Abstract: Apparatus for making modules in which material is deposited in an open-bottom rectangular bin. A tamping mechanism is mounted at the open top of the bin for compressing the material into a module. At each end of the bin 15 is a door that is pivotal about a horizontal axis at the upper section of the bin. While the doors are closed, the material is compressed into a module. The doors are alternately opened for the removal of modules through alternate ends of the bin. At each side of the bin are hydraulic jacks for raising and lowering the bin. While the bin is lowered, the material is compressed into a module. When the bin is raised, a module is removed from the bin. Forming the floor or base of the bin is a movable transfer table that travels over a rectilinear path through the ends of the bin. When a module is formed at one end of the table within the bin, the other end of the table is outside of the bin for the removal of a module.

Abstract: A self-propelled module builder comprising a frame in which cotton or other compressible material is deposited. A compacting mechanism is mounted on the open top of the frame to compress the material into a module. The frame has a side frame structure on each side thereof. Each side frame structure includes a walking beam that is pivotally connected centrally between the ends thereof by an hydraulic jack, which is pivotally attached to the adjacent side frame structure. The ends of the walking beam are connected by pins to parallel spindle tubes. Each spindle tube is constrained for vertical sliding movement by an upright guide, which is fixed to the associated side frame structure. Drive wheels are mounted at the lower ends of the spindle tubes through respective spindles. With the frame lowered, a module is made on the ground to be transported to a suitable facility. When the rectangular frame is raised, the module builder is capable of traveling to another location.