Abstract: A baler implement includes a lower passage wall defining a lower boundary of a pre-compression passageway. The lower passage wall includes a forward portion and an access panel. A pivotable connection interconnects the forward portion and the access panel at a lower and forward transverse edge of the access panel such that a rearward and upper transverse edge of the access panel moves vertically to provide access into the pre-compression passageway. Access is obtained from the rear of the baler implement, between the rearward transverse edge of the access panel and a bottom wall of the compression chamber, without the access panel hanging down from the compression chamber and obscuring access into the pre-compression passageway.

Abstract: Agricultural harvesting machines and methods of operation thereof are disclosed herein. A harvesting machine includes a main frame, a drive mechanism, a plunger, and a linkage system. The drive mechanism is coupled to the main frame and has at least one crank arm that is rotatable about a crank arm axis. The plunger is movable along a longitudinal axis in a compression chamber between a de-stroked position and a stroked position that is located rearward of the de-stroked position along the longitudinal axis. The linkage system couples the plunger to the main frame.

Abstract: A square baler comprising a gear box configured to receive power from a rotating power source. The baler additionally comprises first and second drive shaft sections extending outwardly from generally opposite sides of the gear box. The gear box is configured to rotate said first and second drive shaft sections using power from the rotating power source. The baler further comprises first and second reciprocating plungers respectively coupled to the first and second drive shaft sections in a manner such that rotation of the first drive shaft section causes reciprocation of the first plunger and rotation of the second drive shaft section causes reciprocation of the second plunger.

Abstract: A crank-operated packer mechanism includes a crank shaft including crank pins and crank arms. At least some of the crank arms are shaped in a way that deviates from a straight shape to such an extent that the crank shaft is statically balanced. The arms may, for example, be curved or hook-shaped. The crank shaft further includes crank pins and crank arms assembled by a tapered spline connection. The connection includes tapered spline features on outer ends of the crank pins and in openings provided at outer ends of the crank arms, which interlock when the crank pins are inserted in the openings.

Abstract: A light transmission system is provided for operating an optically responsive circuit. The system includes a light guide film (LGF) to transmit light emitted from its edge, and a scattering node for directing the light to the circuit. The circuit is disposed on a proximate face of the LGF. The scattering node is disposed on a distal face of the LGF opposite the circuit. The circuit can be an integrated circuit, a light detection sensor or a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A rectangular baler including a baling chamber, an intake duct, a pick-up mechanism for picking up crop material and introducing it into the intake duct, and a stuffer mechanism to selectively execute a packer stroke to advance crop material partially along the intake duct and a stuffer stroke to transfer the crop material accumulated in the intake duct into the baling chamber. The stuffer mechanism includes a tine bar extending between two stuffer assemblies at each side of the baler. Each stuffer assembly includes a first stuffer arm connected at a first pivot point to a first crank arm of a first drive mechanism, a second stuffer arm connected at a second pivot point to a second crank arm of a second drive mechanism, and a coupling plate pivotally mounted around a stationary pivot point. The coupling plate couples the first stuffer arm with the second stuffer arm.

Abstract: An agricultural baler comprising a main bale chamber having a pair of opposed side walls, with each side wall having a plunger slot arrangement defining a plunger slot. Each plunger slot has opposite ends and is open at an inside adjacent to a plunger. A pair of rotating elements are positioned within each plunger slot, with each rotating element being located at a corresponding end of a respective plunger slot. A pair of plunger slot belts are each positioned in association with a respective plunger slot and partially wrap a respective pair of rotating elements associated with each plunger slot.

