Abstract: An ablation resistant, monolithic, activated, carbon foam produced by the activation of a coal-based carbon foam through the action of carbon dioxide, ozone or some similar oxidative agent that pits and/or partially oxidizes the carbon foam skeleton, thereby significantly increasing its overall surface area and concurrently increasing its filtering ability. Such activated carbon foams are suitable for application in virtually all areas where particulate or gel form activated carbon materials have been used. Such an activated carbon foam can be fabricated, i.e. sawed, machined and otherwise shaped to fit virtually any required filtering location by simple insertion and without the need for handling the “dirty” and friable particulate activated carbon foam materials of the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed is an efficient method for culturing an edible basidiomycetous fungus such as Mushroom Agaricus Blazei Murill in a liquid culture medium to give fungus aggregates of several centimeter size. Characteristically, the liquid culture medium is formulated with sucrose as a carbon source in the form of crude cane sugar in combination with a water-insoluble growth-supporting material in the form of a fine powder to serve as the core of the fungus aggregates as selected from crushed sugarcane, sugarcane bagasse, pine trees and wheat bran. Further characteristically, the culturing procedure is carried out under an oxygen-enriched condition by blowing oxygen-enriched air of at least 30% by volume oxygen into the culture medium under pressurization at 0.12 to 0.5 MPa (absolute) in a specified blowing rate.

Abstract: Plant potting machines and methods have synchronized continuous motion pot track and soil drilling systems. In especially preferred forms, potting machines and methods of forming a planting recess in soil contained within a pot are provided which move a soil-filled pot continuously along a linear segment of a pot track, and move a drill bit continuously in synchronized registry with the soil-filled pot at the same time as the pot moves continuously along the linear segment of the pot track. Most preferably, simultaneous horizontal and vertical motion components are imparted to a soil-drilling drill bit relative to the linear segment of the pot track, for example, by moving the drill bit in an arcuate (preferably circular) orbit above the pot track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roll-up cover system, comprising a tarpaulin (30) having a fixed edge (30-1) and a free edge (30-2) secured to a winding shaft (31), in which the tarpaulin is of the double-membrane inflatable type (30a, 30b) and all or part of the unwinding of the tarpaulin is carried out by inflating the tarpaulin, the inflating pressure occurring in the tarpaulin unwinding the tarpaulin or contributing to the unwinding force. Application particularly to horticultural greenhouses.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping or flower pot with a laminated sheet of material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The laminated sheet of material is provided with a substantially undistorted printed pattern disposed thereon. When the laminated sheet of material is utilized to wrap a floral grouping, the wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A decorative wrapper for a floral grouping or flower pot wherein a sheet of material having embossed and printed patterns thereon is wrapped about at least a portion of the floral grouping or flower pot. The printed pattern may be in or out of register with the embossed pattern, or a portion of the printed and embossed patterns may be in register with one another and a portion of the printed and embossed patterns may be out of register with one another. The sheet of material may be provided in the form of a pad containing a plurality of sheets of material or in the form of a roll wherein the sheets of material are separable from the roll of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planting pot with a conical outer surface, bottom and shaped rim on the pot opening. The aim of the invention is to provide a method for producing such a planting pot from a blank that can be produced without material loss. To this end, a conical blank produced from a single rectangular unwound section is transversely cut from a larger, web-shaped flat structure that has two parallel straight web edges (10, 12). The blank has two identical arched separating edges (14, 16), and the outer edge of the two straight longitudinal edges (12) of the ribbon section is glued. The invention further relates to a planting pot with an inverted dome shaped bottom (22) from the tapered end of the blank shaped using heat and pressure, and with a flange-type edge (24) from the widening end of the blank shaped using heat and pressure.

Abstract: A floatable planting device includes two or more floatable bases coupled together with one or more couplers for floating or buoyant on the pool and for supporting and growing the plants naturally without watering and without providing nutrition to the plants. The bases may be used for shading the pools and for cleaning the water and for airing the pools and for improving the aquatic animals breeding environment to a comfortable environment. The couplers may rotatably or flexibly couple the bases together for allowing the bases to be rotated or moved relative to each other.

