Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a combined belt-tensioning and bale ejecting arrangement including front and rear tensioning arm assemblies mounted at an upper front location adjacent a baling chamber. Extensible and retractable belt-tensioning actuators are coupled between the arm assemblies and serve to yieldably restrain movement of the arms, which support and or guide runs of bale-forming belts, in response to the growth of a bale being formed in the baling chamber. One end of each of the tensioning actuators is coupled to the rear arm assembly in such a way that the actuator may be cycled to move over center relative to the pivot axis of the rear arm assembly once the bale is completely formed so that the actuators may be used to aid in ejecting the bale once the discharge gate is opened.

Abstract: Baling apparatus including at least two first and second mutually opposed and inclined conveyors, each conveyor having a first end and a second end, the second ends being arranged to be spaced apart to form a material entry region into which material to be baled is, in use, deposited, the first ends being relatively closely adjacent to each other, and the apparatus being arranged such that material deposited into the entry region moves toward a pinch region where the two conveyors are close to one another and where the deposited material is rolled and compressed into a bale, the conveyors being driven in opposite directions to roll and compact the material between them, and the conveyors being mutually displaceable and resiliently biased towards one another.

Abstract: A large round baler equipped with moisture sensing apparatus and a bale scale to improve information useful in baling and using bales. Moisture sensing begins after the bale reaches a predetermined diameter. A history of bale weights is used to estimate how much tension to apply to a belt tensioner to achieve both a target bale weight and a target bale size.

Abstract: A round baler has an unloading apparatus downstream of a bale chamber provided with movable carrying elements, for example rollers, belts, etc., so that a round bale discharged in rotating motion from the bale chamber is able to maintain its spin and twine wound onto it does not fall off again. To prevent the rotary motion of the round bale from being slowed or even terminated upon transfer to the unloading apparatus, stationary portions of a superstructure of the round baler, for example, a cross-stay serving as an axle, are covered by a movable cover.

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: A round baler has a frame to which side walls of a baling chamber are fixed. The frame or parts of it can be moved farther apart or closer together by a linear power motor in order to control the friction between a round bale and the side walls.

Abstract: A rotobaler is provided with an inclination sensor that recognizes the inclination of the rotobaler, to the side as well as in the longitudinal direction. The inclination sensor generates a signal that is processed by a computer that controls a display arrangement in order to indicate whether a bale that is to be unloaded from the rotobaler can be ejected from the rotobaler, as presently positioned. If the inclination is such that a safe ejection of the bale is not possible, the computer sends out a signal that locks an outlet arrangement for the bale, or that steers the rotobaler in such a way that the bale is deposited with its longitudinal axis parallel to the inclination of the slope.

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: 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.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with an ejection ramp which operates such that it moves from a raised home position to a lowered ejection position, only after the discharge gate has moved to a raised discharge position, and moves back to a home position prior to the gate moving back to its lowered baling position. A hydraulic system for actuating a pair of gate cylinders and a single ramp cylinder incorporates a pair of relief valves located between a selective control valve and first chambers of gate and ramp cylinders so as to cause the correct sequence and timing of the movements of the discharge gate and the ejection ramp.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a wheeled chassis constructed as a separate unit including a tow bar adapted for connection to a tractor. Also constructed as separate units that are releasably secured to the chassis are a baling assembly and a crop receiving and/or processing assembly. The baling assembly is constructed in such a way that, by separating the baling assembly from the chassis either in its entirety or by tilting it about a longitudinal axis defined at a connection at one side of the chassis, baling belts may be moved over the entire periphery of the baling assembly and mounted into engagement with baling element support rolls forming part of the baling assembly.

Abstract: Baling apparatus (1) for forming a bale (2) of grass, hay, straw or the like and for wrapping the bale (2) in non-perforated plastics sheet wrapping material (64, 71) comprises a chassis (10), a baler (16) mounted on the chassis (10) within which the bale (2) is formed, and a pair of bale supporting rollers (54, 55) on which the bale is supported and rotated during wrapping. An upper segment (21) and a lower segment (22) of the baler (16) are pivotal upwardly for transferring a bale from the baler (16) to the bale supporting rollers (54, 55). A first dispenser (63) and a holding mechanism (65) extend wrapping material (64) across a discharge opening (40) through which the bale (2) is transferred from the baler (16) so that as the bale is being transferred onto the bale supporting rollers (54, 55), wrapping sheet material (64) is drawn from the first dispenser (63) around approximately 180° of the circumferential surface (5) of the bale (2) and extends around corner edges (8) of the bale (2).

