Abstract: A tailgate latching mechanism for a round bale that utilizes action of the tailgate lift cylinders to release the latch to allow the tailgate to be opened and an independent spring action to cause the mechanism to catch and latch the tailgate into position upon closure of the tailgate.

Abstract: A non-contacting bale size sensor for an agricultural round baler having bale-forming chamber partially defined by a plurality of continuous side-by-side belts trained around a plurality of fixed guide rolls and at least one moveable roll connected to a belt take up arm. The bale size sensor detects the position of the belt take up arm by measuring distance between a fixed position and the take up arm and a connected control unit determines the size of the bale within the bale-forming chamber.

Abstract: A tailgate latching mechanism for a round bale that utilizes action of the tailgate lift cylinders to release the latch to allow the tailgate to be opened and an independent spring action to cause the mechanism to catch and latch the tailgate into position upon closure of the tailgate.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for directing movement of a plurality of side-by-side belts in a round baler wherein a bale chamber is optimally configured for bale core formation thereby reducing the need for an aggressive surface on the belts to initiate rotation of the incoming crop material. As the bale expands, the improved mechanism enables the unguided span of belts surrounding the periphery of the bale to be minimized by positioning intermediate guide rolls generally equidistantly from idler rolls bounding the belt guides defining the bale forming chamber. Further, the improved mechanism reduces the friction force between the crop and the belts necessary to initiate crop rolling for bale core formation enabling smooth-surfaced belts to be used which reduce trash generation.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for directing movement of a plurality of side-by-side belts in a round baler wherein a bale chamber is optimally configured for bale core formation thereby reducing the need for an aggressive surface on the belts to initiate rotation of the incoming crop material. As the bale expands, the improved mechanism enables the unguided span of belts surrounding the periphery of the bale to be minimized by positioning intermediate guide rolls generally equidistantly from idler rolls bounding the belt guides defining the bale forming chamber. Further, the improved mechanism reduces the friction force between the crop and the belts necessary to initiate crop rolling for bale core formation enabling smooth-surfaced belts to be used which reduce trash generation.

Abstract: A roll mounting apparatus for the lower bale forming roll of a round baler enabling the roll to be selectively installed in one of two positions using common mounting components. The normal roll mounting aperture in the side wall allowing the roll shaft ends to extend therethrough is elongated to permit limited radial movement of the shaft. A reversible adapter connected to the main frame (one on each main frame side wall) at each end of the shaft covers a portion of the elongated aperture and provides a mounting connector (threaded hole) to replace a fastener receptacle eliminated by elongation of the aperture. By repositioning the adapter, the shaft may be displaced radially to one of two positions, thereby allowing the roll to be installed in an optimum location for the crop material or to enable manufacturing flexibility. The roll can easily be relocated to the other position, as necessary, using bolted connections securing the adapter to the side walls and the roll shaft bearing to the frame and adapter.

Abstract: An adjustable tailgate latching mechanism for a round bale utilizing a movable arcuate hook-like latch catching structure attached to the latching mechanism that enables proper alignment of the tailgate latch to be established and maintained.

Abstract: An adjustable tailgate latching mechanism for a round bale utilizing a movable arcuate hook-like latch catching structure attached to the latching mechanism that enables proper alignment of the tailgate latch to be established and maintained.

Abstract: A roll mounting apparatus for the lower bale forming roll of a round baler enabling the roll to be selectively installed in one of two positions using common mounting components. The normal roll mounting aperture in the side wall allowing the roll shaft ends to extend therethrough is elongated to permit limited radial movement of the shaft. A reversible adapter connected to the main frame (one on each main frame side wall) at each end of the shaft covers a portion of the elongated aperture and provides a mounting connector (threaded hole) to replace a fastener receptacle eliminated by elongation of the aperture. By repositioning the adapter, the shaft may be displaced radially to one of two positions, thereby allowing the roll to be installed in an optimum location for the crop material or to enable manufacturing flexibility. The roll can easily be relocated to the other position, as necessary, using bolted connections securing the adapter to the side walls and the roll shaft bearing to the frame and adapter.

Abstract: The apparatus is a rotatable bale forming roller for use in farm machines that form round crop bales. The roller is a cylinder with multiple ribs oriented parallel to the roller axis and formed in the roller surface. The roller is constructed with a frame of channel shaped members oriented parallel to the roller axis with the channel members interlocking with several discs oriented perpendicular to the roller axis. A thin high strength steel sheet is installed completely around the frame to form the surface of the roller, and the integral ribs are formed directly in the sheet. In the preferred embodiment, the ribs have leading surfaces oriented in planes that are radial to the axis of the roller, and the trailing surfaces of the ribs are oriented to form an acute angle with the leading surfaces.

Abstract: A round baler having storage and dispensing mechanisms for both twine and net/plastic wrapping materials for the bales can be modified to provide a lower cost twine baler. A pivoting dispensing assembly across the front of the baler is replaceable by a similar-sized twine box to convert the baler to an all-twine baler with sufficient twine storage to make the machine efficient in field operations.

Abstract: A round baler having storage and dispensing mechanisms for both twine and net/plastic wrapping materials for the bales can be modified to provide a lower cost twine baler. A pivoting dispensing assembly across the front of the baler is replaceable by a similar-sized twine box to convert the baler to an all-twine baler with sufficient twine storage to make the machine efficient in field operations.