Abstract: A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a flexible sleeve which may be provided with detaching elements at preselected areas. The sleeve may further include a bonding material which connects the sleeve to the flower pot when the flower pot is positioned within the sleeve. When the sleeve is positioned about the flower pot, a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounds and encompasses the flower pot, and an upper portion of the sleeve extends upwardly from the flower pot and substantially surrounds and encompasses the floral grouping contained within the flower pot. At least a portion of the sleeve is removable via the detaching elements, leaving a portion of the sleeve which forms a decorative plant cover.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material disposed on the tubular sleeve, and a plant package produced by the method.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve has a bonding material disposed upon an inner and/or outer portion of the sleeve for crimping the sleeve adjacent the pot to hold the sleeve about the pot.

Abstract: A method of purging a fuel processing system comprising a steam reformer having a catalyst comprising nickel is provided. In one embodiment, the present method comprises supplying a purge gas to the steam reformer, the purge gas comprising an inert gas and hydrogen. A fuel processing system is also provided, the present system comprising: a steam reformer having a catalyst comprising nickel; means for supplying a purge gas at least to the reformer; and, a hydrogen supply for supplying hydrogen to the purge gas.

Abstract: An improved casement window is provided which includes a tie bar and at least two tie bar guides through which the tie bar slidably extends. The tie bar guides are secured to a window frame which includes an elongated groove that extends parallel to the tie bar. Each tie bar guide includes at least one locating leg that extends outward from the tie bar guide body and that is received in the groove of the window frame to assist in the easy location of the tie bar guide and tie bar along the window frame. Further, each tie bar guide may be equipped with a protruding nib that is received in an aperture disposed in the tie bar. The cooperation of the tie bar guide and the aperture of the tie bar ensures that the tie bar guide is properly spaced along the length of the tie bar. The nib is sheared off of the tie bar guide after the tie bar guide is secured to the window frame and the tie bar is moved axially through the guide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a covering arrangement for selectively covering and uncovering first and second closure members of an opening such as defined by a window, doorway and the like; in particular, the invention is related to a selectively positionable covering arrangement comprising at least first and second cover members that are relatively laterally slidable between a first position wherein the cover members are coplanar with one another and in juxtaposed covering relation with a respective of the closure members and a second position wherein the cover members are in parallel juxtaposed relation with one another and with one of the cover members whereby to uncover the other of the cover members.

Abstract: The incorporation or blending of from about 1 to about 10% by volume of a “carbide precursor” powder, preferably on the order of <100 microns in size, with a coal particulate starting material and the subsequent production of carbon foam in accordance with the method described herein, results in a carbon foam that exhibits significantly enhanced abrasive characteristics typical of those required in the polishing of, for example glass, in the manufacture of cathode ray tubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified coupling system that can be used with camouflage systems and is particularly useful with ULCANS and LCSS camouflage systems. The present invention provides compatibility between the two dissimilar systems simultaneously while maintaining quick disconnect capabilities with either system. Further, the present invention provides a method for modifying existing ULCANS system camouflage units to meet the present need.

Abstract: The present invention taught, enabled, described, illustrated and claimed herein comprises a continuous cover-type debris/fluid separation apparatus which is easily installed in existing, conventional trough-type gutter structures. The apparatus is configured to capture a small amount of water between two ridge features in a what is termed herein a “static pool.” The first ridge is preferably formed adjacent the outer part of the gutter structure and the second ridge is formed adjacent the inner part of the gutter structure (i.e., adjacent a terminal edge of the roof of a building). The first ridge has an apex portion that is preferably is disposed at a higher elevation than an apex portion of the second ridge. The portion of the cover structure disposed between the first ridge and the second ridge thus defines the static pool region. As rainwater flowing from the terminal edge of the roof begins to fill the static pool region the rainwater naturally seeks level.

Abstract: Building component assemblies include a sound-deadening board having defined compressional stiffness positioned between a framing member and an assembly board.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of a plurality of solar panels mounted on a frame made of support beams which may be sheet metal channel members. A butyl tape or other glazing material is applied between the back laminate of the solar panel and the beam. Clips are used to clamp the panels to th support beams. The clips have an upper portion that is generally T-shaped in profile, and a retainer in the form of a channel nut or bar, with a threaded hole that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener. The retainer biases against the inwardly directed flanges of the channel support beam. Electrical wires and mechanical fasteners are concealed within the support beams.