Abstract: A baler is modified to include a device for lifting rolls of bale wrapping material into the baler where the lifting device includes a winch having a frame and a guide arranged to be mounted on the housing of the baler at a rear wall thereof above a cover member over the roll compartment. A cable extends from the pulley through an opening in the cover such that, with the cover member opened, the cable passes through the opening in the cover member to pass through the compartment to the ground below the compartment. An element such as a hook or a grapple is carried on the cable for lifting a roll of the wrapping material by the winch into the compartment.

Abstract: A round baler of the variable chamber type is provided with a pivot arm having mobile rolls which in cooperation with stationary rolls form loops of a baling member. The pivot arm is journalled substantially above a bale chamber and is pivotably mounted so as to be able to pivot through an upper front area of the bale chamber.

Abstract: A belt tensioning system provides an improved starting principle in a large, round baler for agricultural crops. The tensioner comprises two arms, pivotally attached to one another. The front arm is pivotally attached to the baler. The rear arm is pivotally attached to the front arm, and may pivot downward under gravity when the bale chamber is empty of crop material. When pivoted down, the rear arm lowers the top of the bale forming region in the chamber, as defined by the belts. Additionally, the portion of each of the belts making up the rear of the bale forming region are reoriented in a more horizontal orientation, thus providing a forward force to aid in breaking the crop material and urging it forward to start the rolling of the bale.

Abstract: A round baler is provided with a single set of belts, which are rotated over a series of fixed and mobile rolls. In order to form a bale of a large diameter several loops are formed in the belts, which loops are controlled by two pivot arms. On a first pivot arm at least three rolls are provided, of which one is an idler roll, and on the second pivot arm at least one idler roll is provided, which all create loops to avoid slack in the belts.

Abstract: A rotobaler is provided with an inclination sensor that recognizes an inclination to the side as well as in the longitudinal direction. This inclination sensor generates a signal coupled to a computer that, in turn, controls a display arrangement in order to indicate whether a base that is to be unloaded from the rotobaler can be safely unloaded considering the existing inclination of the rotobaler. In the event an unsafe inclination is present, either the computer sends out a control signal which blocks an operation for depositing the bale on the ground, or causes the bale to be oriented in such a way during the discharge process that the longitudinal centerline of the bale is parallel to the inclination of the slope.

Abstract: A baler includes a baling chamber provided with two walls located opposite each other, and at least one sensor for the detection of the moisture content of a bale located between the two walls being mounted to one of the walls and having sensing area commensurate with that of the entire wall, with the sensor interacting with a contacting surface of the bale and being coupled to a bale moisture evaluation arrangement.

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.

Abstract: A round baler has an unloading apparatus downstream of a bale chamber provided with movable carrying elements, for example rollers, belts, etc., so that a round bale discharged in rotating motion from the bale chamber is able to maintain its spin and twine wound onto it does not fall off again. To prevent the rotary motion of the round bale from being slowed or even terminated upon transfer to the unloading apparatus, stationary portions of a superstructure of the round baler, for example, a cross-stay serving as an axle, are covered by a movable cover.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a bale forming assembly and a chassis constructed as separate units which, when disconnected and displaced from each other either entirely at an interface between the units or by tilting one unit about a longitudinal axis at one side of the interface, permit one or more flexible endless baling elements to be mounted in place on the baling assembly. Cross beams, which extend between and interconnect the opposite side structures of the bale forming assembly are located such, that they do not obstruct the space required to slide the endless baling element(s) over the baling assembly and into engagement with the bale forming rolls. Mounting of the flexible endless baling element requires the removal of one or more baling element support rolls from opposite side structures of the baling assembly and/or from opposite arms of a tensioning assembly.

Abstract: A roller assembly for use with an agricultural baler is configured to be mounted to a housing of the baler in a manner that avoids transmitting an undue axial load to a bearing of the roller assembly. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A cylindrical baling press including a roller around which a belt is arranged to partially surround a baling chamber. In the region of the roller, the belt relinquishes contact with a cylindrical bale being formed within the baling chamber. In this region of the roller, a lateral wall enclosing the pressing chamber is provided with a bulge or an opening, which makes it possible for material present in a space between two belt sections to be engaged by the rotating cylindrical bale and expelled through the opening or back into the bale. This configuration avoids, or at least reduces, the chance of jamming caused by crop materials around the roller.

