DK201600358A1 - Distributor apparatus and system adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray - Google Patents

Distributor apparatus and system adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray Download PDF

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Publication number
DK201600358A1
DK201600358A1 DKPA201600358A DKPA201600358A DK201600358A1 DK 201600358 A1 DK201600358 A1 DK 201600358A1 DK PA201600358 A DKPA201600358 A DK PA201600358A DK PA201600358 A DKPA201600358 A DK PA201600358A DK 201600358 A1 DK201600358 A1 DK 201600358A1
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DK
Denmark
Prior art keywords
growth medium
pieces
length
suitable size
positioning
Prior art date
Application number
DKPA201600358A
Inventor
Thomas Lindberg Tranberg
Original Assignee
Ellepot As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ellepot As filed Critical Ellepot As
Priority to DKPA201600358A priority Critical patent/DK179104B1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2017/064372 priority patent/WO2017216145A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of DK179104B1 publication Critical patent/DK179104B1/en
Publication of DK201600358A1 publication Critical patent/DK201600358A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/029—Receptacles for seedlings
    • A01G9/0299—Handling or transporting of soil blocks or seedlings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/029—Receptacles for seedlings
    • A01G9/0297—Grids for supporting several receptacles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for transporting a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray. The distributor apparatus comprises a) one or more stacking columns, each stacking column adapted for receiving a single length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size; b) a frame adapted for supporting the one or more stacking columns; and c) positioning means adapted for switching a stacking column between a loading position and an unloading position.

