Abstract: Provided is a method of automatically combining a farm vehicle with a work machine including confirming a current position of the work machine, moving a farm vehicle into a range having a predetermined radius around the current position, and controlling the farm vehicle, on the basis of a current position and direction of a first coupling unit included in the work machine, so that the first coupling unit and a second coupling unit included in the farm vehicle are coupled to each other.

Abstract: A system for supplying electric power to components of an agricultural harvester may include a power storage device and a first agricultural harvester component. The system may also include a first bus electrically coupled to the power storage device and configured to supply electric power at a first voltage to the first agricultural harvester component. Furthermore, the system may include a second agricultural harvester component and a second bus configured to supply the electric power at a second voltage to second agricultural harvester component, the second voltage being less than the first voltage. Additionally, the system may include a converter electrically coupled between the first and the second bus, with the converter configured to reduce the first voltage supplied through the first bus to allow electric power to be supplied to the second agricultural harvester component at the second voltage via the second bus.

Abstract: A baling press for baling cotton gin trash and other particulate biomass feedstock. The baling press generally includes an infeed chute assembly, a compression ram assembly, an extrusion chamber assembly, a strapping storage and dispensing assembly, and a strapping insertion assembly. The present invention also relates to methods of producing a bale with the baling press and a bale generated by the baling press and described methods.

Abstract: An agricultural roundbaler includes a housing having a housing part, an ejection flap pivotably mounted on the housing part about a bearing axis, and drivable pressing apparatus arranged on the housing part and the ejection flap. The pressing apparatus define a bale pressing chamber on a peripheral side thereof. A control device operably pivots the ejection flap such that an ejection opening is formed between the housing part and the ejection flap. During an unloading process, the ejection flap is adjustably pivoted by the control device from an unloading position in which the fully pressed round bale is unloaded through the ejection opening to a retained position in which the unloaded round bale is retained by the ejection flap. The ejection flap is pivotable from the retained position to a relieved position in which the retained round bale is released by the ejection flap to eject from the pressing chamber.

Abstract: A wrapping system includes: a material roll configured to hold a roll of wrapping material; a knife assembly comprising a movable knife that is configured to cut wrapping material that comes off the material roll; a sensor associated with the material roll and configured to output a drawn material signal; and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive the drawn material signal; determine a length of wrapping material that is drawn from the material roll; output a cut signal to the knife assembly when the drawn length of wrapping material reaches a defined length; determine a length of wrapping material that is drawn from the material roll after outputting the cut signal; and output an excessive wrap signal when the length of wrapping material drawn after outputting the cut signal exceeds a threshold length.

Abstract: A round baler includes a pick-up unit for picking up crop material from the ground, a baling chamber which receives the crop material from the pick-up unit, and a press mounted within the baling chamber for forming a bale during a bale formation cycle. The baler also includes a binding unit for dispensing a binding material for binding the bale, a tailgate displaceable by an actuator from a closed position at the beginning of a bale formation cycle to an open position to dispense the bale after the binding cycle. A sensor detects a first tailgate position after the bale formation cycle and before the binding cycle, and detects a second tailgate position after the binding cycle and before displacing the tailgate to the opened position. A controller is responsive to the sensor by determining a tailgate position change between the second tailgate position and the first tailgate position.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus includes management of a net wrap cycle of a cylindrical bale in a baling chamber of a round baler. The baler includes a crop supply assembly that passes crop material into the baling chamber and a net wrap unit. An electronic controller determines a net wrapping condition of the bale in the baling chamber in response to operation of the crop supply assembly, initiates a net wrap start event to dispense a first portion of a net wrap material from the net wrap unit in response to the net wrapping condition being less than a full bale condition, and disengages a component from the crop supply assembly to stop operation of the crop supply assembly when the bale has satisfied the full bale condition. The net wrapping condition includes a diameter growth rate measurement being greater than a net wrap initiation threshold.

