Bale-opening method and apparatus
AssigneeInternational Baler Corp.
InventorsCharles R. Keesey, Ted C. Flood
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for removing packaging from a cotton or similar bale comprises delivering the bale to a first station and fixing the bale in position at the station. A cutter mechanism is driven along the length of the bale to cut the bale strips. The bale is then released and passed to a second station where the strapping and a portion of the wrappings are removed. The bale is then passed to a third station where the bale is rotated 180 degrees about a transverse axis. The bale is passed to a fourth station where the remaining wrappings are removed. The bale is then transferred to a fifth station where the bale is made available for further processing of the cotton.
Claims8
A method for removing packaging from a cotton or similar bale when the bale is covered by such packaging in the form of sheet-like wrappings bound by a plurality of straps, comprising the steps of:
- delivering the bale to a first station;
- fixing the bale in position at said first station;
- driving a cutter mechanism along the length of the bale, whereby the bale straps are cut;
- releasing the bale and passing the bale to a second station;
- removing the strapping and a portion of the sheet-like wrappings from the bale;
- passing the bale to a third station;
- rotating the bale 180.degree. about a transverse axis;
- passing the bale to a fourth station;
- removing the remaining sheet-like wrappings from the bale;
- and
- passing the bale to a fifth station, whereby the bale is made available for further processing of the cotton contained therein.
An apparatus for the removal of sheet and band bale wrappings comprising a first conveyor onto which the bales sought to be unwrapped are loaded;
- a strapping cutter station located at the end of said first conveyor to accept the bale from said first conveyor, wherein the bale strapping is cut;
- a strapping-removal station located adjacent said strapping cutting station whereas the strapping and a portion of the sheet-wrap are removed from the bale;
- an inversion station located adjacent said strapping-removal station, wherein the bale is rotated 180.degree. about a longitudinal axis;
- a wrap-removal station located adjacent said inversion station whereat the remaining wrapping is removed from the bale;
- a transfer station located adjacent said wrap-removal station, wherein the bale is positioned for loading upon delivery means for transfer for further processing;
- and conveyor means located and adapted to transfer the bales to and between said stations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.