Description

Background of the invention
For the propagation of plants, starting either from seeds or from cuttings, it is well-known in the art to use small pots. The pots are traditionally made in a continuous process as disclosed in WO9203914 to obtain a cheap product that is relatively easy to handle. When the continuous blocks of growth medium are cut into pots/pieces of suitable size, each individual piece of the continuous block of growth medium is manually or automatically positioned into a propagation tray. An example of an automatic system is the Ellepot Multiflex, where a distributor with an X-Y movement mechanism distributes the individual pieces of the continuous block of growth medium into a propagation tray. The pieces are positioned one at the time as they move in a single line from the cutting means to the distributor. This system is limited by the minimum size of the individual pieces of the continuous block of growth medium, as pieces with a relatively low size (height relative to the diameter) has a tendency to tilt during the transportation towards the distributor.
Summary of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a distributor apparatus or system that is capable of distributing low-size pots (height relative to the diameter) into a propagation tray. A first aspect relates to a distributor apparatus adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray, the distributor apparatus comprising: - a frame comprising one or more stacking columns, each stacking column adapted for receiving a single length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size; and - positioning means adapted for switching the frame between a loading position and an unloading position. A second aspect relates to a distributor apparatus adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray, the distributor apparatus comprising: - a frame adapted for supporting one or more stacking columns, each stacking column adapted for receiving a single length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size; and - positioning means adapted for switching a stacking column between a loading position and an unloading position. A third aspect relates to a distributor apparatus adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray, the distributor apparatus comprising: - one or more stacking columns, each stacking column adapted for receiving a single length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size; and - positioning means adapted for switching a stacking column between a loading position and an unloading position. A fourth aspect relates to a distributor apparatus adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray, the distributor apparatus comprising: - one or more stacking columns, each stacking column adapted for receiving a single length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size; - a frame adapted for supporting the one or more stacking columns; and - positioning means adapted for switching a stacking column between a loading position and an unloading position
When transporting a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into the distributor apparatus in one operation, the individual pieces are capable of supporting each other, thereby avoiding that they tilt during the loading operation. Furthermore, the individual stacking column is adapted to receive a “single” length. Hence, the size of the individual stacking column also aids in stabilizing the position of the individual pieces.
The term “length of growth medium” refers to the production of growth medium, which is made in a continuous line as e.g. disclosed in WO9203914. The length of growth medium is thereafter cut into pieces of suitable size (height relative to the diameter), corresponding to the desired size of a propagation pot. Hence, a synonymous term to the term “length of growth medium” may be a “continuous block of growth medium”.
The term “frame” as used in this application may be understood to include, but is not limited to, any structure or functionality, which supports another structure or other object (e.g. a stacking column).
The stacking column is configured with a channel adapted for receiving a single length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size. The channel is preferably straight to minimize the friction between the length and the walls.
In one or more embodiments, the stacking column comprises a plurality of wires or rods arranged to form a channel there between. Hence, the wires or rods define the walls of the channel. Such configuration minimize the friction between the length and the walls, and allows for an advancing means adapted for advancing individual pieces of a length of growth medium within the stacking column to engage with the individual pieces through the walls of the stacking column.
In one or more embodiments, the wires or rods are movable relative to each other to increase or decrease the diameter/width of the channel within the stacking column.
In one or more embodiments, the stacking column is a tube structure with cut-outs or openings in the tube wall adapted for receiving an advancing means adapted for advancing individual pieces of a length of growth medium within the stacking column.
In one or more embodiments, the stacking columns are positioned such that their inlets are closer to one another than their outlets.
In one or more embodiments, the stacking columns are positioned such that their inlets are closer to one another than their outlets to form a fan-shape.
In one or more embodiments, the outlets and inlets of neighbouring stacking columns are movable relative to each other.
In one or more embodiments, the positioning means is configured to position the frame in a loading position such that the one or more stacking columns are positioned in a substantially horizontal position. This will horizontally align the stacking columns with means for loading a length of growth medium into a stacking column.
In one or more embodiments, the positioning means is configured to position one or more stacking columns in a substantially horizontal position.
In one or more embodiments, the positioning means is configured to position the frame in an unloading position such that the one or more stacking columns are positioned in a substantially vertical position.
In one or more embodiments, the positioning means is configured to position the one or more stacking columns in a substantially vertical position.
In one or more embodiments, the distributor apparatus further comprises advancing means adapted for advancing individual pieces of a length of growth medium within a stacking column.
The advancing means may comprise one or more spiked plates or belts, such as a spiked conveyor belt. The plates or belts may be positioned such that the spikes can enter the individual pieces of a length of growth medium within a stacking column, thereby anchoring them to the plate or belt as it moves. The plate may e.g. move through a curved path such that the spikes enters and leaves the individual pieces of a length of growth medium within a stacking column along the curved path.
In one or more embodiments, the distributor apparatus further comprises advancing means configured to dispense the lowermost individual piece from a length of growth medium within a stacking column into a propagation tray.
In one or more embodiments, the frame comprises a plurality of stacking columns, and wherein the advancing means is configured to simultaneously dispense the lowermost individual piece from a length of growth medium within each stacking column into a propagation tray.
In one or more embodiments, the distributor comprises a plurality of stacking columns, and wherein the advancing means is configured to simultaneously dispense the lowermost individual piece from a length of growth medium within each stacking column into a propagation tray. A fifth aspect relates to a system for positioning growth medium pots onto/into propagation trays comprising: - a distributor apparatus according to the present invention; - a compartmentalized conveyor comprising a plurality of open-ended compartments adapted for receiving a single length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size; and - a second displacement means adapted for transporting a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size positioned within a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor through the open end of the compartment and into the distributor apparatus according to the present invention.