Abstract: The wire fed or pulled back from the reel by the feeding unit can be properly restricted. The invention relates to a binding machine (2) having a feeding unit (16) for feeding out a wire (3) from a reel (12) provided in a housing unit (11). With respect to the entering route (81) of the wire (3) when the wire (3) drawn out from the reel (12) by the feeding unit (16) is guided to the feeding unit (83), the first restriction unit (83) that restricts the drawing portion (3a) of the wire (3) disposed between the reel (12) and the feeding unit (16) from being deviating from the entering route (81) is provided inside the housing unit (11).

Abstract: A movable tractor-trailer combination includes a self-powered tractor having a plurality of ground-engaging members and a steering mechanism for steering at least one the ground-engaging member; and a trailer that is towed behind the tractor and that is connected to the tractor by a drawbar that is pivotably connected at a tractor connection to the tractor. One or more sensors sense a line of a swath of crop material corresponding to a maximal quantity of crop material per unit length of the swath. The tractor-trailer combination includes a control apparatus that operates in dependence on at least one output of the one or more sensors to operate the steering mechanism of the tractor in dependence on the at least one output such that the tractor moves along the swath without any of the ground-engaging members running over the swath.

Abstract: A device for banding products includes a supply mechanism for supplying band material from a supply roll, a strap chute for forming a loop in an end portion of the band material around a space for accommodating products, and a cutter for cutting off the end portion and means for closing the loop. The supply mechanism includes conveyors for gripping the band material over part of its length and conveying the same in a guided manner, as well as a motor for driving the conveying means.

Abstract: A large square baler for performing a baling operation to form square bales includes a pickup unit for picking up crop lying on the ground, a cutter unit for cutting picked up crop into at least one predetermined cut length, a pre-compression chamber, a stuffer device, a bale chamber for forming a square bale from flakes of crop pre-compressed in the pre-compression chamber, and a tying system for binding the square bale. The stuffer device is configured to pre-compress the crop into the flakes in the pre-compression chamber and transport the flakes into the bale chamber. The cutter unit is controlled in dependence on a tying operation conducted by the tying system and on at least one parameter representing the square bale size.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a round baler (10) including a baling chamber (12) for forming a bale (26) and a first wrapping mechanism (32) mounted to the baling chamber (12). The first wrapping mechanism (32) includes a feed system that feeds the wrap material (30a) into the baling chamber (12). The round baler (10) further comprises a second wrapping mechanism (34) mounted to the baling chamber (12) which includes a feed system that feeds the wrap material (30b) into the baling chamber (12). Further, the round baler (10) includes an inlet (40) wherein wrap material (30a) from the first wrapping mechanism (32) and wrap material (30b) from the second wrapping mechanism (34) enter the baling chamber (12). The first wrapping mechanism (32) and second wrapping mechanism (34) are configured to be operated independently.

Abstract: A ground handling system includes a main skid. The main skid has a main skid frame that includes a main tubular handling cradle. The main skid also includes a catwalk mechanically coupled to the main skid frame. In addition, the ground handling system includes a secondary skid mechanically coupled to the main skid. The second skid includes a second skid frame that includes a second tubular handling cradle. The second skid also includes a second catwalk mechanically coupled to the secondary skid frame. Tubulars may be transferred from the second tubular handling cradle to the main tubular handling cradle. The main skid further may include a pipe treatment carriage slidably coupled to the main skid frame and supporting one or more of a cleaning canister, doping canister, roller clamp, or tire clamp.

Abstract: A combined baler/bale wrapper (1) comprises a baler (10) mounted on a chassis (5) and a bale wrapper (14) mounted on the chassis (5) rearwardly of the baler (10) for wrapping a bale formed by the baler (10). The bale wrapper (14) comprises a pair of first and second bale support rollers (50,51) for supporting and rotating the bale about a first wrapping axis (56). A pair of wrapping film dispensers (60) are carried on a carrier ring (58) which is rotated about a second wrapping axis (61) for dispensing wrapping film onto the bale (2) as the bale (2) is being rotated by the first and second bale support rollers (50,51).

Abstract: A bale measuring method for a rectangular baler having a bale chamber in which bales are formed. The bale measuring method includes steps of measuring a movement of crop material downstream of the bale chamber as the crop material moves backward in the baler, using the measured movement of the crop material downstream of the bale chamber to calibrate a measurement and calculation tool for measuring a movement of crop material in the bale chamber and for calculating a length of a bale being formed in the bale chamber based on the measurement, and determining the length of the bale being formed in the bale chamber using the calibrated measurement and calculation tool as the bale moves backward in the baler.

