Abstract: A string trellis apparatus for attachment to elevated substantially horizontal portions of a structure at one end and an elongated planter box at the other, includes at least two elongated hanger members of a first predetermined length each having at least one aperture disposed at a first end and a hook portion disposed at a second end and engageable with at least one of a rain gutter and a fence top; at least two substantially flexible strings having proximal and distal ends; and a planter-box connecting means disposed one of in or on the planter box for removably attaching the proximal ends of the strings to the planter box adjacent a soil surface in the planter box.

Abstract: This Self-Watering Planter comprises a wick, reservoir, wick-housing running between the soil/soil substitute and the reservoir, and a tight fitting cap to maintain a vacuum seal within the reservoir. The water or liquid mixture is maintained at a constant level across the wick by the vacuum that is created. This prevents water from flowing upwards into the soil when the soil is already wet. Liquid is only draw from the wick by osmosis when the soil is dry. Even as the water level in the reservoir drops, the water level across the wick continues to remain level until the reservoir is nearly empty, allowing the soil constant access to water until the reservoir needs refilling. Several embodiments are included. All contains these features, but some contain addition features as well as different proportions. The uses of the different embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A watering device is provided that includes a receptacle and a sponge wick. The receptacle includes a reservoir and a probe. The probe projects from the reservoir and is adapted to extend into potting mix in a plant pot. The probe is also adapted to hook on to the rim of the plant pot in order to support the device thereon. The wick is adapted to extend from the reservoir within or along the probe and into the potting mix in the plant pot. The wick includes non-woven Polyvinyl Alcohol fibres which are bound by a Polyvinyl Alcohol foam resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planting container capable of sufficiently and stably supply planting water to a rhizosphere where roots of a plant grow, securing as large a space as possible for the rhizosphere, and further accelerating the growth of the stem or leaves of the plant. The planting container comprises a planting container body 1 including a planting space 2 having an opening at a front portion thereof to allow a plant to grow, a reservoir 8 for planting water that is provided in a lower part of the planting space 2, and a water-absorbing planting bed placed within the planting space 2 with a bottom portion thereof being positioned in the reservoir 8 for absorbing planting water retained in the reservoir 8 to cultivate the plant, wherein the container further comprises a receiving surface 10 for receiving the planting bed within the planting space 2 formed as an inclined surface that is raised progressively toward the opening and is lowered progressively away from the opening.

Abstract: This invention provides pH buffered plant nutrient compositions, methods for fertilizing a plant growing or a seed germinating in a hydroponics system, methods for growing a plant in a hydroponics system, and methods for making a pH buffered plant nutrient composition. The compositions and methods of this invention are useful with distilled water, deionized water, filtered water, and United States municipal tap water. The compositions and methods of this invention are useful with most of the municipal water supplies in the United States. pH buffering agents useful in the practice of this invention include phosphate buffers, aquarium buffers, 2-[N-morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A free-standing vertical structure is described including at least one wall structure having a plurality of live plants removably secured thereto. The wall structures may also include non-botanic media in combination with the plurality of plants such as traditional media, to form a new mixed media format for conveying information, herein referred to as botanic media. The plurality of plants may be configured to surround the non-botanic media to create a frame or border. The plants may also be arranged and configured to display information themselves. The non-botanic media and/or plants are configured on the wall structure to convey information readily perceivable by a passerby. The plants are preferably hydroponically-fed with nutrients and water from an irrigation system.

Abstract: A method of producing a synthetic gas (syngas) includes injecting a plurality of reactant streams into a gasification reactor via at least one injection device having a plurality of injection annuli, an inner portion that extends annularly about a centerline extending through the at least one injection device, and an outer portion extending substantially annularly about the inner portion. At least a portion of the outer portion is oriented obliquely with respect to the at least one injection device centerline. The method also includes mixing at least a portion of each of the streams together such that a plurality of recirculation zones is defined by the streams. The method further includes producing a syngas within the recirculation zones via mixing at least a portion of each of the streams. The injection device includes an inner portion that extends annularly about a centerline extending through the injection device.

Abstract: In a process for cleaving ethanol into C1 units in a prereformer ethanol and steam are converted at a temperature in the range from 300 to 550° C. over a catalyst which comprises platinum on a support comprising a mixture of ZrO2 and CeO2.

