Abstract: A fishing buoy for reducing injury or premature mortality in target fish species and endangered or protected bycatch includes: a multi-axis swivel having first and second attachment points arrayed along a central first axis and a third attachment point arrayed along a distinct second axis; an anchor or other underwater restraining device; a ballast, float and a transmitter having a transmission state; a leader and at least one baitable hook; a fish strike trigger connected to the transmitter and temporarily coupled to the leader, or connected to the leader and temporarily coupled to the transmitter. After a fish or bycatch strike the trigger changes the transmitter state to provide an indication that a strike has occurred, the leader and transmitter are decoupled, and the leader is free to rotate around the central axis without entangling the anchor or other underwater restraining device.

Abstract: A process for producing bio-fuel from biomass is disclosed herein. The process includes processing the mean particle diameter of the biomass by mechanical processing to a size ranging from 1 ?m to 1000 ?m to form particulated biomass. The particulated biomass is mixed with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a suspension, wherein the suspension includes between 1 weight percent to 40 weight percent particulated biomass. The suspension is heated to a temperature between 50° C. and 550° C. The heated suspension is fed into a unit selected from the group consisting of a pyrolysis reactor, a fluid catalytic cracking unit, a delayed coker, a fluid coker, a hydroprocessing unit, and a hydrocracking unit; and then at least a portion of the particulated biomass of the heated suspension is converted into fuel.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of treating feeds from renewable sources comprising: a hydrotreatment stage a) comprising at least two catalytic zones in which the entry stream comprising said feed mixed with at least a part of a hydrotreated liquid effluent from stage b) is introduced into the first catalytic zone at a temperature comprised between 150 and 260° C., and the effluent from the first catalytic zone is then introduced, mixed with at least a part of a hydrotreated liquid effluent from stage b) and preheated, into the following catalytic zone or zones at a temperature comprised between 260 and 320° C., a stage b) of separation of the effluent from the hydrotreatment stage a) permitting the separation of a gaseous effluent and of a hydrotreated liquid effluent of which at least a part is recycled upstream from each catalytic zone of stage a).

Abstract: The invention describes a method of treating feeds from renewable sources comprising a hydrotreatment stage comprising at least two catalytic zones in which the entry stream comprising said feed mixed with at least a part of a hydrotreated liquid effluent from stage b) is introduced into the first catalytic zone at a temperature comprised between 150 and 260° C., and the effluent from the first catalytic zone is then introduced, mixed with at least a part of a hydrotreated liquid effluent from stage b) and preheated, into the following catalytic zone or zones at a temperature comprised between 260 and 320° C.

Abstract: The present process produces a clean burning coal from low grade coal and has a higher heating value per unit mass, as compared to the feed stock coal. The clean coal may be used in coal-fired power plants, industrial boilers, and homes since it produces fewer or none of the emissions commonly associated with coal burning devices. The process treats coal prior to its combustion and removes about 90 percent of the pollutants. These pollutants are removed within 6 to 18 minutes, many of which may be recycled into products such as roofing tar, chemical feed stocks, and light hydrocarbons that can be used as gaseous fuels. The final product is suitable for use in homes where coal is used for cooking and heating, and significantly improves the health of those who have previously been exposed to toxic fumes from burning uncleaned coal in their homes. The process is fueled by its own by-products, recycles heat, and reduces coal weight to save energy in transporting it to the user.

Abstract: A method of soil retention uses a soil additive that increases water retention of basic potting soil. The soil additive, either premixed with or added to soil, is biodegradable, ultra-absorbent, and generally safe for the environment. When water is added to the soil additive mixture, moisture is retained within the additive to be disbursed throughout the soil and thereby to the plant within the soil, over a prolonged period of time, e.g. fourteen days to twenty eight days, depending on ambient conditions and the plant.

