A flower-binding device for binding a bunch of flowers is provided. The flower-binding device includes a strip-shaped element with a first end piece and a second end piece and has a substantially circular shape in the load-free state. The strip-shaped element includes a guide member for allowing the first and the second end piece to mutually engage with each other, a locking device for locking the guide member in a closed position of the flower-binding device, and a manipulating device for manipulating the position of the strip-shaped element with one hand of a user. A method for binding flowers is also provided.

A flower-binding device for binding a bunch of flowers is provided. The flower-binding device includes a strip-shaped element with a first end piece and a second end piece and has a substantially circular shape in the load-free state. The strip-shaped element includes a guide member for allowing the first and the second end piece to mutually engage with each other, a locking device for locking the guide member in a closed position of the flower-binding device, and a manipulating device for manipulating the position of the strip-shaped element with one hand of a user. A method for binding flowers is also provided.

A plant stem separating apparatus for separating a stem from plant portions extending from the stem is provided. The plant stem separating apparatus includes a cutter, and first and second rollers. The cutter includes a blocking member and apertures defined therein. The apertures are sized for receiving the stem therethrough and the blocking member is positioned and configured for blocking a passage of the plant portions through one of the apertures. The first and second rollers define an engagement region therebetween downstream of the aperture for receiving the stem, and are drivable to rotate in opposite directions in a forward feeding mode to grab the stem at the engagement region and pull the stem through the aperture, such that the plant portions are retained upstream of the blocking member while the stem is pulled through the aperture, thereby causing disengagement of the plant portions from the stem.

A plant stem separating apparatus for separating a stem from plant portions extending from the stem is provided. The plant stem separating apparatus includes a cutter, and first and second rollers. The cutter includes a blocking member and apertures defined therein. The apertures are sized for receiving the stem therethrough and the blocking member is positioned and configured for blocking a passage of the plant portions through one of the apertures. The first and second rollers define an engagement region therebetween downstream of the aperture for receiving the stem, and are drivable to rotate in opposite directions in a forward feeding mode to grab the stem at the engagement region and pull the stem through the aperture, such that the plant portions are retained upstream of the blocking member while the stem is pulled through the aperture, thereby causing disengagement of the plant portions from the stem.

The automated trimming of an untrimmed plant stem comprises a device for transporting an untrimmed plant stem to an imaging stage, using a camera to capture at least one image of the plant stem, sending the at least one image to a central processor which creates a trim map which constructs a pattern for moving a cutting armature along the plant stem, and trimming the plant stem by cutting structure of the cutting armature to change the untrimmed plant stem to a trimmed plant stem.

A binding wrap for maintaining the hydration of cut flowers is disclosed. The wrap is formed by folding a flexible, absorbent sheet over and around the stems of cut flowers. An assembly of a bouquet of cut flowers with a flexible, absorbent binding wrap folded around its stems is also disclosed as is a method of forming such a wrap.

A combination shipping and display package for relatively small articles, especially gift items such as candy and other food, small green plants, young tree seedlings, or flowering plants. The package is designed to be lightweight, to protect the article being shipped, and to function as an adornment after delivery. The package includes a container for the article to be shipped, a stand for supporting the container, and a cap for covering the stand. The stand is collapsible into a flat shape and is expandable into an open upright shape for displaying the shipped article. The stand may also have printed matter thereon to provide a message or advertisement. When a plant is being shipped, the package may include a water-resistant breathable bag surrounding the container to help contain the seed or root ball of the plant during shipment, and to provide an additional ornamental feature for the plant when displayed.

A combination shipping and display package for relatively small articles, especially gift items such as candy and other food, small green plants, young tree seedlings, or flowering plants. The package is designed to be lightweight, to protect the article being shipped, and to function as an adornment after delivery. The package includes a container for the article to be shipped, a stand for supporting the container, and a cap for covering the stand. The stand is collapsible into a flat shape and is expandable into an open upright shape for displaying the shipped article. The stand may also have printed matter thereon to provide a message or advertisement. When a plant is being shipped, the package may include a water-resistant breathable bag surrounding the container to help contain the seed or root ball of the plant during shipment, and to provide an additional ornamental feature for the plant when displayed.

A method for execution by a computing device includes obtaining a set of media element identigens for media elements of media to produce sets of media element identigens. The sets of media element identigens are possible interpretations of a media element. The method further includes generating a set of relationships between media elements. The relationships provide a list of one or more ways in which the media elements are related. The method further includes processing different permutations of the sets of media element identigens using the set of relationships to generate an entigen group. The entigen group represents a most likely interpretation of the media.

A method for execution by a computing device includes obtaining a set of media element identigens for media elements of media to produce sets of media element identigens. The sets of media element identigens are possible interpretations of a media element. The method further includes generating a set of relationships between media elements. The relationships provide a list of one or more ways in which the media elements are related. The method further includes processing different permutations of the sets of media element identigens using the set of relationships to generate an entigen group. The entigen group represents a most likely interpretation of the media.