Abstract: A process for the production of synthesis gas by gasification with the aid of air or oxygen or oxygen-saturated air as well as water vapor, a solid or liquid carbon-bearing fuel material being fed to a reactor, is shown. The fuel material is converted with the aid of air or oxygen or oxygen-saturated air and water vapor at an elevated temperature into a synthesis gas essentially consisting of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide; the reaction also yields mineral slag droplets which are removed from the reactor separately from the synthesis gas obtained, and the synthesis gas being discharged from the reactor in any random direction desired; the vaporous alkalis contained in the synthesis gas come into contact with a getter ceramic material so that they separate from the synthesis gas and hence, the synthesis gas can be sent to a slag separation device without previous cooling step and the slag droplets being withdrawn from the said device as liquid slag.

Abstract: The invention provides a system designed for the complete conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into syngas and slag. The system comprises a primary chamber for the volatilization of feedstock generating a primary chamber gas (an offgas); a secondary chamber for the further conversion of processed feedstock to a secondary chamber gas (a syngas) and a residue; a gas-reformulating zone for processing gas generated within one or more of the chambers; and a melting chamber for vitrifying residue. The primary chamber comprises direct or indirect feedstock additive capabilities in order to adjust the carbon content of the feedstock. The system also comprises a control system for use with the gasification system to monitor and regulate the different stages of the process to ensure the efficient and complete conversion of the carbonaceous feedstock into a syngas product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of a door and door frame defining a door opening. The door frame comprises a horizontal header beam. The door opening has a horizontal top side and a horizontal bottom side, with the horizontal header beam defining the horizontal top side. The door comprises a top panel, a middle panel, a bottom panel, a first horizontal hinge member, a second horizontal hinge member and a third horizontal hinge member, each panel having a horizontal upper edge and a horizontal lower edge. The door is in the closed position when the top panel, the middle panel and the bottom panel are vertically aligned with one another and hanging downwardly from the horizontal header beam in a vertical plane of the door opening, with the horizontal upper edge of each panel above the horizontal lower edge of each respective panel, and the horizontal lower edge of the bottom panel is located in the lowermost position proximate to the horizontal bottom side of the door opening.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include an elongated, fixed drive member extending along a track, a partition that is automatically and manually movable along the track, and a motor carried by the movable partition configured to drive a rotatable drive member that is engagable with the elongated, fixed drive member. The rotatable drive member may be engaged with, and disengaged from, the fixed drive member. Methods of moving a partition along a track include actuating a motor carried by a movable partition to drive rotation of a drive member while the drive member is engaged with an elongated, fixed drive member, and manually moving the partition along the track while the rotatable drive member is disengaged from the fixed drive member. Methods of installing a movable partition system include configuring a rotatable drive member to be capable of engagement with, and disengagement from, an elongated, fixed drive member.

Abstract: A seal (110,210,310) is disclosed in which the seal (110, 210, 310) is adhesively bonded to part of a body structure (2) of a motor vehicle (1) using double-sided adhesive tape (120,220,320). The seal (110, 210, 310) includes a location feature (116, 223, 316) to position it correctly on the motor vehicle (1) and a tear bead (120,220,320) that is used to assist with bonding of the seal (110, 210, 310) to the body structure (2) of the motor vehicle (1). One feature of the invention is that no expensive assembly equipment is required, the seal (110, 210, 310) being bonded in place by applying a load through the closure of a cooperating door (4).