Abstract: A fiber pot, made of a combination of coconut fiber and natural latex rubber, is described that is able to be folded and compressed. Folding and compression of the fiber pots allows more pots to be placed within a shipping container thereby reducing shipping costs by approximately 75%. Because the folding fiber pots are made of coconut fiber and a natural latex rubber, they are 100% biodegradable and horticultural products contained within do not need to be removed prior to planting. This eliminates the root shock that horticultural products normally experience when planted in a different soil.

Abstract: A vertical wall garden made from modular perforated plastics wall members, which form a back walls, compartment walls and horizontal shelf members, whereby the back walls, compartment walls and horizontal shelf members, interlock with each other to form a layer of box like plant holding compartments with an open face. A first layer is positioned against a vertical wall with the open face facing outwardly from the wall, and additional layers are connected on top of each other until the required height of vertical wall garden is reached. The layers are then secured to the vertical wall. Plants are then placed in water permeable containers with soil and placed in the holding compartments with the plants facing outwardly from the wall. Watering means can be connected to wall garden to supply water to each plant.

Abstract: A self-contained garden growing system employs a plurality of modular growing sections, each having a pre-determined length of porous tubular sock material filled with growing medium for plants therein, and having a modular length of irrigation tube installed lengthwise through the growing sock. The opposite ends of the tube have male and female coupling fittings so that a plurality of sections can be coupled together in series, with each growing sock locked in position by the shoulders of the coupling fittings at its opposite ends. The modular sections are of a plurality of types for accommodating different types of plants, volumes of growing medium, and/or watering volumes. The different types of sections each can deliver a pre-determined volume of water that is a multiple of a basic watering volume for the sections, thereby facilitating easy computation of the number and types of sections that can be coupled together in a series for a given water source.

Abstract: A device for holding and protecting a live catnip plant for use by a cat, the device in one form having a protective enclosure defining an interior to receive the plant and plant supporting medium, the cage including a plurality of bars spaced apart to prevent a cat from reaching through the bars while allowing air and light to pass through the bars to sustain the plant life and allowing the plant to grow through the bars to the exterior of the device for access by the cat. A watering cap in a top of the cage distributes water to the plant inside the enclosure. A cat toy, scratching surface, or platform or combination thereof may be incorporated into or associated with the enclosure.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for the treatment, e.g., cleaning, humidifying, filtration and/or detoxifying, of ambient air incorporates a plant, soil, roots and a water reservoir to allow for effective filtration of air over an extended period of time. In particular, the device is designed with an air impeller system such that external ‘dirty’ air is circulated within the device in the proximity of the plant, soil, roots and/or water reservoir, thereby removing impurities, toxins and other undesirable chemicals from the air. The apparatus and methods of the present invention are readily applicable to a number of applications where air treatment is desired, e.g., household use. Moreover, by incorporating a plant system, the apparatus serves not only a functional but an aesthetic purpose as well.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has a body and an insert or extension attached thereto. The floral sleeve may have an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: A system and method capable of efficient production of synthesis gas from biomass materials in a manner which can be scaled to relatively large throughput capacities. the system is operable to compact a loose biomass material and simultaneously introduce the compacted biomass material into entrances of internal passages of multiple parallel reactors, heat the compacted biomass material within the reactors to a temperature at which organic molecules within the compacted biomass material break down to form ash and gases comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases, inhibit combustion of the compacted biomass material when heated within the internal passages of the reactors, conduct the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases through the reactors in a direction opposite the movement of the compacted biomass through the reactors, and remove the ash from the reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reprocessing CO2-containing exhaust gases in a multistage reduction process. The CO2-containing exhaust gas is conducted in the counter stream to a solid mass stream of inert bulk material and organic material that can be thermally decomposed through a plurality of zones (4, 3, 2, 1) into a pressure equalization region and is thereby converted into pyrolysis gases. In the flow direction of the solid mass stream in a fuel gas production stage (1) at 250-700° C., the organic matter is thermally decomposed under reducing conditions into short-chained hydrocarbons, hydrogen and carbon monoxide to produce coke and residue. In an intermediate stage (2) with increasing temperature, oxidation of the pyrolysis coke is carried out, wherein the developing carbon monoxide is suctioned off counter to the solid mass stream in the direction of the fuel gas production stage (1). In a carbon monoxide production stage (3) at 800-1,600° C.

