Abstract: In one embodiment, a bale processor includes a hopper for receiving baled material, a discharge opening for outputting chopped material, and primary and secondary rotors. The primary rotor has an axis of rotation and a rotatable flail to chop the material from the bale received in the hopper. The secondary rotor is rotatable to chop the material after being chopped by the primary rotor, and the secondary rotor is offset from the primary rotor such that the primary rotor is between the secondary rotor and the discharge opening. The flail includes a pivot tube for rotating about the axis, first and second hammers secured to the pivot tube, and a paddle. The paddle is positioned between and secured to the first and second hammers to generate airflow when the first and second hammers are rotated at an operating speed, thereby increasing a throw distance of the chopped material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bale processor includes a hopper for receiving a bale of baled material, a discharge opening for outputting chopped material, and a processing section below the hopper and intersecting the hopper at an impingement zone. The processing section has primary and secondary rotors. The primary rotor is rotatable and has flails sufficiently long to extend into the impingement zone to chop the material from the bale received in the hopper when the primary rotor is rotated. The secondary rotor is rotatable and has flails to chop the material after being chopped by the primary rotor. The secondary rotor is offset from the primary rotor such that the secondary rotor is on one side of the primary rotor, the discharge opening is on another side of the primary rotor, and the only passage from the secondary rotor to the discharge opening crosses the primary rotor.

Abstract: Disconnect systems for use in power transmission components and systems are provided. Such disconnect systems may be utilized in various applications, and bale processors using such disconnect systems are disclosed. One disconnect system is provided for selectively transmitting force between first and second shafts. The disconnect system includes a first closure configured to rotate with the first shaft, and a second closure configured to rotate with the second shaft. The second closure is movable along the second shaft to selectively engage the first closure, and the second closure has a detent respectively operable with proximal and distal depressions of the second shaft. The first and second closures are engaged with one another when the detent operates with the proximal depression, and are disengaged from one another when the detent operates with the distal depression. Respective operation of the detent with the proximal and distal depressions biases the second closure from moving along the second shaft.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bale processor includes a hopper for receiving a bale of baled material, a discharge opening for outputting chopped material, and a processing section below the hopper and intersecting the hopper at an impingement zone. The processing section has primary and secondary rotors. The primary rotor is rotatable and has flails sufficiently long to extend into the impingement zone to chop the material from the bale received in the hopper when the primary rotor is rotated. The secondary rotor is rotatable and has flails to chop the material after being chopped by the primary rotor. The secondary rotor is offset from the primary rotor such that the secondary rotor is on one side of the primary rotor, the discharge opening is on another side of the primary rotor, and the only passage from the secondary rotor to the discharge opening crosses the primary rotor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bale processor includes a hopper for receiving baled material, a discharge opening for outputting chopped material, and primary and secondary rotors. The primary rotor has an axis of rotation and a rotatable flail to chop the material from the bale received in the hopper. The secondary rotor is rotatable to chop the material after being chopped by the primary rotor, and the secondary rotor is offset from the primary rotor such that the primary rotor is between the secondary rotor and the discharge opening. The flail includes a pivot tube for rotating about the axis, first and second hammers secured to the pivot tube, and a paddle. The paddle is positioned between and secured to the first and second hammers to generate airflow when the first and second hammers are rotated at an operating speed, thereby increasing a throw distance of the chopped material.