With Breaker Patents (Class 19/38)
  • Patent number: 8156720
    Abstract: A grapple apparatus for handling cotton modules includes a frame comprising first and second portions. The second portion is selectively movable relative to the first portion between an opened position and a closed position. The frame defines a module-holding space when the second portion of the frame is in its closed position. At least one powered roller device is connected to the frame and is selectively active to rotate an associated cotton module located in the module-holding space relative to said frame about a module axis of rotation. A method for handling cotton modules includes positioning a frame adjacent a cotton module and moving a second portion of the frame relative to a first portion of the frame from an opened position to a closed position to define a module-holding space in which the cotton module is received and retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Paladin Brands Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Shadruz Daraie, Robert Sikorski