Abstract: A machine core of a packing machine includes a packing strap ironing adhering and strap cutting mechanism, an ironing adhering sliding board mechanism, and a control mechanism. The machine core includes a strap feeding and returning and strap tightening device, including a drive roller, a first driven roller, and a second driven roller. According to the entry direction of a packing strap, the first driven roller is located down-stream from the second driven roller. The first and the second driven rollers are arranged eccentrically. The first driven roller and the drive roller are always in contact and cooperate for feeding and returning the strap. The second driven roller is a movable roller, and is controlled by the control mechanism to move to a first matching state with the drive roller and to move out of the first matching state. The machine core enables movement of simultaneous strap returning and tightening.

Abstract: A square baler includes a frame, a bale chamber formed on the frame, a knotting part having a knotting member and a needle member, wherein the knotting member is provided to knot and cut a bale string, and the needle member is provided to perform a vertical angular movement and guide the bale string to the knotting member, a pickup part picking up and providing hay in a front inner space of the bale chamber, and a rake part rotatably installed so as to, during the rotation and downward motion of the rake part, push and compress the hay, which was picked up and provided to the inner space of the bale chamber, towards the rear side.

Abstract: An agricultural baler having a baling chamber and a pre-compression chamber, wherein the pre-compression chamber is adapted to periodically form a slice of crop material and push the slice towards the baling chamber into a first segment of the baling chamber, the baling chamber has a plunger provided for reciprocally moving in the baling chamber thereby compressing slices of crop material into a bale, wherein at least one optical bale length sensor is provided in the baling chamber for measuring the length of the bale.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus and method utilize an effective circumference-based wrap speed model that dynamically controls the rate at which packaging material is dispensed based on an effective circumference of a load during relative rotation established between the load and a packaging material dispenser.

Abstract: A system includes a baling chamber designed to form a round bale and a tailgate rotatably coupled to the baling chamber. The tailgate rotates between a closed position that facilitates formation of the round bale and an open position that facilitates ejection of the round bale from the baling chamber. The system includes a ramp coupled to the baling chamber. The ramp is designed to receive the round bale upon ejection from the baling chamber and to direct the round bale away from the baling chamber to a cleared position on the ramp that enables the tailgate to rotate from the open position to the closed position without contacting the round bale. The system also includes a sensor coupled to a distal end of the ramp. The sensor is designed to detect presence of the round bale in the cleared position.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber, needles, knotters, a triggering system, a knotter lock, a blow-off mechanism, and a monitoring system. The needles are coupled to the main bale chamber and thread twine around a formed bale. The knotters receive the twine from the needles and tie the twine. The triggering system is for activating the needles and the knotters. The knotter lock is a manual lock of the triggering system thereby preventing the needles and the knotters from being triggered. The blow-off mechanism directs a flow of air at the knotters and the needles. The monitoring system has a single sensor that provides signals indicating a normal operation of the knotters, and whether the knotter lock is engaged.

Abstract: A clutch for selectively driving a mechanism. The clutch includes an engagement member movable between an engaged position for driving the mechanism and a disengaged position. The clutch also includes an actuation assembly having a first member pivotable about a pivot and cooperative with a control element for movement between a retaining position and a release position, and a second member pivotable about the pivot between the retaining position and the release position. The second member extends towards the engagement member in the retaining position for maintaining the engagement member in the disengaged position. The second member is pivotable about the pivot independently of the first member such that the second member is rotatable relative to the first member.

