Abstract: Tile panel assemblies and systems of manufacturing and installing said tile panels. The tile panels of the subject invention can be used as a covering for walls, roofs, siding, etc. on a variety of structures. In one embodiment, the tiles are manufactured of a lightweight concrete having sufficient strength to withstand extreme weather and wind conditions, as well as normal handling or foot traffic required for installation and maintenance. In a further embodiment, the tiles of the subject invention comprise insulation, preferably foam, affixed thereto. The tile panels are constructed so as to present an overlapping configuration and selectively interlocking systems that provide resistance to negative pressure wind uplifting and enhanced insulation properties. Also disclosed is a tile bracket apparatus that can secure the leading edge of a tile to prevent wind-uplift.

Abstract: Panels to be engaged with each other through a locking element, comprising board (1) and locking element (2), adjacent said boards (1) engaging with each other through said locking element (2); a groove (3) is formed in the vertical direction at each of the coupling parts of the adjacent strip boards (1); said locking element (2) comprises two tenons (4) extending from the bottom plate of the locking element (2); the positions and the shapes of the two tenons (4) correspond to the said grooves (3); when assembling the said boards (1) and said locking element (2), said tenons (4) are engaged in the grooves (3) respectively, thus the adjacent boards (1) are connected with each other through the locking element (2). The panels to be engaged with each other according to present invention are simple in structure and is easy to install and remove, and therefore could greatly save materials.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to mechanical connecting means, in particular for panels, which can be connected together in a positive fit in two spatial directions which are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Interconnectable panels having tongue-and-groove connections are mechanically connected to each other by first moving two panels into an intermediate position and then pivoting one panel with respect to the other. The underside of the tongue of one panel has a depression, while the groove of another panel has a protruding lower lip. The lower lip has a projection that fits in the depression when the two panels are in the intermediate position.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: An improved structural system of cooperating building components including premolded, interlocking block units having configurable interlocking components and passage configuration components. The block units are disposed end-to-end in a plurality of stacked, interlocking courses to form a configurable plurality of horizontal and vertical passageways for receiving material. The interlocking components and configuration components enable adjacent courses of the premolded block units to be vertically aligned and longitudinally interlocked. Horizontal passageways within a course are also configured for receiving material, for being fully closed to receiving material, or for being both partially closed to receiving a selected first material and partially open for receiving a selected second material, according to the orientation of the configuration and interlocking components.

Abstract: A plurality of wooden roof trusses for constructing a roof includes first and second wooden roof trusses. Each of the first and second wooden roof trusses includes a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord. A first web is provided to the first wooden roof truss and a second web is provided to the second wooden roof truss. Each of the first and second webs has a tapered web end shape set without regard to a shape of a first and second joint, respectively, into which said tapered web end shapes of the first and second webs fit. The first and second webs are substantially identical in length and web end shape. The first and second webs are located at different positions in their respective first and second wooden roof trusses.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and method that allows manufacturing of steel poles and honeycomb columns. It consists of placing previously cut strips of steel in vertical position with a set of top and bottom clamping devices to form a steel tapered pole. The strips of steel are welded together, to form a steel pole or honeycomb column, with a slideable welding device mounted on a ascending and descending moving welding platform. The moving welding platform moves to the top position, the top clamping device is liberated and the finished pole or honeycomb column is tilted 90 degrees to the front of the machine by a hydraulic cylinder that tilts the extraction platform. The finished pole or honeycomb column is positioned in the extraction bed and the bottom clamps release the pole.

Abstract: The invention relates to structural support beams for use in building and construction, which possess structural characteristics suitable for use as load-bearing flexural members. The support beam comprises a timber support frame formed from two spaced apart flanges connected by at least two outer support webs. Optionally one or more further inner support webs connect the flanges in an intermediate position between the outer support webs. Together, the flanges and support webs define at least one volume which is filled with a plastics foam material to provide both improved structural and sound/thermal insulation properties. The use of regular rectangular flanges, which are fully interposed between outer support webs, provides a stronger and stiffer support beam both in bending and in shear. In fact, the absence of grooves, recesses or cutout portions in the flanges provides further advantages such as greater dimensional stability, ease of construction and cheaper and simpler manufacturing.

