# US 8,464,509 B2 · Continuous round baler

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- Number: US 8,464,509 B2
- Document ID: US8464509B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/341,945
- Filed: 2011-12-31
- Published: 2012-09-20
- Granted: 2013-06-18
- Earliest claimed: 2009-12-23
- Assignees: AGCO Corporation
- Applicants: Maynard M. Herron; Robert A. Matousek; Cedric J. Blough; Patrick Kendrick; Brian D. Olander
- Inventors: Maynard M. Herron; Robert A. Matousek; Cedric J. Blough; Patrick Kendrick; Brian D. Olander
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8464509B2

## CPC

- A01F 15/10: Feeding devices for the crop material {e.g. precompression devices}
- A01D 43/06: with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material {(A01D43/086 takes precedence)}
- A01F 15/0705: {Arrangements for continuous operation}
- A01F 15/0825: {Regulating or controlling density or shape of the bale}
- A01F 15/106: {for round balers}
- A01D 43/006: {with devices for pressing or compacting}
- A01F: PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE (devices for topping or skinning onions or flower bulbs A23N15/08)
- A01D: HARVESTING; MOWING

## Abstract

In an example embodiment, a continuous baler includes a round baler and an adjustable conveyor for providing crop to the round baler. The adjustable conveyor may include a conveyor belt and a controller for manipulating the conveyor belts. In one example embodiment, the speed of the conveyor is adjusted in accordance with the operation of the baler.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method, comprising:
receiving crop material at an adjustable conveyor, the adjustable conveyor configured to provide the crop material to a baler; and
varying movement of a conveyor of the adjustable conveyor in accordance with operational cycles of the baler, wherein said varying the movement of the conveyor comprises:
running the conveyor when the baler is in a first bale forming cycle;
stopping the conveyor when the baler is in a bale wrapping cycle; and
running the conveyor when the baler is in a second bale forming cycle.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving crop material at an adjustable conveyor, comprises:
continuously receiving the crop material on the conveyor during a plurality of operational cycles of the baler.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said varying the movement of the conveyor in accordance with operational cycles of the baler, comprises:
varying the speed of the conveyor in accordance with the operational cycles.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said varying the movement of the conveyor in accordance with operational cycles of the baler, comprises:
varying the speed of the conveyor in accordance with the operational cycles, wherein the operational cycles comprise a bale forming cycle and a non-bale forming cycle.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining an operational cycle of the baler.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said varying the movement of the conveyor in accordance with operational cycles of the baler, comprises:
running the conveyor at a first speed when the baler is in a first operational cycle; and
running the conveyor at a second speed when the baler is in a second operational cycle.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said varying the movement of the conveyor in accordance with an operational cycle of the baler, comprises:
running the conveyor in a first direction when the baler is in a first operational cycle; and
running the conveyor at a second direction when the baler is in a second operational cycle.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising:
Continuously receiving crop material at the conveyor during the bale wrapping cycle.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising:
running the conveyor at zero speed during a bale ejecting cycle.

### Claim 10

A method, comprising:
receiving crop material at an adjustable conveyor, the adjustable conveyor configured to provide the crop material to a baler; and
varying movement of a conveyor of the adjustable conveyor in accordance with a predetermined scheme, wherein said varying movement of a conveyor of the adjustable conveyor in accordance with a predetermined scheme, comprises:
running the conveyor at a first speed until a bale in the baler reaches a first predetermined size;
stopping the conveyor when the second bale size of the bale reaches a second predetermined size; and
running the conveyor after ejection of the first bale.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining the size of the bale in the baler.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining when the bale is ejected from the baler.