Abstract: An apparatus for handling a module of cotton for being supplied to a machine for processing the cotton includes a support structure configured to support the module above a surface. The support structure includes a first segment, a second segment, and a hinging structure configured to operably couple the first segment and the second segment to one another, such that the first segment and the second segment can pivot with respect to one another. The apparatus also includes an actuator operably coupled to at least one of the first segment and the second segment. The actuator is configured to pivot one of the first segment and the second segment relative to another of the first segment and the second segment, and the apparatus is configured to re-orient the module.

Abstract: A system for processing fibers includes a dryer configured to remove moisture from at least a portion of the fibers, and a cleaner configured to remove at least one of dirt, sticks, and seeds from the portion of the fibers. The system further includes a conduit for transferring the portion of the fibers between the dryer and the cleaner, and a treatment system configured to apply chemical to the portion of the fibers. The system for processing fibers is configured to alter at least one of a color characteristic, moisture content, and a texture characteristic of the portion of the fibers via application of chemical to the portion of the fibers.

Abstract: A combination module feeder and cleaner for feeding and cleaning modules of seed cotton for ginning that includes a casing having two vertical columns of a plurality of cylinders that rotate about a respective axis, each of the cylinders having spikes disposed along the perimeter thereof to receive the modules of seed cotton. The modules of seed cotton enter the casing, the two rows of spiked cylinders cooperate to break apart the modules, and spiked cylinders adjacent grids wipe the seed cotton along spaced slots to remove trash and other objects from the seed cotton.

Abstract: A combination module feeder and cleaner for feeding and cleaning modules of seed cotton for ginning that includes a casing having two vertical columns of a plurality of cylinders that rotate about a respective axis, each of the cylinders having spikes disposed along the perimeter thereof to receive the modules of seed cotton. The modules of seed cotton enter the casing, the two rows of spiked cylinders cooperate to break apart the modules, and spiked cylinders adjacent grids wipe the seed cotton along spaced slots to remove trash and other objects from the seed cotton.

Abstract: A closed loop push/pull system of the present invention employs a hot shelf tower dryer and a plurality of fans uniquely positioned throughout portions of the cotton gin to direct and recirculate air through the cotton gin. Because the system employs a hot shelf tower dryer, the conventional introduction and circulation of hot air from a burner and fan assembly, after the primary burner, is no longer necessary. Instead, the hot shelf tower dryer provides heat to the cotton through its heated shelves, this heat being provided to and circulated between the shelves by a burner and fan assembly. Since this heated air is not directly exposed to the cotton, it may be recirculated between the shelves of the tower dryer and the burner and fan assembly. By limiting conventional drying methods and by recirculating the air streams conveying the cotton, the system reduces the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus and related method for adding moisture to cotton using humid air, comprising a tower casing defining a chamber having top and bottom portions, a first inlet proximate the top portion of the tower casing for receiving the cotton, an outlet proximate the bottom portion, a cotton conveying passage connecting the first inlet to the outlet, and a second inlet to the top portion for receiving the humid air. The related method comprising the steps of introducing cotton lint into a chamber, introducing humid air at an elevated temperature into the chamber, and exposing the cotton lint to the humid air while gradually reducing the temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and related method for adding moisture to cotton using humid air, comprising a tower casing defining a chamber having top and bottom portions, a first inlet proximate the top portion of the tower casing for receiving the cotton, an outlet proximate the bottom portion, a cotton conveying passage connecting the first inlet to the outlet, and a second inlet to the top portion for receiving the humid air. The related method comprising the steps of introducing cotton lint into a chamber, introducing humid air at an elevated temperature into the chamber, and exposing the cotton lint to the humid air while gradually reducing the temperature.

Abstract: A hot shelf tower dryer includes a casing having substantially parallel shelves which alternately extend from opposite ends of the tower casing to form a repetitively convoluted passage. At least one of the shelves has a hollow interior or chamber. Disposed in the chamber is at least one electrical heating element, where the power supplied to the heating element is regulated by a control system. As controlled, the electrical heating elements provide sufficient output to the tower casing which result in a substantially constant temperature throughout the passage. With the heating elements, the hot shelf tower dryer does not require the burning of natural gas or some other fossil fuel to heat the tower dryer unless such heating is desired to heat the forced air that conveys the cotton through dryer. As a result, in comparison with hot shelf tower dryer's that use fossil fuels as a heating source, pollutant emissions, such as nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions, are eliminated or at least significantly reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and related method for adding moisture to cotton using humid air, comprising a tower casing defining a chamber having top and bottom portions, a first inlet proximate the top portion of the tower casing for receiving the cotton, an outlet proximate the bottom portion, a cotton conveying passage connecting the first inlet to the outlet, and a second inlet to the top portion for receiving the humid air. The related method comprising the steps of introducing cotton lint into a chamber, introducing humid air at an elevated temperature into the chamber, and exposing the cotton lint to the humid air while gradually reducing the temperature.

Abstract: A hot shelf tower dryer includes a casing having substantially parallel shelves which alternately extend from opposite ends of the tower casing. As configured, the dryer includes a repetitively convoluted passage. At least one of the shelves has a hollow interior or chamber. Disposed in the chamber is at least one electrical heating element, where the power supplied to the heating element is regulated by a control system. As controlled, the electrical heating elements provide sufficient output to the tower casing which result in a substantially constant temperature throughout the passage. With the heating elements, the hot shelf tower dryer does not require the burning of natural gas or some other fossil fuel to heat the tower dryer unless such heating is desired to heat the forced air that conveys the cotton through dryer. As a result, in comparison with hot shelf tower dryer's that use fossil fuels as a heating source, pollutant emissions, such as nitrous oxide (NO.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element. The apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element includes a rod having one end removably mountable on the rotatable machine element. A plate is securable to the rod. A bearing assembly is engagable with the rod. A carriage is attachable to the bearing assembly for holding the detection device adjacent the plate for monitoring rotation of the rotatable base piece.

Abstract: A multi-faceted cleaner for a cotton gin includes a casing having an inlet, an outlet, and an upper and lower portion. Disposed proximate to the upper portion of the casing is a separator that controls the air flow through the casing. The flow of air through the casing allows for the natural separation of the seed cotton as it enters the casing through the inlet. The seed cotton naturally separates into high density and low density seed cotton, where the low density seed cotton typically remains in the air flow and travels to the outlet and the high density seed cotton descends to a rotating spiked cylinder positioned proximate to the lower portion of the casing. Once received by the spiked cylinder, the seed cotton is cleaned by the interaction of the rotating cylinder and a grid. Positioned substantially beneath each cylinder is a saddle configured to house the grid. The configuration of the saddle and the grid permits the removal and insertion of the grid in the saddle.

Abstract: A high slippage feeder for conveying seed cotton from a rotary vacuum of a cotton gin includes a cylinder rotating about an axis with a plurality of pins radially extending from the cylinder and a casing enclosing the cylinder and the pins. The casing has a first inlet for receiving the seed cotton from the rotary vacuum, a second inlet for receiving an air stream, and an outlet for providing an exit for the air stream and the seed cotton. A portion of the casing is curved to conform to an outer circumference defined by the rotation of the pins, and a portion of the second inlet is inwardly deflected to focus the direction of the air stream. The casing, as shaped, maximizes the operational efficiency of the high slippage feeder and not only improves the conveyance of cotton but also ensures that a majority of the cotton conveyed through the high slippage feeder will be partially dried.