CA2104482A1 - Apparatus and method for making a square bale of hay from a round bale and for compacting it - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for making a square bale of hay from a round bale and for compacting itInfo
- Publication number
- CA2104482A1 CA2104482A1 CA 2104482 CA2104482A CA2104482A1 CA 2104482 A1 CA2104482 A1 CA 2104482A1 CA 2104482 CA2104482 CA 2104482 CA 2104482 A CA2104482 A CA 2104482A CA 2104482 A1 CA2104482 A1 CA 2104482A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bale
- square
- flakes
- round
- round bale
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F15/00—Baling presses for straw, hay or the like
- A01F15/005—Baling presses for straw, hay or the like for conditioning bales, e.g. rebaling
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A method and apparatus is provided for progressively separating the outer layer of hay from a round bale of hay, cutting the separated layer into flakes of a size appropriate to a square bale and stacking the flakes face to face to give a square bale. Preferably the square bale is compacted under pressure applied perpendicularly to the faces of the flakes.
A method and apparatus is provided for progressively separating the outer layer of hay from a round bale of hay, cutting the separated layer into flakes of a size appropriate to a square bale and stacking the flakes face to face to give a square bale. Preferably the square bale is compacted under pressure applied perpendicularly to the faces of the flakes.
Description
210~2 This invention is concerned with an apparatus for producing square bales of hay from round bales. The preferred apparatus also compacts the square bales.
Back~round and Ob~ectives Most of the hay now being harvested is in the form of large round bales weighing about eight hundred pounds. This is because the production costs are much lower than those for producing square bales weighing about sixty pounds. A
disadvantage of the round bales is that transportation costs are high, because of their bulk, particularly when the hay is to be shipped to another country. Also the round bales are too large and heavy to be handled manually by the end user.
Square bales are costly to produce but are more compact for transportation or storage because their square shape results in less waste space between bales that are packed together. The size and weight of the square bales is convenient for the end user. Another advantage of square bales is that the hay is layered into convenient flakes.
An object of this invention is to convert hay that is in round bales into hay that is in square bales of convenient size having a layered flake structure.
A further ob~ect of the invention in its preferred form is to convert round bales into square bales which are then compressed to compact the bales and reduce transportation costs.
The Invention In accordance with one aspect of this invention a method is provided of producing square bales of hay from a round bale of hay comprising rotating the bale and progressively separating successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale until substantially none is left, cutting the separated layer to provide elongated flakes having a width the same~as a side of a square bale and having a length which is the same as the width of the round bale, cutting the elongated flakes to give flakes having lengths substantially the same as a side of a square bale, and stacking said flakes face to face in layers to provide a square bale.
In accordance with another aspect a method is provided of producing square bales of hay from a round bale of hay ~ 210~482 comprising separating successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale while applying sufficient compression to the curved surface of the round bale during the separation of the peripheral layers to prevent the round bale from breaking apart, cutting the separated peripheral layers into flakes having the dimensions of a square bale and stacking said flakes in layers to provide a square bale.
Preferably the square bale is compacted by applying pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the faces of the flakes to give a compacted bale.
The invention also provides an apparatus for producing square bales of hay from a round bale of hay comprising a cradle to receive a round bale of hay, an endless belt in said cradle to receive and apply sufficient pressure to the round bale during a reduction of the size of the round bale to prevent the round bale from breaking apart, an accumulator for absorbing slack in the belt as the round bale is reduced in size, a motor for driving the belt to cause the round bale to rotate about its axis, a separator for peeling successive peripheral layers from the round bale as the bale is rotated, conveyors for transporting the separated peripheral layers to a cutting station, said cutting station having provision for cutting the separated peripheral layers into flakes of a size appropriate to a square bale, and provision for stacking the flakes face to face in layers to give a square bale.
A compressor for compressing a square bale of hay into a compressed square is also included as part of this invention in a preferred aspect. The compressor can be used in conjunction with the apparatus for making square bales from round bales or may be used to compact square bales made differently. The compressor comprises a first storage compartment and a second compaction compartment, each of said compartments having a ram plate, a receiving hopper above the first storage compartment to receive a square bale and deposit the bale with its flakes oriented parallel to the ram plate, a ram to press the ram plate of the compaction compartment to press such ram plate against a sguare bale in the compaction compartment to compact it, said ...~: --` 2104~82 ~:
Back~round and Ob~ectives Most of the hay now being harvested is in the form of large round bales weighing about eight hundred pounds. This is because the production costs are much lower than those for producing square bales weighing about sixty pounds. A
disadvantage of the round bales is that transportation costs are high, because of their bulk, particularly when the hay is to be shipped to another country. Also the round bales are too large and heavy to be handled manually by the end user.
Square bales are costly to produce but are more compact for transportation or storage because their square shape results in less waste space between bales that are packed together. The size and weight of the square bales is convenient for the end user. Another advantage of square bales is that the hay is layered into convenient flakes.
An object of this invention is to convert hay that is in round bales into hay that is in square bales of convenient size having a layered flake structure.
