Abstract: A baler connectable to a tractor for providing round bales comprises: a baling chamber for receiving crops for forming the bale, the baling chamber being supported on a wheel axle; a conveying assembly, including a belt which at least partially delimits the baling chamber for imparting a rotating movement to the crops contained in the baling chamber; a pick-up device, configured for picking-up the crops from a field; a feeding system, configured for feeding the crops to the baling chamber; a binder, configured for binding a formed bale with a fastening element.

Abstract: An image-based position assessment method is performed in conjunction with a mechanism onboard an agricultural machine and containing a traveling component. In embodiments, the method includes receiving, at an image processing system, camera images captured by a diagnostic camera mounted to the agricultural machine. A field of view of the diagnostic camera at least partially encompasses an intended motion path along which the traveling component is configured to travel. The image processing system analyzes the camera images to determine whether a recorded time-dependent component position of the traveling component deviates excessively from an expected time-dependent component position of the traveling component, as taken along the intended motion path.

Abstract: An actuation system for moving a movable platen of a bale recompression system includes one or more actuators, a first scissors linkage, a second scissors linkage and a cross-member. The first scissors linkage has a first link end coupled to a frame of the bale recompression system and has a second link end coupled to the movable platen. The second scissors linkage has a third link end coupled to the frame and has a fourth link end coupled to the movable platen. The cross-member interconnects the first scissors linkage and the second scissors linkage. Actuation of the one or more actuator pivots the first link end of the first scissors linkage and the third link end of the second scissors linkage relative to the frame and translates the movable platen from a first position to a second position. The first scissors linkage and the second scissors linkage are configured to maintain a fixed orientation of the movable platen in the first position and in the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting cotton including a cotton accumulator configured to accumulate cotton removed from cotton plants. A feeder system of a cotton harvester is configured to move independently of the cotton accumulator and along a longitudinal direction. A round module builder system is configured to move along the longitudinal direction toward the feeder system, wherein the round module builder includes a contact member adapted to contact the feeder system to establish a working gap between the feeder system and the round module builder. A wrap floor is moved toward and into contact with the feeder system, which is spring biased to maintain a substantially consistent gap between the between the feeder system and round module builder. Cotton is directed toward the round module builder and a directing mechanism directs a wrap for wrapping the directed cotton into a round module.

Abstract: Recyclable waste byproducts are efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting the recyclable waste as layers in a composite bale. The composite bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that retailers or other stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard. In one embodiment, the composite bales are formed by binding together a layer of one type of recyclable waste and a layer of recyclable waste that includes one or more types of recyclable waste byproducts. The layered structure can be modified to omit one of the layers or to add additional waste byproduct layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for baling plant materials such as grasses, leaves and pine straw a hydraulic power unit, a conveyor operatively coupled to the hydraulic power unit, a hopper for depositing the material on a proximal end of the conveyor and a baler operatively coupled to the hydraulic power unit and arranged for receiving a material from the conveyor. The power unit, conveyor and baler are supported on a trailer. An electronic control system is operatively coupled to the hydraulic power unit, the conveyor and the baler for automatically suspending operation of the conveyor when the baler contains a sufficient amount of material for initiating bundling of the material and automatically resuming operation of the conveyor following dispensing of a bundle of the material from the baler.

Abstract: Device (100) for pressing organic material out of waste, comprising: —a pressing chamber (3) and a first pressing member (4) for compacting introduced waste; —a first feed opening (5) for feeding waste into the pressing chamber (4); —perforations (6) for allowing air, moisture and organic material pressed out of introduced waste to escape from the pressing chamber (3), which perforations (6) are arranged in a wall (9) of the pressing chamber (3) and debouch in a surface (7) bounding the pressing chamber (3); and —a discharge opening (8) for discharging from the pressing chamber (3) compacted waste from which air, moisture and organic material are at least partially removed and whereby the surface lies perpendicularly of the pressing direction of the first pressing member (4). Pressing perpendicularly of the surface (7) results in a more effective and efficient pressing.