Abstract: A waste management system ad method for processing and reusing organic waste such as food, green compost, and the like. The waste is delivered from a shredder to three sequential augers, each having a rotating shaft and a helically-wound blade spiraling therealong. The blades of the augers compress the waste and extract liquid therefrom to be drained into a tank for subsequent use as a fuel or a fertilizer. The remaining organic waste is then heated and dried in a dual drum dryer. From the dryer, the waste is delivered to a pelletizer having an apertured shaping plate extending thereacross through which the waste is pushed and shaped into solid pellets. The hot and dry pellets are cooled within a dual drum cooler. From the cooler, the organic waste pellets are collected, packaged and distributed.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber, a plunger reciprocally movable within the main bale chamber, and a stuffer unit including a tine arm defining an axis of rotation and a plurality of tines coupled with and extending from the tine arm. The baler is characterized in that the tines are rotatable around the axis of rotation of the tine arm between a first position associated with a stuffing cycle and a second position associated with a loading cycle.

Abstract: A method for preventing or removing a plugging of a feeder duct of a baler. The baler includes a bale chamber including bottom wall in which an inlet opening is formed therein, and a feeder duct including a top wall and a bottom wall extending between a lower end and a upper end of the feeder duct, the top wall providing an upper boundary of the feeder duct and the bottom wall providing a lower boundary of the feeder duct. The method includes steps of increasing a distance between the top wall and the bottom wall of the feeder duct in at least a part of the feeder duct, while leaving an upper boundary provided by the top wall of the feeder duct and a lower boundary provided by the bottom wall of the feeder duct intact, and operating a feeder in the feeder duct.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism for a crop baler having a quick feeding device including hay guides which can be deflected by a semi cylinder compression mechanism. The hay guides guide the hay into the bale chamber. A cutting device is provided to divide the continuously fed hay into segments of hay to be placed above and below the compression roller. The mechanism also includes a method of storing a segment of hay while the baler binds the bale in the bale chamber with twine. The mechanism stores hay at the precise time the baler binds the bale in the bale chamber and clears the storage area while the next bale is being made. The mechanism will slow the speed of the semi cylinder, quick feed, leaf stopper cutter, and knotter needle system when binding a bale to allow the baler to operate at a higher speed when not binding the bale.

Abstract: A continuous baling method comprising conveying crop material on a rotating conveyor toward a baler while the baler is traversing a field, the conveyor comprising a conveying surface having an entire crop material-carrying width of a first distance; narrowing the flow of the crop material to transition the crop material flow from the conveyor to the baler; and receiving the narrowed flow at an inlet to a baling chamber of the baler, the inlet comprising a width having a second distance smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: A continuous round baler system has a baler and an accumulating system. The accumulating system includes a conveyor configured to convey crop material extending from a pickup mechanism to a bale formation chamber in the baler. A screed is positioned adjacent the end of the conveyor and is configured to be movable by a lifting mechanism between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the first conveyor. In the raised position, a gap is formed between the screed and the first conveyor so that crop material passes into the bale formation chamber. In the lowered position, the gap is closed thereby preventing the crop material from passing to the baler causing the crop material to remain on the conveyor.

Abstract: A stuffer includes an arm connected at a first pivot point to a crank arm that is driven to rotate at a multiple of the cycling rate of the plunger, and the arm is acted upon at a second pivot point by a cam track and follower arrangement selectively driven with the crank arm by a disengageable clutch.

Abstract: A stuffer includes an arm connected at a first pivot point to a crank arm that is driven to rotate at a multiple of the cycling rate of the plunger, and the arm is acted upon at a second pivot point by a cam track and follower arrangement selectively driven with the crank arm by a disengageable clutch.

Abstract: An improved baler and a method of using the improved baler to produce high density bales based on arrangement and control of compression rollers. The baler comprises a pick-up assembly configured to pick-up crop material; a rotary feeder; a compression assembly comprising at least one compression roller configured to generate a pressure on the crop material as it passes between the compression roller and another compression component in the baler; and a bale chamber, wherein the pre-compressed crop forms a bale. The compression roller and compression component define an adjustable gap therebetween. The one or more compression rollers and/or baler compression components may be located in various locations in the baler. By adjusting the gap, pressure exerted on the crop material as it passes between the compression rollers and baler compression components may be controlled, resulting in bales of higher density.