Abstract: A door operator for selectively opening and closing a side hinge door. The door operator may include a motor with a drive shaft, an operator arm assembly, a door position sensor, and a controller. The operator arm assembly may include an output shaft operatively coupled to the drive shaft, an operator arm, and a clutch assembly mounted to the output shaft. The door position sensor, which may be electro-magnetic, signals the controller when the door is not closed. If the door has been manually pushed open, the controller signals the motor to rotate the drive shaft in the closing direction. In automatic mode, the output shaft and the operator arm are operatively engaged, but manual force to open the door overcomes static friction between the operator arm and friction discs in the clutch assembly, operatively disengaging the operator arm and output shaft until the manual force is removed.

Abstract: A sliding panel structure. The sliding panel structure includes a frame having an upper support track and a lower guide rail. At least one sliding panel is connected between the upper support track and the lower guide rail. The sliding panel includes a sliding panel pivot axis and an extension for riding in the lower guide rail. The extension prevents undesired pivoting of the sliding panel about the sliding panel pivot axis. A mutual attraction device is connected between the sliding panel and the frame with a first mutual attraction part connected to the frame and the second mutual attraction part connected to the sliding panel. A fulcrum is utilized for tilting the sliding panel whenever the first mutual attraction part engages the second mutual attraction part. The tilting of the sliding panel causes the extension to disengage the lower guide rail which allows the sliding panel to pivot about the sliding panel pivot axis.

Abstract: A sliding panel track system has a headrail with traversing rails therein, the traversing rails having open-ended channels with downwardly facing slots. Panels for the system are attached to hangers, including different hangers for different types of panels. The hangers are readily and easily inserted into and withdrawn from the channels and slots via the open ends thereof.

Abstract: A coated abrasive product has a backing member, a layer of adhesive and a planar paper or cloth-like abrasive sheet attached to the backing member via the adhesive layer. The backing member is made of a pliant, malleable, metallic material, configured to be bent and shaped into a multitude of different, fixed shapes and configurations. In use during sanding operations, the abrasive sheet remains attached to the backing member, while conforming to the fixed configurations of the backing member.

Abstract: In order to improve a retentions force of a silo closure, patterns with protrusions and recesses are proposed at least on insides of a support profile in particular portions, preferably also on outsides of a support hose and/or at least on one of the outsides of a cover foil.

Abstract: A roof flashing for forming a weather-proof seal about pipes of different diameters extending through openings in building structures, the flashing has a collar having a conical shape with a bottom edge and an apex end for passage of the pipe, the collar comprising a wall of elastomeric material wherein the wall has annular grooves forming tear lines for removing a portion of the collar allowing the collar to sealingly engage different diameter pipes. In addition, the roof flashing has a base having a tapered cylindrical shape formed by a wall of elastomeric material, the base having an opening formed by a top edge wherein the top edge is coupled to the bottom edge of the collar, the base further having a bottom edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prefabricated rooms and the construction thereof. More particularly, the present invention, relates to prefabricated sealed rooms that serve as a room for daily use and protects from weapons of mass destructions such as nuclear fallout, biological or chemical weapons, and natural disasters.

Abstract: A mobile service station includes a deployable structure configurable between a first closed configuration wherein the structure is a container having two side walls, a roof, a floor, a front wall and a rear wall, and a second deployed configuration as an operating service station. The station includes service station accessories mounted on at least one of the side walls. At least one side wall of the structure is foldable between a first vertical position, wherein the side wall acts as a vertical side wall for the closed configuration, and a second position wherein the side wall acts as additional floor space for the structure in the deployed configuration. The service station is adaptable for use as a high-end food stand, among other applications. A method configures the mobile service station.