A further ob~ect of the invention in its preferred form is to convert round bales into square bales which are then compressed to compact the bales and reduce transportation costs.
The Invention In accordance with one aspect of this invention a method is provided of producing square bales of hay from a round bale of hay comprising rotating the bale and progressively separating successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale until substantially none is left, cutting the separated layer to provide elongated flakes having a width the same~as a side of a square bale and having a length which is the same as the width of the round bale, cutting the elongated flakes to give flakes having lengths substantially the same as a side of a square bale, and stacking said flakes face to face in layers to provide a square bale.
In accordance with another aspect a method is provided of producing square bales of hay from a round bale of hay ~ 210~482 comprising separating successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale while applying sufficient compression to the curved surface of the round bale during the separation of the peripheral layers to prevent the round bale from breaking apart, cutting the separated peripheral layers into flakes having the dimensions of a square bale and stacking said flakes in layers to provide a square bale.
Preferably the square bale is compacted by applying pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the faces of the flakes to give a compacted bale.
The invention also provides an apparatus for producing square bales of hay from a round bale of hay comprising a cradle to receive a round bale of hay, an endless belt in said cradle to receive and apply sufficient pressure to the round bale during a reduction of the size of the round bale to prevent the round bale from breaking apart, an accumulator for absorbing slack in the belt as the round bale is reduced in size, a motor for driving the belt to cause the round bale to rotate about its axis, a separator for peeling successive peripheral layers from the round bale as the bale is rotated, conveyors for transporting the separated peripheral layers to a cutting station, said cutting station having provision for cutting the separated peripheral layers into flakes of a size appropriate to a square bale, and provision for stacking the flakes face to face in layers to give a square bale.
A compressor for compressing a square bale of hay into a compressed square is also included as part of this invention in a preferred aspect. The compressor can be used in conjunction with the apparatus for making square bales from round bales or may be used to compact square bales made differently. The compressor comprises a first storage compartment and a second compaction compartment, each of said compartments having a ram plate, a receiving hopper above the first storage compartment to receive a square bale and deposit the bale with its flakes oriented parallel to the ram plate, a ram to press the ram plate of the compaction compartment to press such ram plate against a sguare bale in the compaction compartment to compact it, said ...~: --` 2104~82 ~:
compaction compartment having a movable door that can be opened for the ejection of a compacted square bale and a movable mounting for the first and sec~nd compartments so that when the storage compartment has received a square bale and the compaction in the compaction compartment has been completed, the compartments can be interchanged so that the ram will be positioned to press the ram plate of what was previously the storage compartment and the receiving hopper will be above what was previously the compaction compartment.
Other inventive concepts are developed in the appended claims.
Brief DescriDtion of the Drawinas Figure 1 is a perspective side view, partly in section of an apparatus for converting a round bale of hay into square bales.
Figure 2 is a side view of part of Figure 1 but showing the cover of a cradle for the round bale in an open position.
Figure 3 is a side perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the separator for removing a layer of hay from the round bale.
Pigure 4 is a detail side view of a splined roll which acts as a separator.
Figure 5 is a end view of the shaft in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an end elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 1 partly in section.
Figure 7 is a detail view of a guillotine forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1 for cutting the separated layer into flakes.
Figure 8 is a detail section view of part of the apparatus of Figure 6 showing the side wall of the shaft leading up to the spout.
Figure 9 is a detail side elevation view of the spout sh~wn in Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a side elevation view of a compressor which is another apparatus of this invention for use in conjunction with that shown in Figures 1 to 9.
210~4~2 Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the other side of the compressor of Figure lo.
Figure 12 is an end elevation view of the compactor of Figures 10 and 11. Figure 12 also illustrates the apparatus of Figures 1 to 9 used in conjunction with that of Figures 10 to 12.
Detailed Description of the Drawinqs Figure 1 is a perspective side view of an apparatus in accordance with this invention for unwinding round bales and forming square bales which can readily be compressed. In Figure 1 a supporting platform 10 is preferably mounted on wheels 11 and has a hitch 12.
An arcuate cradle 13 for receiving a round bale is mounted on platform lo by upright frame members 14, 15, 16 and 17. Frame members 15 and 16 are connected by transverse frame member 18.
An arcuate top 19 is hinged to cradle 13 by hinge 20 so that it can be caused to pivot open by hydraulic cylinder 21 as illustrated in Figure 2. Cylinder 21 is pivotally mounted on lug 22 which is on frame member 18 and is also pivotally mounted by bracket 23 on arcuate top 19.
When top 19 i8 pivoted open to receive a round bale as shown in Figure 2, an endless belt 25 is extended and receives the round bale. Belt 25 passes between rollers 26 and 27 in top 19 and is then guided around the outside of top 19 by rollers 28a, 28b and 28c, and then around the outside of cradle 13 by rollers 29a, 29b and 29c, and from there goes to an accumulator 30 for taking up the slack during the operation of the device.