Abstract: A corner post application system comprises a conveyor subsystem and an enveloping machine adapted to envelope the plurality of units with a material. The system further includes a swing arm, an applicator arm coupled to the swing arm and adapted to move linearly, a corner post gripper coupled to the applicator arm, and a controller. The controller rotates the swing arm about a vertical axis until a corner post held by the corner post gripper is aligned with adjacent sides that define a corner of the load. The controller thereafter stops rotation of the swing arm and moves the applicator arm linearly toward the corner of the load until the corner post held by the corner post gripper contacts the adjacent sides of the load. A sensor may be included for detecting a corner of the load, with the controller aligning the corner post based on detection by the sensor.

Abstract: Monitoring current draw of an actuator associated with a rotating arm on a round baler during a net wrapping cycle is used to determine the position of the rotating arm and actuator, as well as to determine the net tension. The current draw of the actuator may be correlated with the home and insert positions of the rotating arm during the net wrapping cycle; thus by monitoring the current draw, the rotating arm and actuator position is determined and may be provided to aid an operator. The net tension during the net wrapping cycle is a function of the rotating arm and actuator current. A calculation of net tension is determined and provided to an operator, allowing the operator to verify performance issues related to the net tension.

Abstract: A packaging device comprises a frame, a conveying mechanism mounted on the frame, and two loading mechanisms mounted on opposite sides of the frame. The conveying mechanism holds a workpiece. The loading mechanism includes a feeding assembly and a pushing assembly. The feeding assembly includes a first driver mounted on the frame, and a bearing member movably mounted on the guiding base and connected to the first driver, for holding a number of protection members. The pushing assembly includes a second driver fixed on a top surface of the frame, and a pushing member connected to the second driver.

Abstract: A sensor assembly and method are described for calibrating a tensioning system. A first movement of a slack arm of the tensioning system may be identified. It may be determined that the slack arm has been maintained in a first calibration position for a first predetermined time interval, and a first calibration setting for the slack arm may be determined based upon the first calibration position. A second movement of a slack arm of the tensioning system may be identified. It may be determined that the slack arm has been maintained in a second calibration position for a second predetermined time interval, and a second calibration setting for the slack arm may be determined based upon the identified second calibration position.

Abstract: A method of forming a higher density bale of waste paper from two or more lower density bales of waste paper includes positioning the lower density bales intact and in side-by-side relationship with respect to each other, moving them to a compression zone, and compressing the bales together in the compression zone to form a higher density bale. The higher density bale can then be strapped to maintain its higher density configuration and shape. Thus, a larger tonnage of waste paper in bales can be loaded into a shipping container for transport. A rebaler for carrying out the method includes side feed and side retrieval of bales, significantly improving over traditional top feed machines.

Abstract: Baler devices, systems, and methods are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device includes an access door that is generally repositionable about a maintenance opening in a compression chamber. A chamber maintenance assembly may include a repositionable chamber access door, a pair of opposing hydraulic actuators, and a pair of extension arms connecting the access door and the hydraulic actuators. The result is devices, systems, and methods to provide improved access to the compression chamber to attend to jamming maintenance.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention contemplates a strapping station that integrates with a machine for wrapping and clamping a strap around a load, particularly a palletized load. The strapping station includes a transfer conveyor and a compression conveyor that is supported to be lowered onto the upper surface of a load to apply pressure to or compress the load during the strapping operation. The compression conveyor is maintained in that position, continuously applying pressure to the load, even as the load is moved for the application of straps at different locations.

