WO2018035611A1

WO2018035611A1 - Bale shredding assembly, bale shredding and spreading apparatus and method for operating same

Info

Publication number: WO2018035611A1
Application number: PCT/CA2017/050997
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michaël GAGNON-BOUCHARD; Patrice Desrochers; Alexandre GIGUÈRE; Jacques Breton
Original assignee: Groupe Anderson Inc.
Priority date: 2016-08-24
Filing date: 2017-08-24
Publication date: 2018-03-01

Abstract

A bale shredding and spreading apparatus comprising, a housing, a conveyor, a bale shredding assembly, and a spreading assembly; and a method for operating the same. The bale shredding assembly comprises a rotor assembly having a plurality of knives protruding outwardly therefrom; a comb-shaped protector comprising a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending across a material shredding path and over a bale engagement section of the rotor assembly. The bale shredding assembly also comprises a barrier downstream of the comb- shaped protector and including a blocking surface with a plurality of counter-knives projecting therefrom and spaced apart from one another. The barrier is selectively movable between an inactive position where the counter-knives are spaced apart from the knives of the rotor assembly and an active position where at least a portion of the counter-knives overlap with at least a portion of the knives of the rotor assembly.

Description

BALE SHREDDING ASSEMBLY, BALE SHREDDING AND SPREADING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19(e) of United States provisional patent application no. 62/378,777 which was filed on August 24, 2016. The entirety of the aforementioned application is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to shredding of baled forage. More particularly, it relates to a bale shredding assembly, an apparatus for shredding baled forage and spreading the shredded material resulting from the processing of the baled forage and a method of operating the above-mentioned apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Forage, such as, for example and without being limitative, hay, straw and/or haylage harvested from the fields is usually collected and baled to define bales which can subsequently be wrapped, stored and/or transported. In many cases, before being used, the baled forage requires shredding. For example and without being limitative, bale shredding is often used for animal bedding, preparing animal food products, or the like.

[0004] For unrolling or disassembling bales, flail unloading devices, which can unroll the baled forage using a striking motion, are commonly used. Such flail unloading devices however tend to suffer from several drawbacks. For example, the flail unloading devices typically do not cut the baled forage and therefore produce long and unequal strands of hay or other forage, which is often undesirable. Indeed, in many cases, such as when preparing animal food products from hay, it is important to control the length of the strands, given that strands that are too long may be difficult for the animals to ingest.

[0005] Hence, bale shredders (or bale cutting devices) have been developed to shred the bales and cut the baled forage in smaller strands by pushing bales against a rotary drum provided with knives (or blades) on its outer surface. While these devices typically allow the cutting of the baled forage into material of a predetermined length, they also tend to suffer from several drawbacks. Firstly, known existing devices do not allow the efficient processing of different types of material, such as straw, hay and haylage, which may come in different states, such as dry, frozen or wet. In other words, known existing devices require major modifications to the device in order to perform shredding of different batches of the above-mentioned different types of bales. In addition, existing bale cutting devices generally comprise a limited number of blades, in order to prevent large chunks of baled forage from being engaged by the rotor and resulting in jamming thereof. The limited number of blades thereby not only limits the lengths of strands the known shredders can produce, but also limits the processing capacity of the devices. Indeed, in known existing devices, when large amounts of baled forage engage with the blades, the rotor is prone to jamming, thus damaging the cutting device, causing downtimes in the shredding process, etc.

[0006] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved bale shredding assembly, apparatus for shredding the baled forage and spreading the shredded material resulting from the processing of the baled forage and method of operating the same which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above- discussed prior art concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with a first general aspect, there is provided a bale shredding assembly for shredding baled forage. The bale shredding assembly comprises a rotor assembly, a comb-shaped protector and a barrier. The rotor assembly includes a drum extending along a transversal axis and a plurality of knives protruding outwardly from the drum. The assembly has a bale engagement section upon which the knives engage the baled forage and a material discharge section downstream of the bale engagement section with respect to a material shredding path along which forage flow around the rotor assembly. The comb- shaped protector comprises a plurality of fingers spaced-apart along the transversal axis, extends across the material shredding path and is superposed to the drum of the rotor assembly along at least a portion of the bale engagement section thereof. The barrier is positioned downstream of the comb-shaped protector along the material shredding path and includes a blocking surface with a plurality of counter-knives projecting therefrom and spaced apart from one another along the transversal axis. The barrier is selectively movable between an inactive position where the counter-knives are spaced apart from the knives of the rotor assembly and an active position where at least a portion of the counter-knives overlap with at least a portion of the knives of the rotor assembly.

[0008] In an embodiment, the bale shredding assembly further comprises a top gate movable between a distal position and a proximal position. The top gate is positioned upstream of the barrier along the material shredding path and includes a blocking surface. The blocking surface is positioned to define a top gate restrained passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position.

[0009] In an embodiment, the top gate is disengaged from the fingers of the comb- shaped protector in the distal position and is engaged with the fingers of the comb- shaped protector when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position.

[0010] In an embodiment, the blocking surface of the top gate and the blocking surface of the barrier are adjacent and substantially evenly levelled and together define a substantially continuous surface when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position and the barrier is positioned in the active position.

[0011] In an embodiment, the bale shredding assembly further comprises a removable recutter screen positioned downstream of the barrier along the material shredding path. The recutter screen includes an elongated plate with through holes defined therein. The elongated plate extends at a distance from the drum of the rotor assembly, along at least a portion of the material discharge section thereof, and defines a constrained recutter screen passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path.

[0012] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the recutter screen substantially conforms to the shape of the corresponding section of the drum of the rotor assembly.

[0013] In an embodiment, the recutter screen is removably mountable to the barrier, when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

[0014] In an embodiment, the bale shredding assembly further comprises a deflector wall positioned above the rotor assembly, the deflector wall having a bale engaging surface sized and shaped to promote tumbling of the bale during operation of the bale shredding assembly.