Belt 25 passes backwards and forwards between cradle 25 and block 31 and eventually goes over rolls 32 and 33 of cradle 13. Block 31 is moved by take up cylinder 34 and is guided by rails 35 and 36 so as to permit a desired amount of pressure on the round bale. As the round bale is reduced in size because of the progressive removal of hay, the slack in belt 25 is taken up by the accumulator until finally there is no more room as illustrated in Figure 3 where belt 25 faces roll 39. As a result belt 25 surrounds the round bale as it is reduced in size to apply enough pressure to keep it compact and prevent the ~:
~' ;''`='~ ;~
- 2~0~482 remainder of the bale from coming apart as the bale is rotated and reduced in size.
After the round bale has been deposited on the free portion 25a of belt 25, the cover is closed to the position illustrated in Figure 1. The belt 25 is then driven clockwise with respect to Figures 1 and 2 by motor 38 shown in Figure 3 which drives rollers 32 and 33. Motor 38 is also connected by suitable gearing 43 to a splined cylinder 39 which is also driven clockwise. Splined cylinder 39, which functions as a separator, is illustrated in detail in side view in Figure 4 and in end view in Figure 5. It has splines 41 symmetrically arranged. In Figure 5 four such splines 41 are illustrated. Splines 41 act to separate a layer of hay from the outside of the round bale and deposit the separated hay on a belt 42 which passes over roll 37.
It has been found that the splined roll is better than a spiked roll as a spiked roll tends to break up the hay.
Another possibility might be to use a deflector blade.
A compressor belt 42a faces belt 42 to compact any hay fluffed up by the action of separating the hay from the round roll and to compact the hay into a mat suitable for cutting.
The hay travelling on belt 42 is periodically chopped into suitable lengths such as 181' by a guillotine cutter 44 and is deposited on a transverse conveyor 45.
Figure 6 is a front end view illustrating transverse conveyor 45 which transports the layer of hay deposited on belt 45 to a position where it is periodically cut by guillotine cutter 46. Guillotine cutter 46 is shown in detail in Figure 7 which shows side frame members 50 and 51 which guide cutter blade 52. Hydraulic cylinder 53 is on cross piece 54 which is in turn mounted on frame members 50 and 51. Blade 52 periodically cuts the hay on belt 45 into 16" lengths in the case of a 4 foot wide round bale and 20" lengths in the case of a 5 foot wide bale.
Previously mentioned guillotine cutter 44 may be similar in design to guillotine cutter 46.
The resulting flakes which are now 18" by 16" or 18"
by 20" are then deposited on belt 55. Belt 55 is actually a series of spaced belts 55a~ 55b and 55c mounted on roller 56 as 21 0 ~ 482 shown in Figure 7. The other ends of belts 55a, 55b and 55c pass over separate rollers 57a, 57b and 57c as shown in Figure 8. ~
flakes deposited on belts 55 are raised and elevated by flipper fingers 60 to be deposited in vertically stacked arrangement as indicated at 61 in an outlet spout 62. Spout 62 is at the top of an upright shaft 63 defined by side walls 64 and 65. As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, side wall 64 has vertical slots 66a and 66b. Flipper fingers can therefore travel between belts 55a, 55b and 55c and through slots 66a and 66b to lift the flakes into the stacked position as shown at 61. Slots 66a and 66b extend up into the lower surface 62a of spout 62.
As best illustrated in Figures 6 and 9 the fingers 60 are on collars 67 on shafts 69 which are carried on sprocket chains 68. Fingers 60 are resilient so that the fingers will flip the hay, but will bend when the fingers meet with pressure as the stack builds up. The resiliency also facilitates withdrawal of the fingers by the sprocket chain 68 from slots 66.
The fingers 60 are progressively rotated so that they will elevate the flakeq such as 70, lift them from belts 55 and turn them from a horizontal orientation on belts 55 to a vertical orientation as shown at 61.
The vertical orientation of the flakes is convenient for a compressor as shown in Figure 10.
Control flaps 71 are located at the outlet of spout 62 to permit the layers of flakes to build up. Flaps 71 then pivot outwards about a vertical axis to permit sufficient hay to form a bale to be ejected into the compressor by the pressure from fingers 60 on vertically stacked flakes 61.
Figures 1 to 9 illustrate the preferred top loading configuration, best shown in Figure 3. However an alternative would be to load the round bale axially from the side of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 3. This would involve a mechanism for moving belt 25 to the right as viewed in Figures 1 and 3 to provide room for the round bale to be fed in axially and then surrounded by belt 25.
The compressor shown in Figure 10 includes a turntable 80 on a platform 81. This provides two compartments, one of -` 21~4482 which is a storage compartment in which the hay is placed in position and in the second compaction compartment the hay is compressed. On the left hand side therefore of Figure 10 there is a receiving hopper 82 to receive vertically stacked flakes 61 from spout 62 of Figure 6.
The stacked flakes are received on horizontal ~lide plate 94 which can be opened when there are sufficient flakes for a square bale to permit the bale to drop down into storage compartment 84 which has provision for a horizontally slidable ram plate 83. The ram plate is not however employed while compartment 84 is used for storage. Slide plate 94 is operated by piston 95 which is supported by frame 96. A vertically acting ram 85 can be used to push the hay from hopper 82 down to storage compartment 84 and to make sure it is ready for compaction.
