Stem-cutting Apparatus and Related Methods

A stem-cutting apparatus comprising:

• a top plate having a hole positioned therein;
• a funnel positioned within the hole and extending past a bottom surface of the top plate;
• a main block contacting a lower edge of the funnel, the main blocking having a hole therein aligned substantially concentric with the funnel;
• an actuation device affixed to the main block having an actuator, wherein the actuator is movable between a retracted position and an extended position;
• a blade connected to the actuator, wherein the blade is movable along a cutting path, wherein the cutting path intersects an axis of the funnel;
• and
• a limiter plate connected to the actuator, positioned substantially parallel to the blade, and spaced a predetermined distance from the blade, wherein the limiter plate is stationary relative to the blade, the limiter plate having a limiter plate hole therein, wherein in the retracted position, the limiter plate intersects the axis of the funnel and in the extended position, the axis of the funnel is positioned within the limiter plate hole.

A method of cutting stems of agricultural products, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a stem-cutting apparatus having a funnel;
• placing at least one stem of an agricultural product within the funnel;
• contacting the at least one stem to a limiter plate, wherein the limiter plate is positioned beyond a lower edge of the funnel and in a position intersecting an axis of the funnel;
• and
• activating an actuation device having an actuator, thereby moving the blade along a cutting path intersecting the axis of the funnel to sever the at least one stem of the agricultural product, whereby the limiter plate moves with the actuator thereby remaining stationary relative to the limiter plate.