Abstract: An improvement to a stair module support system includes a flexible engagement between a post and a channel attached to the underside of a stair module. The flexible engagement enables the stair module support system to be assembled and placed into a stored configuration with each post received by a corresponding channel. The system may then be shipped to an installation site where the posts may be rotated to a deployed position without requiring further assembly or tools.

Abstract: A window wrap used to accommodate and protect various thicknesses of drywall around a rough window frame, which forms a window frame with perfectly square corners. The window wrap has a jamb/sill extension and a wall extension, each extending perpendicular to each other. The wall extension has a front surface, a rear surface, and a distal surface extending between the front and rear surfaces, and is adjustable to fit various thicknesses of drywall panel. A layer of primer or adhesive laminate is applied to the front surface of each extension so that paint can bond to the front surface. The jamb/sill extension of the window wrap may also be made similar to the wall extension and used to form any depth of jamb/sill.

Abstract: A glazing assembly for a window assembly has a frame and a windowpane sized to fit within the frame. A sacrificial glazing panel substantially covers one surface of the windowpane. A self-locking seal assembly is seated in the frame, and has interlocking unitary arms and a hinged portion. The seal assembly releasably captivates the glazing panel and the windowpane within the frame. When the unitary arms are locked, the seal assembly captivates the windowpane and the sacrificial glazing. When the unitary arms are unlocked, the seal assembly captivates the windowpane but does not captivate the sacrificial glazing. When the self-locking seal assembly is folded about the hinged portion in an open position, the seal assembly does not captivate the windowpane or the sacrificial glazing.

Abstract: The invention is a new support for raised floors with adjustable height, comprising a cylindrical base element, threaded on the inside, for resting on the laying surface, an intermediate element or extension, threaded at top and bottom, and a top element with a concave top housing a swinging cap with diaphragms, on which the flat elements of the raised floor rest. This new support makes it possible to construct perfectly flat and continuous raised floors even in presence of considerable differences in level or slopes of the laying surface.

Abstract: A plaster crown molding tile system has an upright body portion providing a front decorative surface and a rear wall-engaging surface. Integral with the body portion, a topper portion extends angularly upwardly. A first tile provides a laterally extensive linear portion, the rear wall-engaging surface of the linear portion configured for surface-to-surface contact with a generally flat wall. The linear portion terminates at one end with an integral corner-turning portion which is small in lateral proportion to the linear portion. The rear wall-engaging surface of the corner-turning portion is oriented for contact with a second generally flat wall usually set at a right angle to the first wall. The corner-turning portion terminates laterally with a non-mitered first edge, laying in a plane generally perpendicular to the second generally flat wall wherein the first edge abuts a linear tile with a second edge conforming to the first edge for forming a uniformly tight butt seam.

Abstract: A method is provided for sealing and/or insulating a construction surface. Foam is applied to the construction surface followed by insulating material. The foam mechanically couples to the construction surface, and the insulating material mechanically couples to the foam. Alternatively, a structure is provided having a construction surface. A foam layer is adjacent to and mechanically coupled to the construction surface. Insulating material is adjacent to and mechanically coupled to the foam layer.

Abstract: A decorative ceiling panel comprises a transparent front cover, a rear cover and a sheet of material. The rear cover is superimposed on the front cover so as to cooperate with the front cover to form a sheet receiving space. The sheet of material has a decorative design formed on at least one side. The sheet of material is disposed between the front cover and the rear cover in the sheet receiving space. The decorative design of the sheet of material faces the front cover so as to be viewable through the front cover. The front cover and the rear cover engage the sheet of material to maintain the sheet of material between the front cover and the rear cover.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, panels, crash mats and other flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium or steel, to help absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with said flat surfaces. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or metals such as titanium or steel—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon a flat surface to hold the spring in place. Thus, a floor or wall surface may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.

Abstract: A blanket of fibrous building insulation is provided, for in situ cutting to correspond to spacings between studs or like building members between which the insulation is to be applied. The blanket includes a layer of fibrous insulation material and a facing material adhered thereto. An adhesive provides the adhesion between the two layers. Perforations in the facing material provide openings allowing some of the adhesive to bleed into the perforations to be visible from the opposite side whereby a plurality of perforations provide guidelines for cutting the blanket to desired sizes for installation between structural building members.