Abstract: A box-type frame member assembly, and a method for assembling the box-type frame member. A first section, having a web, a pair of flanges and a number of holes with locators, is placed onto a fixture assembly with the holes fitting onto pilots. A spacer is placed over each of the pilots and engaged with the locator of the respective hole in the first section. A second section, having a web, a pair of flanges, and a number of holes with locators, is then placed onto the fixture assembly with the holes fitting onto the pilots, and second end of each spacer is engaged with the locator associated with the web of the second section. Finally, the flanges of the first and second sections are secured together.

Abstract: A method for forming a joining profile in a structural member comprises providing an assembly having a base member, a forming body and a pair of side anvils having profiles formed therewithin. The method further comprises mounting the structural member on the base member, advancing the forming body toward the structural member such that the structural member is clamped to the base member, urging the side anvils toward flanges of the structural member, forming a profile in each of the flanges, and engaging protrusions of the side anvils with the web such that opposing portions of the web are forced upwardly by the protrusions at locations adjacent to each one of the flange profiles in order to accommodate formation of the flange profiles in the structural member. Formation of the joining profiles in the structural members allows for detachable engagement thereof with another member having a corresponding mating profile.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymeric panel system and method for production and use thereof, enabling the rapid construction of a building foundation wall or other structure and in particular a below-grade foundation. The polymeric foundation system includes polymeric wall panels and other components suitable for withstanding lateral and end compression loads. The walls include two parallel faces separated by a series of webs or ribs, where the webs and faces of the wall panels may be formed of a similar polymer material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). The wall panels and/or other components may be extruded so as to enable the rapid production of sections of wall panels, where the panels may be cut to length and then affixed to adjacent panels to form a foundation wall. The method of affixing adjacent panels may include welding, gluing or other techniques and may be performed on the job site or in a pre-fabrication facility.

Abstract: A method and system of rendering buildings in three-dimensional space first renders a respective floor, then adds objects and finally walls to bound each of the floors. The result, a three-dimensional rendering of a building illustrates the position of objects within the building in addition to presenting the overall shape of the building. The rendering can be discontinuously rotated, about an axis, in response to user inputs.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a granule covered roofing shingle includes establishing at least two sources of granules. A standardized process for manufacturing granules having a standardized appearance is then established, wherein a color of the granules from one of the sources of granules is substantially identical to the color of the granules from the others of the sources of granules, thereby defining at least one standardized granule color. Granules of the standardized granule color are then manufactured according to the standardized process. The manufactured granules are transported to at least one shingle manufacturing facility, and granule covered roofing shingles are then manufactured using the manufactured granules of the standardized granule color.

Abstract: A molded tile grind is adhesively secured to a support wall, floor or planar surface in preparation for installing tiles. The grid is installed in a aligned manner and additional grids are abutted together to provide a continuous grid across the surface. The grid includes cells sized for snuggly receiving a tile and the grid accurately locates and aligns the title relative to adjacent tiles. The grid preferably remains in place and is of a thickness less than the tile to allow grout to be placed between tiles in the normal manner. The grid may be molded of a resilient plastic material.

Abstract: A building block spacer mat (14) comprises a plurality of spacer elements (18) provided at intervals on a support structure (16, 22). Adjacent spacer elements, (18) are provided at 90° to one another and 45° to the support structure to provide additional structural stability.

Abstract: A symmetrical load transfer device for use in insulated concrete wall panels. The symmetrical shape allows for forces induced in manufacturing, transportation, installation and nature to transfer through the device equally to both concrete wythes of the wall panel. The load transfer device is preferably made of a thermoplastic or thermoset resin matrix incorporating continuous filaments, such as glass rovings. The low thermal conductivity of the matrix of filaments and resins greatly reduce thermal bridging of the insulation layer while maintaining structural integrity of the wall panel.