Abstract: A building includes a wall and a roof. The wall encloses an enclosed area, and the wall comprises a plurality of standardized modules, each having an inner space used as a room. The roof covers the enclosed area. The standardized modules are standardized, and thus very convenient to manufacture. In addition, the standardized modules can be transported quickly and efficiently, therefore, the building as disclosed is convenient and reliable to construct and dismantle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-purpose adjustable quick expandable installment which can be quickly and finely adjusted and ascend or descend freely, by a snap design which adjusts ascending or descending with a slope principle, based on a mechanical principle that a force is constant if acting on a same area and an opposite force compensates with the force. Through a structure which follows the law of action and reaction to compensate with a sliding force which occurs naturally, a stable movement without moving accidentally is formed, so as to increase safety in adjustment of ascending and descending. Therefore, an adjustable expandable installment which is provided with multi-purposes and is able to quickly and freely ascend, descend or expand is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for resisting catastrophic wind damage to a structure is provided. At least a pair of anchoring devices are fixed to a foundation of the structure at opposite positions adjacent to sidewalls of the structure. A first cable and a second cable are attached to the anchoring devices, respectively. A tensioning member is provided under a roof of the structure and between the sidewalls of the structure. The tensioning member, such as a turnbuckle, is further attached to both the first and second cables for applying a tension force to the cables. Cable guides can be further provided to route the cables along the roof and sidewalls of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an openable roof or openable wall, comprising at least one section (1) extending along a longitudinal axis, each section comprising a plurality of panels (2a, 2) overlapping in pairs along said longitudinal axis, whose longitudinal edge portions (39) are movably received in guide rails (4) for the purpose of opening and closing. Each panel (2, 2a) has, on its second transverse edge portion (38), a first (21) and a second (27) sealing strip, which between them define a gap (28). This gap (28) cooperates with a bottom surface (31) of the inner longitudinal surfaces (14) of the guide rails (4) to form a draining channel (29) along said bottom surface and away from said first sealing strip (21).

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a building including a wall and a roof. The wall encloses an enclosed area. The wall includes a plurality of serialized modules, and at least one of the serialized modules is a functional module having accessories with corresponding functions. The roof covers the enclosed area. The building as disclosed is convenient and reliable to construct and dismantle, because the modules can be transported quickly and efficiently and at least one of the serialized modules has desired function.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method of making an eave for a roof on a building is disclosed. The method may include providing a structure with at least two sides and a roof frame. The method may further include coupling at least two of a plurality of eave blocks with a first trim piece. The method may also include coupling at least two of the plurality of eave blocks with a second trim piece. The method may further include coupling a roof piece with a top of the roof frame and a top of at least two of the plurality of eave blocks. In some embodiments, the eave blocks may include lumber having a grain direction and the method may include coupling the eave blocks with the first trim piece such that the grain direction is substantially parallel to a length of the first trim piece.

Abstract: A transportable cooking container with a fastener joint on the bottom wall of the container. An anchor post consisting of a vertical component with an auger at one end. An anchor post consisting of a horizontal component attached to the vertical component spaced ? up the total length of the vertical component from the auger end of the vertical component. The non-auger end of the vertical component can be inserted into the fastener joint on the bottom wall of the cooking container, which fastener joint can be manually moved between an opened position, opening the clasp allowing for insertion of the vertical component, and a closed position, securing the cooking container to the vertical component of the anchor post.

Abstract: The ground anchor includes a shaft having a pointed lower end, an embossed section extending between lower and upper portions of the shaft to retain the threaded upper portion above ground, at least one helical blade attached to the lower portion, a stabilizer cap mounted concentric on the upper portion, the cap having an outer diameter greater than the helical blades and having a plurality of spikes, a first and second securing member threaded onto the upper portion for holding the stabilizer cap against the embossed section and rotating the shaft into and from the ground, the second securing member having an outer diameter less than the first securing member and an interchangeable mount threaded to the upper portion. The interchangeable mount having a housing for covering the securing members and the upper portion and optionally having an attachment(s) extending therefrom.

Abstract: An ergonomic post with an integral anchor could include a housing having a top and a base. A screw could be rigidly coupled to and protrude from the base. The screw could have a shaft with helical grooves that terminates in a tip. A head could be rigidly coupled to and protrude from the top of the housing, for removably coupling the post to a rotational driving means.

Abstract: A skylight or other like panel comprising a dual glazed framing system is provided. The dual glazed framing system includes opposing glazing panels, a frame with supporting ledges, and translucent insulating particulate material is encapsulated in a insulating cavity defined by the frame and the opposing panes. A movable fill guide is provided and allows for the compression of the translucent insulating particulate material. A method of creating a dual glazed framing system filled with translucent insulating particulate material is also provided.