Abstract: A method of electronically sensing the fill of material in a stuffer chute and tripping a stuffer of a baler. A combine harvester and baler for biomass collection. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for horizontally actuating hemming and stamping die sets includes a horizontal base support and a roller device horizontally mounted thereon. A linear guidance system is set in and a drive support is vertically attached to the base support. A drive mechanism is supported and an anvil die set is held by the drive support. A vertical platen rests on top of the base support and is loosely guided by the linear guidance system. A punch die set is held by the vertical platen and a plurality of bushings are set therein. At least three guide shafts are secured to the anvil die set and each is engaged to one of the bushings of the punch die set. A plurality of link bars are attached to the vertical platen via link bar attachments and coupled to the drive mechanism. Actuation of the drive mechanism horizontally moves the vertical platen.

Abstract: Catering in a transport vehicle like an aircraft involves collecting mixed waste including solids (e.g. left-over food portions, food wastes, napkins, disposable cutlery) and liquids (e.g. beverage rests), without separation. These wastes are disposed of into an apparatus including a receiving container with a filter and separating element at the bottom, a waste shaft leading into the container, a press arrangement with flap doors, pressure pistons which press the press arrangement and flap doors onto the waste in the container to compact the waste, and a drain and coupling system at the bottom of the container. As the waste is compacted, liquids drain down through the filter, oils and fats are removed by the separating element, and non-oily liquids are removed through the coupling system to the vacuum disposal system or the gray water drain line of the vehicle. A control unit controls the overall operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calender intended to calender a paper or board web (4), which calander comprising a calendering section, in which there are at least two members, such as rolls (1, 2, 3), in nip contact, between which the web (4) being calendered is arranged to run. For reducing the moisture and heat leaving the web (4) while it is being calendered a wall (16, 17), covering at least part of the calendering section, is formed from the web (4) being calendered by changing its direction of travel.

Abstract: An agricultural baler (1) having a duct (26) for the transportation of crop material to a bale case (10), wherein it is compressed into bales. Above the duct (26) is provided a loading device comprising a pair of cyclically rotating cranks (74), pivotably connected to a pair of levers (72) of a stuffing fork assembly (66). During operation the levers (72) are moved along journals (88) which fit in oblong slots (90) of said levers (72). The journals (88) are installed on pivotable members (94) which are forced upwardly in a first position against stop members (98, 100) by springs (99). Upon rotation of the cranks (74) the tines (70) of the fork follow a generally kidney-shaped path (92). When the tines enter the duct (26), the pivot members (94) are forced downwardly to a second position by the abutment of the journals (88) against plugs (106) in the slots (90), whereafter they are force upwardly by the cam member (102) of the cranks (74).

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making square bales of crop material having a bale case, a feed platform adjacent the bale case and a pickup in front of the platform for lifting crop material from the to the platform. A first feed mechanism, including a first set of crop engaging tines, is provided for urging crop material across the feed platform toward the bale case. Intermediate the first feed mechanism and the bale case is a second feeding mechanism having a second set of crop engaging tines for urging the crop material across the platform from said first feed mechanism into the crop inlet. The first and second sets of crop engaging tines are driven through endless paths each having arcuate portions in the vicinity of the feed platform and along which the tines travel in the general direction of the bale case. The paths of the second set of tines pass through said inlet into the bale case and are offset from the first set transversely relative to the general direction crop is being urged across the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for metered infeeding, compacting as required, and pumping coarse material of little fluidity such as raw feathers includes infeed metering transferring compacting and pumping mechanisms. The infeed metering mechanism intermittently infeeds a slug of material being at original uncompressed bulk density and approximately equal to an amount of material required for each cycle of operation of the apparatus. The transferring mechanism has a rotatable screw conveyor operable for rapidly receiving and transferring the slug and a wiper arm mounted to a discharge end of the screw conveyor to rotate therewith and create a plane of cleavage in the material being discharged therefrom. The compacting mechanism has an elongated chute with an offset located adjacent the discharge end of the screw conveyor and a compactor reciprocally movable in the chute between retracted and extended positions. The chute is disposed in transverse relation to the screw conveyor for receiving the slug of material therefrom.

