Apparatus and Method for Dislodging and Capturing Sample from Cotton Bale

Abstract

An apparatus and method for dislodging a cotton sample from a side surface of a cotton bale includes an air nozzle fluidly connected to a supply of pressurized air. Conveyors and/or a ram transport the bale adjacent the nozzle. A quick release valve in line between the nozzle and the supply of pressurized air is selectively openable for directing a burst of air through the air nozzle to the side surface of the bale and thereby dislodging a cotton sample from the bale side surface. A sample intake opening is located adjacent the bale side surface and below the air nozzle. An air vacuum is fluidly connected to the sample intake opening whereby the dislodged cotton sample is sucked into the intake opening and transported to a sample collection receptacle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.