Helically Along Material Patents (Class 100/13)
  • Patent number: 11235897
    Abstract: A standing tree baling apparatus includes a main frame and a boom pivotably connected to the main frame. The boom has a first end and a second end. A boom lifter is connected between the main frame and the boom for raising and lowering the boom about a pivot joint at the first end of the boom. A rotation arm has a first arm end and a second arm end. The rotation arm is pivotably connected to the second end of the boom at the first arm end. A driver pivots the arm relative to the boom. A compression ring is sized for loosely encircling a trunk of a standing tree and adapted for forcibly moving a succession of branches of the tree non-destructively inward toward the trunk of the tree as the ring is raised about the tree to facilitate baling of the tree with rope line. The ring is connected to the second arm end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Douglas S. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 11160215
    Abstract: The bale wrapping assembly for a round baler includes at least one twine inserter coupled to a drive. The drive is configured to drive the at least one twine inserter along a movement trajectory to intermittently introduce one or more twines into an outer circumferential surface of a completed bale. The one or more twines are positioned at the at least one twine inserter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventors: Freek De Baere, Michael Van Giel
  • Patent number: 11116139
    Abstract: A system for wrapping a material in a baler includes a feed element for feeding the material through a feed path. A drive element intermittently drives the feed element. A linking element couples the drive element with the feed element. A tensioning lever operates to vary tension on the linking element to intermittently drive or not drive the feed element. A knife mechanism operates to intersect the feed path to cut the material. An actuator moves the tensioning lever and the knife mechanism. A spring limits motion of the actuator based on a threshold magnitude of the tensioning lever so that the linking element is not over tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Jacob D. Kappelman
  • Patent number: 10888043
    Abstract: Self-propelled vehicles for forming bales of crop or forage material are disclosed. The self-propelled baling vehicles include independently driven real wheels and front caster wheels that allow the baling vehicle to turn with a counter-steer profile. In some embodiments, the center of mass of the formed bale is toward the rear of the vehicle to improve the weight distribution of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Kent L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10736272
    Abstract: A system for wrapping a material in a baler includes a feed element for feeding the material through a feed path. A drive element intermittently drives the feed element. A linking element couples the drive element with the feed element. A tensioning lever operates to vary tension on the linking element to intermittently drive or not drive the feed element. A knife mechanism operates to intersect the feed path to cut the material. An actuator is engageable with the tensioning lever and with the knife mechanism. The actuator operates to move the tensioning lever and the knife mechanism independent of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Jacob D. Kappelman
  • Patent number: 10721871
    Abstract: A wrapping arrangement for an agricultural round baler includes a support frame and a wrapping mechanism including at least one wrap material feeder mounted on the support frame. The wrap material feeder includes a supply of wrap material. At least one wrap material clamp and cutting device is operably mounted to the wrap material feeder, and a clamp mechanism is mounted proximate to the wrap material clamp and cutting device. The clamp mechanism is adapted to clamp a free end of the wrap material by a biasing clamping force for pre-positioning the wrap material for functional operation with the wrapping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Sebastien Guerin, David Roussel, Emmanuel Chapon
  • Patent number: 10448577
    Abstract: A round bale forming apparatus which includes a first bale forming chamber and a second bale forming chamber the second bale forming chamber being positioned rearwardly of the first bale forming chamber; each of the first and second bale forming chambers has components for forming a bale from a crop product; a feeding mechanism which feeds the crop product into the bale forming apparatus in order to form a bale from the crop product; a transfer mechanism for transferring a partially formed bale from the first bale forming chamber into the second bale forming chamber; and a directional mechanism for directing the crop product from the feeding mechanism into the first bale forming chamber or the second bale forming chamber such that a partially formed bale is formable in the first bale forming chamber and a fully formed bale is formable in the second bale forming chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Kverneland Group Ravenna S.R.L.