Abstract: A mounting support for mounting at least one photovoltaic module having a glass pane on a top side of an, in particular, uneven roof panel includes an elongated strip which can be rolled up and/or unrolled in a roll-up/unroll direction. At least two attachment means for the photovoltaic module are disposed on the strip with a modular dimension. The bottom side of the support is provided in the region of the attachment means with a protruding padding to compensate for uneven roof areas. The top side of the attachment means is provided with a supporting location or surface for edges of the photovoltaic module. The mounting support can be packaged as a roll and attached in a simple and effective manner on uneven and rough roof shingles.

Abstract: Process for reinforcing a construction structure where, laid on one portion of said structure, is at least one portion of a reinforcement (10) of elongated shape comprising continuous fibers in the longitudinal direction of said reinforcement, which are combined with a polymer matrix, wherein said process comprises a step of removing the polymer matrix in one portion (20) of the reinforcement so as to release the fibers of the reinforcement in order to allow their rearrangement following their release from the polymer matrix. It is thus possible to optimize the binding configuration of the reinforcement with a portion of the structure to be reinforced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building insulation sheathing system that provides for efficient installation of insulation, material and labor reduction during installation, as well as provides a stable structure for ease in attachment of protective and/or decorative cladding to a building. The present invention further includes a method for insulating a building using the sheathing system of the present invention.

Abstract: A panel (10), in particular for making a structure which is resistant to bending, such as a floor (11) of a construction, in particular of a building, comprises at least a first and a second lightening block which are positioned side by side and a resistant element (12) between the lightening blocks which are positioned side by side. The resistant element (12) is a metal element for supporting the panel blocks.

Abstract: This invention relates to a construction element (1) which is suitable for cladding the walls of buildings. The element (1) is made of synthetic plastics material, has a generally planar exterior decorable face (2) and a hollow interior face opposite the exterior face, and is preferably fire resistant, fibre reinforced, UV-stabilized, biocidal and formed by moulding. The exterior face (2) is decorated with a decorable finish which is in the form of a sprayable mixture of a polymer or resin and any one or more of a has formations (5, 7, 9) located within the hollow which facilitate securemtne of the element to a wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door skin having an exterior surface with an woodgrain pattern formed therein, and an etched plate for use as an embossing plate or with a molded die set, for forming the woodgrain pattern in the door skin. The exterior surface has outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and halftone portions. The halftone portions have spaced protrusions defined by channels, wherein the channels are recessed from the plane of the outer portions.

Abstract: The apparatus for supporting insulation (5) comprising a base portion, at least one side wall (3?) and at least one supporting flange (2). In an in use position the at least one side wall is substantially perpendicular to the base portion and in a storage position the at least one side wall and the at least one supporting flange are substantially parallel to the base portion. An insulation system and a method of insulating a structure using such apparatus.

Abstract: An exterior building cladding system and methods of applying the building cladding system are described. The system is a weather resistive barrier and decorative system that is particularly effective as a covering system for buildings having an exterior wood substrate. The system includes a flexible waterproof base layer of acrylic and rubber that is adhered directly to a wood substrate, a mesh embedded in the flexible waterproof base layer and an acrylic stucco outer layer adhering directly to the flexible waterproof base layer. The system eliminates the need for building wrap while providing a moisture resistant and vapour permeable layer.

Abstract: A door facing is provided. The door facing includes a body portion, and male and female alignment members protruding from a main surface area of the body portion. Also provided are door assemblies including the door facing and methods of making the door facing and the door assembly.

Abstract: A system for decoratively covering a support surface is provided. The system comprises a plurality of panels. Each panel includes a top, a bottom, and first and second ends. Each panel includes a nailing hem for mounting the panel to the support surface. Each panel also includes first and second rows of decorative portions simulating building materials. A riser interconnects the first and second rows. Each panel further includes a flap extending from the riser at the first end and a catch extending from the riser at the second end. The flap and catch mate with a corresponding catch and flap of horizontally adjacent panels. The flap and catch are both sloped upwardly toward the top at an acute angle to provide a mating fit between corresponding flaps and catches.

Abstract: A two-piece cylindrical telescopic canning sleeve comprising an inner lower member and an upper outer member. The outer member is provided with at least one set of a plurality of engagement devices. The inner lower member is provided with at least one set of a plurality of engagement devices complimentary to the engagement devices provided with the outer member. The telescopic canning sleeve is assembled for use by aligning the engagement devices of the outer member with the engagement devices of the lower member, then sliding the outer member over the inner member until the desired functional height of the canning sleeve is reached after which, the outer member is frictionally engaged with the inner member by twisting the outer sleeve member to the inner member so that the complimentary engagement devices frictionally communicate.