[0015] In an embodiment, the bale engaging surface of the deflector wall has a concave configuration.

[0016] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly comprises at least about 100 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

[0017] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly comprises between about 100 knives and about 400 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

[0018] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly comprises between about 200 knives and about 300 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

[0019] In an embodiment, at least some of the knives extend radially from the drum. In another embodiment, all of the knives extend radially from the drum.

[0020] In an embodiment, the knives are grouped in pairs, each pair of knives defining a slot between the knives thereof. [0021] In an embodiment, the distance between two knives of a pair of knives ranges between about ¼ inch and about 1 inch.

[0022] In an embodiment, the distance between two adjacent pairs of knives ranges between about 1 inch and about 3 inches.

[0023] In an embodiment, the counter-knives of the barrier extend into the slots defined between the knives of the pairs of knives, when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

[0024] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly comprises a plurality of disks mounted on the drum and spaced apart from one another along the transversal axis, the knives being mounted on the disks.

[0025] In an embodiment, each one of the plurality of disks has side surfaces and each pair of knives is formed by corresponding knives being mounted on opposed side surfaces of one of the disks.

[0026] In an embodiment, the fingers of the comb-shaped assembly each include a section which substantially conform to the shape of the corresponding section of the drum of the rotor assembly.

[0027] In accordance with another general aspect, there is further provided a bale shredding and spreading apparatus. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus comprises a housing having a charging inlet for receiving baled forage and a discharging outlet for distributing shredded material, the shredded material resulting from the processing of the baled forage. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus further comprises a conveyor for transporting the baled forage from the charging inlet to a bale shredding assembly, the bale shredding assembly comprising a rotor assembly and a comb-shaped protector. The rotor assembly includes a drum extending along a transversal axis and at least about 100 knives protruding outwardly from the drum. The rotor assembly has a bale engagement section upon which the knives engage the bale, a material discharge section downstream of the bale engagement section with respect to a material shredding path along which forage flow around the rotor assembly and a top section positioned between the bale engagement section and the material discharge section, along the material shredding path. The comb-shaped protector comprises a plurality of fingers spaced-apart along the transversal axis and extends above the rotor assembly, across the material shredding path, and over the drum of the rotor assembly along at least a portion of the bale engagement section thereof. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus further comprises a spreading assembly positioned downstream of the bale shredding assembly along the material shredding path for blowing and spreading the shredded material from the bale shredding assembly through the discharging outlet.

[0028] In an embodiment, the shredding assembly further comprises a barrier positioned above the rotor assembly and substantially aligned with the top section thereof. The barrier includes a blocking surface with a plurality of counter-knives projecting therefrom and spaced apart from one another along the transversal axis. The barrier is selectively movable between an inactive position and an active position with the counter-knives cooperating with the knives of the rotor assembly to further process the shredded material when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

[0029] In an embodiment, the shredding assembly further comprises a top gate movable between a distal position and a proximal position, the top gate being positioned above the rotor assembly, upstream of the barrier along the material shredding path. The top gate includes a blocking surface defining a top gate restrained passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path, when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position.

[0030] In an embodiment, the top gate is disengaged from the fingers of the comb- shaped protector in the distal position and is engaged with the fingers of the comb- shaped protector when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position.

[0031] In an embodiment, the blocking surface of the top gate and the blocking surface of the barrier are adjacent and substantially evenly levelled and together define a substantially continuous surface when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position and the barrier is positioned in the active position.

[0032] In an embodiment, the shredding assembly further comprises a removable recutter screen including an elongated plate with through holes defined therein. The elongated plate extends at a distance from the drum of the rotor assembly, along at least a portion of the material discharge section thereof, and defines a constrained recutter screen passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path.

[0033] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the recutter screen substantially conforms to the shape of the corresponding section of the drum of the rotor assembly.

[0034] In an embodiment, the recutter screen is removably mountable to the barrier, when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

[0035] In an embodiment, the shredding assembly further comprises a deflector wall positioned above the rotor assembly, the deflector wall having a bale engaging surface sized and shaped to promote tumbling of the bale during operation of the bale shredding assembly.

[0036] In an embodiment, the bale engaging surface of the deflector wall has a concave configuration.

[0037] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly comprises between about 100 knives and about 400 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

[0038] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly comprises between about 200 knives and about 300 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

[0039] In an embodiment, at least some of the knives extend radially from the drum. In another embodiment, all of the knives extend radially from the drum. [0040] In an embodiment, the knives are grouped in pairs, each pair of knives defining a slot between the knives thereof.

[0041] In an embodiment, the distance between two knives of a pair of knives ranges between about ¼ inch and about 1 inch.

[0042] In an embodiment, the distance between two adjacent pairs of knives ranges between about 1 inch and about 3 inches.

[0043] In an embodiment, the counter-knives of the barrier extend into the slots defined between the knives of the pairs of knives, when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

[0044] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly comprises a plurality of disks mounted on the drum and spaced apart from one another along the transversal axis, the knives being mounted on the disks.

[0045] In an embodiment, each one of the plurality of disks has side surfaces and each pair of knives is formed by corresponding knives being mounted on opposed side surfaces of one of the disks.

[0046] In an embodiment, the fingers of the comb-shaped assembly each include a section which substantially conform to the shape of the corresponding section of the drum of the rotor assembly.

[0047] In an embodiment, the spreading assembly comprises a blowing device.

[0048] In accordance with another general aspect, there is further provided a method of operating a bale shredding and spreading apparatus for shredding baled forage. The method comprises the step of conveying the baled forage toward a bale shredding assembly. The bale shredding assembly comprises a rotor assembly and a comb-shaped protector. The rotor assembly includes a drum and a plurality of knives protruding outwardly therefrom. The rotor assembly has a bale engagement section upon which the knives engage the baled forage and a material discharge section downstream of the bale engagement section with respect to a material shredding path along which forage flow around the rotor assembly. The comb-shaped protector comprises a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending across the material shredding path and superposed to the drum of the rotor assembly along at least a portion of the bale engagement section thereof. The method further comprises the steps of controllably rotating the rotor assembly; engaging the baled forage at the bale engagement section of the rotor assembly and cutting the forage to a first length by shearing of the forage between the knives and the fingers of the comb-shaped protector; and selectively positioning a barrier between an active position and an inactive position to further cut the forage. The barrier comprises a plurality of counter-knives cooperating with the knives of the rotor assembly to cut the forage to a second length shorter than the first length by shearing of the forage between the knives of the rotor assembly and the counter-knives of the barrier.