Abstract: A packaging and filling apparatus and a packaging material cutting device are provided, in which the knife of the cutting device can be replaced with appropriate timing by quantitatively determining the service life of the knife of the cutting device. The packaging and filling apparatus fills a tube of a web of a packaging material with a fluid product, forms lateral seal bands by sealing the tube in the direction in which the bands intersect the tube, cuts each seal band of a series of pillow-like preformed bodies with a cutting device such that the pillow-like preformed bodies are severed from each other, thus forming a packaging and filling container of the final form.

Abstract: A round baler has a bale chamber, a movable flap for delivering a bale, a wrapping material dispenser for supplying wrapping material for wrapping a finished bale in the bale chamber, a knife movable from a ready position into a final position to separate a continuous web of the wrapping material between the dispenser and the bale chamber and which, coupled to an actuation of the flap, is returnable to the ready position, separate actuating elements assigned to the knife and to the flap, a common drive energy source, a line connecting actuating elements to the common drive energy source, and an interrupter located on the line, wherein the drive energy source and the actuating element of the knife are located on one side of the interrupter, while the actuating element for the flap is located on another side of the interrupter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tape closure device for securing the neck of a bag with an adhesive film and a non-adhesive backing. The device preferably includes a closure application assembly that has a guide rail, a contact member and a cutting member. The guide rail preferably includes a contact section, a gathering section and a staging section. The contact member preferably includes a contact surface adjacent the contact section of the guide rail. The tape closure device also preferably includes a tape feed assembly, a paper feed assembly and a bag feed assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for sealing food containers using a sealing film. The apparatus includes a base, a container holder for holding a food container; a heater platen positioned within the base, and a pressure applicator positioned on a surface of the heater platen, the pressure applicator applies pressure to the heater platen causing the heater platen to move into engagement with the sealing film to thereby seal the sealing film to portions of the food container.

Abstract: Methods of forming and/or filling recloseable bags are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include attaching a bag closure strip along one longitudinal edge of a length of bag film, and forming from the length of bag film, a bag having an open end, two broad, opposing faces and a flap. In certain embodiments, the flap is attached to an edge of one of the broad faces along the open end and extending between sealed edges of the bag.

Abstract: A packaging article comprises two sheets of material bonded to form a pouch, with one layer comprising a first sheet of a porous material, e.g., Tyvek® film, and a second nonporous sheet overlying and sealed to the first sheet. The second sheet is impermeable to passage of gas therethrough and includes a peelable film, e.g., of polyethylene, in contact with the first sheet of porous material to permit peeling removal of the second sheet from the first sheet. A method of integrity testing includes fabricating a packaging article, pressurizing same with a gas and monitoring pressure to determine package integrity, removing the peelable film, and exposing a packaging article to sterilant gas supplied through the porous first sheet.

Abstract: A method of making a diaper kit includes folding a diaper such that the width of the diaper is reduced and side elastic banded edges of the diaper are folded inward, and such that the length of the diaper is reduced generally by at least 50%. A height of the diaper is thereby increased, and a central portion of an exterior surface of the diaper is visible and the remainder of the exterior surface of the diaper is hidden from view within the folds. The method also includes compressing the diaper to reduce the height of the folded diaper. The diaper then is vacuum-sealed, together with a diaper accessory, within an encasement having an interior volume that closely corresponds to the folded diaper volume. The vacuum-sealing compresses the diaper to a firm and dense state in which a central portion of the exterior surface of the diaper is hard.

