodiment, the alignment apparatus is located above the dunnage removal and staging section, and path of container formation inside the machine doubles back against itself in a U-turn (180 degrees), thereby reducing the overall footprint of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in a container forming machine that alters the path of a partially-formed container in a particular direction while independently rotating the partially-formed container itself to a selected angle or position. The apparatus may be incorporated into any container forming machine as an alternative to the traditional unidirectional conveying means. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention allows the path of container formation inside the machine to double back against itself in a U-turn (180 degrees), thereby reducing the overall footprint of the machine, while at the same time positioning the partially-formed container for further formation activity by rotating the container itself only 90 degrees. In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that raises or opens the partially-formed container as it travels along the altered path.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for forming multi-sided containers from flat paperboard blanks without the use of a mandrel or inserted products, and which assures proper alignment of the leading and trailing edges of the container blank before adhering the first and last body panels of the blank together. The apparatus may be incorporated into any container assembly device as an alternative to a mandrel or analogous component. The interaction of numerous plows and guides eventually causes a wrapping action to occur bringing the last panel of the blank into the proximity of the first panel, but friction may cause the last panel to lag behind the first panel. A unique apparatus is provided which maintains separation between the first and last panels upon which adhesive has been applied that includes a mechanism to “catch up” any straggling panels to bring them into proper alignment. Once alignment is accomplished, the panels are pressed together and bonded by the adhesive.

Abstract: Methods of screeding and screeding apparatus which are designed to be driven through poured, uncured concrete. Embodiments of the screeding apparatus are provided with novel wheels which can be moved through concrete both before and after screeding without requiring the re-screeding of the areas through which the wheels have passed.

Abstract: Methods of screeding and screeding apparatus which are designed to be driven through poured, uncured concrete. Embodiments of the screeding apparatus are provided with novel wheels which can be moved through concrete both before and after screeding without requiring the re-screeding of the areas through which the wheels have passed.

Abstract: Methods of screeding and screeding apparatus which are designed to be driven through poured, uncured concrete. Embodiments of the screeding apparatus are provided with novel wheels which can be moved through concrete both before and after screeding without requiring the re-screeding of the areas through which the wheels have passed.