[0049] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of discharging the forage through a discharging inlet of a spreading assembly.

[0050] In an embodiment, the bale shredding assembly comprises a top gate and the method further comprises the step of selectively moving the top gate from a distal position to a proximal position to define a top gate restrained passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path.

[0051] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of mounting a recutter screen to the barrier positioned in the active position, to define a constrained recutter screen passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path.

[0052] In an embodiment, at least some of the knives extend radially from the drum. In another embodiment, all of the knives extend radially from the drum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent upon reading the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0054] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a bale shredding and spreading apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a second isometric view of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus of Figure 1 , with a portion of the housing removed.

[0056] Figure 3 shows an isometric front view of the bale shredding assembly of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus of Figure 1 , the bale shredding assembly being shown in a first configuration.

[0057] Figure 4 shows an isometric rear view of the bale shredding assembly of Figure 3.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a side elevation view of the bale shredding assembly of Figure 3.

[0059] Figure 6 shows a rear elevation view of the bale shredding assembly of Figure 3.

[0060] Figure 7 shows an isometric front view of the bale shredding assembly of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus of Figure 1 , the bale shredding assembly being shown in a second configuration.

[0061] Figure 8 shows an isometric rear view of the bale shredding assembly of Figure 7.

[0062] Figure 9 shows a side elevation view of the bale shredding assembly of Figure 7.

[0063] Figure 10 shows an isometric front view of the bale shredding assembly of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus of Figure 1 , the bale shredding assembly being shown in a third configuration. [0064] Figure 1 1 shows an isometric rear view of the bale shredding assembly of Figure 10.

[0065] Figure 12 shows a side elevation view of the bale shredding assembly of Figure 10.

[0066] Figure 13 shows an isometric front view of the bale shredding assembly of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus of Figure 1 , the bale shredding assembly being shown in a fourth configuration.

[0067] Figure 14 shows an isometric rear view of the bale shredding assembly of Figure 13.

[0068] Figure 15 shows a side elevation view of the bale shredding assembly of Figure 13.

[0069] Figures 16a to 16c show a side view of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus of Figure 1 , with the bale shredding and spreading apparatus being shown respectively loaded with one rounded bale in Figure 16a, loaded with two rounded bales in Figure 16b and loaded with a rectangular bale in Figure 16c.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0070] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are embodiments only, given solely for exemplification purposes.

[0071] Although the embodiments of the bale shredding assembly and the apparatus for shredding the baled forage and spreading the shredded material resulting from the processing of the baled forage and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the bale shredding assembly and the apparatus for shredding the baled forage and spreading the shredded material resulting from the processing of the baled forage, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[0072] Moreover, although the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises particular steps of a method, not all of these steps are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable embodiments may be used for the method, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom, by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0073] To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative and qualitative expressions given herein may be qualified with the terms "about" and "substantially". It is understood that whether the terms "about" and "substantially" are used explicitly or not, every quantity or qualification given herein is meant to refer to an actual given value or qualification, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value or qualification that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.

[0074] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 for shredding bales of baled forage and spreading the shredded material (i.e. spreading the baled forage being unassembled and cut in strands by the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10). One skilled in the art will understand that the baled forage can be any one of hay, haylage, straw or any field material usually harvested and collected in bales. The baled forage can also come in different states, such as, without being limitative, a dry state, a humid state, a wet state, a partially frozen state, a frozen state, etc. The baled forage can also have different shape such as, without being limitative, rounded bales, square bales, rectangular bales, etc. In some embodiments, the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 can also process bulked material, such as corn silage.

[0075] Broadly described, the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 comprises a housing 100, a conveyor 200, a bale shredding assembly 300 and a spreading assembly 400, each one of the components of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 being described in more details below.

HOUSING

[0076] Referring to Figures 1 , 2 and 16a to 16c, the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 comprises a housing 100 for receiving the baled forage. The housing defines a chamber 1 16 (or receptacle). In an embodiment, the chamber 1 16 defined by the housing 100 is partially closable to receive and subsequently temporarily maintain the baled forage therein as it is being shredded. In the embodiment shown, the housing 100 has a charging inlet 1 10 (or entry opening) for receiving the baled forage and a discharging outlet 1 1 1 (or exit) for distributing the shredded material resulting from the processing of the baled forage by the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10. In the embodiment shown, the charging inlet 1 10 is positioned at a rear end 1 13 of the housing 100 and the discharging outlet 1 1 1 is positioned at a front end 1 12 of the housing 100, the rear end 1 13 and front end 1 12 of the housing 100 being spaced apart form one another along a longitudinal axis 90 and being defined relative to the motion of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the position of the charging inlet 1 10 and the discharging outlet 1 1 1 could differ from the embodiment shown. For example and without being limitative, the charging inlet 1 10 could be positioned at the front end 1 12 of the housing 100 and the discharging outlet 1 1 1 could be positioned at the rear end 1 13 of the housing 100.

[0077] For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment the chamber 1 16 defined by the housing can measure up to 5 foot wide and can accommodate at least one 6-foot tall round bale 20 (see Figure 16a) and two 5-foot tall round bales 20 (see Figure 16b). In an embodiment, the chamber 1 16 can also accommodate square bales up to 4'x4'x8' (see Figure 16c).

[0078] In an embodiment, the charging inlet 1 10 is defined by a door configurable between an open configuration (not shown) and a closed configuration (see Figure 1 ). In an embodiment, the door can be used to push or squeeze the bales 20 toward the shredding assembly 300.