Abstract: A bale forming apparatus and a bale forming method form cylindrical bales. An intake device conveys material into a bale forming chamber. A bale is formed in the bale forming chamber. A bale pushing device pushes the bale onto a bale supporting construction being in a bale receiving position. This bale supporting construction buffers the bale. A pivoting mechanism pivots the bale supporting construction carrying the bale from the bale receiving position into a bale supporting position. The distance between the bale on the bale supporting construction and the outlet is increased. The creation of a further bale in the bale forming chamber is started. The bale supporting construction carrying the bale is pivoted from the bale supporting position into a bale ejecting position. The bale is ejected.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an accumulating and strapping apparatus includes a first accumulation device configured to accumulate paper sheets, a second accumulation device, a strapping device configured to strap a bundle of the accumulated paper sheets by a tape, a base carrier provided movably up and down among a first position, a second position, and a third position, and a sheet carrier movable on the base carrier. The sheet carrier is configured to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the first accumulation device at the first position of the base carrier, move from a standby position to an advanced position at the third position of the base carrier to transfer the accumulated paper sheets to the strapping device, and move from the standby position to the advanced position at the second position of the base carrier to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the second accumulation device.

Abstract: A clothing compression press that is of a sufficient height so as to compact clothing for baling in a single pass of a piston within the chamber. The press includes an inner cavity defined by a base with a front wall, a back wall and first and second sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom. A plate extends within the inner cavity which is driven by a hydraulic cylinder from a first position spaced apart from the base to a second position proximate the base, to in turn, compress clothing between the plate and the base.

Abstract: A wrapping arrangement for a baler is configured to provide a plurality of twine strands perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bale from stationary positions relative the bale. A guide arrangement routes twine strands to align with forming belts of a baler and a feed mechanism feeds the twine strands into a baling chamber through contact with the bale forming belts. In one arrangement two twin strands are provided to each forming belt.

Abstract: An improved baler designed in such a way as to allow for the continuous compression of foraged material and the ability to tie off rectangular bales without stopping a continuous compression mechanism within the baler. The baler includes a semi cylinder that moves up and down to compress the foraged material in the compression area while at the same time more material is added by a feeding apparatus above and below the semi cylinder during the down and up motions of the cylinder. The baler also includes a separate area for storing uncompressed material while other material is being compressed and tied off. A computer is included to monitor and control the process.

Abstract: An agricultural baler including a base unit, a plurality of ground engaging devices supporting the base unit and at least one tie system mounted to the base unit. The at least one tie system including a needle moveable relative to the base unit and a needle stabilizer. The needle stabilizer attached to the base unit with the needle stabilizer contacting the needle over a portion of the movement of the needle.

Abstract: A round module builder for forming a round module. The round module builder comprising a first module-forming portion configured to receive a crop. A second module-forming portion is pivotally coupleable to the first module-forming portion. The first module-forming portion and the second module-forming portion are configured to rotate the crop into the round module. A wrapping device is coupleable to at least one of the first module-forming portion and the second module-forming portion. The wrapping device is configured to position a wrap onto the round module. A wrap indication device is coupleable to at least one of the first module-forming portion and the second module-forming portion. The wrap indication device is configured to measure an indication of the wrap on the round module.

Abstract: Recyclable plastic film is efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting and baling plastic and cardboard (or other recyclable material) into layered bales. The layered bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard.

Abstract: Upon detecting a blockage in the intake duct of a square baler, the path of the tines is temporarily modified from the normal path to a path whereby only a fraction of the crop material accumulated in the intake duct is loaded into the baling chamber. Subsequently the path of the tines is restored to the normal path.

Abstract: A baler apparatus includes a baling chamber including a channel including an inlet end and an outlet end, a reciprocating plunger adjacent the inlet end of the baling chamber that is operable to compress a body of bale material within the baling chamber, a binding device for binding the compressed body of bale material to form a bale, and at least one adjustable wall for adjusting the compression of the bale material during formation of a bale.