Abstract: A diaper is folded such that a width of the diaper is reduced and side elastic banded edges of the diaper are folded inward, and such that a length of the diaper is reduced generally by at least 50%. A height of the diaper is thereby increased, and a central portion of an exterior surface of the diaper is visible and the remainder of the exterior surface is hidden from view within the folds. The method also includes compressing the diaper to reduce the height of the folded diaper. The diaper then is vacuum-sealed within an encasement having an interior volume that closely corresponds to the folded diaper volume, and the diaper is compressed to a firm and dense state in which the exterior surface is hard. The resulting miniaturized diaper and a diaper accessory are combined in respective compartments of a container to form a diaper kit.

Abstract: Automatic machine for closing containers, including an automatic corking unit, a conveyor including an inlet section for feeding containers to be corked towards the automatic corking unit and an outlet section for moving apart the corked containers from the corking unit, an injection unit arranged upstream of the corking unit, arranged for injecting inert gas in the head portions of the containers to be corked, a casing defining a chamber which contains the injection unit and the corking unit and a feeding system of inert gas for maintaining within said chamber an inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A unit for forming packs of products for a packaging machine comprises at least three feed surfaces (3, 4, 5) for layers of products (2) and a receiving station (6) for the layers of products (2). The receiving station (6) comprises an elevator (7), mobile only between a position for loading the products (2) and a position for releasing the products (2), to transfer the layers of products (2) to a packaging machine (8). The three feed surfaces (3, 4, 5) comprise synchronization means so that they simultaneously release the respective layers of products (2) onto the elevator (7).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading insulation batts into a packaging station of a batt-packaging machine includes: an up-stacking station for receiving a plurality of the insulation batts to form a vertical stack of the insulation batts; a staging station from which the insulation batts are elevated into the up-stacking station of the batt-packaging machine; batt engaging members of a first endless conveyor on the first side of the staging station for successively feeding batts into the staging station; batt engaging members of a second endless conveyor on the second side of the staging station for successively engaging the bottom major surfaces of the insulation batts as the insulation batts are successively fed into the staging station and in cooperation with the batt engaging members of the first endless conveyor for vertically raising the insulation batts from the staging station into the up-stacking station.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medicine supply apparatus that can effectively solve medicine lodgment or blocking within a nozzle that discharges a medicine into packing paper. The medicine supply apparatus includes a nozzle for discharging a medicine discharged from a tablet case and a shutter rotatably provided in the nozzle for opening/closing a medicine drop path in the nozzle. The shutter includes a first shutter plate that has a size capable of closing the inside of the nozzle and is rotated, a second shutter plate swingably connected to the tip of the first shutter plate, and a guide for swinging the second shutter plate in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the first shutter plate in a final stage where the first shutter plate is opened. The tip of the second shutter plate is located in a position to narrow an outlet of the medicine drop path when the first shutter plate is opened.

Abstract: A saddle pad apparatus constructed from a first non-slip top layer which is stitched or welded to a second non-slip bottom layer with a stiffening layer contained between the top and bottom layers. Each layer is constructed from a poly vinyl chloride impregnated scrim. Each scrim is constructed with ventilation openings to allow for proper ventilation between the load being carried and the animal. The scrims are manufactured by applying a poly vinyl chloride material onto a fiber network with fibers areas and open areas to create a scrim with appropriate stiffness, softness, and ventilation while maintaining other appropriate characteristics.

Abstract: An improved equine hoof boot, boot pad and boot and pad assembly that consists of a fabric boot and dimensioned elliptical shock absorbing pad disposed inside at the bottom of the boot, the pad optionally a combination of soft and harder components and also optionally having a triangular raised frog support at the rear of a hoof stop at the front.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a collector, a differential pressure sensing device, a differential pressure based estimating device, a partition wall exposure sensing device, and a second regenerating device. The collector captures exhaust particles in exhaust gas. The differential pressure sensing device senses a differential pressure across the collector. The differential pressure based estimating device estimates an accumulation amount of the exhaust particles based on the differential pressure. The partition wall exposure sensing device senses a partition wall exposure state. The second regenerating device forcibly completely combusts the exhaust particles captured in the collector when the partition wall exposure sensing device senses the partition wall exposure state.

