Cotton module unwrapping systems, methods, and apparatuses

A method for unwrapping cotton modules, the method comprising:

• receiving a cotton module enveloped in a wrap from a first conveyor of a transport vehicle, the cotton module being positioned in a horizontal orientation;
• tipping the cotton module off the first conveyor to a second conveyor positioned a distance below the first conveyor in order to reorient the module from the horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation;
• conveying the cotton module along the second conveyor to a module unwrapping unit;
• gripping the wrap of the cotton module by the module unwrapping unit;
• removing the wrap from the cotton module by lifting the cotton module off of the second conveyor in a vertical direction;
• and
• removing the wrap from the module unwrapping unit;
• and
• disposing the wrap.

An apparatus for unwrapping cotton modules comprising:

• a module unwrapping unit comprising:
• an first conveyor comprising a plurality of sensors;
• a plurality of main support columns;
• a plurality of carriages connected to the plurality of main support columns;
• a frame connected to the plurality of carriages;
• a plurality of wrap gripping elements;
• and
• a drive motor connected to a drive shaft and operably connected to a plurality of ball screw jacks, wherein the combination of the drive motor, drive shaft, and the plurality of ball screw jacks is operable to control the movement of the plurality of carriages and the frame along a vertical axis along the plurality of main support columns;
• and
• a wrap disposal unit comprising:
• a retractable arm coupled to a trolley, the retractable arm comprising a wrap gripping element;
• and
• a wrap winding unit.