Abstract: An interlocking precast slab assembly such as a bench or memorial marker is provided. Each assembly includes a precast seat member having upper and lower surfaces and an elongated groove formed in the upper surface of the seat member. Each assembly also includes a precast back member having an engraved front surface and an elongated lower edge portion which fits into the elongated groove to form a joint which interlocks the members together to form the assembly with the engraved front surface supported above the upper surface of the seat member for viewing.

Abstract: An improved roof tile that is composed of a polymeric isocyanate and water blown component, mineral fiber or fiberglass, said roof tile being molded producing a roof tile with a high R-value thermal insulation and being very light weight. Each tile includes a flat bottom surface including a groove of a predetermined pattern that receives poly foam adhesive for attaching each tile to a roof substrate.

Abstract: Photovoltaic wiring arrays and photovoltaic wiring systems suitable for use in rooftop photovoltaic power generation systems are provided. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a photovoltaic roofing wiring array for use with a plurality of photovoltaic roofing elements, the photovoltaic roofing wiring system including: a positive parallel wiring run comprising a main line and one or more connection branches pendant from the main line, each connection branch being terminated in a positive connector; and a negative parallel wiring run comprising a main line and one or more connection branches pendant from the main line, each connection branch being terminated in a negative connector. In some embodiments of the invention, the photovoltaic roofing wiring arrays are substantially prefabricated.

Abstract: A roof or façade panel with at least one surface panel that can be fastened to buildings, wherein the surface panel is foamed directly with a carrier layer of foamed plastic, and wherein the surface panel comprises a solar panel.

Abstract: A trim element such as a door pilaster or frieze board, for attachment to a building wall, having front and back longitudinal faces, first and second longitudinal edges, and a longitudinal groove in the first edge. A mounting bracket for the wall has a forward strip that extends laterally and is selectively friction fit into the groove, a back strip that extends laterally on the back face of the element, and a connecting web between the forward and back strip that is flush with the first edge when the forward strip is fully inserted in the groove. A mounting flange for the wall extends laterally from the back face of the element, beyond the second longitudinal edge, and has a longitudinal channel along the second edge with a width that is effective to receive an edge of wall siding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall system which has a solid wood construction on both an inner and outer side with an insulation cavity between, and to an improved building construction utilising the wall system. A plurality of boards is arranged in an interior stack of boards and an exterior stack of boards on a base platform. The interior and exterior stacks of boards are spaced apart by vertical members. The vertical members are spaced apart at spaced locations along the wall. The vertical members have a spanning portion; the interior and exterior stacks of boards are spaced apart by the width of the spanning portion. The vertical members extend across the height of a plurality of boards of each stack of boards.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to cover a wall corner where lengths of cove base meet. One part is a wall adapter. It is composed of a right angle of thin material with one-half of a mechanical mating structure at its outer apex. The other part is a corner cover composed of a right angle of a thicker material with a narrower extent, but taller than the wall adapter. The cove base corner cover provides a unified junction between the two adjacent cove base sides of a corner. The corner cover is initially held correctly in place by being mechanically mated to the wall adapter. Corners may be inside or outside corners. Matings include snap fit, friction fit and a hanging tab and slot. These two types of covers might operate with a common wall adapter, but, of course, are of somewhat complementary shapes. Their right angles face in opposite orientations.

Abstract: An insulated roof assembly includes at least one support structure having a main body portion, a first insulation material generally disposed around the main body portion and a roof panel supported by the at least one support structure. A second insulation material is disposed between the roof panel and the at least one support structure. A third insulation material is disposed between the second insulating material and the at least one support structure. Thus, in a final assembly, the third insulating material is disposed a first distance apart from the roof panel and a second distance apart from the first insulation material.

Abstract: A spacer for an anchor includes a base having first and second sides. The first side is adapted for engagement with an anchor. At least two spikes extend from the second end of the base. An opening is provided within the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing tiles on a surface uses tile modules, which have a plurality of tiles mounted thereon, and a device for permitting the tile modules to inter-engage, in which each tile module includes a backing board which can be affixed to a stud wall or the like. Each module has on opposite sides complementary connector members, so that one module can be located above or below another module with the complementary connector members being interengaged. The apparatus also provides for connection to one side of a module and internal and external corners for use with the modules.

