Abstract: A device for and method of injecting a bale of ruminant material with a fluid is taught. The device includes a plurality of injection spikes for insertion into the bale. The spikes are attached to a support for supporting the spikes while they are inserted into the bale. The spikes are attached to the support by a resilient member. The device prevents the deformation of the spikes and thereby increases the useable life of the device over devices in which the spikes are rigidly mounted on a driving structure. The device further has injection drive which allows precise control over the amount of fluid being injected into the bale.

Abstract: A hay baler or bale compressor capable of producing aerated bales of hay which can be effectively stored and shipped. Specifically, the baler includes a packer mechanism which operates to retrieve and compress individual capsules of hay and a plunger or piston that compresses the individual precompressed capsules into a large bale while simultaneously cutting and removing portions of the capsules. The plunger includes at least one tubular cutter which extends through the plunger and projects a desired distance from the face of the plunger. In operation, each time the plunger compresses the plunger load, plugs of hay are cut from capsules making up the load and passed through the tubular cutter to the throat of the baler. If a plurality of holes are formed, proper spacing of the holes allows the hay to breathe and, thus, permits shipment of large and small bales of hay without fear of premature spoiling or fire.

Abstract: A hay baler or bale compressor capable of producing aerated bales of hay which can be effectively stored and shipped. Specifically, the baler includes a packer mechanism which operates to retrieve and compress individual capsules of hay and a plunger or piston that compresses the individual precompressed capsules into a large bale while simultaneously cutting and removing portions of the capsules. The plunger includes at least one tubular cutter which extends through the plunger and projects a desired distance from the face of the plunger. In operation, each time the plunger compresses the plunger load, plugs of hay are cut from capsules making up the load and passed through the tubular cutter to the throat of the baler. If a plurality of holes are formed, proper spacing of the holes allows the hay to breathe and, thus, permits shipment of large and small bales of hay without fear of premature spoiling or fire.

Abstract: A baling apparatus is provided for forming fibrous material into rectangular bales. The apparatus includes a bale chamber having a rectangular cross-section with a substantially vertically (typically 10.degree.-12.degree. from vertical) disposed inlet end. Structure is disposed forwardly of the bale chamber for delivering a mat of material to be baled to the bale chamber. The structure includes a conveyor having a vertically reciprocating discharge chute for discharging the mat of fibrous material in a vertical zig-zag pattern at the inlet end of the bale chamber to form successive layers of folded material within the bale chamber. Dedicated structure is provided for compressing the fibrous material with a flat surface at upper and lower portions of the bale chamber in a direction towards the rear of the bale chamber.

Abstract: A hay bale ventilator in the form of an attachment for the plunger of a hay baler to progressively form a central bore or passageway through the hay bale as it is formed by the hay baler thereby reducing the tendency of hay bales to mold in the center thereof due to the moisture content of the material being baled. The hay bale ventilator is in the form of a support plate having a tapered pointed member extending therefrom with the plate being mounted on the plunger of the hay baler and the pointed member forming a hole or passageway through each segment of the hay bale as it is formed. The pointed member is of two-piece construction having a wear-resistant pointed tip removably mounted on a larger cylindrical member connected with the plate. The cylindrical member has four longitudinally extending, radially projecting ribs thereon which forms a hole through the hay bale of generally square configuration.

Abstract: A hay bale ventilator in the form of a support plate having a tapered pointed member extending therefrom with the plate being mounted on the plunger of the hay baler and the pointed member forming a hole or passageway through each segment of the hay bale as it is formed. The pointed member is of two-piece construction having a wear-resistant pointed tip removably mounted on a larger cylindrical member connected with the plate with the pointed member and the cylindrical member having different angles of taper to assure that a hole or passageway will be formed without the hay sticking to the pointed member as it reciprocates with the plunger on the baler.

Abstract: A hay baler including a trailer frame with a hitch for attachment to a prime mover and support wheels. A crop pick-up unit moves cut crop into a material storage area, from where it is moved into a bale chamber and is compacted by a compression unit and tied with twine before being discharged to ground from the rear of the trailer frame.

Abstract: A baling machine of comparatively non-complex construction is disclosed. The baling machine comprises a baling chamber, which is of adjustable size in which can be mounted a ventillating hole making tube; and an eccentrically mounted circular or oval element. The eccentrically mounted circular or oval element is located at the entrance of the baling chamber, and as it rotates causes entering hay or other forage to be entered into the baling chamber and formed into a bale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press, especially for pressing straw material into briquets. The press has a number of press chambers open at either end and a number of pistons, the press chambers and pistons being connected to guiding means and driving means so that the pistons are moved inwards and outwards in relation to the press chambers at one end thereof for introducing press material in portions, pressing the press material and moving it to the other end of the press chambers where it is delivered. The pistons have a smaller outer extent than the inner extent of the press chambers in the engagement region of the pistons. Hereby some advantages are obtained.

Abstract: Nozzles are mounted on the face of the plunger of a conventional hay baler for injecting a fluid into the mass of hay as it is compacted. The nozzles are connected to a tank holding the fluid through control valves and a metering chamber which serve to limit the period of injection to the compression stroke of the plunger and to limit the quantity of fluid injected.

Abstract: There is disclosed a baling apparatus particularly suitable for baling bagasse and similar materials. The apparatus includes a baling chamber formed by a frame having a floor and enclosing sides. A baling head within the chamber is reciprocal between a retracted position and an advanced position, and a ram means connected to the baling head reciprocates the head between its advanced and retracted positions. A support member is mounted on the frame behind the retracted position of the baling head. Anchored at one end in the support member is a mandrel having its other end extending through clearance in the baling head and extending into the baling chamber. The apparatus produces bales having a longitudinally extending opening which tends to prevent the decomposition and decay of the baled material, such as bagasse.