Abstract: A baling press provided with a pressing box, a feed chute connected with the pressing box via a passage, at least two prepress valves. The prepress valves are each pivotable about a pivotal axis, provided with a flat wall which in closed position closes off the passage from the feed chute to the pressing box and in opened position is disposed in the wall of the feed chute, and with a surface substantially curved about the corresponding pivotal axis, which surface in closed position bounds the feed chute in axial direction. One of the prepress valves is provided with a connecting surface which in the closed position is curved about a pivotal axis of one other of the prepress valves. In that closed position, the connecting surface is disposed at a distance from the curved surface of said other prepress valve which is at most minor and substantially constant.

Abstract: In a baler having a plunger reciprocating in a bale case and knotters for tying strands of twine around bales, two trip mechanisms are provided for automatic actuation of the knotters. A first trip mechanism is capable of preventing operation of the knotters until a bale of desired length is formed. A clutch mechanism for driving the knotters includes a pawl assembly with an abutment tab. A second trip mechanism holds the pawl assembly in a position where it prevents the knotters from being driven when the plunger is retracted. The initial displacement of the second trip mechanism toward a position where the knotters are driven is in substantially the same direction as the initial displacement of the pawl assembly abutment tab.

Abstract: A shear bolt coupling incorporated in a drive transmission of an agricultural baler comprises a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member disposed coaxial with the first rotatable member, and a shear bolt operatively interconnecting the first and second rotatable members for transmitting power therebetween during normal operation. The shear bolt is arranged to shear off under excessive load conditions in order to interrupt power transmission between the rotatable members and thereby permit the rotatable members to move relative to each other. A shear bolt introducing lever is operatively associated with either the first or the second rotatable member for urging the shear bolt into a drive coupling position wherein the rotatable members are drivingly coupled together.

Abstract: In a reciprocating piston press where a compressing piston operates in a nonuniform manner, the piston cooperates with conveyor prongs which move material into the path of the piston. The conveyor prongs are guided by a crank and rocker linkage mechanism by way of elliptical gear wheels for movement around a kidney-shaped orbit. The prongs perform a more rapid motion in the region of a fill opening for charging material into a compaction channel containing the compressing piston. The reciprocating piston press is, in particular, employed for compacting cardboard waste in combination with a feeder space which opens into the compaction channel for charging cardboard waste into the channel. The feeder space and piston press are located in a stationary housing.

Abstract: The agricultural baler operable to produce square bales and comprising a bale case having an inlet opening formed therein, a feeder communicating at one end with the inlet opening in the bale case and feeder tines operable to feed crop material into the feeder duct to form a wad of crop material for subsequent transfer to the bale case. A wall of the feeder duct is provided with rollers or a conveyor operable to assist in the movement of crop material within the feeder duct and contactable by the crop material as it passes through the feeder duct, whereby the frictional forces produced by the passage of the crop material over that wall of the feeder duct are reduced.

Abstract: An agricultural baler operable to produce square bales compries a bale case having an inlet opening formed therein, a feeder duct communicating at one end with the inlet opening in the bale case, and feeder tines operable to feed crop material into the feeder duct to form a wad of crop material for subsequent transfer to the bale case. The feeder duct is provided with an opening in a wall thereof, and releasable doors are provided for the opening in the wall of the feeder duct. Thus, in the event of the feeder duct becoming plugged, all that is necessary to remove the plug of crop material is for the doors for the opening in the wall of the feeder duct to be released and for the feeder tines to be driven so that the plug of crop material is dislodged and discharged through the opening in the feeder duct wall.