Abstract: A belt tensioning system provides an improved starting principle in a large, round baler for agricultural crops. The tensioner comprises two arms, pivotally attached to one another. The front arm is pivotally attached to the baler. The rear arm is pivotally attached to the front arm, and may pivot downward under gravity when the bale chamber is empty of crop material. When pivoted down, the rear arm lowers the top of the bale forming region in the chamber, as defined by the belts. Additionally, the portion of each of the belts making up the rear of the bale forming region are reoriented in a more horizontal orientation, thus providing a forward force to aid in breaking the crop material and urging it forward to start the rolling of the bale.

Abstract: A baler with a rectangular baling chamber and in which a baling piston is accommodated. A supply channel with a supply arrangement for the conveying and compressing of crop in the supply channel and for bringing the compressed harvested crop into the baling chamber and with a sensor arrangement for the determination of the loading on at least one component of the baler. The crop to be baled is pre-compressed in the supply channel by a compression fork before it is pushed into the baling chamber by a loading fork. The sensor arrangement is configured in such a way that it detects or can detect one or more values that represent the distribution of the harvested crop with respect to the width of the supply channel.

Abstract: A binding material is provided for wrapping material, such as crop material or waste material that has been shaped and/or pressed into bales, a bale includes the inventive binding material, and a baler forms the bale. The binding material includes at least one electronic memory medium integrated in the binding material. In this manner it is ensured that the memory medium is incorporated with the bale when the bale is bound, and that it can be removed from the bale when the binding material is removed from the bale, no additional measures are required to remove the memory medium from the bale.

Abstract: A rotobaler is provided with an inclination sensor that recognizes the inclination of the rotobaler, to the side as well as tin the longitudinal direction. The inclination sensor generates a signal that is processed by a computer that controls a display arrangement in order to indicate whether a bale that is to be unloaded from the rotobaler can be ejected from the rotobaler, as presently positioned. If the inclination is such that a safe ejection of the bale is not possible, the computer sends out a signal that locks an outlet arrangement for the bale, or that steers the rotobaler in such a way that the bale is deposited with its longitudinal axis parallel to the inclination of the slope.

Abstract: A rotobaler is provided with an inclination sensor that recognizes an inclination to the side as well as in the longitudinal direction. This inclination sensor generates a signal coupled to a computer that, in turn, controls a display arrangement in order to indicate whether a base that is to be unloaded from the rotobaler can be safely unloaded considering the existing inclination of the rotobaler. In the event an unsafe inclination is present, either the computer sends out a control signal which blocks an operation for depositing the bale on the ground, or causes the bale to be oriented in such a way during the discharge process that the longitudinal centerline of the bale is parallel to the inclination of the slope.

Abstract: A rotary baler having a variable size baling chamber for the formation of a cylindrical bale. The baler is configured to measure diameter and the shape of the bale. To measure the shape of the bale, the baler is provided with at least one sensor arranged to generate information regarding the diameter of a bale formed in the baling chamber. The sensor is a non-contacting sensor and is arranged to detect the position of the outer surface of the bale or the surface of an endless conveying element located about the bale.

Abstract: A controlled bale ejection mechanism for an agricultural baler is provided. The mechanism includes a bale support which is positioned below the bale when it is ejected, that catches and supports the bale. The bale support is then translated rearward by a hydraulic cylinder and guided by support rails. As the bale support and bale approach the desired location, the bale support is lowered by tilting the rail assembly downward. An articulating shoe is used to support and lower the rails. The bale support tilts as it is lowered, thereby creating a dumping action. If additional tilting is required due to geometry limitations, additional bale support tilt can be created by a weight shift of the bale support, changing the trajectory of the rail or torque induced by the bale support cylinder. The bale is set down on the ground and the ramp assembly resets to prevent the bale from rolling forward and preparing for the next cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for securing a loose twine end on a round bale by means of a band, with an adjusting drive, that can be operated to cause the band to engage with a conveyor element by which it can be wound about a round bale in the area of the loose twine end. A band supply, along with the band, can be moved by the adjusting drive between a first position, wherein the band supply lies against the conveyor element and the band is carried by the conveyor element, and a second position, wherein the band supply is at a distance from the conveyor element.