Abstract: A system is provided that automatically stops a tractor based on position of a twine arm assembly in a round baler. A control system monitors position(s) of the twine arm assembly when an automatic twine-wrapping cycle is initiated. This may include starting a twine arm position monitoring procedure when an initial position change of the twine arms is detected. One or more sensors may be mounted on the baler to detect position characteristics of twine arm assembly, which may include presence or absence of the twine arm assembly at certain locations relative to a bale chamber of the baler and/or movement of the twine arm assembly. When the control system determines that the twine arm assembly is in an insert preparatory position, the control system sends a tractor halt command which automatically stops tractor at the same time that the wrapping procedure begins.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for producing rectangular bales, provided with a baling chamber and reciprocating plunger and a bale length control system for producing bales of substantially equal length, and with a bale-eject system for evacuating the last bales from the chamber at the end of a harvesting run. The baler according to the invention is provided with one or more sensors configured to detect the activation of said bale-eject system, and configured to automatically reset said bale-length control system, when said sensors detect said activation.

Abstract: An implement is coupled to and pulled by a tractor. The tractor includes ground engaging drive wheels driven by an engine, an operator movable speed command device, and a tractor controller having automatic and manual speed control modes. The implement has an implement control unit coupled to the tractor controller. The implement control unit transmits an implement speed request signal to the tractor controller. The tractor controller controls tractor motion in response to operation of the speed command device and the implement speed request signal.

Abstract: A machine for coiling pipes in the form of large-size heavy spools includes a reel rotating about a longitudinal axis for coiling the pipes fed to the reel in a feeding direction, the reel including: a first rotating half-reel; a second half-reel coaxial with and arranged opposite the first half-reel in the longitudinal direction; said first and second half-reels being displaceable in both senses of the longitudinal direction from a relative position where the two half-reels are closed in contact with each other in the longitudinal direction for coiling the spool, to a position where the two half-reels are separated from each other for unloading the finished and tied spool; and an assembly for tying the spool using a strap.

Abstract: A method of producing steel bars that are cut to length in response to a customer order. The method includes producing a continuous length of steel bar from a rolling mill, cutting said continuous length of steel bar into lengths equal to the length of the bar of the customer order while maintaining the production of the continuous length of steel bar produced by the rolling mill, and bundling bars of the length of the customer order for discharge from the mill using one of two bundling stations arranged to receive and bundle cut bars.

Abstract: A sealing head for a strapping machine welds steel strapping material to itself in an end-to-end weld. The sealing head includes a body, a drive, an end grip at the inlet to the body, a cutter, a grip clamp and a loop grip downstream of the end grip. The loop grip is carried on a carriage that is movable in a direction along the strap path. A leading end of strap is secured by the end grip and a loop portion of the strap is gripped by the loop grip and severed by the cutter to form a loop end. The loop end is secured by the grip clamp. The loop grip carriage moves the loop end toward the leading end as current is passed though the loop end and the leading end to weld the ends to one another in an end-to-end weld.

Abstract: A square baler having a display system for providing the operator with an indication of the weight of completed bales to enable the operator to modify a setting of the baler that affects crop density within the bale in order to achieve a uniform bale weight. In the invention, the display serves to indicate to the operator a rolling average of the weight of a predetermined number of bales last discharged from the baler.

Abstract: A control system is provided to select the number of dogs automatically in dependence of the position of the last completed bale in the bale case as indicated by the output of a sensor responsive to movement of the bales in the bale case.

Abstract: An improved baler designed in such a way as to allow for the continuous compression of foraged material and the ability to tie off rectangular bales without stopping a continuous compression mechanism within the baler. The baler includes a semi cylinder that moves up and down to compress the foraged material in the compression area while at the same time more material is added by a feeding apparatus above and below the semi cylinder during the down and up motions of the cylinder. The baler also includes a separate area for storing uncompressed material while other material is being compressed and tied off. A computer is included to monitor and control the process.

Abstract: A control system is provided to select the number of dogs automatically in dependence of the position of the last completed bale in the bale case as indicated by the output of a sensor responsive to movement of the bales in the bale case.

Abstract: A bale ejection sequence for ejecting a bale from a baler is initiated from an operator command based upon monitored bale ejection factors. A controller implements a timing sequence that is based on a calibration of a cycle timing of a tailgate of the baler. The timing sequence relates to movement of the tractor, a position of the tailgate, and a hydraulic flow rate of fluid to a hydraulic system connected to the tailgate to move the tailgate between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A twine brake device is so controlled that during an initial period in which the bale chamber is not filled with harvested material, the average tension in the twine, wire or cord is higher than during a second period in which the bale chamber is completely filled with harvested material.

