Abstract: A ditch forming apparatus having: a frame; a primary ditch forming assembly having: a) a first subassembly for penetrating and separating subjacent ground material; and b) a second subassembly for directing separated ground material away from a ditch being formed; and a ground treatment assembly to facilitate delivery of ground material to the second subassembly and having a ground engaging component that is turned around a first axis. At least one of: a) a vertical height of the first axis relative to the frame; b) a variable vertical force generated between the at least one ground engaging component and frame; c) a fore and aft position of the first axis relative to the frame; d) a speed of turning of the at least one ground engaging component around the first axis; and e) a direction of turning of the at least one ground engaging component around the first axis, can be changed.

Abstract: A ditch forming apparatus having: a frame; a primary ditch forming assembly having: a) a first subassembly for penetrating and separating subjacent ground material; and b) a second subassembly for directing separated ground material away from a ditch being formed; and a ground treatment assembly to facilitate delivery of ground material to the second subassembly and having a ground engaging component that is turned around a first axis. At least one of: a) a vertical height of the first axis relative to the frame; b) a variable vertical force generated between the at least one ground engaging component and frame; c) a fore and aft position of the first axis relative to the frame; d) a speed of turning of the at least one ground engaging component around the first axis; and e) a direction of turning of the at least one ground engaging component around the first axis, can be changed.

Abstract: A textile spreader apparatus, comprising: a first spread carriage and a second spread carriage, each configured to respectively receive opposing corners of a leading edge of a textile and to respectively convey the opposing corners in substantially opposing directions toward an extended position, such that the leading edge of the textile travels along a predetermined path; a catch arranged in the predetermined path of the leading edge, such that the catch intercepts the leading edge; and a sensor configured to detect when the catch intercepts the leading edge, wherein the catch is configured to retract from the path of the leading edge upon the sensor detecting a pressure applied to the leading edge, exceeding a threshold, wherein the threshold is reduced as the first spread carriage and the second spread carriage convey the opposing corners toward the extended position.

Abstract: A textile spreader apparatus, comprising: a first spread carriage and a second spread carriage, each configured to respectively receive opposing corners of a leading edge of a textile and to respectively convey the opposing corners in substantially opposing directions toward an extended position, such that the leading edge of the textile travels along a predetermined path; a catch arranged in the predetermined path of the leading edge, such that the catch intercepts the leading edge; and a sensor configured to detect when the catch intercepts the leading edge, wherein the catch is configured to retract from the path of the leading edge upon the sensor detecting a pressure applied to the leading edge, exceeding a threshold, wherein the threshold is reduced as the first spread carriage and the second spread carriage convey the opposing corners toward the extended position.