Abstract: A cotton module building apparatus, utilizing imaging apparatus operable for capturing real-time images of the module building process, including accumulated cotton in the module building chamber, cotton inflow, and the in-process cotton module, and a method for building a cotton module using the images. The imaging apparatus includes a camera or cameras disposed at advantageous locations about the module building chamber, and cotton is distributed and moved within the chamber responsive to the images, for advantageous placement and distribution for forming a module having a desired consistency and top shape. Imaging apparatus can also be provided for observing unloading of a module from the chamber, and for facilitating maneuvering and positioning the unloading apparatus.

Abstract: An unloader for a cotton compacting structure such as a module builder, including loose cotton retaining apparatus configured and operable for retaining loose cotton carried from, and returning the loose cotton to, the compacting structure. Apparatus of the invention can include an array or arrays of individual upstanding filaments, or flaps, located on a cotton conveying surface of a door arrangement or ramp extending from the compacting structure and over which a mass of compacted cotton or module is unloaded. The apparatus is configured to allow passage of a mass or module of compacted cotton thereover, while preventing passage of at least a substantial portion of any loose cotton following the mass or module along the surface. The apparatus is also configured for returning the loose cotton to the compacting structure upon folding or closing of the door or ramp.

Abstract: An unloader for a cotton compacting structure such as a module builder, including loose cotton retaining apparatus configured and operable for retaining loose cotton carried from, and returning the loose cotton to, the compacting structure. Apparatus of the invention can include an array or arrays of individual upstanding filaments, or flaps, located on a cotton conveying surface of a door arrangement or ramp extending from the compacting structure and over which a mass of compacted cotton or module is unloaded. The apparatus is configured to allow passage of a mass or module of compacted cotton thereover, while preventing passage of at least a substantial portion of any loose cotton following the mass or module along the surface. The apparatus is also configured for returning the loose cotton to the compacting structure upon folding or closing of the door or ramp.

Abstract: A cotton module building apparatus, utilizing imaging apparatus operable for capturing real-time images of the module building process, including accumulated cotton in the module building chamber, cotton inflow, and the in-process cotton module, and a method for building a cotton module using the images. The imaging apparatus includes a camera or cameras disposed at advantageous locations about the module building chamber, and cotton is distributed and moved within the chamber responsive to the images, for advantageous placement and distribution for forming a module having a desired consistency and top shape. Imaging apparatus can also be provided for observing unloading of a module from the chamber, and for facilitating maneuvering and positioning the unloading apparatus.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for transporting a cotton module from the cotton field to a storage location. A conveyor apparatus is attached to the hitch of a tractor. The conveyor is operated by a hydraulic motor that is reversible such that the conveyor can be operated in both directions. To pick up a cotton module, the operator lowers the end of the conveyor close to the ground and backs under the cotton module while the conveyor is operated in a forward direction. Once the module is loaded onto the apparatus by the conveyor, the operator stops the conveyor and raises the conveyor for transportation to a desired location. To deposit the module, the operator lowers the apparatus to the ground and operates the conveyor in reverse while pulling the tractor forward at desirably the same speed as the conveyor.