Abstract: An attachment element for use with a concrete wall construction that includes a layer of concrete and a layer of an insulative material that is held against a face of the layer of concrete. The attachment element includes an elongated body member having a first portion that is adapted and arranged for embedment in the layer of concrete as the latter hardens and a second portion that is positioned longitudinally of the body member from the first portion. The second portion is adapted and arranged so as to extend outwardly from the face of the concrete and through a closed slot formed in the layer of insulative material. The attachment element also includes an elongated face plate that is attached to the second portion of the body member adjacent an outer end of the latter.

Abstract: A method for repairing an insulating glass unit and apparatus to facilitate such repair. A bore is drilled through a frame encasing an insulating glass unit to expose the peripheral spacer of the unit, and a hole is drilled through a wall of the spacer to enable air to enter the space between the panes. The hole in the spacer is then sealed, for example, with a rivet, and the bore in the frame is then filled and sealed as well.

Abstract: A structure to fast combine two boards into a box or cabinet by means of a snap catch comprised of a catch piece and a strike piece without using any screw, within, the catch piece being incorporated into a first board and provided with catch-hook while the strike plate being incorporated into a second board provided with recess to receive insertion by the catch from the catch piece to couple both boards to each other, laterally or vertically as required.

Abstract: A floor assembly includes a plurality of floor units each includes two side grooves and two bottom grooves. Any two adjacent floor units are connected side by side by a connection member which has a base plate with two engaging portions extending from a top surface thereof. An upright portion extends from the top surface of the base plate and a horizontal plate extends horizontally from the upright portion. Two ends of the horizontal plate are respectively engaged with two respective side grooves of two adjacent floor units, and the two engaging portions are engaged with the two bottom grooves of the two adjacent floor units.

Abstract: The invention concerns a component (1) for building wall elements or the like, comprising a cuboidal base element (2) that has one or more grooves (11) at least in one part of its periphery (5-10). A strip-shaped spring is used as connecting element (3, 4) in said grooves (11) to ensure positive-fit connection of adjacent base elements (2) to one another. This makes it possible to produce a groove-spring type of connection between adjacent components (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground covering element for making a ground gutter, with an upper side where a groove portion is provided, a lower side, two oppositely disposed longitudinal sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, a first face supporting a first registration section of the groove portion, and, in opposed relation, a second face supporting a second registration section of the groove portion, such that the faces each provide at least one projecting portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, and at least one receptive portion shaped at recess in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, in which projecting portion can be brought into engagement with a recessed portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, and each recessed portion can be brought into engagement with a projecting portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, such that an edge formed between the lower side and the first face has a configuration which is essential

Abstract: A stablized retaining wall structure comprising concrete blocks stacked in an array of superimposed rows, and with a stable anchoring assembly being in restraining contact with selected blocks. An access bore extends from the rear surface of the block to the surface of the wall comprising the hollow core. An earthen fill zone is arranged in spaced apart relationship to the rear surface of the wall and clean granular back-fill is interposed between the wall and the earthen fill zone. A keeper device is provided to couple selected wall blocks to the stable anchoring assembly, with the keeper device being configured to be restrainably held within the hollow core. An elongated fastener is coupled to the keeper device, with the fastener extending through the access bore and secured to the stable anchoring assembly.

Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift devices embedded in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes multiple retaining knobs that protrude from the lower surface of the block and help to align a block with previously-laid blocks underneath.

Abstract: A composite structural article, of preferably metal and thermoplastic material is described. The composite structural article comprises: (a) at least one reinforcing element (2) having sized openings (20); and (b) at least three profiled sections (1, 3, 4). A portion of each profiled section (1, 3, 4) is connected interlockingly with a portion of the reinforcing element (2). At least two of the profiled sections (1, 3, 4) have terminal portions each having a projecting region (5) that engages interlockingly with the sized openings (20) of the reinforcing element (2), such that a portion of the reinforcing element (2) surrounds at least partially the projecting regions (5). The profiled sections (1, 3, 4) are further joined to the reinforcing element (2) by means of thermoplastic material (10, 11, 12, 13) injected in the region of each interlocking connection with the reinforcing element (2).