Abstract: A combinatory board includes two boards disposed separately, a fixing element, and a mask cover. The outer surface of each board has a buffering material. Both sides of the fixing element have a fixing arm, respectively. The inner side of each fixing arm is formed with a joining section corresponding to the side of the boards, so that the fixing arms on both sides of the fixing element connect to the two boards. More than one vent hole is formed around the fixing element. Both sides of the mask cover are formed with a set of connecting arm, respectively. The inner side of the connecting arm has a connecting surface corresponding to the outer side of the fixing arm of the fixing element. The outer surface of the mask cover further has another buffering material.

Abstract: A hinged structural building element and collapsible system of building elements is disclosed. The core element is a relatively flat structural piece having a hinge section extending from one edge of the element to an opposite edge of the element. The hinge section allows the building element or structural piece to be essentially folded upon itself A preferred embodiment of the hinge section extending the length of each of the building elements is a living hinge. The living hinge may be fabricated from any of a large variety of materials including a flexible or pliable material, such as plastic or rubber, tape, string, wire, rubberized O-rings, and/or any of a wide variety of textile materials. The system of building elements may be easily interconnected to construct and build various structures, in various scales and sizes, including box shapes, cube shapes, or structures as complex as towers, bridges, and geo-domes.

Abstract: A locking system for floor boards comprises a plurality of floor boards and a plurality of locking devices. Each floor board has two tongues on one lateral side and another tongue and a locking groove on the opposite lateral side. The floor board also has two grooves on its bottom side. The locking device has three protruding gripping extensions. Few locking devices are placed on each floor board before the floor boards are sent to a job site. At the job site, two adjacent floor boards are assembled together by inserting the tongue of one board into a space defined by the locking device and the tongues of the adjacent board. The tongues are further secured in place by compression of flexible buffers located at each protruding gripping extension.

Abstract: Bamboo open web joists are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward an open web joist design comprising a plurality of structural components made from compressed bamboo segments. Some of the structural components are formed into arched shapes. The structural components are built into a built-up beam comprising end members and span members comprising a frame, with a plurality of arched components positioned within the frame. Several fastener plates comprising a sheet with integral spikes are pressed into the structural components to hold the members together. The arched members define an open space in the built-up joist, through which mechanical components, electrical components, ducting, and other materials can pass.

Abstract: Provided as a hoist system for installing a plurality of panels of a panel set onto a building structure at a jobsite. The hoist system comprises a beam assembly configured to hoist the panels and sequentially offload the panels from the beam assembly onto the building structure. The beam assembly comprises an elongate hoist beam, a lifting lug, a plurality of trolleys mounted on one of the opposing ends of hoist beam, and a drive mechanism operative to reposition the lifting lug along the hoist beam such that the hoist beams maintain a substantially horizontal or level orientation.

Abstract: An inlaid stone composite broadly includes a stone body and a stone inlay assembly secured to the stone body. The inlaid stone composite is constructed by forming a groove in the stone body, with the groove extending inwardly from an edge surface of the stone body, securing a plurality of stone segments relative to one another exteriorly of the groove to provide the stone inlay assembly, and securing the stone inlay assembly within the groove to form an inlaid margin.

Abstract: An inlaid stone composite broadly includes a stone body and a stone inlay secured to the stone body. The inlaid stone composite is constructed by forming a groove in the stone body, securing the stone inlay to the stone body by inserting the stone inlay within a groove of the stone body, with the stone body and stone inlay cooperatively forming an inlaid margin, and cutting longitudinally through the stone body and stone inlay to separate an inlaid margin strip from a remainder of the inlaid margin.