    Inventor: Seamus Varley
  • Patent number: 10440895
    Abstract: A system and a method for moving wrap material in a baler are described. A motor can be secured to the baler and can be configured to rotate a wrap roller of the baler. The motor can be caused to rotate the wrap roller in a first direction, such that the wrap roller moves the wrap material towards a crop package contained by the baler. The motor can also be caused, during application of the wrap material to the crop package, to brake the wrap roller relative to the first roller direction or to rotate the wrap roller in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, in order to stretch the wrap material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason C. Eubanks, Gerald Shook
  • Patent number: 10371868
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacturing of an optical article comprising forming a multilayered coating on at least one face of an uncoated or coated substrate,and forming on the outermost layer of said multilayered coating, a layer-by-layer (LbL) coating exposed to environment, said LbL coating comprising at least two bilayers, each bilayer being formed successively by: i) applying a first layer composition comprising at least one compound A having a first electrical charge; ii) applying, directly onto the first layer resulting from i), a second layer composition comprising at least one compound B having a second electrical charge, said second electrical charge being opposite to said first electrical charge; iii) repeating at least once steps i) and ii), with the provisos that: -each of compounds A and B is independently chosen from polysaccharide polymers and colloids of metal oxide such as TiO2 and ZrO2 or silicon oxide, with the proviso that at least one of the compounds A and B is a poly
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: Haipeng Zheng
  • Patent number: 9878814
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging an object with a tubular film, includes: a main frame, a stretch frame for stretching the tubular film and for applying the tubular film to the object, and a top frame having a feeding device for delivering a tubular film from a film magazine to the stretch frame and having a cutting device to cut the tubular film to a predetermined length. The top frame is moveable at the main frame between a working position and a maintenance position. In the maintenance position the top frame is located outside the work space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Erin Intellectual Property Limited
    Inventors: Kees Geerts, Martijn H. C. De Laat, Lambertus Johannes Beekmans
  • Patent number: 8522678
    Abstract: A strapping machine having a movable working assembly includes comprises a machine body, a chute, and a movable working assembly. This machine body contains a storing space. The chute has an upper chute portion and a lower chute portion. The movable working assembly which is in the storing space includes a horizontal movable portion, a vertical movable portion, a working device, and an operation linkage mechanism. When the vertical movable portion moves to the move-down position, the lower chute portion is separated from the upper chute portion. Then, the movable working assembly can be moved out for easy maintenance. So, it is quick and easy to repair any internal device or part inside the strapping machine. The repairer does not need to stoop or squat down for repairing it. In addition, it saves strength and time to move out the working device or related part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: Tekpak Corporation, Transpak Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Chin-Chang Liu, Chi-Jan Su
  • Patent number: 8516955
    Abstract: A towable trailered standing tree baler provides independent maneuverability with sufficient structural strength required for baling large trees. A telescopic wheeled frame provides ground support directly underneath a tree branch compression ring and therefore provides a strong structural foundation for pushing the ring upward. The support wheels of the frame can be both steered and tilted so that the apparatus can be centered on the tree even on uneven ground. A compression ring lifting boom utilizes an interconnecting rotation arm between the end of the boom and the compression ring so that the ring may be positioned at a very low starting point close to the ground and then moved accurately upwardly with the circumference of the ring being held level and centered. A specialized lining material on the ring reduces friction against the tree limb bark and therefore reduces tree limb damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8347784
    Abstract: A towable trailored standing tree baler provides independent maneuverability with sufficient structural strength required for baling large trees. A telescopic wheeled frame provides ground support directly underneath a tree branch compression ring and therefore provides a strong structural foundation for pushing the ring upward. The support wheels of the frame can be both steered and tilted so that the apparatus can be centered on the tree even on uneven ground. A compression ring lifting boom utilizes an interconnecting rotation arm between the end of the boom and the compression ring so that the ring may be positioned at a very low starting point close to the ground and then moved accurately upwardly with the circumference of the ring being held level and centered. A specialized lining material on the ring reduces friction against the tree limb bark and therefore reduces tree limb damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas S. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8333146
    Abstract: An end wrap adjustment that may be used with an agricultural baler twine wrapping system. More particularly, an end wrap adjustment for improved adjustment of the end wrap location, without the use of tools. The end wrap adjustment provides for the adjustment of the location of the twine at the ends of the bale depending on one or more factors, such as the crop type, storage conditions, operator preference, etc. On one side, the twine dispensing assembly may include a first end wrap adjustment for controlling the position of the twine arm, and hence the twine with respect to an end or side of the bale when the bale wrapping system is in an extended position. On an opposite side, the twine cutting assembly may include a second end wrap adjustment for controlling the position of the twine with respect to an opposite end or side of the bale when the bale wrapping system is in a home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8308414
    Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. The medication storage bin includes a bulk bin loading drawing for loading medication storage bins into the medication dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Schifman, William A. Bedore
  • Patent number: 8220230
    Abstract: A cable bundling device includes a cable positioning and a wrapping mechanism. The cable positioning mechanism includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, which are set in a working zone. The first and second clamping members function to respectively clamp ends of a cable. One of the wrapping mechanism and the cable positioning mechanism is selectively rotatable to have the bundling material loaded in the wrapping mechanism wrapped around the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Flexible Circuits Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Fu Su, Gwun-Jin Lin, Chih-Heng Chuo
  • Patent number: 8056472
    Abstract: A twine arm assembly is provided with a guide member controlling the movement of a twine arm during a tying cycle. In order to facilitate the insertion of new twine into the twine arm, said guide member is made of two parts which can be locked to each other or which can move with respect to each other in order to bring the twine arm into a position, in which twine can be inserted easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Beaufort, Frédéric Paillet, Pascal Gresset
  • Patent number: 8037661
    Abstract: A shuttle change system for use in a wrapping apparatus for wrapping an associated item is disclosed. The wrapping apparatus includes a shuttle that moves along the inner periphery of a track dispensing a wrapping material. The shuttle change system includes a carrier and a pair of track sections mounted to the carrier. The track sections are spaced from one another and parallel to one another, each adapted to support a shuttle. The carrier is moveable vertically, longitudinally and laterally to align either of the pair of tracks with the cantilevered base portion of the track. One of the tracks is adapted to receive a shuttle to be replaced and the other of the tracks is adapted to store a replacement shuttle for movement onto the track. The carrier is movable away from the track to permit the openable track portion to open and close without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid M. Albert, Jeffrey G. Kellermann
  • Publication number: 20110232509
    Abstract: An end wrap adjustment that may be used with an agricultural baler twine wrapping system. More particularly, an end wrap adjustment for improved adjustment of the end wrap location, without the use of tools. The end wrap adjustment provides for the adjustment of the location of the twine at the ends of the bale depending on one or more factors, such as the crop type, storage conditions, operator preference, etc. On one side, the twine dispensing assembly may include a first end wrap adjustment for controlling the position of the twine arm, and hence the twine with respect to an end or side of the bale when the bale wrapping system is in an extended position. On an opposite side, the twine cutting assembly may include a second end wrap adjustment for controlling the position of the twine with respect to an opposite end or side of the bale when the bale wrapping system is in a home position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110232510
    Abstract: A towable trailored standing tree baler provides independent maneuverability with sufficient structural strength required for baling large trees. A telescopic wheeled frame provides ground support directly underneath a tree branch compression ring and therefore provides a strong structural foundation for pushing the ring upward. The support wheels of the frame can be both steered and tilted so that the apparatus can be centered on the tree even on uneven ground. A compression ring lifting boom utilizes an interconnecting rotation arm between the end of the boom and the compression ring so that the ring may be positioned at a very low starting point close to the ground and then moved accurately upwardly with the circumference of the ring being held level and centered. A specialized lining material on the ring reduces friction against the tree limb bark and therefore reduces tree limb damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas S. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 7699951
    Abstract: A method for creating a building material that makes use of a wheeled, moveable apparatus that moves through a field after the straw or other agricultural waste has been processed into tightly bound cables. Said cables are formed into woven mats, and said mats are bonded together to form flat or curved wall sections or panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: David Ward
  • Patent number: 7658145
    Abstract: A simplified mechanism for feeding a plurality of individual twine strands into a bale forming chamber for wrapping a bale that allows user-selectable adjustment of twine strand spacing along the bale length so that an optimal number of circumferential twine wraps around the bale necessary to secure the bale after discharge from the bale forming chamber may be selected. The simplified thus enables the spacing between twine strands to be optimized for various crop materials that are being baled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John R. McClure, David M. DeChristopher
  • Patent number: 7617653
    Abstract: A baling press having a pressing chamber and an apparatus for wrapping a bale in a wrapping web and having at least one rotating conveyor element is proposed, wherein the conveyor element advances the wrapping web to the bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jean Viaud, Emmanuel Chapon
  • Patent number: 7490544