Abstract: A desk according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper panel, a support leg, a support member, a movable panel and a vertical panel. The upper panel is coupled to an upper end of the support leg. The support member extends from the upper panel. The movable panel has an upper end movable along the support member and a lower end movably placed on the upper panel. The movable panel is movable between a first position inclined with respect to the upper panel and a second position vertical to the upper panel and between the first position and a third position parallel to the upper panel. The vertical panel is rotatably joined to the support member. A lower end of the vertical panel is movably placed on the movable panel. The vertical panel moves along with the movement of the movable panel.

Abstract: A tagger assembly has a tagger for affixing labels onto a lineal object binding a bale of agricultural crop material. The tagger having an input port for receiving the lineal object and an output port for evacuating the lineal object, and at least one retaining element for tensioning the lineal object, more particularly for tensioning the lineal object when it is raised from an initial position close to the bale to a raised position further away from the bale, for affixing a label.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an accumulating and strapping apparatus includes a first accumulation device configured to accumulate paper sheets, a second accumulation device, a strapping device configured to strap a bundle of the accumulated paper sheets by a tape, a base carrier provided movably up and down among a first position, a second position, and a third position, and a sheet carrier movable on the base carrier. The sheet carrier is configured to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the first accumulation device at the first position of the base carrier, move from a standby position to an advanced position at the third position of the base carrier to transfer the accumulated paper sheets to the strapping device, and move from the standby position to the advanced position at the second position of the base carrier to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the second accumulation device.

Abstract: Recyclable waste byproducts are efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting the recyclable waste as layers in a composite bale. The composite bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that retailers or other stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard. In one embodiment, the composite bales are formed by binding together a layer of one type of recyclable waste and a layer of recyclable waste that includes one or more types of recyclable waste byproducts. The layered structure can be modified to omit one of the layers or to add additional waste byproduct layers.

Abstract: A door opening assembly of a bale press including a first arm member having a first end and a second end hingedly coupled at the first end to a first door. The door opening assembly also includes a second arm member having a first end and a second end hingedly coupled at the first end to a second door. An actuator is coupled to the second end of the first arm member and the second end of the second arm member to cause the first arm member to displace the first door and the second arm member to hold the second door from being displaced. A further feature includes a door closing system involve a guide member and a guide receptacle for moving a latch gate to close the door.

Abstract: A baling press includes a support unit on which first and second strapping mechanisms are mounted, and the support unit is rotatable between a first position in which the first strapping mechanism is operational and a second position in which the second strapping mechanism is operational.

Abstract: Recyclable waste byproducts are efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting the recyclable waste as layers in a composite bale. The composite bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that retailers or other stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard. In one embodiment, the composite bales are formed by binding together a layer of one type of recyclable waste and a layer of recyclable waste that includes one or more types of recyclable waste byproducts. The layered structure can be modified to omit one of the layers or to add additional waste byproduct layers.

Abstract: A manual baler for compressing thin plastic sheeting for efficient recycling including downwardly extending fingers on the compression plate that serve to gather and retain the plastic sheeting during compression and a latch and twine threading system for holding the bale in compression while allowing ties to be wrapped around the bale to retain it in a compressed state.

Abstract: For banding a stack of wide, flat products, a strap is completely wound around the stack. Before the strap is tensioned, at least two stops are positioned on or near to the stack, which limit the tensioning movement of the strap and to which the strap is applied in the tensioned condition. The stops and the banded stack are subsequently separated from each other. The stops are repositioned relative to each other after fixture of the strap and before separation from the stack. A device for performing the method has a tensioning unit using at least two stops to limit the tensioning movement of a strap and to which the strap can be applied in the tensioned condition. The stops can be repositioned relative to each other.

Abstract: A bale press includes a pressing channel in which a piston is displaceable for forming a bale from crop material supplied to the pressing channel. The bale press includes a yarn supply and a knotter device arranged at a side of the pressing channel. The knotter device has a first holder for releasably holding an end portion of a yarn, a yarn deflecting member and a knotter beak. The yarn extends between the first holder and the yarn supply across the deflecting member and a side of the bale facing away from the piston. The knotter beak ties a knot in a first stretch of the yarn extending between the first holder and the deflecting member. A second holder holds the yarn at the deflecting member in an initial phase of bale formation.