Abstract: A shield is provided for preventing crop build-up above the axle and behind the pickup frame from interfering with the closure of the gate after bale discharge. A spring member is interposed between the baler frame and a deflector surface. Preferably the spring member occupies the entire space between the baler frame and the deflector thereby preventing any accumulation of crop material in that space. As the gate of the baler begins to close a gate shield of the baler contacts the deflector surface and compresses the spring member allowing the deflector surface to deflect toward the baler frame. Because crop material cannot build up in the area occupied by the spring member and deflector surface, deflection of the deflector surface provides a clean path for the gate shield allowing the gate to close without interference from crop material build-up. When the gate is opened again the spring member expands pushing the deflector surface and any accumulated crop material toward the center of the baler.

Abstract: A baler having an inlet area for receiving netwrap wherein it is a short distance between the drum roller and the closest belt roller. The netwrap guide at bottom of baler includes a feed pan having flexible net guides that are narrower than the bale forming belts. This netwrap guide has supporting cross members underneath it but there are no cross members in close vicinity to the lower belt roller to keep excess crop from accumulating there. There is also a netwrap guide at front of the baler for feeding netwrap material into contact with the periphery of a formed bale, including a guide positioned generally above the pickup for directing crop material previously inserted into the bale formation chamber and the netwrap material away from the pickup. The baler also has a novel netwrap feeding and cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A round baier is provided with a single set of baling means such as belts, which are rotated over a series of fixed and mobile rolls. In order to form a bale of a large diameter several loops are formed in said baling means, which loops are controlled by two pivot arms. On a first pivot arm at least three rolls are provided, of which one is an idler roll, and on the second pivot arm at least one idler roll is provided, which all create loops to avoid slack in the baling means.

Abstract: A round baler having a single set of baling means, such as belts, which are trained over a serious of fixed and mobile rolls to form a bale having a larger diameter. Several loops are formed in the baling means. The loops are controlled by two pivot arms, and the position of these pivot arms is controlled by a common actuator.

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 is provided with a single set of baling means like belts, which are trained over a series of fixed and mobile rolls. In order to form a bale of a large diameter several loops are formed in said baling means, which loops are controlled by two pivot arms. One of the pivot arms partially coincides with the potential bale chamber. As a result, the pivot arm does not extend beyond the boarder of the side structure during its movement.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a combined tensioning and ejecting arrangement comprising a tensioning arm assembly mounted to an upper front region of the baler sidewalls. The tensioning arm assembly operates such that, after formation of a bale in the baling chamber and the discharge gate has been swung to its raised discharge position, the tensioning arm assembly pivots into a region occupied by the completed bale so as to positively eject the bale. The combined tensioning and ejecting arrangement includes front and rear arm assemblies which define a compact assembly and share a pair of double-acting tensioning actuators and a single-acting ejection actuator. The tensioning arm assembly may be used with a baler having a light weight bale discharge gate or with a baler having a discharge gate formed in part by rear sections of sidewalls forming opposite sides of the baling chamber. In an alternate embodiment, the ejection actuator is replaced with a coil extension spring.

Abstract: A rotor stripper mount pivotably fixed at its ends to the rotor frame of a round baler for arcuate fore-and-aft movement selectively fixable to the rotor frame. The arcuate fore-and-aft movement alters the distal relationship between the stripper channels and the rotor fingers and surfaces.

Abstract: In known large round balers, a rotating side wall is provided that can be pivoted away from a baling chamber either in a straight line or about a pivot axis, so that the pressure on the end faces of the cylindrical bale is reduced during the unloading process. A large round baler is proposed in which a support structure provided with rolls for supporting one or more flexible bale-forming elements, which can be pivoted about a pivot axle that penetrates the side walls of the baling chamber. At least one side wall is provided with a ramp having an inclined surface which is ramped outwardly from the side wall from top to bottom. The support structure is provided with an abutment member that can slide on the surface of the ramp so as to move from bottom to top when the support structure is raised to effect a discharge of a formed bale.

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.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the packaging of compressible material into compressed rolls and in particular, to a method and apparatus for packaging fibreglass insulation and similarly compressible materials, into highly compressed, consistently uniform, rolls. Such rolls are easier and less expensive to handle, store and ship. The main design of the invention is for a roll-up machine which has three continuous belts defining a circular cavity and establishing generally circumferential contact with the compressible material so that the compressible material is under compressive pressure as it is being rolled; means for putting the three continuous belts under tension; means for driving the three continuous belts; and means for feeding the compressible material into the circular cavity.