    Abstract: In a round baler, twin arms come together in the start position, on the side opposite the cut position, because that configuration ensures that two twines lie nearly on top of each other to secure the bale much better at that end than with a single twine. The “start position” refers to that position where the twine arms reverse direction, and change from a fast speed of travel used to move the twine arms across the bale width, to a slower, controlled speed that is adjustable to vary the spacing of the twines. The change in direction combined with bringing the twine arms together at the start position, ensures that loose twine ends are effectively restrained as the twines are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Shane A. Bollinger, Ryan G. Walker
  • Patent number: 7337713
    Abstract: A bale wrapping control system that enables several custom bale wrapping patterns which more effectively wrap and maintain the integrity of bales formed in a round baler. The bale wrapping control system controls operation of a dispensing arm which dispenses twine or other bale wrapping material. The dispensing arm is moveable between a start position where an end of the dispensing arm is closest to the bale, a left edge position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a left edge of the bale, a right edge position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a right edge of the bale, and a cutoff or home position where the end of the dispensing arm passes a cutting mechanism. The bale wrapping control system includes a baler controller for controlling movement of the dispensing arm and a user interface for receiving operating instructions from an operator of the baler and for controlling certain functions of the baler controller in response to the operating instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Olander, Maynard M. Herron, Charlie O. James, Robert J. Waggoner, Roger A. White
  • Publication number: 20080034984
    Abstract: A bale wrapping control system that enables several custom bale wrapping patterns which more effectively wrap and maintain the integrity of bales formed in a round baler. The bale wrapping control system controls operation of a dispensing arm which dispenses twine or other bale wrapping material. The dispensing arm is moveable between a start position where an end of the dispensing arm is closest to the bale, a left edge position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a left edge of the bale, a right edge position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a right edge of the bale, and a cutoff or home position where the end of the dispensing arm passes a cutting mechanism. The bale wrapping control system includes a baler controller for controlling movement of the dispensing arm and a user interface for receiving operating instructions from an operator of the baler and for controlling certain functions of the baler controller in response to the operating instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Brian J. Olander, Maynard M. Herron, Charlie O. James, Robert J. Waggoner, Roger A. White
  • Patent number: 7325487
    Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Lee W. Squyres
  • Patent number: 7270053
    Abstract: A binding device for use on a cylindrical baling press that includes two binder dispensing mechanisms guided in a frame and which move transverse to a baling chamber of the baling press. Each binder dispensing mechanism further includes a binder advancing device having a drive wheel in rolling engagement with a drive mechanism configured to cause the drive wheel to rotate. The drive mechanism of the binder advancing mechanism is configured separately from a drive device of the binder dispensing mechanisms. Binding material is dispensed by the movement of the binder dispensing mechanisms and/or the movement of the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Frédéric Paillet, Pascal Gresset, Raymond Uros, Jean Viaud
  • Patent number: 7263927
    Abstract: A twine dispensing arm of a wrapping arrangement for a large round baler is provided with a dispensing end defined by a component which, at the time when twine wrapped about a bale is separated from a length of twine carried by the arm, prevents a length of recoiling twine from becoming entangled or incorrectly oriented for a subsequent wrapping cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Raymond Uros, Jerome Simon, Frederic Paillet, Alain Lucot
  • Patent number: 7162950
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John R. McClure, Fred M. Horchler, Jr., Ronald L. McAllister, James T. Clevenger, Jr., John H. Merritt, Cecil R. Sudbrack, Joseph N. Smith
  • Patent number: 7104189
    Abstract: A twine restrictor is disclosed having the advantages of simplicity and reliability. The twine restrictor is generally formed from solid or hollow stock. It is left free floating while being restrained sufficiently to avoid loss. Twine is passed over a substantially horizontal surface of a twine arm assembly and the twine restrictor is simply placed on the twine, providing a force up to a value equal to its weight on the twine. The twine restrictor is unaffixed and no springs are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jerry E. Bandstra
  • Patent number: 7073432
    Abstract: A method for binding logging waste or small timber material by using an automatic binding device, wherein the material is collected in a continuous bundle of brushwood and fed in the longitudinal direction. The material of the bundle of brushwood is compressed further in the binding device by tensioning the band which is fed in a continuous manner around the bundle of brushwood, and the band is finally locked as a strap which keeps the bundle of brushwood together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Plustech Oy
    Inventors: Mauri Marttila, Harri Niemi, Kari Pärssinen
  • Patent number: 6981443
    Abstract: Apparatus for engaging and folding the limbs of a tree in a tree baling apparatus features opening and closing by means of concentric part circular tubes of a frame. When gaps of the nested tubes are in alignment, a tree trunk can be received within the frame then closed in by rotating the gaps out of alignment. The closed ring, horizontally engaged about a tree, is then drawn upwardly deflecting the limbs of the tree into a folded configuration for tying. No pivot arms are used as in conventional equipment, avoiding the problems of wear and distortion at pivot linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Dutchmaster Nurseries Ltd.