Abstract: A panel, especially floor panel comprises a core produced of a wood product or a mixture of a wood product/synthetic material. The panel includes a top and a bottom, and is provided with mating hook elements on at least two opposite lateral edges thereof. The first hook element is formed by a profiled section which is essentially open to the top and the second hook element is formed by a profiled section which is essentially open to the bottom. The profiled section on the first hook element forms a projection which is essentially facing the top and on the second hook element forms a projection which is essentially open to the bottom. Two identical panels can be interconnected and interlocked by an essentially vertical joining movement in the horizontal and the vertical direction. At least one of the projections is deviated during the joining movement in the horizontal direction and then snaps into a locking edge which extends essentially in the horizontal direction to vertically lock the panels.

Abstract: Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mast structure for tower structures of wind power installations having a height of more than 80 meters with corner posts composed of sub-profiles, wherein the corner posts are each formed are formed from at least two sub-profiles comprising a sub-profile A and a sub-profile I which are not integrally connected to one another, wherein the sub-profiles together form a closed overall profile and separating joints of the closed overall profile are established such that they are arranged aligned with corresponding separating joints of closed overall profiles of an adjacent corner post which is connected to struts.

Abstract: An anchoring device comprising a hollow shaft having a first end and a second end, and an anchor attached to the second end, wherein the anchor comprises a plurality of flukes to secure the anchoring device to a wall and at least one hole in fluid communication with the shaft to deliver a securing compound injected into the first end of the shaft to the flukes to facilitating securing the anchoring device to the wall. The flukes may be bendable or hingedly attached to the base of the anchor so as to accommodate a closed configuration to be insertable into a hole in the wall and expandable into an open configuration to prevent the anchoring device from being removed from the wall.

Abstract: Provided are a stiffener for connecting a prestressed concrete beam and a method of constructing a structure using the same, in which the beam such as the prestressed concrete beam which is covered with concrete is connected to a target structure including a column structure or a girder. The stiffener is made up of a buried stiffener, an end face stiffener, and a joint stiffener, thereby enabling simple connection, excellent stress transmission, and very efficient construction of (building) structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of techniques for connecting construction elements suitable for use in the construction of buildings, in the sector of civil engineering. The connection system (1) connects a first construction element (2) to a second construction element (3) and comprises at least one retaining element (1a) integral with the first construction element (2) and an anchoring device (1b) connecting the retaining element (1a) to the second construction element (3); the anchoring device (1b) comprises two wings (4) and a middle part (5), which connects the two wings (4) and is placed in contact with the retaining element (1a); the intrados of the two wings (4) lies on a same plane; the axes of the two wings (4) provide an angle therebetween with the vertex pointing the first construction element (2); each of the two wings (4) is connected to the second construction element (3).

Abstract: A method of displaying smoke propagation in a region minimizes distractions due to building structural elements so that a user can focus on the smoke flow. An associated apparatus includes a plurality of smoke detectors and a display device which respond to smoke in the building. The apparatus generates the displays indicating the path of propagation of the developing smoke between floors. The display device can be wirelessly coupled to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for encasing product in a tubular material with a handle is described. The apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a delivery conveyor, a ram located on a first side of the delivery conveyor, a product horn located at a side of the delivery conveyor opposite the ram, the product horn having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent the delivery conveyor and the second end remote from the delivery conveyor, a sealer configured to form tubular seamed casing about the product horn, a printer in data communication with a scale, a clipper located at the second end of the product horn, and a plurality of tag handles feeding through the printer and to the clipper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and a device for delivering a predetermined (1) volume of beverage into a thermoplastic container formed from a heated preform, the preform being positioned in a mould, characterized in that the method includes a step of injecting at least some beverage into a recess in the preform so as to promote expansion of the preform inside the mould, the mould defining the shape of the container, a longitudinal displacement of a stretch rod (10) carried out during a given period ensuring longitudinal elongation of the heated preform, the stretch rod being immobile at the end of the given period, and a volume of beverage greater than a predefined fraction of the predetermined volume, preferably equal to 50%, being present in the recess at said end of the given period.

