System for packaging growth medium pots into propagation trays, and distributor apparatuses therefor

A distributor apparatus adapted for positioning growth medium pots into a propagation tray, the distributor apparatus comprising:

• a first apparatus;
• a conveyor unit;
• and
• a second apparatus;
• wherein the first apparatus is configured for positioning a single growth medium pot onto the conveyor unit at a time;
• wherein the conveyor unit comprises an endless conveyor belt adapted for transporting the growth medium pots towards the second apparatus;
• wherein the growth medium pot is tubular with a side and two terminal ends that are open-ended, and wherein positioning a single growth medium pot onto the conveyor unit at a time is performed such that the growth medium pot is positioned onto the conveyor unit such that growth medium pot rests on one of the growth medium pot's open ends;
• wherein the second apparatus is configured for moving the growth medium pots positioned on the conveyor belt into a propagation tray;
• and
• wherein the first apparatus comprises a guide support adapted for supporting the growth medium pot until the growth medium pot reaches the conveyor belt, wherein the guide support is configured to allow loose growth medium to pass therethrough, thereby preventing the loose growth medium from reaching the conveyor belt.

A distributor apparatus adapted for positioning growth medium pots into a propagation tray, the distributor apparatus comprising:

• a first apparatus;
• a conveyor unit;
• and
• a second apparatus;
• wherein the first apparatus is configured for positioning a single growth medium pot onto the conveyor unit at a time and comprises a guide support adapted for supporting the growth medium pot until the growth medium pot reaches the conveyor belt, wherein the guide support is configured to allow loose growth medium to pass therethrough, thereby preventing the loose growth medium from reaching the conveyor belt;
• wherein the conveyor unit comprises an endless conveyor belt adapted for transporting the growth medium pots towards the second apparatus;
• wherein the growth medium pot is tubular with a side and two terminal ends that are open-ended, and wherein positioning a single growth medium pot onto the conveyor unit at a time is performed such that the growth medium pot is positioned onto the conveyor unit such that growth medium pot rests on one of the growth medium pot's open ends;
• wherein the second apparatus is configured for moving the growth medium pots positioned on the conveyor belt into a propagation tray;
• and
• wherein the first apparatus comprises a plunger or piston unit and a feed guide, wherein the plunger or piston unit is adapted for feeding a growth medium pot onto the conveyor belt, and wherein the feed guide is adapted for receiving and supporting the growth medium pot as the growth medium pot is fed from the plunger or piston unit, thereby securing a correct position of supporting the growth medium pot on the conveyor belt.