Abstract: An improved baler designed in such a way as to allow for the continuous compression of foraged material and the ability to tie off rectangular bales without stopping a continuous compression mechanism within the baler. The baler includes a semi cylinder that moves up and down to compress the foraged material in the compression area while at the same time more material is added by a feeding apparatus above and below the semi cylinder during the down and up motions of the cylinder. The baler also includes a separate area for storing uncompressed material while other material is being compressed and tied off. A computer is included to monitor and control the process.

Abstract: A mobile strapping device for strapping goods with a strap is provided which comprises a tensioning means (5, 25) for applying a tension to a loop of said strap, a connecting means (7) for providing a connection in said strap for forming a closed loop of said strap, a chargeable energy storage means and a drive means (9) for driving said tensioning means (5, 25) and said connecting means (7) by energy supplied by said chargeable energy storage means. The tensioning means (5, 25) comprises a tensioning wheel (5) having an outer circumferential surface and being rotatably drivable about its rotational axis by said drive means and a tensioning element (25) having a surface which faces the outer circumferential surface of said tensioning wheel (5), wherein said tensioning wheel (5) is pivotable about a pivot axis (26) which is parallel to and offset from said rotational axis of said tensioning wheel (5).

Abstract: A strapping machine configured for and method for actuating the belt drive mechanism of a strapping machine during a loss of band carrying out the following steps: polling the detector as to a proper shooting of the strapping band in the shooting direction up until the end of the shooting trajectory, and for an improper shooting of the strapping band, activating the shooting and retrieval unit to retrieve the strapping band with a definite retrieval speed for a defined retrieval time so that the strapping band emerges from the shooting and retrieval unit opposite the shooting direction, and actuating the drive of the back-tensioning unit so that the back-tensioning unit transports the strapping band back into the shooting and retrieval unit in the shooting direction.

Abstract: A square baler has a baling chamber with slots in the top of the baling chamber for receiving twines to tie bales, and a star wheel sensor having a housing mounted on the exterior of the baling chamber and a star wheel in the housing and passing through one of the slots to contact the crop material of the bale being formed in the baling chamber. A deflector is mounted on the baling chamber to extend through the same slot as the star wheel sensor. The deflector has a region inclined relative to the slot to deflect the twine away from the star wheel.

Abstract: A plurality of twine tensioner arms are mounted at evenly spaced locations across the baling chamber of a large square baler for pivoting vertically, against a yieldable bias, between upper and lower extreme positions. Each tensioner arm carries a tensioned twine strand associated with a double-knot tying device. A rotary potentiometer is coupled, by a follower arm, for sensing pivotal movement of each tensioner arm and sends out a corresponding electrical signal to an electronic controller which processes the sensed arm position together with other stored information and sends out a signal for energizing a display showing the relative positions of the arms and/or for energizing a warning device for apprising an operator that a mistie has occurred, is about to occur or that a twine tensioner setting has to be changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the fraction of hay at various moisture levels during an agricultural baling process. A moisture sensor array is provided on an agricultural baler to sense the moisture content of incoming crop material as the baling process progresses. The moisture sensor array is connected to an ECU that is programrned to determine the ratios of incoming crop material that are at or above particular moisture content levels. An indication is given to the operator by way of an operator output device regarding the moisture content ratio.

Abstract: An automated method and system includes an automatic guidance system (AGS) and swath pattern. The AGS steers a vehicle towing a rotary baler in an “S”, or oscillatory pattern around a predetermined approximate centerline of the swath path. The oscillatory pattern may be user defined. By steering the vehicle in an oscillatory pattern referenced to the A-B line, a windrow of crop material may be distributed into an even and optimal bale size and density by the baler. Bale chamber sensors detect an imbalance of crop density and in response, AGS adjusts an interval or amplitude of oscillatory pattern.

Abstract: A square baler has a baling chamber with slots in the top of the baling chamber for receiving twines to tie bales, and a star wheel sensor having a housing mounted on the exterior of the baling chamber and a star wheel in the housing and passing through one of the slots to contact the crop material of the bale being formed in the baling chamber. A deflector is mounted on the baling chamber to extend through the same slot as the star wheel sensor. The deflector has a region inclined relative to the slot to deflect the twine away from the star wheel.

