Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, unwrapping a module of cotton or other fibrous material from a wrapping having at least one layer of plastics-sheet material, the method including the steps of: raising the module to a first, or elevated, position on a lift conveyor or vertically-movable support surface; advancing a plurality of gripper heads, mounted on a support frame, to an advanced position, into gripping engagement with the layer(s) of the sheet material wrapping; lowering the lift conveyor or vertically-movable support surface from the first position towards a second, or lowered, position; and retracting the plurality of gripper heads, to expand the wrapping to progressively release the cotton or other fibrous material from the lower portion to the upper portion of the module.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for, unwrapping a module of cotton or other fibrous material from a wrapping having at least one layer of plastics-sheet material, the method including the steps of: raising the module to a first, or elevated, position on a lift conveyor or vertically-movable support surface; advancing a plurality of gripper heads, mounted on a support frame, to an advanced position, into gripping engagement with the layer(s) of the sheet material wrapping; lowering the lift conveyor or vertically-movable support surface from the first position towards a second, or lowered, position; and retracting the plurality of gripper heads, to expand the wrapping to progressively release the cotton or other fibrous material from the lower portion to the upper portion of the module.