Abstract: Packaging a consumer textile soft goods product for retail sale includes: providing a vacuum-sealable bag; sealing one or more textile soft goods within the interior space of the vacuum-sealable bag for retail sale to a consumer; and locating the vacuum-sealable bag within retail packaging for retail sale to a consumer.

Abstract: A method for filling dual-chamber systems in pre-sterilizable carrier systems includes providing at least one washed, siliconized and sterilized dual-chamber system in a magazine. The dual-chamber system includes respective separating elements separating the two chambers from each other. The magazine accommodates at least one dual-chamber system and is arranged in a container that is sealed with a closing element. The method additionally includes introducing the container into a clean room; opening the container and filling a first chamber of the at least one dual-chamber system; and closing the first chamber. The method further includes filling a second chamber of the at least one dual-chamber system; closing the second chamber; and removing the system from the clean room.

Abstract: A method for filling dual-chamber systems in pre-sterilizable carrier systems includes providing at least one washed, siliconized and sterilized dual-chamber system with respectively one separating element separating the two chambers from one another in a magazine, which accommodates the at least one dual-chamber system. The magazine is arranged in a container sealed with a closure element. The method additionally includes feeding the container into a clean room; opening the container and filling a first chamber of the at least one dual-chamber system; closing the first chamber with a gas-permeable closure element; and freeze drying the solution contained in the first chamber. The method further includes closing the first chamber with a closure element; filling a second chamber of the at least one dual-chamber system; closing the second chamber; and discharging the container from the clean room.

Abstract: The present invention features an apparatus for storing, preserving and dispensing perishable and degradable food and goods. A housing is provided, in which at least one modular unit is disposed. Physically removed from the modular unit is a vacuum pump for creating a partial vacuum therein. Optionally provided are a temperature control device to create and maintain a range of temperatures; a humidity control device to create and maintain a humidity range; and, a gas sourcing system to create and maintain various gas environments within the modular unit(s). The modular unit can be a slidable drawer. Moreover, more than one drawer can be provided, each drawer stacked above one another, with or without a housing, and all of the drawers being operatively connected to the vacuum pump, and optionally connected to the temperature control unit (only provided for the closed housing), the gas sourcing system and the humidity control device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for mobile handling of wood chips, comprising a mobile platform (2) on which a wood chipper (3) is provided, a chip conveyor (4) connected to the chipper, a packaging device (6) and a packaging casing (7) provided at the packaging device (6) provided in order to package chips (9) into a tubular package (8) by means of said packaging casing (7), whereby said chip conveyor (4) is in the form of a screw conveyor with a screw (41), the outfeed end of which is provided to feed chips to a compaction device (5) positioned in connection with said packaging device (6).

Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacting by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a vertical/horizontal form, fill and seal packaging comprising a plastic film, a longitudinal seam (2) and a cross-directional seam (5), characterised in that the longitudinal seam (2) comprises a continuous teeth structure of adjacent notches (1) with no remaining horizontal cutting lines, representing tear initiations over the whole length of the longitudinal seam (2) said packaging being obtained by a machine reel (4) of said plastic film comprising on both lateral edges said continuous teeth structure (1) in order to avoid additional scrap in the VFFS/HFFS packaging process. The present invention is also related to a process of making such a packaging, said process starting out from a reel comprising a continuous teeth structure on its lateral edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct inbred tomato lines and hybrids. This invention also relates to plants and seeds of such inbred tomato lines and hybrids, and to parts thereof. The invention also relates to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such inbred tomato lines and hybrids with themselves or other tomato plants.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an operating unit, which can be a welding unit for welding a closing film to an edge zone of a containing element or a separating unit for separating containing elements from portions of sheet material. The apparatus includes a control unit programmed to enable the operating unit to selectively process a continuous strip of containing elements or discrete groups of containing elements.