Abstract: A strapping machine that includes a strap chute defining an arch through which loads are conveyed, the arch having an entrance and an exit, infeed and outfeed conveyors positioned at the arch entrance and exit, respectively, the conveyors defining a work surface, and a strapping head disposed at about the arch for conveying the strap around the loads, tensioning the strap, and securing the strap. The machine further includes a sensor disposed above the work surface and a controller. During operation in a back-to-back mode, the infeed and outfeed conveyors are actuated to move a first, strapped load, and a second, to be strapped load, through the arch, wherein the outfeed conveyor is driven at a faster speed than the infeed conveyor to create a gap between the first and second loads.

Abstract: A compactor/baler for compacting materials includes a frame defining a compacting chamber, a platen movably mounted to the frame, a loading gate movably mounted to the frame and a control panel including a biometric reader having a biometric scanner. The platen is movable within the compacting chamber and the loading gate is movable from a closed position blocking access to the compacting chamber and an open position exposing the compacting chamber. The control panel is actuable between a locked configuration and an operational configuration. The biometric reader is designed to accept a biometric attribute of a user and to actuate the controller between the locked and operational configurations. The biometric reader actuates the controller to the operational configuration if the biometric attribute matches a stored biometric attribute. The control panel prevents the loading gate from moving to the open position when the controller is in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a compactor/baler includes a controller and a plurality of switches coupled to inputs of the controller. A first switch is in a first position when a ram of the compactor/baler is below a predetermined location, and a second position when the ram reaches the location. A second switch is in a first position when pressure driving the ram is below a predetermined pressure limit, and a second position when the ram exceeds the pressure limit. A communication port and display are operatively coupled to outputs of the controller. The controller is configured to, upon actuation of the first switch to the first position, activate a ram timer to count to a predetermined timer setting, and, if the second switch is actuated to the second position before the ram timer reaches the timer setting, output an alert of a full bale condition the communication port and/or display.

Abstract: A method for operating a baler with a pressing chamber which serves for the pressing of a straw-like crop includes compacting the crop using an adjustable pressing pressure and binding the crop through a holding material. The pressing pressure is limited to a maximum value and controlled through a control circuit. A control circuit reference variable is a load variable of the holding material. The load variable is adjustable and is smaller than or equal to the maximum value.

Abstract: An automated method and system includes an automatic guidance system (AGS) and swath pattern. The AGS steers a vehicle towing a rotary baler in an “S”, or oscillatory pattern around a predetermined approximate centerline of the swath path. The oscillatory pattern may be user defined. By steering the vehicle in an oscillatory pattern referenced to the A-B line, a windrow of crop material may be distributed into an even and optimal bale size and density by the baler. Bale chamber sensors detect an imbalance of crop density and in response, AGS adjusts an interval or amplitude of oscillatory pattern.

Abstract: A twine brake device is so controlled that during an initial period in which the bale chamber is not filled with harvested material, the average tension in the twine, wire or cord is higher than during a second period in which the bale chamber is completely filled with harvested material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the fraction of hay at various moisture levels during an agricultural baling process. A moisture sensor array s provided on an agricultural baler to sense the moisture content of incoming crop material as the baling process progresses. The moisture sensor array is connected to an ECU that is programrned to determine the ratios of incoming crop material that are at or above particular moisture content levels. An indication is given to the operator by way of an operator output device regarding the moisture content ratio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically calibrating a bale size indicator by using inputs from existing bale wrapper material monitors to determine the linear amount of wrapping material necessary to encircle the bale one time. Balers with wrapping mechanisms may include a sensor for measuring the linear amount of wrapper dispensed as a means to alert the operator when the supply of wrapper material is low. Such balers may also have additional sensors for verifying that wrapping material completely encircles the bale prior to allowing the bale to be ejected from the baler. Using inputs from each of these sensors, a control system on the baler can determine the amount of wrapping material necessary to cover one revolution of the bale, also an indication of the bale circumference, and use the measurement to calibrate the display of bale diameter also generated from the control system.