Abstract: An insulation roof or floor panel for construction of a composite insulated concrete roof or floor includes two elongated studs, each having a web section and upper and lower flanges, a plurality of deformation resistant elements protruding from the upper flange of the studs and spaced apart along the upper flange of each stud, and an insulation board secured between the two elongated studs. The insulation board has a thickness less than the width of the web section of the studs, with the lower surface of the insulation board against the upper flanges of the studs, thereby establishing a distance between the upper surface of the insulation board and the upper flanges of the studs. Further provided are a composite insulated concrete roof or floor system with enhanced resistance to deformation, constructed using the insulation roof or floor panel, and the method of construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door panel that comprises an outer panel and an inner panel joined together at adhering portions and, regardless of whether rib portions are formed on the adhering portions in order to prevent deformation of the adhering portions or for other purpose, can be modified to withstand severe heat by means of formation of large ventilation openings in the adhering portions without significantly impairing the shape or the strength of the door panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building that uses composite light-weight panels for structure and a construction method therefor, more particularly, to a building constructed without pillars using composite light weight panels for structure and a construction method therefor, wherein the building comprises: a steel floor made out of sectional steel for example; walls which are formed by joining composite light-weight panels for structure having steel structure frames installed at corners to the steel floor by welding or joining means, neighboring steel structure frames being joined together by welding or joining means to form walls; roof frames which are constituted by a steel structure and have a truss structure to be positioned on the top of the walls and joined to the wall panels by welding or joining means; wall inner/outer coverings applied to the inner/outer peripherals of the walls; and roof coverings applied to the outer peripheral face of the roof frame.

Abstract: A splice tube assembly and corresponding system for connecting multiple fiber-reinforced polymer rebars include a polymeric tube that is externally covered by a reinforcing layer to control radial expansion of grout within the polymeric tube and of the polymeric tube itself, and the polymeric tube may be internally provided with locking structures for mechanically interlocking with the grout, ensuring that the splice tube assembly functions as a unit for transferring loads from a first rebar, extending from a first end of the polymeric tube, to a second rebar, extending from a second end of the polymeric tube.

Abstract: A reinforced girder including a first C-shaped member formed of sheet metal. A second C-shaped member, formed of sheet metal, is welded to the first C-shaped member to form a box. A first pair of metallic stringer assemblies is welded in a spaced-apart relationship within the first C-shaped member. The first pair of metallic stringer assemblies extends the length of the first C-shaped member. A second pair of metallic stringer assemblies is welded in a spaced-apart relationship within the second C-shaped member and extends the length of the second C-shaped member. A first pair of transverse connector assemblies is welded into the ends of the first C-shaped member between the first pair of stringer assemblies. A second pair of transverse connector assemblies is welded into the ends of the second C-shaped member between the second pair of stringer assemblies.

Abstract: A reinforced girder including a first C-shaped member formed of sheet metal. A second C-shaped member, formed of sheet metal, is welded to the first C-shaped member to form a rectangular box. A first pair of metallic stringers is welded in a spaced-apart relationship within the first C-shaped member. The first pair of metallic stringers extends the length of the first C-shaped member. A second pair of metallic stringers is welded in a spaced-apart relationship within the second C-shaped member and extends the length of the second C-shaped member. A number of first, metallic, transverse connectors are welded in a spaced-apart relationship within the first C-shaped member between the first pair of metallic stringers. The first, metallic transverse connectors are oriented parallel to one another and at right angles to the first pair of metallic stringers.

Abstract: A reinforced girder including a first C-shaped member formed of sheet metal. A second C-shaped member, formed of sheet metal, is welded to the first C-shaped member to form a rectangular box. A first pair of metallic stringers is welded in a spaced-apart relationship within the first C-shaped member. The first pair of metallic stringers extends the length of the first C-shaped member. A second pair of metallic stringers is welded in a spaced-apart relationship within the second C-shaped member and extends the length of the second C-shaped member. A pair of first, metallic, transverse connectors is welded within the first C-shaped member between the first pair of metallic stringers. The first, metallic, transverse connectors radiate outwardly from a common point of contact at an angle. A pair of second, metallic, transverse connectors is welded within the second C-shaped member between the second pair of metallic stringers.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for applying a drinking straw on a receiving surface of a stand up bag which can be supplied on a conveying surface to a transfer device for drinking straws. To increase the conveying speed of said apparatus, the transfer means should be arranged such the drinking straw while being handed over encloses an acute angle with the conveying surface.

Abstract: Automated pusher mechanisms with pusher heads that reciprocally travel in a product chute. The pusher head has an inverted “V” shape and semi-circular side portions.