Turntable 80 is then rotated to bring the storage compartment into position for compaction.
Figures 11 and 12 show compaction compartment 86. Door 87 closes off the compaction compartment. A vertically acting member 91 permits adjustment of the height in compaction compartment 86 and is lowered to provide an upper ceiling for the compaction compartment during compaction to avoid spreading of the hay. Hydraulic cylinder 88 drives ram 89 to compact the flakes in compaction compartment 86 to about half of its original dimension. Door 87 is then opened and ram 89 pushes the compacted square bale into a conventional nodder 90 where the bale is tied in the customary manner.
Figure 12 also illustrates the apparatus of Figures 1 to 9, generally designated as 92, facing the apparatus of Figures 10-12, generally designated as 93. It will be noted that both apparatus 92 and 93 are illustrated as mounted for convenience o~ transportation on wheeled vehicles. Both could, as an alternative, be on the ground or on a single vehicle but, for convenience of mobility it is preferred that they be separately mounted so that they can be parked side by side. Vehicle 92 accomplishes the functions of unwinding a round bale and converting it into square flakes typical of what is referred to in the art as a square bale. It will however be appreciated that -~- 2~044~2 the term square is used loosely. 18'l x 16" or 18" by 20" is still considered to be a square bale. The term square bale, in reference to hay, is used in the art to indicate a structure of layered flakes and substantially right angle corners, rather than being limited to precise dimensions.
When the apparatus of Figures 10-12 is used in conjunction with that of Figures 1-9, the end result is what is still regarded as a square bale, though it is compacted to be half a bale in size, but the weight remains at about 60 lbs typical of a conventional square bale. If desired, additional flakes can be compressed to give a compressed square bale of conventional dimensions of approximately 1~ ft. by 1~ feet by 1~
feet instead of what is half a bale in size measuring 1~ feet by 1~ feet by 3/4 feet. However, the weight will then be about 120 lbs. which is heavy for girls or many other end users. It is preferred to maintain the weight at about 60 lbs. and in any event, not exceed about 120 lbs.
It is significant to note that the apparatus of Figures 10-12 will compact the bale so that the layered flakes are vertical. The apparatus of Figures 10-12 will compact the bale by pressure applied substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the layers of the flakes of the square bale, so as to provide compaction for convenience of transport without disrupting the layer structure.
Apparatus 92 can be used without a compactor to convert round bales into so-called square bales. In this case the bales are fed from spout 62 into a conventional nodder. Apparatus 92 could also be used with compactors different in design from unit 93.
It will be understood that a method is provided in which square bales of hay are produced from round bales by rotating the bale and progressively separating with separator 39 successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale until substantially none is left. Compression is applied by endless belt 25 to almost the entire curved surface of the round bale during this separation to prevent the round bale from breaking apart. ~he separated layer is preferably compacted between ~ 210~482 belts 42 and 42a and is conveyed to a location where it is cut to provide elongated flakes having a width the same as a side of a square bale and having a length which is the same as the width of the round bale. The elongated flakes are then cut to give flakes having dimensions substantially the same as a side of a ~quare bale. These flakes are stacked face to face in layers to provide a square bale.
If it is desired to make a compacted square bale then the square bale produced as described above is fed into a compactor which will compact the bale using pressure applied perpendicularly to the faces of the flakes so as not to disrupt the layered flaked structure. Compression should be applied to reduce the square bale at least to 2/3 of its previous size and preferably to about half its original size. If therefore the lS thickness of the bale is 1~ feet, it will be reduced to at least 1 foot and preferably 3/4 foot.
Other inventive concepts are developed in the appended claims.
Brief DescriDtion of the Drawinas Figure 1 is a perspective side view, partly in section of an apparatus for converting a round bale of hay into square bales.
Figure 2 is a side view of part of Figure 1 but showing the cover of a cradle for the round bale in an open position.
Figure 3 is a side perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the separator for removing a layer of hay from the round bale.
Pigure 4 is a detail side view of a splined roll which acts as a separator.
Figure 5 is a end view of the shaft in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an end elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 1 partly in section.
Figure 7 is a detail view of a guillotine forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1 for cutting the separated layer into flakes.
Figure 8 is a detail section view of part of the apparatus of Figure 6 showing the side wall of the shaft leading up to the spout.
Figure 9 is a detail side elevation view of the spout sh~wn in Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a side elevation view of a compressor which is another apparatus of this invention for use in conjunction with that shown in Figures 1 to 9.
210~4~2 Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the other side of the compressor of Figure lo.
Figure 12 is an end elevation view of the compactor of Figures 10 and 11. Figure 12 also illustrates the apparatus of Figures 1 to 9 used in conjunction with that of Figures 10 to 12.
Detailed Description of the Drawinqs Figure 1 is a perspective side view of an apparatus in accordance with this invention for unwinding round bales and forming square bales which can readily be compressed. In Figure 1 a supporting platform 10 is preferably mounted on wheels 11 and has a hitch 12.
An arcuate cradle 13 for receiving a round bale is mounted on platform lo by upright frame members 14, 15, 16 and 17. Frame members 15 and 16 are connected by transverse frame member 18.