When transporting a single length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size, the individual pieces are capable of supporting each other, thereby avoiding that they tilt during the transportation. Furthermore, the compartment is adapted to receive a “single” length. Hence, the size of the compartment also aids in stabilizing the position of the individual pieces.
The term "conveyor" is used in its broadest sense indicating any continuous moving support, but the invention has special application to belt or roller conveyors.
The term "conveyor belt," as used in the present disclosure, generally refers to any type of endless track or belt, typically configured to be driven by a geared mechanism or drum. The term "conveyor belt" should not be considered to be limited to any particular type of conveyor belt unless otherwise specified herein.
In one or more embodiments, the compartmentalized conveyor comprises a belt with a plurality of open-ended compartments adapted for receiving a single length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size.
The term “open-ended” compartment is to be understood as a compartment extending from one longitudinal side of the conveyor to the other longitudinal side of the conveyor, and wherein one or more openings faces the longitudinal side(s) of the conveyor (e.g. the longitudinal sides of the conveyor belt). Preferably, the compartment extends perpendicular to the moving direction of the conveyor. The compartment may in some embodiments only be open in one end. In such a situation, the system comprises a storage tray adapted for positioning (such as tilting or dropping) a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor. The single open end is then facing the distributor apparatus adapted for positioning the individual pieces of the length of growth medium into a propagation tray, since the length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size is preferably slid therein. The compartment may be fastened onto the conveyor, or may be an integral part of the conveyor, such as an integral part of a conveyor belt. The compartment is preferably elongate with its longest dimension extending perpendicular to the moving direction of the conveyor, but may also extend parallel to the moving direction of the conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a first displacement means adapted for: a) positioning a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor through its open end and along the longitudinal direction of the compartment; and/or b) positioning a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a storage tray; wherein the storage tray is adapted for tilting or dropping a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a programmable control unit configured to activate and/or deactivate the second displacement means and the compartmentalized conveyor sequentially.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises an apparatus adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size, and wherein said apparatus is configured for positioning its outlet at multiple sites along the length of the compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the apparatus adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size, comprises two or more outlets configured for positioning along the length of the compartmentalized conveyor. In one or more embodiments, the outlets may be angled in relation to one another, in order to provide length of growth medium in two neighbouring compartments of the compartmentalized conveyor. The angle may be fixed, or may be mechanically or electronically adjusted to a given type of compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a storage tray adapted for positioning (e.g. tilting or dropping) a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a partly filled compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a storage tray adapted for tilting or dropping a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the first displacement means comprises a spade blade, a first drive means, and a second drive means. The spade blade is preferably configured for fitting within a cutting groove between to individual growth medium pieces. In one or more embodiments, the first drive means is configured to move the spade blade from a first position above a cutting groove between to individual growth medium pieces to a second position within said cutting groove. In one or more embodiments, the first drive means is configured to move the spade blade from a first position above a cutting groove between to individual growth medium pieces to a second position within said cutting groove, while using the cutting blade of the apparatus adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size as a guide.
In one or more embodiments, the second drive means is configured to move the spade blade above and along a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size. Thereby, the first displacement means can be configured to move different lengths of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the first displacement means is configured to move varying lengths of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a second displacement means adapted for transporting a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size positioned within a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor through the open end of the compartment and into a distributor apparatus adapted for positioning the individual pieces into a propagation tray for cuttings, seeds and the like.
In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a second displacement means adapted for transporting length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size positioned within a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor into a distributor apparatus adapted for positioning the individual pieces into a propagation tray for cuttings, seeds and the like.
In one or more embodiments, the second displacement means comprises one or more spade blades, each adapted for moving within a single open-ended compartment; wherein the second displacement means further comprises a first drive means adapted to move the spade blades from a first position outside the open-ended compartment to a second position within the open-ended compartment. Thereby, the distributor apparatus may be loaded with a length (or several lengths) of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size in a single operation.
To avoid overloading of an individual compartment, the apparatus may in some embodiments further comprise means adapted for controlling the presence and/or absence of length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size within a compartment. Such means may e.g. be a photo sensor.
It may be an advantage to control the activation of the conveyor such that an empty compartment is positioned in front of the first displacement means and is moved away as it is filled.
In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a programmable control unit configured to activate and/or deactivate the first displacement means and the compartmentalized conveyor sequentially.
Similarly, it may an advantage to control the activation of the conveyor such that a filled compartment is positioned in front of the second displacement means and is moved away as it is emptied.
In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a programmable control unit configured to activate and/or deactivate the second displacement means and the compartmentalized conveyor sequentially.
It may be requested to fill a propagation tray with propagation pots of varying sizes. In one or more embodiments, the first displacement means is configured for loading neighbouring compartments of the compartmentalized conveyor with varying lengths and/or diameters of lengths of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size.
In one or more embodiments, the second displacement means is adapted for transporting a plurality of lengths of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size positioned within individual compartments of the compartmentalized conveyor through the open end of the individual compartment and into a distributor apparatus adapted for positioning the individual pieces into a propagation tray for cuttings, seeds and the like.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises an apparatus adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size, and wherein said apparatus is configured for positioning its outlet at multiple sites along the length of the compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises an apparatus adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size, and wherein said apparatus comprises multiple outlets configured for positioning along the length of the compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises multiple apparatuses adapted for producing lengths of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size, and positioned on one the same side or on both sides of the compartmentalized conveyor.