Abstract: An agricultural baler having a feeder mechanism operable to accumulate a charge of crop material in a feeder duct thent transfer an accumulated charge of crop material into a bale case. The feeder mechanism includes a plurality of tine bars provided with sets of tines so that at least two sets of tines are operative in the feeder duct at any given instant. A first tine bar carries two sets of packer tines while a second tine bar carries a set of packer tines and a set of stuffer tines. A third tine bar carries a set of packer tines along with a set of combination packer and stuffer tines. All of the packer tines have outer ends following a first path of movement and the stuffer tines have outer ends following a second path of movement which is offset relative to the first path of movement. The combination packer and stuffer tines have outer ends following a third path of movement which is offset relative to both the first and second paths of movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pickup baler for making parallelepipedic bales of cropped material, comprising a supply mechanism and a precompression channel, opening laterally into a baling chamber in which a baling plunger moves in reciprocating motion, and a feeding device for transferring the material precompressed by the supply mechanism within the precompression channel from this channel up to the baling chamber. The walls of the precompression channel are at least partially made of a material which presents a low surface tension with respect to water, or are coated with such a material.

Abstract: An agricultural baler comprises a bale case having an inlet opening for charges of crop material to be transferred thereto from a feeder duct, a plunger reciprocable within the bale case to compress successive charges of crop material from the feeder duct to form a bale, and a feeder mechanism mounted within the duct to accumulate a charge of crop material therein and then stuff that charge into the bale case. The feeder mechanism comprises a first rotatable tine bar having mounted thereon a first set of packer tines and a set of stuffer tines angularly offset from the first set of packer tines, and a second rotatable tine bar on which is mounted at least a second set of packer tines.

Abstract: A feeder mechanism for a baler including feeder elements that move along a predetermined path which may be adjustably positioned to vary the depth of penetration of the feeder elements into the bale case and also the angle of inclination of the feeder elements as they move through the bale case.

Abstract: A device for protecting a baler feeder mechanism against damage due to overloading. The device permits the otherwise stationary shaft to which the feeder elements are connected and rotatable about to move if the feeder mechanism becomes overloaded.

Abstract: A device for baling crop comprising a baling chamber having an inlet port and a ram adapted to reciprocate along said port and an auxiliary space joining the inlet port outside the baling chamber for temporalily storing crop to be compressed, said device is provided with a blocking member for predensifying the crop as well as compressing means for compressing the crop in a transverse direction in said auxiliary space, the blocking member is driven by means of a cam/cam wheel mechanism actuated by said ram, while said device furthermore comprises retaining members in said baling chamber to prevent rebounding of crop material already compressed and/or to retain crop in said baling chamber if said chamber is opened during the discharge of a bale.

Abstract: In an agricultural pick-up baler a pick-up device loads harvested agricultural material into a supply passage connected to the inlet opening into a compressing channel, said inlet opening being located in the bottom of said compressing channel. A pressing ram is reciprocated back and forth in the compressing channel by at least one connecting rod and compacts the material introduced into the compressing channel. A conveying device fixed to the connecting rods extends into the supply passage and moves the agricultural material from the pick-up device through the supply passage toward the inlet of the compressing channel. A packing device located in the supply passage moves the agricultural material received from the conveying device through the inlet into the compressing channel. The path of travel of the conveying device within the supply passage passes through the path of travel of the packing device.

Abstract: An agricultural baler has a device for picking up stalk-type and blade-type vegetation. The picked up vegetation is inserted into a precompacting chamber wherein it is subjected to initial compacting. The degree of compaction is sensed and, when it reaches a preselected magnitude, the precompacted body of vegetation is expelled from the precompacting chamber into a main compacting chamber. The precompacted bodies are of identical or substantially identical size and density.

Abstract: A device for compressing crop, for example grass, hay or the like, into bales comprising a baling chamber and a ram adapted to reciprocate therein, provided with at least one retaining member operating in the compression chamber and removable therefrom, in order to prevent that after compression the crop rebounds so that part of the empty space between the crop already compressed and the retreating ram is re-occupied by the rebounding crop, the freshly introduced quantity of crop being thus reduced.