    Inventor: Marlin Tillaart
  • Patent number: 6945163
    Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports, a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Lee W. Squyres
  • Patent number: 6904841
    Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes a work surface table height adjusting assembly. Such a strapping machine has a machine frame, a work surface for supporting a load mounted to the frame a strap chute for carrying the strap around the load, a feed assembly for feeding and retracting strap and a weld head for sealing the strap to itself. The machine frame is mounted to leg assemblies by first and second height adjustment assemblies. Each height adjustment assembly is configured to raise and lower a portion of the work surface relative to a fixed portion of the leg assemblies. The assemblies each include a pair of adjusting rods lying along a respective side of the frame, at adjacent corners of the work surface. The adjusting rods operably connect the work surface and the leg assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan J. Bobren, Russell M. Flaum, Timothy B. Pearson
  • Patent number: 6880316
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a top and bottom of a load with packaging material is provided. The apparatus includes at least one non-driven packaging material guide is provided for use in combination with a powered conveying surface. The non-powered packaging material guide includes at least one row of non-driven wheels attached to a rail. The force applied by the packaging material as it is wrapped around the guide is supported by both the rail and the at least one row of non-driven wheels. The rail also serves to bridge any gaps between the non-driven wheels, thereby preventing capture of packaging material between the non-driven wheels. Preferably, the packaging material guide includes two rows of non-driven wheels, one on each side of the rail. Further, it is preferable that the rail connect the two rows of wheels such that the two rows of wheels form an angle of 60 degrees between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Steven Hack, Steven DeGrasse, Don Norris, Curtis Martin
  • Patent number: 6769353
    Abstract: A round baler including a housing; a bale chamber; bale forming apparatus; and bale wrapping apparatus including: four twine supply rolls defining four twine strands; four twine dispensing tubes, each tube presenting one of the strands so that each strand dangles from the corresponding tube, each tube movable between home and twine insert positions, wherein each strand dangles adjacent to a bale rotating in the chamber when the tubes are in the insert position; and two twine tensioning members disposed so that each tensioning member receives two strands, wherein each tensioning member has a receiving portion through which two strands are threaded, wherein each tensioning member is positioned to provide slack tension on two respective strands when the tubes are in the insert position, and wherein each tensioning member is positioned to increase wrapping tension on the two strands after the two respective strands have started to wrap the bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Smith, Edward H. Priepke
  • Patent number: 6763761
    Abstract: A round baler, including a housing and bale wrapping apparatus, the bale wrapping apparatus comprising: a rotating twine supply roll defining a twine strand; a twine dispensing arm presenting the twine strand; a shear bar having a cutting surface; a knife assembly rotatingly connected to the housing by an elongated bar and rotatable from a first position to a second cutting position in contact with the cutting surface, wherein the twine dispensing arm is movable from a first position to a second cutting position wherein the twine strand extends transversely between the shear bar and the knife assembly; and a wiper is mounted to the twine dispensing arm so that when the twine dispensing arm moves from the first position to the cutting position, the wiper engages the cutting surface of the shear bar to clean trash from the cutting surface of the shear bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Smith
  • Publication number: 20040079242
    Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports, a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Lee W. Squyres
  • Patent number: 6666133
    Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Lee W. Squyres
  • Patent number: 6634284
    Abstract: A round bale baling apparatus includes an accumulator for rolling crop material into a round bale, a twine dispenser adapted to hold and dispense twine, and a twine tensioner. The twine tensioner is adjustable and includes an energizable actuator and switch for operating the actuator to adjust the twine tension. Specifically, the switch can be manipulated to selectively decrease tension on the twine during initial gripping of the free end of the twine by a rolling loose bale, and to selectively increase tension on the twine once the twine is sufficiently wrapped onto the bale to provide a secure pulling force. The actuator can be electric, such as a reversible DC motor or solenoid, or can be another energizable device actuable from a remote position. Methods related to the above are also defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Donald R. Parker
  • Patent number: 6622620