[0079] In an embodiment, the housing 100 can be mountable onto a frame 120 including at least one set of wheels 122, to allow easy displacement of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10. In the embodiment shown, the frame 120 further includes coupling means at the front end 1 12 of the housing 100, to allow attachment of the frame 120 and the housing mounted thereto, to a vehicle such as a tractor or a truck, for moving the baled forage with the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10.

[0080] In an embodiment (not shown), the housing 100 can further include a stone trap (not shown) provided at a bottom end 1 14 of the housing 100. The stone trap is operative to remove undesirable stones, debris, dust or the like from the housing 100. In operation, the stone trap can be selectively opened by a user to intermittently clear stones accumulated in the housing 100. The stone trap can also be continuously open, for constant cleaning of residual accumulation of stones, dust or the like. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an embodiment, the stone trap can be defined by an aperture in the bottom part 1 14 of the housing 100. In an alternative embodiment, the stone trap can also include a movable gate, louvers or any other known closing means. CONVEYOR

[0081] Referring to Figure 2, in the embodiment shown, the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 comprises a conveyor 200 for displacing the baled forage between the charging inlet 1 10 and the bale shredding assembly 300. The conveyor 200 extends along the longitudinal axis 90, from the charging inlet 1 10 to the bale shredding assembly 300, such that the bales 20 are carried towards the bale shredding assembly 300, on an upper surface 210 of the conveyor 200. One skilled in the art will understand that the conveyor 200 can be actioned in a frontward or rearward direction.

[0082] In an embodiment, the conveyor 200 can be a treadmill-type conveyor, such as a belt conveyor including a conveyor belt forming an endless loop. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the conveyor 200 can be of a type different from the embodiment shown. For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment, the conveyor 200 can be a slat chain conveyor including chains driven by a sprocket drive assembly, a roller conveyor having a plurality of rollers for transporting the baled forage, or the like.

BALE SHREDDING ASSEMBLY

[0083] Now referring to Figures 3 to 16c, the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 further includes a bale shredding assembly 300 for shredding the bales 20 of baled forage loaded in the chamber 1 16 of the housing 100 and brought towards the bale shredding assembly 300 by the conveyor 200 and processing the forage. The bale shredding assembly 300 is configured to rotatably engage the bales 20, to disassemble the bale 20 and process (i.e. tear and/or cut) the forage as the forage flows along a material shredding path 304.

[0084] In the embodiment shown, the bale shredding assembly 300 comprises a rotor assembly 310 rotatably mounted to the housing 100 and rotating thereabout. In the embodiment shown, the rotor assembly 310 rotates in a rotating direction 324 corresponding to a counter clockwise direction (i.e. the rotor assembly 310 drives the bale 20 in an upward direction when the bale 20 is engaged therewith), with the material shredding path 304 being defined around the rotor assembly 310 and passing above the rotor assembly 310.

[0085] One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the rotor assembly 310 could rotate in a rotating direction 324 corresponding to a clockwise direction, thereby defining a material shredding path different from the one of the embodiment shown (i.e. a material shredding path being defined around the rotor assembly 310 and passing below the rotor assembly 310). In such an embodiment, the components of the bale shredding assembly 300 such as, without being limitative, the comb shaped protector 330, the barrier 340, the top gate 350 and the recutter screen 360, which will be described in more details below, would however need to be adapted and positioned differently in view of the different rotation direction of the rotor assembly 310 and the different material shredding path.

[0086] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly 310 includes an axle 309 (or rotating shaft) extending along a transversal axis 319. The axle 309 is engaged to the housing 100 and rotates thereabout. A drum 317 is mounted on the axle 309 and rotates therewith. One skilled in the art will understand that the axle 309 of the rotor assembly 310 can be rotatably mounted to the housing 100 using suitable components such as, without being limitative bearings and the like.

[0087] The rotor assembly 310 has a bale engagement section 312 (or front side), a material discharge section 313 (or rear side), a top section 314 (or top side) and a bottom section 315 (or bottom side) (see Figure 5). In the embodiment shown, the bale engagement section 312 corresponds to the section of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310 oriented generally towards the main portion of the chamber 1 16 of the housing 100 and which initially engages the successive bales 20. The material discharge section 313 corresponds to the section of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310 opposed to the bale engagement section 312 and upon which the shredded forage is brought by the rotation of the rotor assembly 310, prior to flowing out of the apparatus 10. The material discharge section 313 is located downstream of the bale engagement section 312, with respect to the material shredding path 304.

[0088] The rotor assembly 310 further includes a plurality of knives 31 1 (or blades) protruding outwardly therefrom. In the embodiment shown, the knives 31 1 have serrated edges. In operation, the knives 31 1 engage with the bale 20 along the bale engagement section 312 of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310, thereby driving the bale 20 in the rotating direction 324 and tearing and shredding the forage in smaller strands. The lateral (or axial) spacing between the knives (i.e. the spacing between the knives along the transversal axis 319) determines the length at which the strands of the forage will be initially cut, which can also be referred as a "first length".

[0089] In the embodiment shown, the plurality of knives 31 1 (or blades) extend substantially radially from the rotor assembly 310. However, it is appreciated that the angulation of the knives 31 1 with respect to the drum 317 can vary from the embodiment shown. In an embodiment (not shown), the knives 31 1 define an oblique angle with a diameter of the drum 317. Furthermore, it is appreciated that different disks 318 can have knives 31 1 mounted thereto at a different angulation. For instance and without being limitative, outer disks can have obliquely protruding knives while inner disks can have radially extending knives. It is appreciated that any suitable combination of disk angulation can be foreseen.

[0090] In the embodiment shown, the knives 31 1 extend outwardly from the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310 in a direction substantially normal to a peripheral surface thereof, with the knives 31 1 being distributed over the entire surface of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the knives 31 1 could be arranged and positioned according to a different configuration than the configuration of the embodiment shown. For example and without being limitative, the knives 31 1 could be skewed at an angle with regard to the outer surface of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310.