In one or more embodiments, the outlets of multiple apparatuses may be angled in relation to one another, in order to provide length of growth medium in two neighbouring compartments of the compartmentalized conveyor. The angle may be fixed, or may be mechanically or electronically adjusted to a given type of compartmentalized conveyor.
It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.
Brief description of the figures
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the distributor apparatus is shown in a loading position;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, where the distributor apparatus is shown in an unloading position;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the distributor apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 4 shows a side end view of the distributor apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the invention with cross-sectional lines B-B and C-C;
Figure 5 shows the cross-sectional view C-C of the distributor apparatus in Figure 4;
Figure 6 shows the cross-sectional view B-B of the distributor apparatus in Figure 4;
Figure 7 shows a close-up view of the compartmentalized conveyor and first displacement means as disclosed in Figure 1;
Figure 8 shows a close-up view of the compartmentalized conveyor and second displacement means as disclosed in Figure 1;
Figure 9 shows a system where the apparatus adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size comprises two outlets; and
Figure 10 shows a different view of the first displacement means shown in Figure 9. Detailed description of the invention
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The system is shown comprising a compartmentalized conveyor 200 positioned in-between an apparatus 700 adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size and a distributor apparatus 600 adapted for positioning the individual pieces of the length of growth medium into a propagation tray (not shown). The distributor apparatus 600 is shown in a loading position, while Figure 2 shows the distributor apparatus 600 in an unloading position. Positioning means 630 are adapted for switching the stacking columns 610 between a loading position and an unloading position (distributing position).
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the distributor apparatus 600 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The distributor apparatus 600 comprises a plurality of stacking columns 610, each stacking column adapted for receiving a single length 10 of growth medium cut into pieces 12 of suitable size. The distributor apparatus 600 also comprises a frame 620 adapted for supporting the one or more stacking columns 610, and positioning means 630 for switching a stacking column 610 between a loading position and an unloading position. The distributor apparatus 600 furthermore comprises advancing means 640 adapted for advancing individual pieces 12 of a length 10 of growth medium within a stacking column. The frame 620 and the advancing means 640 both comprise a part of a guiding mechanism configured to guide retaining means 644 (Figures 5+6) to come in and out of contact with individual pieces 12 of a length 10 of growth medium within a stacking column. The retaining means 644 are here shown as a plurality of v-shaped plates connected to a common steering plate 648 (Figure 5), but other shapes could also be utilized, such as spikes. The part of the guiding mechanism comprised in the frame is here shown as guide rod means 622 adapted for receiving a moving curved guide track means 642 comprised in the advancing means 640. A pneumatic/hydraulic cylinder is here used to move the curved guide track means 642 in relation to the guide rod means 622. Four pairs of guide rod means 622 and curved guide track means 642 are present on both side ends of the distributor apparatus 600.
Figure 4 shows a side end view of the distributor apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the invention with cross-sectional lines B-B and C-C.
Figure 5 shows the cross-sectional view C-C of the distributor apparatus in Figure 4.
Figure 6 shows the cross-sectional view B-B of the distributor apparatus in Figure 4. The stacking columns 610 comprises a plurality of wires or rods 612 arranged to form a channel there-between. Hence, the wires or rods 612 define the walls of the channel.
The system also comprises a first displacement means 300 adapted for positioning a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a compartment 210 of the compartmentalized conveyor 200 through its open end (212, Figure 7) and along the longitudinal direction of the compartment 210. Furthermore, the system comprises a second displacement means 500 adapted for transporting a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size positioned within a compartment 210 of the compartmentalized conveyor 200 through the open end (212, Figure 7) of the compartment 210 and into a distributor apparatus 600.
In Figure 8, the second displacement means 500 is shown with a number of spade blades 510, each adapted for moving within a single open-ended compartment. The second displacement means 500 comprises a first drive means (not shown) adapted to move the spade blades 510 from a first position outside the open-ended compartment to a second position within the open-ended compartment. Thereby, the distributor apparatus 600 is loaded with a length (here, several lengths) of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size in a single operation.
Figure 9 shows a detailed view of the first displacement means 300. The first displacement means 300 is shown comprising a spade blade 310, a first drive means 320, and a second drive means 330. The spade blade 310 is configured for fitting within a cutting groove 14 between to individual growth medium pieces 12.
The first drive means 320 is configured to move the spade blade from a first position above a cutting groove 14 between to individual growth medium pieces 12 to a second position within said cutting groove 14. The second drive means 330 is configured to move the spade blade above and along a length 10 of growth medium cut into pieces 12 of suitable size. Thereby, the first displacement means 300 can be configured to move different lengths of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a compartment of the compartmentalized conveyor. An example of alternating lengths can be seen in Figures 1 and 8.
Figure 9 also shows a first displacement means 300 adapted for: a) positioning a length 10 of growth medium cut into pieces 12 of suitable size into a compartment 210 of the compartmentalized conveyor 200 through its open end 212 and along the longitudinal direction of the compartment 210; and b) positioning a length 10 of growth medium cut into pieces 12 of suitable size into a storage tray 400; wherein the storage tray 400 is adapted for positioning a length 10 of growth medium cut into pieces 12 of suitable size into a compartment 210 of the compartmentalized conveyor 200. A different view of the first displacement means 300 is shown in Figure 10. The apparatus 700 adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size, comprises two outlets 710 configured for positioning along the length of the compartmentalized conveyor.
Here, one outlet is positioned in front of the storage tray, while the other is positioned in front of a compartment 210. The spade blade 310 is here shown configured for fitting within a cutting groove 14 between to individual growth medium pieces 12 in both lanes simultaneously.
References 10 Length of growth medium 12 Piece of growth medium 14 Cutting groove 200 Compartmentalized conveyor 210 Compartment 212 Open end 220 Belt 300 First displacement means 310 Spade blade 320 First drive means 330 Second drive means 400 Storage tray 500 Second displacement means 510 Spade blade 600 Distributor apparatus 610 Stacking column 612 Wires or rod 620 Frame 622 Guide rod means 630 Positioning means 640 Advancing means 642 Curved guide track means 644 Retaining means 646 Pneumatic/hydraulic cylinder 648 Steering plate 700 Apparatus adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size 710 Outlet

