Abstract: An agricultural bale-processing machine includes a baling chamber and an accumulator for carrying bales received from the baling chamber. The accumulator includes a base frame mountable behind the baler, a carriage mounted to the base frame to be movable relative to the base frame in a lateral direction by at least one actuator. The carriage has a platform having upstanding side walls defining a fixed width crop package receiving area therebetween.

Abstract: A control system for managing rotation of a bale loading arm in a bale loader in which a pair of sensors combined with a purposefully designed sensor target enable loading arm position to be efficiently derived by a controller in order to direct the actuator movements based upon loading arm position necessary for automated operation of a bale loading cycle. Additional inputs to the controller enable initiation of a bale loading cycle to be automatically initiated. The controller may also determine when a complete bale wagon load is achieved and automatically direct loading arm motions necessary to configure the bale wagon for transport.

Abstract: A bale accumulator and method in which a plurality of hay bales can be accumulated and arranged into a cluster of ten bales (a “ten stack”). The accumulator first collects a bale in each of two angled bale receivers at the rear of the accumulator. These remain in position as four columns having two bales each are collected in a more forward collection. The result is two angled bales being dragged to the rear of a conventional “eight stack.” As the device releases all ten bales, gate mechanisms rotate the two rear bales 90 degrees so that they lie transverse to the eight bales comprising the “eight stack.” The two rear bales are pressed against the rear of the eight stack in order to form a ten stack.

Abstract: An on-board rectangular cotton module builder and transporter and method of operation of the same, wherein the module builder includes a cotton accumulating cavity for receiving harvested cotton, apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton in a module building chamber having a door through which a cotton module is unloaded from the chamber onto the transporter, and apparatus deployable for holding cotton in the accumulating cavity for conveyance and distribution into the module building chamber away from the door when open. As a result, a cotton module is movable from the module building to the transporter on-the-go while harvesting, and while cotton is conveyed and distributed in the module building chamber. The transporter is operable for carrying the module while continuing harvesting and for unloading the module when desired, including in sequence with a second module from the module builder.

Abstract: A drag-behind square hay bale accumulator that groups ten (10) bales of hay is claimed. The grouping configuration has the advantage of providing the first two bales of hay turned at right angles to the remaining bales, to provide for improved stacking of the hay bales. The accumulator is comprised of an open framework within which channels for routing the bales are positioned. After a group of ten (10) bales is collected, the accumulator leaves the bales on the field in a grouping that can be mechanically picked up and stacked.

Abstract: A bale accumulator is provided for use with a baler for producing rectangular bales of agricultural crops, the accumulator comprising a hitch for connecting the accumulator to the baler, a platform for receiving bales extruded by the baler, a positioning device for arranging the bales in a selected array on the platform, a pusher mounted for movement longitudinally of the platform, an actuator on the accumulator for moving the pusher rearwardly along the platform to move bales along the platform, a rear bale support rearwardly of the platform for supporting bales as they are moved off of the platform by the pusher, and a forward bale support extending forwardly from the pusher for supporting a bale in front of and above the pusher as it is extruded from the baler. The bale accumulator manipulates bales as desired while allowing uninterrupted operation and dumping at any desired location.

Abstract: A hay bale accumulator is disclosed. This accumulator is made up of a bale platform on pivotal wheels. This platform is attached to a solid hitch at the back of a baler. The attachment point of the platform to the hitch contains a hydraulicly operated system that allows the platform to move from side to side in reference to the hitch. This hydraulic system is also used to lower and raise the platform. The platform is designed to hold two large rectangular bales at a distance off of the ground. The accumulator works by catching a large rectangular bale as it is ejected out of a baler. A sensor on the platform will then activate the hydraulics causing the platform to shift to the side. This shifting places an open space on the platform behind the baler. When a second bale is ejected it will be placed on the platform by the first and a second sensor will be activated. This sensor will cause the hydraulic system to lower the platform and allow the bales to drag on the ground.

Abstract: A mobile bale collector having a frame, bale carrier, and a coupling for connecting the bale collector to a mobile bale collector to receive bales from the baler, and the carrier is coupled to the frame by a hinge. In operation, a first bale is received onto the bale collector and moved rearward until the bale contacts a blocking device at the rear end of the bale carder. The blocking device is locked in position during the collection stage. The hinge coupling the carder to the frame permits the carder to pivot downwardly, to a low position after the first bale has been received. The carder may then receive a second bale from the baler. The second bale is propelled along the top surface of the first bale, toward the rear of the carrier. As the second bale moves into position, aligned over the first bale, the second bale releases the blocking device, thereby allowing the stacked bales to unload from the rear of the carder onto the ground in a stacked orientation.

Abstract: A hay bale collector arranged to accumulate a number of bales in a regular pattern by diverting bales alternatively into two compartments until both compartments have been filled with the required number of bales and then releasing the bales together in a group from the filled compartments.

Abstract: A device for collecting a number of bales whereby to form a group of bales comprises a plurality of parallel bale-collecting compartments divided into two groups, one on either side of a central longitudinal partition. The number of compartments corresponds to the number of rows to be provided in the group and the length of each compartment corresponds to the number of bales in each row. A pivotal diverter directs successive bales from a bale press to the alternate groups of compartments, and further pivotal diverters associated with the two groups distribute the bales among the compartments of that group.

Abstract: An improved gate for a bale accumulator which prevents bouncing of the latching mechanisms so that the gate passes by and is unlocked. Automatic bale accumulators accumulate bales of hay and release them when the accumulator is filled; and after all of the bales have passed out of the accumulator, the rear gate closes and is latched. The present invention assures positive latching such that the gate does not move the latching mechanism to a position so that the gate fails to latch.