[0091] In the embodiment shown, the rotor assembly 310 includes a plurality of disks 318 (or rings) mounted on the drum 317 and spaced apart along the transversal axis 319, with the knives 31 1 being mounted on the disks 318. In an embodiment, the knives 31 1 are mounted at the outer edge thereof. In the embodiment shown, the knives 31 1 are removably mounted to the corresponding disk 318 using a nuts and bolt assembly, to allow the knives 31 1 to be easily changed when worn or damaged. One skilled in the art will however understand that, in alternative embodiments (not shown), other fastening means or methods for removably or permanently mounting the knives 31 1 to the disks 318 could be used. For example and without being limitative, the knives 31 1 could be permanently fastened to the disks 318 by welding, brazing, soldering, riveting or the like, or could be casted with the disks 318 during manufacturing.

[0092] In the embodiment shown, the knives 31 1 are substantially uniformly distributed over the circumference of the disks 318 and define an helicoidal pattern around the drum 317. Once again, one skilled in the art will however understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the knives 31 1 can define any other suitable pattern around the drum 317.

[0093] In an embodiment, the bale shredding assembly 300 includes at least about 100 knives. In an embodiment, the bale shredding assembly 300 includes between about 100 knives and 400 knives. In an embodiment, the bale shredding assembly 300 includes between about 200 knives and 300 knives.

[0094] In the embodiment shown and as better seen in Figure 6, the knives 31 1 are grouped in pairs 316, with each knife 31 1 of a pair of knives 316 being spaced apart from one another of a distance 322 along the transversal axis 319, thereby defining a slot therebetween. Each pair of knives 316 is also spaced apart from one another of a distance 323 along the transversal axis 319, thereby defining a slot therebetween. [0095] In the embodiment shown, each pair of knives 316 is formed by corresponding knives 31 1 mounted on opposed side surfaces of one of the disks 318. Hence, the distance 322 between two knives 31 1 of a pair of knives 316 corresponds substantially to the thickness of the corresponding disk 318. Moreover, the distance 323 between two adjacent pairs 316 of knives corresponds substantially to the distance between the disks 318 on the drum 317.

[0096] In an embodiment, each adjacent pair of knives 316 is spaced apart from one another of a distance 323 greater than the distance 322 between each knife 31 1 of the corresponding pairs of knives 316. In an embodiment, the distance 322 between two knives 31 1 of a pair of knives 316 ranges between about ¼ inch and about 1 inch and the distance 323 between two adjacent pairs 316 of knives 31 1 ranges between about 1 inch and about 3 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the distance 322 between two knives 31 1 of a pair of knives 316 is about 5/8 inch and the distance 323 between two adjacent pairs 316 of knives is about 1 and 3/8 inches. In an alternative embodiment, (not shown), the knives 31 1 can be configured such as not to be paired, or the knives 31 1 can be grouped with a different number of knives 31 1 than the pairing of the embodiment shown.

[0097] The above described components of the bale shredding assembly 300, and especially the number of knives 31 1 and configuration thereof, results in aggressive engagement of the bales 20 of baled forage by the rotor assembly 310. Such aggressive engagement of the bales 20 of baled forage by the rotor assembly 310 can result in the bale shredding assembly 300 gripping the incoming baled forage too strongly, causing large portions (or chunks) of forage to be ripped from the bale 20 which could cause a jam of the rotor assembly 310, and possibly damage the apparatus 10.

[0098] In order to alleviate this potential drawback, the bale shredding assembly 300 includes a comb-shaped protector 330 preventing chunks of bales 20 above a predefined size from being carried along the material shredding path 304, thereby counteracting the strong grasping action of the numerous knives 31 1 mounted on the rotor assembly 310. In the embodiment shown where the rotor assembly 310 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction 324, the comb-shaped protector 330 extends downwardly from an upper support 305 positioned above the rotor assembly 310, such as to form a permeable barrier for the forage carried therethrough by the rotation of the rotor assembly 310.

[0099] In the embodiment shown, the comb-shaped protector 330 includes a plurality of fingers 331 spaced-apart form one another in the direction of the transversal axis 319. The plurality of spaced-apart fingers 331 , are also substantially evenly distributed in the direction of the transversal axis 319.

[00100] Each finger 331 has a distal end 331 a connected to the upper support 305 and a proximal end 331 b extending forwardly of the bale engagement section 312 of the rotor assembly 310. In other words, each one of the finger 331 extends across the material shredding path 304 and is superposed to the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310 along at least a portion of the bale engagement section 312 thereof. In the embodiment shown, the proximal end 331 b of each finger 331 is positioned vertically lower than the top section 314 of the rotor assembly 310 and, in an embodiment, at least vertically aligned with the axle 309 of the rotor assembly 310. In the embodiment shown, the proximal end 331 b of the fingers 331 is vertically lower than the axle 309 of the rotor assembly 310. In the embodiment shown, the portion of the fingers 331 covering the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310 substantially conforms to the rounded shape of the drum 317 along the bale engagement section 312 of the rotor assembly 310, thereby defining a "hook" or curved section extending along the bale engagement section 312 of the rotor assembly 310.

[00101] It will be understood that, along the bale engagement section 312 of the rotor assembly 310, the corresponding portion of the fingers 31 1 therefore extends between the pairs of knives 316. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of spaced- apart fingers 331 extend between each two disks 318 mounted on the drum 317. In an embodiment, the distance between two pairs 316 of knives 31 1 separated by one of the fingers 331 ranges between about 1 inch and about 3 inches. In an embodiment, the distance between two pairs 316 of knives 31 1 separated by one of the fingers 331 is about 2 and 3/16 inches.