An arcuate top 19 is hinged to cradle 13 by hinge 20 so that it can be caused to pivot open by hydraulic cylinder 21 as illustrated in Figure 2. Cylinder 21 is pivotally mounted on lug 22 which is on frame member 18 and is also pivotally mounted by bracket 23 on arcuate top 19.
When top 19 i8 pivoted open to receive a round bale as shown in Figure 2, an endless belt 25 is extended and receives the round bale. Belt 25 passes between rollers 26 and 27 in top 19 and is then guided around the outside of top 19 by rollers 28a, 28b and 28c, and then around the outside of cradle 13 by rollers 29a, 29b and 29c, and from there goes to an accumulator 30 for taking up the slack during the operation of the device.
Belt 25 passes backwards and forwards between cradle 25 and block 31 and eventually goes over rolls 32 and 33 of cradle 13. Block 31 is moved by take up cylinder 34 and is guided by rails 35 and 36 so as to permit a desired amount of pressure on the round bale. As the round bale is reduced in size because of the progressive removal of hay, the slack in belt 25 is taken up by the accumulator until finally there is no more room as illustrated in Figure 3 where belt 25 faces roll 39. As a result belt 25 surrounds the round bale as it is reduced in size to apply enough pressure to keep it compact and prevent the ~:
~' ;''`='~ ;~
- 2~0~482 remainder of the bale from coming apart as the bale is rotated and reduced in size.
After the round bale has been deposited on the free portion 25a of belt 25, the cover is closed to the position illustrated in Figure 1. The belt 25 is then driven clockwise with respect to Figures 1 and 2 by motor 38 shown in Figure 3 which drives rollers 32 and 33. Motor 38 is also connected by suitable gearing 43 to a splined cylinder 39 which is also driven clockwise. Splined cylinder 39, which functions as a separator, is illustrated in detail in side view in Figure 4 and in end view in Figure 5. It has splines 41 symmetrically arranged. In Figure 5 four such splines 41 are illustrated. Splines 41 act to separate a layer of hay from the outside of the round bale and deposit the separated hay on a belt 42 which passes over roll 37.
It has been found that the splined roll is better than a spiked roll as a spiked roll tends to break up the hay.
Another possibility might be to use a deflector blade.
A compressor belt 42a faces belt 42 to compact any hay fluffed up by the action of separating the hay from the round roll and to compact the hay into a mat suitable for cutting.
The hay travelling on belt 42 is periodically chopped into suitable lengths such as 181' by a guillotine cutter 44 and is deposited on a transverse conveyor 45.
Figure 6 is a front end view illustrating transverse conveyor 45 which transports the layer of hay deposited on belt 45 to a position where it is periodically cut by guillotine cutter 46. Guillotine cutter 46 is shown in detail in Figure 7 which shows side frame members 50 and 51 which guide cutter blade 52. Hydraulic cylinder 53 is on cross piece 54 which is in turn mounted on frame members 50 and 51. Blade 52 periodically cuts the hay on belt 45 into 16" lengths in the case of a 4 foot wide round bale and 20" lengths in the case of a 5 foot wide bale.
Previously mentioned guillotine cutter 44 may be similar in design to guillotine cutter 46.
The resulting flakes which are now 18" by 16" or 18"
by 20" are then deposited on belt 55. Belt 55 is actually a series of spaced belts 55a~ 55b and 55c mounted on roller 56 as 21 0 ~ 482 shown in Figure 7. The other ends of belts 55a, 55b and 55c pass over separate rollers 57a, 57b and 57c as shown in Figure 8. ~
flakes deposited on belts 55 are raised and elevated by flipper fingers 60 to be deposited in vertically stacked arrangement as indicated at 61 in an outlet spout 62. Spout 62 is at the top of an upright shaft 63 defined by side walls 64 and 65. As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, side wall 64 has vertical slots 66a and 66b. Flipper fingers can therefore travel between belts 55a, 55b and 55c and through slots 66a and 66b to lift the flakes into the stacked position as shown at 61. Slots 66a and 66b extend up into the lower surface 62a of spout 62.
As best illustrated in Figures 6 and 9 the fingers 60 are on collars 67 on shafts 69 which are carried on sprocket chains 68. Fingers 60 are resilient so that the fingers will flip the hay, but will bend when the fingers meet with pressure as the stack builds up. The resiliency also facilitates withdrawal of the fingers by the sprocket chain 68 from slots 66.
The fingers 60 are progressively rotated so that they will elevate the flakeq such as 70, lift them from belts 55 and turn them from a horizontal orientation on belts 55 to a vertical orientation as shown at 61.
The vertical orientation of the flakes is convenient for a compressor as shown in Figure 10.
Control flaps 71 are located at the outlet of spout 62 to permit the layers of flakes to build up. Flaps 71 then pivot outwards about a vertical axis to permit sufficient hay to form a bale to be ejected into the compressor by the pressure from fingers 60 on vertically stacked flakes 61.