Abstract: A reinforcement bar support system transfers forces perpendicular to a wall to a surrounding frame while permitting movement of the wall with respect to the frame in the direction of the plane of the wall and in the vertical direction. A bar is built into the wall. The apparatus includes a brace that is attached to the frame and a face that projects from the brace. Flanges extend outwardly from the face to receive the bar and limit movement of the bar with respect to the frame in the direction perpendicular to the wall.

Abstract: A twisted wire tie for concrete forming has an elongate loop with a single strand of wire on one side and a twisted double strand on the opposite side. Two stops on the tie are formed at opposite ends of the twisted double strand and engage the twisted strand and the single strand so as to prevent unwinding of the twisted strand when the tie is placed in tension.

Abstract: A trim system includes aesthetic trim components adapted for interconnected attachment to painted exterior vehicle body panels. The first and second trim components have edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces but that overlap to prevent see-through between the trim components. The first and second trim components include a recess and a hook frictionally engaging the recess to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line. The first and second trim components also include an alignment flange portion and a clamping flange engaging the alignment flange portion to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces. At least one of the edge flanges has a reduced thickness to minimize a thickness of the assembly, with the hook and clamping flanges also being designed to minimize total thickness.

Abstract: A method of releasably fastening objects together includes providing a first object with a continuous hook fastener membrane having a base of thermoplastic resin and an array of hook fastener elements formed contiguously with resin of one side of the base; and releasably engaging complementary loop fastener elements of a second object to the fastener elements of the first object. The base of the fastener membrane is an wide and thin, permanently stretched membrane of resin. The membrane is useful for roofing, siding, insulating, flooring, ceiling installation and wall coverings, for example.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, automated pharmaceutical product packaging systems and methods ensure that a pharmaceutical product package label accurately reflects the contents of the product package. During the packaging process coding techniques are utilized, wherein prior to or immediately after automatically filling a particular pharmaceutical product package with selected pharmaceuticals as specified in a patient prescription, the packaging systems and methods employ a specific code identifier or designator associated with the package to be filled that is recognized by the system. The system maintains information that correlates the identifying code with the particular prescription that is filled into the package. The pharmaceutical product package is preferably automatically filled with the desired specified pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: A package of a strip of material is formed by slitting or perforating a web to separate the web into side by side strips and fan folding the web to form a plurality of side by side stacks of the strips. The strip of each stack is spliced to the strip of the next stack to form a continuous strip through the package which can be unfolded for supply continuously to an end use machine. The package while compressed is wrapped by a packaging material which includes a bottom header plate and heat shrink bag wrapped around the package and under a bottom header plate and heat sealed to a bottom surface of the bottom header plate. The spliced connecting portions are held attached to the end plane of the package by a series of spaced tie members formed of spare strip material each of which extends across the end plane and has opposed ends of the tie member tucked between two of the strip portions of respective ones of the outermost stacks.

Abstract: The closure system of the present invention includes a pressure pad of conventional design which is urged against the external surfaces of a plurality of loosely associated overlying prefolded end side wall portions of the bottom end of a carton blank which is disposed on a mandrel which includes a backup pad disposed within the carton and contiguous to the internal surfaces of the prefolded end side wall portions to thereby capture the prefolded end side wall portions between the pressure pad and the backup pad.

Abstract: In a packaging machine that includes an elongated mandrel for the formation of a blank into a carton, wherein the mandrel includes a secured end and a distal end, a method and apparatus are provided for correctly positioning the blank relative to the distal end of the mandrel. The carton stop comprises a selectively rotatable tool that includes an engagement segment and is operable from a remote location, an elongated threaded rod that includes a secured end rotatably secured to the packaging machine and a distal end, and an abutment member threadably mounted upon the rod for longitudinal movement along the threaded rod in response to rotation of said threaded rod. The threaded rod defines an engagement segment adapted to engage the engagement segment of the rotating tool.

Abstract: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a compression mechanism and an input hopper that receives agricultural feed. The hopper has a sloping wall and a lower end exit chute located to transfer the feed into the primary compression mechanism (e.g., a rotating toothed cylinder). The tapered hopper causes the feed to bridge, stopping the feed from falling through the chute. A new distribution mechanism in the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. By preventing the feed from clogging, there is less reason to risk one's safety by foolishly inserting their limb into the hopper. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of the tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above the primary compression mechanism. This increases the compaction on the top portion of the tunnel without unduly juicing the feed.