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for laterally engaging a standing tree, compressing branches of the tree toward its trunk, and binding the branches while the branches are compressed. The apparatus includes: a support structure attached to a rigid arcuate frame, the frame partially circumscribing a vertical channel occupiable by the tree and having a horizontal channel through which the tree enters into the vertical channel when the tree is laterally engaged for baling; an assembly for compressing branches of the tree; a horizontal arcuate guide rotatably mounted to the frame; an assembly for rotating the guide around the vertical channel; and an assembly for binding branches of the tree. The apparatus may further include: an assembly for selectively gating the horizontal channel; and an assembly for guiding the trunk through the horizontal channel and deflecting branches during lateral engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Shain Byington
  • Publication number: 20020148365
    Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Lee W. Squyres
  • Patent number: 6453805
    Abstract: A large round baler has an expansible baling chamber defined, in part, by a plurality of side-by-side mounted belts that act to roll up crop to form a bale within the chamber. The baler is equipped with a twine wrapping arrangement which leaves loose twine ends adjacent one of the ends of the wrapped baler. In order to secure these loose ends, there is provided an adhesive tape dispensing arrangement, which cooperates with the bale-forming belt that is aligned with the area of the bale on which the loose twine ends lie, so that a length of adhesive tape is selectively fed into the bale chamber by the bale-forming belt such that it is wrapped about the bale in covering relationship to the loose twine ends. A separating arrangement is provided for causing that part of the length of adhesive tape that is wrapped about the bale to be separated from the supply roll of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jean Viaud, Jean Francois Fournier, Jerome Repellin, Aurelien Chabassier
  • Patent number: 6446548
    Abstract: A baler (10) for wrapping a rotating bale (52) of crop material (16) with strands of twine (72) has two twine tubes (68) through which the twine is fed so that ends of the strands dangle from the tubes. A bale density sensor (36) senses bale density and a controller (42) compares the sensed density with a desired density selected by an operator via an operator control panel (34). When the sensed density reaches about half the desired density the twine tubes are moved to a twine insert position so that the ends of the strands dangle adjacent the rotating bale. When a full bale has been formed, the controller automatically actuates a duckbill (60) to push the ends of the strands toward the bale where they are caught up in the crop material. If either strand is not caught up in the rotating bale, a new wrap cycle is automatically initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark K. Chow
  • Patent number: 6260335
    Abstract: A Christmas tree cart comprised of a hollow cylindrical tree holder mounted on wheels or a skid and having a handle and mechanical device to pull the tree into the cylinder to compress the tree limbs and carry the tree and upon removal of the tree from the cylinder the tree is baled with twine or netting using an integral baler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Edward Frank Helinski
  • Patent number: 6237478
    Abstract: A round bale press, for baling agricultural products, includes a pressing chamber that is circumferentially surrounded by compaction elements and a tying apparatus that lays twine onto the circumferential surface of a rotating bale formed in the pressing chamber of the baler, the twine being engaged between the rotating bale and the compaction elements and wrapped about the circumference of the bale. At least one pressing device is provided which includes at least one rotating pressing tool for engaging the circumference of the bale at a location where the twine that is wrapped about the bale is to be cut off when the desired number of wraps have been applied to the bale. The pressing tool operates to form a groove in the circumference of the bale and to guide the finishing wraps or wrap of twine to the vicinity of the groove so that the tension in the twine acts to seat the finishing wraps or wrap of twine in the groove prior to the wrapped length of twine being severed from the supply roll of twine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Frédéric Carteret, Claude Georget
  • Patent number: 6035773
    Abstract: A method of applying twine to a bale in which the twine is applied between first and second bale positions separated by an axial length along the bale. The method includes the step of applying twine about the bale by rotating the bale while continuously moving a twine dispenser axially from the first bale position to the second bale position such that a continuous helical pattern of twine is wrapped around the bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Scott A. Rempe
  • Patent number: 5950530
    Abstract: A device is provided for tucking or inserting the free end portion a length of twine, just severed from a supply roll, under one or more wraps of the length of twine extending about the circumference of a bale located in a bale chamber of a large round baler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Steffen Clauss, Steffen Budach
  • Patent number: 5941166
    Abstract: A round baler is equipped with a mechanism for wrapping the bale with twine. In order to keep the end of the twine from coming loose after ejection of the round bale, there is provided a groove shaper which engages the bale and forms a circumferential groove therein in line with the location where the twine dispensing arm of the wrapping mechanism comes to rest at the conclusion of wrapping a bale. The tension of the length of twine extending between the bale and the dispensing arm causes the final wrap or wraps of twine to be pulled into the groove prior to the wrapped twine being severed from a supply roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jens Geiser