Abstract: A baler having a baler frame, a main drive assembly that includes a starter roll drive shaft mounted to rotate on the baler frame, and a pick-up assembly connected to the baler frame is disclosed. The pick-up assembly has a reverse control apparatus for reversing the direction of rotation of a conveying rotor to disimpact any impacted plug of cut crop material from the rotor. The reverse control apparatus can be operated remotely from a tractor connected to the baler.

Abstract: A detachable jack assembly for attaching to a hitch, including a leg having a first member movably connected to a foot member; a crank assembly disposed on the first member and having a rotatable arm, the crank assembly operably connecting the first member to move the foot member relative to the first member when the arm is rotated; an attachment member disposed on the first member and having a pin hole formed therein; a pin configured to fit in the pin hole; and a lock-out assembly disposed on the attachment member, including a bar member biased to a first position and movable to a second position, wherein the rotation of the rotatable arm is limited by the bar member when the bar member is in the first position, and the rotatable arm moves freely when the bar member is in the second position, wherein, when the pin is disposed in the pin hole, and the bar member is in the second position, the pin maintains the bar member in the second position.

Abstract: The device consists of a mechanism to place netwrap over the edge of a cylindrical bale that is created in a variable/fixed baling chamber of an agricultural round baler. The invention consists of a netwrap delivery system having of a pair of arms pivotally affixed to the outside of the baling chamber sidewalls. Also attached to the arms is an assembly frame. An actuator controls the pivoting motion of the delivery system inserting the netwrap between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll of the sledge assembly. Positioned outside the sidewall and between the outer frame member is a transition area. The netwrap is inserted between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll as well as into the transition area. Because the width of the delivery assembly is wider than that of the cylindrical bale, a portion of the netwrap is inserted over the edge by use of the transition area.

Abstract: The device consists of a mechanism to place netwrap over the edge of a cylindrical bale that is created in a variable/fixed baling chamber of an agricultural round baler. The invention consists of a netwrap delivery system having of a pair of arms pivotally affixed to the outside of the baling chamber sidewalls. Also attached to the arms is an assembly frame. An actuator controls the pivoting motion of the delivery system inserting the netwrap between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll of the sledge assembly. Positioned outside the sidewall and between the outer frame member is a transition area. The netwrap is inserted between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll as well as into the transition area. Because the width of the delivery assembly is wider than that of the cylindrical bale, a portion of the netwrap is inserted over the edge by use of the transition area.

Abstract: A round baler, having a pair of spaced side walls mounted on a main frame, is supported on wheels and adapted to be pulled across a field. Positioned between the side walls is a crop confining apron for defining an expandable chamber that is adapted to rotatably form a cylindrical package of crop material. A pickup picks up crop material and conveys it into the chamber through a generally transverse crop infeed opening operatively associated with the pickup. Knives on a crop cutting device, controlled by an actuator, extend at varying positions into the expandable chamber to cut crop material on the surface of the cylindrical package as it is being formed. A control system. includes a sensor for sensing the size of the cylindrical package of crop material as it is being formed, and for providing a first signal corresponding to such size. Additionally, a second signal is provided corresponding to the position of the knife elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping cylindrical bales of crop material with twine includes a feed roller, a knife, and a twine arm connected to an electrical actuator for dispensing twine. The electrical actuator is extendable and retractable in order to cause pivoting movement of the twine arm between a rest position, a twine dispensing position and a twine cutting position. A first link is connected between the electrical actuator and a crank lever, and a second link is connected between the crank lever and the twine arm. Extension of the electrical actuator moves the twine arm from the rest position to the dispensing position and simultaneously results in the feed roller being driven. Retraction of the electrical actuator moves the twine arm from the twine dispensing position toward the twine cutting position while the feed roller continues to be driven. When the electrical actuator is fully retracted, the twine arm is moved into the twine cutting position and the knife is actuated.

Abstract: A roll baling machine includes a main frame, a tailgate pivotally connected to the main frame, and an apron extending around a plurality of guide rolls disposed in the main frame and in the tailgate. A pair of take up arms are rotatably mounted in the tailgate and carry an additional guide roll for the apron. A pair of levers are connected to rotate with the take up arms, and springs are connected to the levers to urge the take up arms into a bale starting position. The machine is provided with a twine wrapper, and a mechanism for automatically tripping the twine wrapper into operation comprises a cam surface on one of the levers engageable with a cam roller carried on a first link. This first link is rotatably mounted on the main frame and is connected to a sliding member which is movable toward and away from a tripping position. The tripping mechanism also includes second, third and fourth links connecting the first link to the sliding member.

Abstract: A method of wrapping cylindrical bales of crop material with netting material for use with apparatus including a feed roller which may be selectively driven to dispense the netting material from a supply roll into a round baler. The apparatus has a home position and a cutting position wherein the feed roller is latched. The apparatus also has a feeding position wherein the feed roller is driven. The method includes the steps of latching the feed roller when the apparatus is in the home position, unlatching the feed roller when the apparatus is moved from the home position to the feeding position, relatching the feed roller when the apparatus is moved from the feeding position to the cutting position, and maintaining the feed roller latched as the apparatus is moved from the cutting position to the home position.