Abstract: A tree limb bundling tool includes a cylindrical base container having a bottom surface, a continuous, upstanding outer wall and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A pair of diametrically-opposed notches extend from the open top to an intermediate portion of the wall. The device also includes a compactor having a circular upper surface with a cylindrical shroud depending therefrom. The shroud likewise includes a pair of opposing notches extending from an intermediate portion to a lower edge. Accordingly, a worker compiles limbs and places them within the notches on the base container. The compactor is inserted into the container with the shroud notches substantially aligned with the base container notches. The worker then either sits or kneels on the upper surface of the compactor at which time a tie or string is wrapped about each end of the compressed limbs.

Abstract: A door opening assembly of a bale press including a first arm member having a first end and a second end hingedly coupled at the first end to a first door. The door opening assembly also includes a second arm member having a first end and a second end hingedly coupled at the first end to a second door. An actuator is coupled to the second end of the first arm member and the second end of the second arm member to cause the first arm member to displace the first door and the second arm member to hold the second door from being displaced. A further feature includes a door closing system involve a guide member and a guide receptacle for moving a latch gate to close the door.

Abstract: A binding apparatus for a baling machine includes means (4a,4b) for dispensing at least two strips of binding film (2a,2b) and guiding the strips of film simultaneously onto the surface of a rotating bale (6). The dispensing mechanism lays the strips of film side-by-side on the bale surface to form a combined strip (16) having a width greater than the width H of each individual strip of binding film.

Abstract: A strapping machine that includes a strap chute defining an arch through which loads are conveyed, the arch having an entrance and an exit, infeed and outfeed conveyors positioned at the arch entrance and exit, respectively, the conveyors defining a work surface, and a strapping head disposed at about the arch for conveying the strap around the loads, tensioning the strap, and securing the strap. The machine further includes a sensor disposed above the work surface and a controller. During operation in a back-to-back mode, the infeed and outfeed conveyors are actuated to move a first, strapped load, and a second, to be strapped load, through the arch, wherein the outfeed conveyor is driven at a faster speed than the infeed conveyor to create a gap between the first and second loads.

Abstract: A mobile unit for compacting and baling waste, including a transport vehicle, and a waste collection and handling assembly attached to the transport vehicle. The waste collection and handling assembly has a loader, a hopper, and a compactor. The loader is configured to pick up and carry the waste, the hopper receives the waste from the loader, and the compactor is attached to the hopper, is configured to receive waste from the hopper, and to compact the waste into bales.

Abstract: A biomass baler having a baling chamber adapted to receive tall grass biomass material and a compression system adapted to compact the tall grass biomass material into a parallelepiped bale in the chamber, wherein the baling chamber has a front wall consisting essentially of a reciprocating compression platen corresponding in dimensions to the width W and height H of the bale, opposing upper and lower walls corresponding in dimensions to the length L and either of the W and H of the bale, and opposing sidewalls corresponding in dimensions to the L and the other of the W and H of the bale, and wherein the compression system is adjustable by conventional controls to apply at least one operator-selectable compression platen pressure of between 22 psi and 30 psi to the tall grass biomass material in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for operating a baler with a pressing chamber which serves for the pressing of a straw-like crop includes compacting the crop using an adjustable pressing pressure and binding the crop through a holding material. The pressing pressure is limited to a maximum value and controlled through a control circuit. A control circuit reference variable is a load variable of the holding material. The load variable is adjustable and is smaller than or equal to the maximum value.