[00102] In view of the above, the fingers 331 advantageously retain a portion of the forage and prevent large chunks of forage from jamming the rotor assembly 310, without substantially obstructing the contact between the knives 31 1 and the baled forage. Hence, the baled forage can be driven by the knives 31 1 and shred to the first length by a shearing action between the knives 31 1 and the fingers 331 .

[00103] In order to allow the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 to be used for the processing of different types of baled forage and allow the processing of the forage to different lengths, the bale shredding assembly 310 further includes a top gate 350, a barrier 340, and a recutter screen 360, which will each be described in more details below.

[00104] In the embodiment shown, the top gate 350 is positioned above the rotor assembly 310, substantially aligned with a portion of the top section 314 thereof, along the longitudinal axis 90. The top gate 350 is further positioned partially upstream of (or partially in front of) the comb-shaped protector 330. The top gate 350 includes a longitudinal plate 352 extending generally in the direction of the transversal axis 319 and defining a blocking surface 353. The top gate 350 is operative to perform selective reduction of the open space at the top section 314 of the rotor assembly 310, above the drum 317 but below the upper support 305.

[00105] The top gate 350 is selectively movable between a distal position (unblocking position) (see Figure 3 to 6) and a proximal position (blocking position) (see Figure 7 to 15). In the distal position illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, the top gate 350 is positioned with the blocking surface 353 distal from the top section 314 of the rotor assembly 310, thereby defining a large open space at the top section 314 of the rotor assembly 310, such that the forage can move through the comb- shaped protector 330 without further hindering of the movement thereof. In the proximal position illustrated in Figure 7 to 15, the top gate 350 is positioned with the blocking surface 353 closer (or proximate) to the rotor assembly 310, such that the blocking surface 353 defines a top gate restrained passage 354 peripherally of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310, along the material shredding path 304. In an embodiment, the top gate restrained passage 354 has a width ranging between 4 inches and 7 inches, defined between the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 10 and the blocking surface 353. In other words, in the proximal position, the open space above the top section 314 of the rotor assembly 310 is reduced and the forage consequently travels closer to the rotor assembly 310 and can therefore be processed to a shorter length by the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310.

[00106] In an embodiment, the top gate 350 is disengaged from the fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330 when positioned in the distal position and is engaged with the fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330 when positioned in the proximal position. In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal plate 352 has finger receiving slots 351 defined therein to receive a portion of the fingers 331 of the comb shaped protector 330, when the top gate 350 is positioned in the proximal position. In other words, in the embodiment shown, the top gate 350 is entangled with the fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330, when positioned in the proximal position. One Skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the top gate 350 can be free of finger receiving slots 351 . In such an embodiment, the longitudinal plate 352 of the top gate 350 can simply abut against the fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330 when the top gate 350 is positioned in the proximal position.

[00107] In the embodiment shown, the top gate 350 is pivotally mounted to the upper support 305 and is pivotable between the distal position and the proximal position. One skilled in the art will however understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the top gate 350 can be connected to the upper support differently than by a pivotal connection. For example and without being limitative, the top gate 350 can be slideably movable between the proximal and distal positions. In the embodiment shown, the top gate 350 is manually movable between the distal position and the proximal position, but one skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the top gate 350 can be automatically movable between the distal position and the proximal position, for example using hydraulic levers, electronic levers, or the like.

[00108] The barrier 340 (or counter blade assembly) is positioned downstream of the comb-shaped protector 330 and the top gate 350 along the material shredding path 304. In the embodiment shown, the barrier 340 is positioned above the rotor assembly 310, substantially aligned with a portion of the top section 314 thereof, along the longitudinal axis 90. In the embodiment shown, the barrier 340 includes a longitudinal plate 342 extending generally in the direction of the transversal axis 319 and defining a blocking surface 343 and a plurality of counter-knives 341 . In the embodiment shown, the counter-knives 341 project from the blocking surface 343. The counter-knives are disposed side by side and are spaced apart in the direction of the transversal axis 319 (see Figures 4, 8, 1 1 and 14).

[00109] The barrier 340 is selectively movable between an inactive position (see Figures 3 to 9) and an active position (see Figures 10 to 15). In the inactive position, better shown in Figures 3 to 9, the barrier 340 is positioned such that the blocking surface 343 and the counter-knives 341 are distal from the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310 and therefore do not cooperate therewith. In the active position, better shown in Figures 10 to 15, the barrier 340 is positioned such that the blocking surface 343 is closer (or proximate) to the rotor assembly 310 and the counter-knives 341 extend towards the rotor assembly 310 and cooperate with the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310 to further process the forage.

[00110] In more details, in the embodiment shown, when the barrier 340 is positioned in the inactive position, the barrier 340 and the counter-knives 341 extend away from the rotor assembly 310 and the knives 31 1 thereof (i.e. the counter-knives 341 are spaced apart from the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310 and do not overlap therewith), such that the forage can move therebetween without hindering of the movement thereof. However, when the barrier 340 is positioned in the active position, the blocking surface 343 of the barrier 340 is closer (or proximate) to the rotor assembly 310, such that the counter-knives 341 extend towards the rotor assembly 310, with at least a portion thereof overlapping with at least a portion of the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310. For example, in the embodiment shown, the counter-knives 341 extend within the slots defined between the knives 31 1 of the pairs of knives 316. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the counter-knives 341 could extend within the slots defined between the adjacent pairs of knives 316. In view of the above, in the active position the counter-knives 341 cooperate with the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310 to further process the forage. In the embodiment shown, the counter-knives 341 are substantially in register with the corresponding disks 318 (i.e. each counter-knife 341 is substantially aligned with a disk 318 of the rotor assembly 310 in the direction of the transversal axis 319).

[00111] The counter-knives 341 can thus be used to further process the baled forage and the strands that were cut to a first length under the shearing action of the fingers 331 and knives 31 1 , can thus be further cut in smaller strands (to a second length smaller than the first length), under the shearing action of the counter-knives 341 of the barrier 340 and the knives 31 1 .