Abstract: If the next charge to be stuffed into the baling chamber has not yet reached the desired size and density by the time the stuffing fork and compacting plunger are ready to begin their next operating cycles, the plunger and the fork are temporarily deactivated until the charge reaches full size and density. Thereupon, the fork stuffs the entire charge into the baling chamber in a single cycle of operation for compaction by the plunger. The baler is loaded from the bottom of the baling chamber through an upwardly curved duct that serves both as an accumulating chamber and as a precompression area into which the charge is progressively packed by a rotating, retractable finger drum at the lower end of the duct. The plunger closes the top of the duct during such accumulation and pre-compression, and in order to provide ample time for the plunger to retract from the duct when the stuffing cycle commences, the fork moves slowly at first but then quite rapidly once the plunger has retracted.

Abstract: An improved adjustable feeder finger assembly for a hay baler is disclosed. The improved assembly is comprised generally of three elements, i.e., a bracket for affixment to a driven element of the infeed mechanism, a feeder finger, and means to hold the two together. Frictional mating surfaces on the bracket and finger insure that the selected relative relationship between the two elements is maintained during operation.

Abstract: In a baling operation that uses a continuously reciprocating plunger, if the next charge to be stuffed into the chamber has not yet reached the desired size and density by the time the stuffing fork is ready to begin its next operating cycle, the fork is temporarily deactivated, without affecting the plunger, until the charge reaches full size and density. Thereupon, the fork stuffs the entire charge into the baling chamber in a single cycle of operation for compaction by the plunger. The baler is loaded from the bottom of the baling chamber through an upwardly curved duct that serves both as an accumulating chamber and as a precompression area into which the charge is progressively packed by a rotating, retractable finger drum at the lower end of the duct. A backstop for precompression purposes may be presented at the top of the duct in a number of alternative ways, i.e.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism is disclosed for controlling the amount of feeder penetration into the bale chamber of a hay baler. A three-element linkage interconnecting the baler plunger and the feeder mechanism causes the feeder to reciprocate along a predetermined path toward and away from the bale chamber in timed relationship to the plunger movement. One of the linkage elements is selectively adjustable in length to control travel of the feeder mechanism, and thus the amount of penetration.

Abstract: A board is formed by accumulating a mass of sugarcane rind fibers in a collection zone ahead of a horizontally reciprocable first-stage plunger that has a sweep face. The first-stage plunger is shifted horizontally toward a fiber compression zone to horizontally compact the sugarcane rind fibers and orient the fibers in vertical planes disposed substantially parallel to the sweep face. A second-stage plunger is shifted vertically downwardly from above the compression zone to push the horizontally compacted sugarcane rind fibers downwardly into a generally vertical passage means while vertically compressing the fibers. Consequently, the fibers are oriented in substantially horizontal planes to define a board segment comprised of sugarcane rind fibers having their axes disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board segment. The steps of accumulating, horizontally shifting, and vertically shifting are repeated to establish a column of abutting board segments in the extrusion passage.

Abstract: A trash hopper comprises part of a unitary structure including a housing that is formed, in part, by a swingable pre-compactor panel that in a retracted position slopes downwardly and rearwardly to gravitationally feed refuse toward the collection bin. Along a horizontal lower edge this panel is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis located in substantially the same vertical plane as the rear face of a reciprocable primary compaction ram which acts as a piston to force trash in the collection bin rearwardly through an open rear end of the hopper and to compact trash in the collection tank of a dump vehicle or other container. In the retracted position the pivotally mounted panel serves as a protective enclosure for its own actuating means and for the retracted ram and its hydraulic actuating cylinder or cylinders.

Abstract: A hay baler including a mobile chassis having a bale chamber and a power-driven plunger reciprocably mounted in the chamber for cyclically compressing hay in the chamber. A pickup lifts the windrowed hay from the ground and a feeding mechanism is reciprocably powered from the plunger to feed the hay into the bale chamber. The feeding mechanism includes a carriage mounted for reciprocation on a horizontal wall structure. A plurality of hay engaging fingers is pivotally suspended from the carriage beneath the wall structure for moving the hay from the pickup to the bale chamber. Each of the hay feeder fingers is removably secured to the carriage by a clamp disposed above the respective fingers. Openings are defined through the wall structure through which the clamps and the fingers are successively removable to facilitate replacement of worn or damaged fingers.