Abstract: Recyclable waste byproducts are efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting the recyclable waste as layers in a composite bale. The composite bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that retailers or other stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard. In one embodiment, the composite bales are formed by binding together a layer of one type of recyclable waste and a layer of recyclable waste that includes one or more types of recyclable waste byproducts. The layered structure can be modified to omit one of the layers or to add additional waste byproduct layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compacting material into a bale and wrapping the bale with a wrapping material is set forth. The method comprises steps of supplying a material to be baled to a baling chamber of a combined baler and bale wrapping apparatus, and forming a bale of the material in the baling chamber, opening a cover of the baling chamber, securing the bale by a securing-mechanism operatively assigned to the baling chamber in the baling chamber, applying a wrapping material supplied from a dispenser to the secured bale, thereby providing one or more securing layers of the wrapping material encircling the bale, and releasing the bale from securing by the securing-mechanism, and wrapping the bale with the wrapping material by supplying further wrapping material from the dispenser to the bale, and expelling the wrapped bale from the baling chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing a bundle composed of book blocks includes gathering a plurality of printed sheets to form respective book blocks. The plurality of the book blocks are positioned with the same orientation and respectively positioned on lower edges of the printed sheets. Respectively two adjacent book blocks are offset from one another parallel to the lower edges of the printed sheets and transverse to a height of the bundle to be formed, such that a side edge of one of the two book block projects relative to a side edge of the adjacent book block. Thereafter the offset book blocks are combined to form the bundle and the bundle is compressed to fix the offset position of the book blocks.

Abstract: Recyclable plastic film is efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting and baling plastic and cardboard (or other recyclable material) into layered bales. The layered bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention contemplates a strapping station that integrates with a machine for wrapping and clamping a strap around a load, particularly a palletized load. The strapping station includes a transfer conveyor and a compression conveyor that is supported to be lowered onto the upper surface of a load to apply pressure to or compress the load during the strapping operation. The compression conveyor is maintained in that position, continuously applying pressure to the load, even as the load is moved for the application of straps at different locations.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning a compacting plunger of an agricultural square baler with respect to a gearbox for driving the compacting plunger. The method comprises controlling a position of plunger rails on and against which the compacting plunger will move when the agricultural square baler is in operation, with respect to a position of a carrying beam adapted for carrying the gearbox. Controlling the position of the plunger rails with respect to the carrying beam adapted for carrying the gearbox rather than with respect to the side walls of the baler provides the advantage of reduced wearing and/or fractures of parts of the baler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a baling device for forming cylindrical bales of crop material, including a frame, an intake device, a bale forming device, and a pre-baling device to form, when desired, a pre-bale, wherein the pre-baling device includes a lower conveyor belt and an upper conveyor belt, between which a pre-bale can be formed. At least one of the lower and upper conveyor belt is movable to and from the other of the lower and upper conveyor belt, wherein the baling device can at least be arranged in a baling position in which crop material is transferred to the bale forming device, and a pre-baling position in which crop material is received in the pre-baling device to form a pre-bale.

Abstract: Compacting apparatus (10) for waste material defines a feed space (14), in which material (16) for compacting is received in use, and a pressing chamber (16). The apparatus includes a moving assembly (40) for moving material from the feed space into the pressing chamber, a pressing member (20) movable within the pressing chamber to move material in use out of the pressing chamber, and a shearing arrangement (70, 72) for shearing the material as it moves out of the pressing chamber.

Abstract: A device for compressing wood is formed as a container (10) with a bottom plate (12) and a longitudinal side plate (14). A first compression arrangement (40) in the form of a compression plate (48) attached to a number of moving devices (42) which are rotatable about a spindle (44) in the longitudinal side plate (14) carries out compression of the wood in a first direction. A second compression arrangement (30) in the form of a compression plate (38) attached to a number of moving devices (32) which are rotatable about a spindle (34) in the bottom plate (12), carries out compression of the wood in a second direction. The device (1) further includes a bundling arrangement (60) comprising a stay (62) with a retainer body (67) for securing a strap from a strap drive device (64) around the compressed wood.