[00112] As mentioned above, in the embodiment shown, the barrier 340 is positioned downstream of the comb-shaped protector 330 and therefore, when the barrier 340 is positioned in the active position, the section of the counter-knives

341 overlap with a section of the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310 downstream of the comb-shaped protector 330. One skilled in the art will however understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), when the barrier 340 is positioned in the active position, the counter-knives 341 could extend between adjacent fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330 (i.e. the counter-knives 341 could be substantially aligned with the comb-shaped protector 330 along the longitudinal axis 90).

[00113] In the embodiment shown, the barrier 340 includes the longitudinal plate

342 extending generally in the direction of the transversal axis 319 with transversal plates mounted to the longitudinal plate 342, along the blocking surface 343, and defining the counter-knives 341 . In the embodiment shown, the transversal plates are substantially "V" shaped or triangular plates. In an embodiment, the barrier 40 is made of sturdy material, such as metal or the like, with the transversal plates forming the counter-knives 341 being permanently mounted to the longitudinal plate, for example by welding, brazing, soldering or the like. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), other configurations could be provided for the barrier 340 while still allowing the barrier to perform as described above.

[00114] In the embodiment shown, the barrier 340 is pivotally mounted to the upper support 305 and is pivotable between the inactive position and the active position. One skilled in the art will however understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the barrier 340 can be connected to the upper support 305 differently than by a pivotal connection. For example and without being limitative, the barrier 340 can be slideably movable between the active and inactive positions. In the embodiment shown, the barrier 340 is manually movable between the inactive position and the active position, but one skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the barrier can be automatically movable between the inactive position and the active position, for example using hydraulic levers, electronic levers, or the like.

[00115] In an embodiment, the barrier 340 should be positioned in the active position only if the top gate 350 is positioned in the proximal position. In other words, the barrier 340 should not be positioned in the active position, when the top gate 350 is positioned in the distal position. In an embodiment, and as can be better seen in Figures 10 to 15, when the barrier 340 is positioned in the active position and the top gate 350 is positioned in the proximal position, the blocking surface 353 of the top gate 350 and the blocking surface 343 of the barrier 340 are adjacent and substantially evenly levelled and together define a substantially continuous surface that reduces the access space above the rotor assembly 310, along the material shredding path 304. The reduced space above the rotor assembly 310 and the action of the counter-knives 341 of the barrier 340 results in further processing of the forage, thereby producing shredded material of the above-mentioned second length, shorter than the first length resulting from the shearing action of the fingers 331 of the comb shaped protector 330 and knives 31 1 .

[00116] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, a recutter screen 360 can further be provided to maintain the forage closer to the rotor assembly 310, along the material discharge section 313, and therefore allow further processing of the cut strands of forage. The recutter screen 360 is positioned downstream of the barrier 340 along the material shredding path 304 and extends at a distance from the drum 17 of the rotor assembly 310, along the material discharge section 313 of the rotor assembly 310. The recutter screen 360 defines a constrained recutter screen passage 364 peripherally of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310 into which the forage is retained before flowing through the recutter screen 360. In an embodiment, the recutter screen restrained passage 354 as a width ranging between 4 inches and 5 inches defined between the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 10 and the recutter screen 360.

[00117] The recutter screen 360 includes an elongated plate 361 with through holes 362 defined therein, thereby allowing the strands of forage to flow through the through holes 362 and through the recutter screen 360, once they have reached a desired length. One skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions of the through holes 362 of the plate 361 can be defined according to a desired length of the strands of forage for the shredded material to be produced. In view of the above, it is understood that the recutter screen 360 allows the forage, previously cut by the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310 to be further processed, before flowing through the through holes 362 defined in plate 361 of the recutter screen 360 and flowing towards the spreading assembly 400 (shown in Figure 1 and 2). [00118] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the recutter screen 360 substantially conforms to the shape of the corresponding section of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310 (i.e. the profile of the plate 361 of the recutter screen 360 substantially matches the profile of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310). In the embodiment shown, the recutter screen 360 is removably mountable to the barrier 340, when the barrier 340 is positioned in the above-described active position. The recutter screen 360 extends downstream (or rearwardly) of top gate 350 and the barrier 340 along the material shredding path 304, thereby prolonging the above mentioned substantially continuous wall defined by the combination of the blocking surface 343 of the barrier 340 and the blocking surface 353 of the top gate 350 into the material discharge section 313 of the rotor assembly 310. As mentioned above, the recutter screen 360 covers at least the material discharge section 313 of the rotor assembly 310.

[00119] In an embodiment, the recutter screen 360 is slideably mountable to the barrier 340 without requiring any tools, for example by sliding a first end of the recutter screen 360 into a longitudinal track 344 extending along the barrier 340. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the recutter screen 360 could also be fastenable using removable fastening means, such as clips, for example by clipping or unclipping the recutter screen 360 to a longitudinal clip (not shown) extending along the barrier 340.

[00120] In view of the above, the bale shredding assembly 300 can be operated using different configurations. Each one of the configurations depend on the active or inactive position of the barrier 340, on the distal or proximal position of the top gate 350, and on the presence or absence of the recutter screen 360.

[00121] In a first configuration, illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, the bale shredding assembly 300 is configured with the fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330 extending across the material shredding path 304 and along at least a portion of the bale engagement section 312 of the rotor assembly 310, the top gate 350 positioned in the distal position, the barrier 340 positioned in the inactive position and the recutter screen 360 not being mounted to the barrier 340. This first configuration corresponds to the configuration where the least processing of the forage is performed by the bale shredding assembly 300 (i.e. the least cutting of the forage is performed by the shredding assembly 300, resulting in the strands of forage having the greatest length after being processed by the shredding assembly 300).

[00122] In a second configuration, illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, the bale shredding assembly 300 is configured with the fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330 extending across the material shredding path 304 and along at least a portion of the bale engagement section 312 of the rotor assembly 310, the top gate 350 positioned in the proximal position, the barrier 340 positioned in the inactive position and the recutter screen 360 not being mounted to the barrier 340. In this second configuration, a greater processing of the forage is performed by the bale shredding assembly 300, in comparison to the first configuration (i.e. a greater cutting of the forage is performed with regard to the first configuration, resulting in the strands of forage having a smaller length than that of the first configuration, after being processed by the shredding assembly 300).