Figures 1 to 9 illustrate the preferred top loading configuration, best shown in Figure 3. However an alternative would be to load the round bale axially from the side of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 3. This would involve a mechanism for moving belt 25 to the right as viewed in Figures 1 and 3 to provide room for the round bale to be fed in axially and then surrounded by belt 25.
The compressor shown in Figure 10 includes a turntable 80 on a platform 81. This provides two compartments, one of -` 21~4482 which is a storage compartment in which the hay is placed in position and in the second compaction compartment the hay is compressed. On the left hand side therefore of Figure 10 there is a receiving hopper 82 to receive vertically stacked flakes 61 from spout 62 of Figure 6.
The stacked flakes are received on horizontal ~lide plate 94 which can be opened when there are sufficient flakes for a square bale to permit the bale to drop down into storage compartment 84 which has provision for a horizontally slidable ram plate 83. The ram plate is not however employed while compartment 84 is used for storage. Slide plate 94 is operated by piston 95 which is supported by frame 96. A vertically acting ram 85 can be used to push the hay from hopper 82 down to storage compartment 84 and to make sure it is ready for compaction.
Turntable 80 is then rotated to bring the storage compartment into position for compaction.
Figures 11 and 12 show compaction compartment 86. Door 87 closes off the compaction compartment. A vertically acting member 91 permits adjustment of the height in compaction compartment 86 and is lowered to provide an upper ceiling for the compaction compartment during compaction to avoid spreading of the hay. Hydraulic cylinder 88 drives ram 89 to compact the flakes in compaction compartment 86 to about half of its original dimension. Door 87 is then opened and ram 89 pushes the compacted square bale into a conventional nodder 90 where the bale is tied in the customary manner.
Figure 12 also illustrates the apparatus of Figures 1 to 9, generally designated as 92, facing the apparatus of Figures 10-12, generally designated as 93. It will be noted that both apparatus 92 and 93 are illustrated as mounted for convenience o~ transportation on wheeled vehicles. Both could, as an alternative, be on the ground or on a single vehicle but, for convenience of mobility it is preferred that they be separately mounted so that they can be parked side by side. Vehicle 92 accomplishes the functions of unwinding a round bale and converting it into square flakes typical of what is referred to in the art as a square bale. It will however be appreciated that -~- 2~044~2 the term square is used loosely. 18'l x 16" or 18" by 20" is still considered to be a square bale. The term square bale, in reference to hay, is used in the art to indicate a structure of layered flakes and substantially right angle corners, rather than being limited to precise dimensions.
When the apparatus of Figures 10-12 is used in conjunction with that of Figures 1-9, the end result is what is still regarded as a square bale, though it is compacted to be half a bale in size, but the weight remains at about 60 lbs typical of a conventional square bale. If desired, additional flakes can be compressed to give a compressed square bale of conventional dimensions of approximately 1~ ft. by 1~ feet by 1~
feet instead of what is half a bale in size measuring 1~ feet by 1~ feet by 3/4 feet. However, the weight will then be about 120 lbs. which is heavy for girls or many other end users. It is preferred to maintain the weight at about 60 lbs. and in any event, not exceed about 120 lbs.
It is significant to note that the apparatus of Figures 10-12 will compact the bale so that the layered flakes are vertical. The apparatus of Figures 10-12 will compact the bale by pressure applied substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the layers of the flakes of the square bale, so as to provide compaction for convenience of transport without disrupting the layer structure.
Apparatus 92 can be used without a compactor to convert round bales into so-called square bales. In this case the bales are fed from spout 62 into a conventional nodder. Apparatus 92 could also be used with compactors different in design from unit 93.
It will be understood that a method is provided in which square bales of hay are produced from round bales by rotating the bale and progressively separating with separator 39 successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale until substantially none is left. Compression is applied by endless belt 25 to almost the entire curved surface of the round bale during this separation to prevent the round bale from breaking apart. ~he separated layer is preferably compacted between ~ 210~482 belts 42 and 42a and is conveyed to a location where it is cut to provide elongated flakes having a width the same as a side of a square bale and having a length which is the same as the width of the round bale. The elongated flakes are then cut to give flakes having dimensions substantially the same as a side of a ~quare bale. These flakes are stacked face to face in layers to provide a square bale.
If it is desired to make a compacted square bale then the square bale produced as described above is fed into a compactor which will compact the bale using pressure applied perpendicularly to the faces of the flakes so as not to disrupt the layered flaked structure. Compression should be applied to reduce the square bale at least to 2/3 of its previous size and preferably to about half its original size. If therefore the lS thickness of the bale is 1~ feet, it will be reduced to at least 1 foot and preferably 3/4 foot.
Claims (27)
1. A method of producing square bales of hay from a round bale of hay comprising rotating the bale and progressively separating successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale until substantially none is left, cutting the separated layer to provide elongated flakes having a width the same as a side of a square bale and having a length which is the same as the width of the round bale, cutting the elongated flakes to give flakes having lengths substantially the same as a side of a square bale, and stacking said flakes face to face in layers to provide a square bale.
