Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus for baling fibers in which the baling chamber is defined at least in part by one wall mounted for movement from a first position relative to an opposite wall to a second position farther from the second wall. There is means for moving the movable wall away from the second wall after the platen has entered the baling chamber but prior to final compression of the bale therein or means to move the wall in response to a predetermined bale compressing position of the movable platen. Further, the wall may be moved in response to a predetermined compressive force exerted by the platen on the bale. Still further, means is provided to overcompress the bale to some extent thus to destroy some of the inherent spring-back of the bale of fibers.

Abstract: An improved system for removing modules of seed cotton either from a pallet, a transport vehicle, or, with slight modifications, from the ground when incorporated as a part of a transport vehicle. The apparatus comprises a conveyor with a discharge end and a receiving end. At the receiving end there is provided a cotton module engaging and lifting mechanism comprising a plurality of driven, toothed, disc-like lifting members, a multiplicity of the same being mounted in a framework for vertical reciprocation so that upon engaging an oncoming mass of seed cotton the entire unit moves downwardly, thus to get under and lift the seed cotton onto the conveyor. The cotton is fed to a disperser unit which breaks it down into individual locks, or at least groups of locks small enough to be fed to a gin.

Abstract: Apparatus for sampling fibers which is simplified over previous apparatus for like purpose. A part of the fiber collecting chamber is movable to form a valve for admitting or excluding cotton; a part of the collecting chamber acts as dogs to hold the cotton in the sample chamber with each stroke of a platen; each stroke of the platen cleans the side walls of the collecting chamber; and means is provided for packaging the sample. The apparatus lends itself to automation so that it will collect a sample and eject and package the same after a predetermined number of strokes of the platen.

Abstract: A baling chamber for fibers and the like having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls, one of the end walls being split vertically and with its halves pivotally mounted to the pivoted side doors. Linkage mechanism is associated with the split end door to cause its parts to move away from the bale and away from each other when the side doors are opened. The mechanism also includes improved means for locking the walls together, such as a floating locking bar carried by one of the side walls and disposed to engage the free end of one of the other walls. A contoured slot in a part of the wall causes the locking bar to assume proper locking and unlocking positions.

Abstract: Process for baling fibers to uniform density within a fixed range even through the bales vary in weight or size. The invention results in bales which exert substantially the same force against the restraining ties or straps placed thereabout, which forces are within safe strength limits for the ties. The application discloses apparatus which may be used to carry out the process including controls for preventing overstressing the press and for actuating an automatic strapping apparatus only at the proper time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein a tow of continuous filaments is fed to a tow cutter and severed into fibrous material of predetermined staple length while the fibrous material delivered from the tow cutter is fed to and through at least one textile picker. The fibrous material may be formed into laps at the picker for being subsequently processed through cards, or the fibrous material may be fed in loose fibrous form from the picker to a bank of cards. Means are provided for automatically controlling operation of the tow cutter and pickers and for controlling feeding of the fibrous material to the pickers.