Abstract: A large round baler comprises a baling chamber and a door that is arranged in the rear area of the baling chamber and includes a pair of wings mounted to opposite sides of the baler so that each is displaceable about an upright pivot axis between a closed position, in which the wings extend inwardly along the rear of the baling chamber, and an open position, in which a passage is defined through which a finished bale can pass after being ejected from the baling chamber. The baler may be of a type including a carrier for bale-forming devices that can be displaced in the baling chamber, independently from the door, between a bale-forming position and a bale ejection position, and that the door, when closed, blocks direct access to the carrier and the devices for forming the bale.

Abstract: An arrangement is proposed that responds to the upward movement of a discharge gate, which forms a rear housing section of a baling chamber to the cylindrical bale in such a way that contact elements of the arrangement are pressed into the surface of the cylindrical bale, preferably by means of a servo motor, in order to reliably grasp the cylindrical bale and move it together with the gate until the bale is free of a fixed forward section of the baling chamber.

Abstract: A roll baler equipped with a hopper 2, and a transporting conveyor 3 for carrying bale shaping material discharged from beneath a discharge port 20 defined in the bottom face of the hopper 2 into a material receiving port 40 of the bale-shaping chamber, wherein the transporting conveyor 3 is divided into two parts of: a hopper-side transporting conveyor 3a provided in a space extending from beneath the discharge port 20 to the front position beneath the delivery mechanism 5; and a bale-shaping-chamber side transporting conveyor 3b provided in the space extending from beneath the delivery mechanism 5 to the receiving port 40 of the shaping chamber 4, both these hopper-side transporting conveyor 3a and bale-shaping-chamber-side transporting conveyor 3b being each driven independently one from the other.

Abstract: A bale unloading arrangement of a large round baler includes a bale take-up device mounted to a carrier which is in turn mounted to the axle of the baler for vertical pivoting movement beneath the baling chamber of the baler. A spring is mounted between the carrier and the axle for keeping the carrier in an elevated position until a completed bale is discharged onto the carrier. The carrier is shaped such that the bale take-up device, which is mounted for movement along the carrier, moves down the carrier to the rear and into a position for gently depositing the bale on the ground. The bale take-up device includes an upper bale-receiving structure that may be selectively pivoted about a fore-and-aft axis so as to deposit a bale on its end, and the carrier is mounted for being shifted sideways so that a bale deposited in this manner may be deposited outside the path traveled by the baler.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a bale processing arrangement in the form of a bale wrapping arrangement. A wrapping table is mounted to a guide arrangement for guided movement between a bale-receiving position and bale wrapping and bale discharge positions. The guide arrangement includes two sections, one of which can be moved to a near vertical non-operating position so as to diminish the overall length of the baler and processing arrangement. The wrapping arm of the bale wrapping arrangement can be dismounted for an operating mode where formed bales are deposited directly on the ground by the wrapping table.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a discharge or outlet gate mounted for swinging vertically about a horizontal transverse axis located approximately at the center of a baling chamber. In one of several variations, two hydraulic cylinders, that are arranged offset to each other, engage the outlet gate at various radial positions, so that both actuating devices cannot simultaneously reach a dead center or a blocking position.

Abstract: A chassis-mounted round baler particularly useful with an on-board cotton module building system includes a bale release gate frame section connected to a forward frame section by a four bar linkage to define a gate path that allows the folding of the baler into both field transport and shipping configurations while maintaining desirable operating, transport and shipping heights. The gate linkage incorporates a self latching feature wherein a small vertical movement of the gate as the gate cylinders are operated releases a gate latch member from a forward frame member during gate opening and reengages the gate latch with the forward frame member during closing. The gate interacts with the bale handler to provide a stop for the baler gate when the baler gate is placed into a cradle on the handler.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a plurality of components for delivering crop to an inlet of a baling chamber of a large round baler. These components have a width which is substantially wider than the baling chamber inlet and include a crop take-up device and a crop processing arrangement, such as a cutter head, that receives crop from the crop take-up device. The crop processing arrangement delivers the processed crop to a transverse conveyor, which narrows the stream of crop to the width of the baling chamber inlet.