2. A method of producing compacted square bales from a round bale of hay comprising progressively separating successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale until substantially none is left, cutting the separated layer to provide elongated flakes having a width the same as a side of a square bale and having a length which is the same as the width of the round bale, cutting the elongated flakes to give flakes having lengths substantially the same as a side of a square bale, and stacking said flakes face to face in layers to provide a square bale, and then compacting the square bale by applying pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the faces of said flakes to give a compacted square bale.
3. A method as in claims 1 or 2, in which sufficient compression is applied to almost the entire curved surface of the round bale during the separation of the peripheral layer of hay to prevent the round bale from breaking apart.
4. A method as in claims 1 or 2, in which the separated layer is compressed to form a mat prior to cutting to provide elongated flakes.
5. A method as in claims 1 or 2, in which the elongated flakes are about 1? feet wide and about four to five feet long and in which the flakes are about 1? feet square.
6. A method as in claim 5, in which the flakes are stacked to provide a square bale of a depth of about 1? feet.
7. A method as in claim 2, in which the elongated flakes are about 1? feet wide and about four to five feet long, in which the flakes are about 1? feet square, the flakes are stacked to provide a square bale of a depth of about 1? feet and in which the compacted square bale has a depth of not more than one foot.
8. A method as in claim 7, in which the compacted square bale has a depth of not more than about 3/4 foot.
9. A method of producing square bales of hay from a round bale of hay comprising separating successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale while applying sufficient compression to the curved surface of the round bale during the separation of the peripheral layers to prevent the round bale from breaking apart, cutting the separated peripheral layers into flakes having the dimensions of a square bale and stacking said flakes in layers to provide a square bale.
10. A method of producing compacted square bales of hay from a round bale comprising separating successive peripheral layers of hay from the round bale while applying sufficient compression to the curved surface of the round bale during the separation of the peripheral layers to prevent the round bale from breaking apart, cutting the separated peripheral layers into flakes having the dimensions of a square bale and stacking said flakes in layers to provide a square bale and compacting the square bale by applying pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the faces of said flakes to give a compacted square bale.
11. A method as in claims 1, 2, 9 or 10, in which the square bale has a weight not in excess of 120 lbs.
12. A method as in claims 1, 2, 9 or 10, in which the square bale has a weight of about 60 lbs.
13. An apparatus for producing square bales of hay from a round bale of hay comprising a cradle to receive a round bale of hay, an endless belt in said cradle to receive and apply sufficient pressure to the round bale during a reduction of the size of the round bale to prevent the round bale from breaking apart, an accumulator for absorbing slack in the belt as the round bale is reduced in size, a motor for driving the belt to cause the round bale to rotate about its axis, a separator for peeling successive peripheral layers from the round bale as the bale is rotated, conveyors for transporting the separated peripheral layers to a cutting station, said cutting station having provision for cutting the separated peripheral layers into flakes of a size appropriate to a square bale, and provision for stacking the flakes face to face in layers to give a square bale.
14. An apparatus for producing compacted square bales of hay from a round bale of hay comprising a cradle to receive a round bale of hay, an endless belt in said cradle to receive and apply sufficient pressure to the round bale during a reduction of the size of the round bale to prevent the round bale from breaking apart, an accumulator for absorbing slack in the belt as the round bale is reduced in size, a motor for driving the belt to cause the round bale to rotate about its axis, a separator for peeling successive peripheral layers from the round bale as the bale is rotated, conveyors for transporting the separated peripheral layers to a cutting station, said cutting station having provision for cutting the separated peripheral layers into flakes of a size appropriate to a square bale, and provision for stacking the flakes face to face in layers to give a square bale and a compressor for applying compression in a direction substantially perpendicular to the faces of said flakes to give a compacted square bale.
15. An apparatus as in claims 13 or 14, in which the separator is a splined wheel rotatable to move splines in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the round bale to cause a peripheral layer of the round bale to be peeled off and deposited on one of said conveyors for transporting the separated peripheral layers.
16. An apparatus as in claims 13 or 14, in which said conveyors include a first conveyor for transporting the separated peripheral layer from the separator to a first cutter forming part of said cutting station in which the separated peripheral layer is cut to give elongated flakes the length of the width of the round bale and of a width appropriate to a square bale, and the conveyors include a second conveyor for transporting the elongated flakes, a second cutter forming part of said cutting station in which the elongated flakes are cut along their length to give flakes of a size appropriate to a square bale.
17. An apparatus as in claim 16, in which a series of spaced conveyor belts receive the flakes cut by the second cutter and stacking fingers are adapted to pass between the spaces between the spaced conveyor belts, successively to lift the flakes and stack the flakes face to face in layers to provide a square bale.
18. An apparatus as in claim 14, in which the compressor comprises a compartment having a ram plate and a receiving hopper to receive a square bale and deposit the bale with its flakes oriented to be parallel to the ram plate, a hydraulic ram which presses the ram plate against the square bale to compact it and a removable door that can be opened for the ejection of a compacted square bale.