Abstract: A filtration device having at least one filter bag between a crude gas side and a clean gas side, and a cleaning device for cleaning the filter bag. Each filter bag has a bag body with a longitudinal axis and a first end with a bag opening. The cleaning device has a nozzle head with a plurality of nozzles, the operation of which causes the cleaning device to rotate, and wherein the cleaning device can be moved in the longitudinal direction of each filter bag during operation of the nozzles. During the operation of the nozzles, the cleaning device generates a pressure wave in the bag body, and this pressure wave propagates from the bag opening to a free end of the bag body.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus having a plurality of passages made up of juxtaposed longitudinally extending channels. The passages are axially divided by a porous filtering media extending across the channels whereby the channels fluidly communicate through the porous filtering media. A pressure differential is created across the filtering media by restricting flow through an end of each channel, with each restriction being at an opposite end from that of the other channel. As flow restriction rather than outright blocking is used, some flow is possible along each passage directly along the channels even if the channels lose the ability to fluidly communicate through clogging of the filtering media.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a filter assembly for removing particulate matter from a fluid stream is disclosed. The filter assembly includes a filter medium having a number of longitudinally extending spaced pleats. Opposing faces of adjacent pleats form a valley therebetween and include a pair of peak portions and a valley portion. The filter assembly further includes a plastic support net being pleated for supporting the filter medium in a pleated shape. The plastic support net includes spaced strands extending in a first direction and spaced strands extending in a second direction that is generally transverse the first direction. The strands extending in the first direction continuously extend over the valley and peak portions of opposing faces of adjacent filter medium pleats and are aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter medium pleats.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exhaust treatment devices and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, an exhaust treatment device can comprise: a substrate, a ring disposed about the substrate, and a retention material disposed between the ring and a formed shell. The formed shell can compress the retention material and restrict motion of the ring. The ring can have a portion extending from adjacent the substrate to adjacent the formed shell. In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing an exhaust treatment device can comprise: assembling a ring on a substrate, disposing a retention material in contact with the ring, on a side of the ring opposite the substrate, to form a substrate assembly, and disposing the substrate assembly within a formed shell.

Abstract: A highly porous substrate is provided using an extrusion system. More particularly, the present invention enables the production of a highly porous substrate. Depending on the particular mixture, the present invention enables substrate porosities of about 60% to about 90%, and enables advantages at other porosities, as well. The extrusion system enables the use of a wide variety of fibers and additives, and is adaptable to a wide variety of operating environments and applications. Fibers, which have an aspect ratio greater than 1, are selected according to substrate requirements, and are typically mixed with binders, pore-formers, extrusion aids, and fluid to form a homogeneous extrudable mass. The homogeneous mass is extruded into a green substrate. The more volatile material is preferentially removed from the green substrate, which allows the fibers to form interconnected networks.

