Abstract: For conditioning baled material, such as wool, which is subject to taking a set upon being frozen or remaining stored for an extended period, steam is forced into the bale from two opposite sides for a short period of time, over a substantial part of the surface area of each of those sides. Thereafter, moisture-laden heated air under substantially higher pressures are forced into the bale for a longer period of time, in order to reduce the temperature of the steam and substantially uniformly distribute the heat. The steam and heated air introduction steps may be repeated, in alternation.

Abstract: A strap coiling mechanism comprising a driven roller one having a serrated peripheral surface, a pinch roller for rotatably mounted at one extremity of a pivoted crank lever 8, said pinch roller being biassed towards the driven roller 1 by means of a compression spring 6 engaging the other end of the crank lever 8 and part of the supporting frame for the mechanism. The driven roller 1 and the pinch roller 4 between them define a nip N into which strapping S to be coiled is introduced. In the event that the strapping includes a Seal' or any other section modulus change, a pinch roller 4 will be deflected away from the driven roller 1 against the action of the spring 6 to allow the seal to pass through the nip N. A deforming roller 3 is rotatably mounted immediately behind the Nip and has a serrated peripheral surface which is engaged by the strapping S to form the strapping into a shelf closing coil C.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for conditioning baled materials by forcing moisture laden heated air or stream under pressure into the bale over part of the surface area of at least two sides of the bale.