19. An apparatus as in claim 18, in which the compressor comprises a first storage compartment and a second compaction compartment, the storage compartment being located below the receiving hopper to receive the square bale and the compaction compartment being located so that the ram can be operated to press the ram plate against the square bale to compact it, and a movable mounting for the first and second compartments so that when the storage compartment has received a square bale and the compaction in the compaction compartment has been completed the compartments can be interchanged so that the ram will be positioned to press the ram plate of what was previously the storage compartment and the receiving hopper will be above what was previously the compaction compartment.
20. A compressor for compressing a square bale of hay into a compressed square bale comprising a first storage compartment and a second compaction compartment, each of said compartments having a ram plate, a receiving hopper above the first storage compartment to receive a square bale and deposit the bale with its flakes oriented parallel to the ram plate, a ram to press the ram plate of the compaction compartment to press such ram plate against a square bale in the compaction compartment to compact it, said compaction compartment having a movable door that can be opened for the ejection of a compacted square bale and a movable mounting for the first and second compartments so that when the storage compartment has received a square bale and the compaction in the compaction compartment has been completed, the compartment can be interchanged so that the ram will be positioned to press the ram plate of what was previously the storage compartment and the receiving hopper will be above what was previously the compaction compartment.
21. An apparatus as in claims 19 or 20, in which the movable mounting is a turntable.
22. An apparatus as in claims 13 or 14, in which said cradle has an arcuate top that can be pivoted open for the reception of the round bale and can be closed for the processing of the round bale.
23. An apparatus as in claims 13 or 14, in which the conveyors for transporting the separated peripheral layers to a cutting station include upper and lower belts that press against the separated layer to compact it.
24. An apparatus for producing square bales of hay from round bales comprising a movable support for a round bale that causes the round bale to rotate about its axis, a separator to separate an outer layer from the round bale as it rotates, conveyors and cutters to cut the outer layer that has been separated into flakes and stacking means for stacking the flakes face to face to form a square bale.
25. An apparatus for producing compressed square bales of hay from round bales comprising a movable support for a round bale that causes the round bale to rotate about its axis, a separator to separate an outer layer from the round bale as it rotates, conveyors and cutters to cut the outer layer that has been separated into flakes and stacking means for stacking the flakes face to face to form a square bale and a compressor for compacting the square bale to a smaller size with disrupting its layered flake structure.
26. In an apparatus for producing square bales of hay from round bales, a chamber, having rollers around its periphery, for receiving and encircling a round bale, an accumulator, a separator and an endless belt to rotate the round bale to cause the outside layer to be peeled from the round bale progressively to reduce the round bale in size and to provide a mat to be cut into flakes and stacked into a square bale, said endless belt passing from above the separator around the round bale and then around some of the rollers in the periphery of the chamber and then through the accumulator and around at least one roller in the periphery of the chamber below the separator and then beck to the round bale, said accumulator being adapted to reduce the length of the part of the endless belt passing around the round bale as the round bale is reduced in size, so as to prevent the round bale from breaking up as it is rotated and reduced.
27. An apparatus as in claim 26, in which the chamber comprises an arcuate cradle to receive the round bale and an arcuate top hinged to the cradle and means for swinging the top about its hinge to extend the endless belt and to make an opening to receive a round bale, said means for swinging the top being adapted to return the top to close the opening and to position the endless belt so that it substantially surrounds the round bale.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2104482 CA2104482A1 (en) | 1993-08-20 | 1993-08-20 | Apparatus and method for making a square bale of hay from a round bale and for compacting it |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2104482 CA2104482A1 (en) | 1993-08-20 | 1993-08-20 | Apparatus and method for making a square bale of hay from a round bale and for compacting it |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2104482A1 true CA2104482A1 (en) | 1995-02-21 |
Family
ID=4152179
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2104482 Abandoned CA2104482A1 (en) | 1993-08-20 | 1993-08-20 | Apparatus and method for making a square bale of hay from a round bale and for compacting it |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2104482A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7757980B2 (en) | 2008-02-26 | 2010-07-20 | Patrick James Oare | Baled agricultural crop product unbaling apparatus and method of using same |
| EP3461318A1 (en) * | 2017-10-02 | 2019-04-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| EP3461322A1 (en) * | 2017-10-02 | 2019-04-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| EP3461321A1 (en) * | 2017-10-02 | 2019-04-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| EP3461319A1 (en) * | 2017-10-02 | 2019-04-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| US10912258B2 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2021-02-09 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
-
1993
- 1993-08-20 CA CA 2104482 patent/CA2104482A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7757980B2 (en) | 2008-02-26 | 2010-07-20 | Patrick James Oare | Baled agricultural crop product unbaling apparatus and method of using same |
| EP3461318A1 (en) * | 2017-10-02 | 2019-04-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| EP3461322A1 (en) * | 2017-10-02 | 2019-04-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| EP3461321A1 (en) * | 2017-10-02 | 2019-04-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| EP3461319A1 (en) * | 2017-10-02 | 2019-04-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| US10757864B2 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2020-09-01 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| US10820528B2 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2020-11-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| US10820523B2 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2020-11-03 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| US10912258B2 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2021-02-09 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
| US10932417B2 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2021-03-02 | Deere & Company | System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales |
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