Abstract: A porous ceramic substrate is provided for coalescing and trapping particulate, including liquid, in a gas stream. The porous ceramic substrate is composed essentially of fibrous ceramic material, with bonded fibers that create a network of interconnected pores. A variety of fibers can be used, with a range of fiber diameters, to provide efficient coalescing of particulates in a gas stream. Oil droplets are trapped and coalesced by the porous ceramic substrate, that are collected and thus, separated from the gas stream. Filtered gas is directed out of the filter, while the collected particulates are received in a collection area. The porous ceramic substrate composed of essentially fibrous ceramic material can be configured in a honeycomb configuration with channels that provide an inlet channel and/or an outlet channel. Wall flow configurations can be provided to direct the flow of the gas stream through the porous ceramic material from an inlet channel into an outlet channel.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter having a honeycomb body composed of cordierite and exhibiting a CTE (25-800° C.) of less than 13×10?7/° C.; a median pore diameter, d50, of less than 25 ?m; % porosity not less than 53%; and a narrow pore size distribution wherein a value of d50-d10)/d50 is not greater than 0.6; and a value of d90 less than 40 ?m wherein d10, and d90 are pore diameters at 10% and 90% of the pore size distribution on a volumetric basis, and d10<d50<d90. The particulate filter preferably exhibits a plugged, wall-flow honeycomb filter body composed of cordierite and having a plurality of parallel end-plugged cell channels traversing the body from a frontal inlet end to an outlet end thereof.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter comprising a plugged, wall-flow honeycomb filter body composed of cordierite and having a plurality of parallel end-plugged cell channels traversing the body from a frontal inlet end to an outlet end thereof, wherein the filter exhibits a CTE (25-800° C.) of less than 13×10?7/° C., a bulk filter density of less than 0.60 g/cm3, a median pore diameter, d50, of less than 25 micrometers, a porosity and pore size distribution that satisfy the relationship Pm?3.75, wherein Pm is equal to 10.2474{1/[(d50)2(1/oporosity/100)]}+0.0366183(d90)?0.00040119(d90)2+0.468815(100/% porosity)2+0.0297715(d50)+1.61639(d50?d10)/d50, wherein d10, and d90 are pore diameters at 10% and 90% of the pore size distribution on a volumetric basis, and d10<d50<d90. A method of making the same is also provided.

Abstract: A coalescer has variable characteristics including variable diameter of individual fibers along their length such that an individual fiber has differing diameters at different points along its length, and including variable porosity.

Abstract: A walk-behind greens mower having a mobile structure and a ground engaging traction member rotatably coupled to the mobile structure. The ground engaging traction member imparts traction movement to the mobile structure for movement on the ground at a ground speed. An internal combustion engine is supported on the mobile structure and outputs a driving force to the ground engaging traction member. A bed knife is supported by the mobile structure having a cutting edge that cooperates with a grass cutting reel rotatably supported on the mobile structure. An electric motor supported on the mobile structure rotatably driving the grass cutting reel at a rotational speed that can vary depending upon the detected ground speed.

Abstract: A grass cutting machine using flail-type centrifugally stiffened blades (32) pivotally mounted on a cutter hub (30) on a motor shaft (28). The cutter and a motor assembly (20, 22) are mounted on wheels (42). Preferably the cutter rotation axis is parallel to the direction of travel. This efficiently sculpts a concave channel (62) in grass as the machine is rolled across a lawn (60). A laterally extending guide tube (46) may be attached to the machine to visually guide a user in cutting a channel parallel to a previously cut channel.

Abstract: A pickup for an agricultural harvester that employees C-shaped tine guards with a generally planar tine guide, the tine guide having a slot-like hook at the lower end thereof that fits into a slot on the tine guard and held in place by bolts in the upper end of the hook and the upper end of the tine guide.

Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower includes at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for the hydraulic pumps are located on inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in an efficient manner with operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) for actuating both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and a pump lock-out system for causing the pumps to be locked in a neutral position.

Abstract: A lawn maintenance device including a body with opposed side walls, an axle rotatably mounted to each of the side walls and a pair of height adjustment brackets, each rotatably mounted to one of the sidewalls. Each bracket includes a first end engaging a front portion of the sidewall and traverses relative to a first arcuate slot, a second end portion disposed relative to a rear portion of the sidewall to traverse relative to a second arcuate slot, the second end portion engages the sidewall to prevent unintended rotation of the bracket, and a pivot portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion and connected to an end of the axle. Each wheel is mounted to the first end portion of a bracket and coupled to an end of the axle such that rotation of each wheel rotates the axle and rotation of each of the brackets about the sidewalls moves the wheel relative to the body to adjust the body with respect to the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a two-stage free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a high-efficiency free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.

Abstract: A flexible trash guard for a sickle bar mowing apparatus that sits between the hold-down and the stud plate, thus eliminating the “hair pinning” of crop matter in the opening of the hold-down clip where the stud passes through the opening.