Bale processor and binding remover
AssigneeVermeer Manufacturing Company
InventorsCurtis J. Steenhoek, Gary Verhoef, Matthew William Dykema, Brian Michael Johnson, Gary D. Moffet, Jay C. Van Roekel, Scott A. Weishaar, John G. Gardner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A bale processing machine that removes a binding from a bale allows for rapid bale processing. A method for removing the binding from the bale includes supporting the bale with a bale support at an elevated positon and securing the binding to a binding engagement device. The method also includes cutting the binding and removing the bale support from beneath the bale, such that at least a portion of the bale falls by gravity away from the binding secured to the binding engagement device.
Claims18
An apparatus for removing a binding from a bale, the apparatus comprising:
- a bale support for supporting a portion of the bale;
- and
- a binding engagement device including at least one tine and at least one hook positioned proximate to the at least one tine, wherein the at least one hook is configured to move linearly relative to the at least one tine, and wherein the binding engagement device automatically removes the binding from the bale;
- and
- a cutting blade for cutting the binding and the bale at a cutting station during a cutting operation in which the cutting blade cuts the binding and at least a portion of the bale during travel of the cutting blade upward toward the binding engagement device and into a core of the bale, and wherein the upward travel of the cutting blade into the bale moves the bale upward into engagement with a stationary bale stop structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.