Claims (10)

1. A distributor apparatus (600) adapted for positioning individual pieces (12) of a length (10) of growth medium cut into pieces (12) of suitable size into a propagation tray, the distributor apparatus comprising: - one or more stacking columns (610), each stacking column adapted for receiving a single length (10) of growth medium cut into pieces (12) of suitable size; - a frame (620) adapted for supporting the one or more stacking columns (610); and - positioning means (630) adapted for switching a stacking column (610) between a loading position and an unloading position.
2. A distributor apparatus (600) according to claim 1, wherein the positioning means (630) is configured to position the frame (620) in a loading position such that the one or more stacking columns (610) are positioned in a substantially horizontal position.
3. A distributor apparatus (600) according to any one of the claims 1-2, wherein the positioning means (630) is configured to position the frame (620) in an unloading position such that the one or more stacking columns (610) are positioned in a substantially vertical position.
4. A distributor apparatus (600) according to any one of the claims 1-3, further comprising advancing means (640) adapted for advancing individual pieces (12) of a length (10) of growth medium within a stacking column.
5. A distributor apparatus (600) according to any one of the claims 1-4, further comprising advancing means (640) configured to dispense the lowermost individual piece from a length (10) of growth medium within a stacking column (610) into a propagation tray.
6. A distributor apparatus (600) according to claim 5, wherein the distributor apparatus (600) comprises a plurality of stacking columns (610), and wherein the advancing means (640) is configured to simultaneously dispense the lowermost individual piece from a length (10) of growth medium within each stacking column (610) into a propagation tray.
7. A system for positioning growth medium pots onto propagation trays comprising: - a distributor apparatus (600) according to any one of the claims 1 -6; - a compartmentalized conveyor (200) comprising a plurality of open-ended compartments (210) adapted for receiving a single length (10) of growth medium cut into pieces (12) of suitable size; and - a second displacement means (500) adapted for transporting a length (10) of growth medium cut into pieces (12) of suitable size positioned within a compartment (210) of the compartmentalized conveyor (200) through the open end (212) of the compartment (210) and into the apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 -6.
8. A system according to claim 7, further comprising a first displacement means (300) adapted for: a) positioning a length (10) of growth medium cut into pieces (12) of suitable size into a compartment (210) of the compartmentalized conveyor (200) through its open end (212) and along the longitudinal direction of the compartment (210); and/or b) positioning a length (10) of growth medium cut into pieces (12) of suitable size into a storage tray (400); wherein the storage tray (400) is adapted for tilting or dropping a length (10) of growth medium cut into pieces (12) of suitable size into a compartment (210) of the compartmentalized conveyor (200).
9. A system according to any one of the claims 7-8, further comprising a programmable control unit configured to activate and/or deactivate the second displacement means (500) and the compartmentalized conveyor (200) sequentially.
10. A system according to any one of the claims 7-9, further comprising an apparatus (700) adapted for producing a length (10) of growth medium cut into pieces (12) of suitable size, and wherein said apparatus (700) is configured for positioning its outlet (710) at multiple sites along the length of the compartmentalized conveyor (200).
DKPA201600358A 2016-06-17 2016-06-17 Distributor apparatus and system adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray DK179104B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

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DKPA201600358A DK179104B1 (en) 2016-06-17 2016-06-17 Distributor apparatus and system adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray
PCT/EP2017/064372 WO2017216145A1 (en) 2016-06-17 2017-06-13 Distributor apparatus and system adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray

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DKPA201600358A DK179104B1 (en) 2016-06-17 2016-06-17 Distributor apparatus and system adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray

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DK201600358A1 true DK201600358A1 (en) 2017-10-30

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DK202001170A1 (en) 2020-10-14 2022-04-29 Ellepot As A hydroponic system, and a process for producing a hydroponic system
DK181035B8 (en) * 2020-11-06 2022-10-17 Ellepot As System for packaging growth medium pots into propagation trays
DK181411B1 (en) 2021-12-10 2023-10-24 Ellepot As A process and system for line producing seed filled plant growth medium pots, rods, or bands
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