[00123] In a third configuration, illustrated in Figures 10 to 12, the bale shredding assembly 300 is configured with the fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330 extending across the material shredding path 304 and along at least a portion of the bale engagement section 312 of the rotor assembly 310, the top gate 350 positioned in the proximal position, the barrier 340 positioned in the active position and the recutter screen 360 not being mounted to the barrier 340. In this third configuration, a greater processing of the baled forage is performed by the bale shredding assembly 300, in comparison to the second configuration (i.e. a greater cutting of the forage is performed with regard to the second configuration, resulting in the strands of forage having a smaller length than that of the second configuration, after being processed by the shredding assembly 300). [00124] In a fourth configuration, illustrated in Figures 13 to 15, the bale shredding assembly 300 is configured with the fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330 extending across the material shredding path 304 and along at least a portion of the bale engagement section 312 of the rotor assembly 310, the top gate 350 positioned in the proximal position, the barrier 340 positioned in the active position and the recutter screen 360 being mounted to the barrier 340 and extending along the material discharge section 313 of the rotor assembly 310. In this fourth configuration, a greater processing of the forage is performed by the bale shredding assembly 300, in comparison to the third configuration (i.e. a greater cutting of the forage is performed with regard to the third configuration, resulting in the strands of forage having a smaller length than that of the third configuration, after being processed by the shredding assembly 300).

[00125] The above described four different configurations (or stages) allow for processing the baled forage to produce shredded material of different lengths (decreasing from the first to the fourth configuration), as indicated in the table below which presents the estimated length of the baled forage after processing by the shredding assembly 300, according to each one of the configurations and the corresponding type of baled forage and which is provided herewith as exemplary data.

[00126] Referring back to Figures 3 to 16c, in the embodiment shown, the bale shredding assembly 300 further comprises a deflector wall 370 positioned above the rotor assembly 310, along the upper support 305. The deflector wall 370 extends along the transversal axis 319 and has a bale engaging surface 371 sized and shaped to promote the tumbling of the bales 20 within the housing 100. Such tumbling facilitates the flow of the bales 20 and improves the performance of the bale shredding assembly 300. The deflector wall 370 also promotes recirculation of the forage within the housing 100. In an embodiment, the bale engaging surface 371 of the deflector wall 370 has a concave configuration. In the embodiment shown, the bale engaging surface 371 of the deflector wall 370 has a substantially C-shaped surface oriented towards the bales 20 located in the housing 100 of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10. In an embodiment, the deflector wall 370 comprises a plurality of adjacent sections disposed in a concave configuration. In an embodiment, each one of the plurality of adjacent sections are substantially straight.

SPREADING ASSEMBLY

[00127] Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, in the embodiment shown, the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 comprises a spreading assembly 400 for blowing and spreading the shredded material processed by the bale shredding assembly 300, through the discharging outlet 1 1 1 . The spreading assembly 400 is located downstream of the bale shredding assembly 300 along the material shredding path 304. In more details, the forage flows towards the spreading assembly 400 along the material discharge section 313 of the rotor assembly 310 and is ejected from the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 by the spreading assembly 400. In an embodiment, the spreading assembly 400 includes a blowing device (not shown) operative to blow the shredded material through the discharging outlet 1 1 1 , thereby allowing the shredded material to be projected away from the apparatus 10.

CONTROL SYSTEM [00128] In an embodiment (not shown), the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 includes an electronic control system (or monitoring device) (not shown) operatively connected to the components of the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 and operative to control and/or synchronize the operation thereof. For example, in an embodiment, the electronic control system can be operative to control the position of the bale on the conveyor 200, with regard to the rotor assembly 310. For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment (not shown), the monitoring device can coordinate the operation of the conveyor 200 and the rotor assembly 310 of the bale shredding assembly 300, such that the bales 20 do not abut against the rotor assembly 310 before the rotor assembly 310 is brought in rotation and can perform processing the baled forage. In view of the above, in an embodiment, the control system can adjust the initial position of the bale 20, through control of the operation of the conveyor 200, to move the bales 20 in one of the forward or the rearward direction along the longitudinal axis 90. In an embodiment, the electronic control system can further control the speed of rotation of the rotor assembly 310.

[00129] As will be readily understood by one skilled in the art, the above-described components of the bale shredding assembly 300 allow prompt changes of the configurations thereof. In an embodiment, the change of configuration of the bale shredding assembly 300 can be performed in less than 60 seconds. In an embodiment, the change of configuration of the bale shredding assembly 300 can be performed in less than 15 seconds. In an embodiment, the change of configuration of the bale shredding assembly 300 between the four configurations or stages described above can be made without the use of tools. The shredding assembly can process different types of material, in different sizes, such as, for example haylage - from a substantially full length down to about 3 or 4 inches, and hay or straw - from a substantially full length down to about 1 inch.

METHOD OF OPERATION [00130] Now that the bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 has been described, a method of operating a bale shredding and spreading apparatus 10 for shredding baled forage is described below.

[00131] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of conveying a bale 20 of baled forage towards a bale shredding assembly 300 such as the one described above. The bale 20 is moved on a conveyor 200 (or conveying assembly) towards the bale shredding assembly 300, and the approaching surface of the bale 20 engages with the bale engagement section 312 of the rotor assembly 310. Referring to Figures 16a to 16c, the number and shape of the bales 20 being moved toward the shredding assembly 300 can vary in accordance with the embodiment. In an embodiment, a single bale is moved toward the shredding assembly 300. The bale can be rounded (see Figure 16a) or rectangular (see Figure 16c). In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of adjacent bales 20 are moved toward the shredding assembly 300. For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment, two adjacent rounded bales 20 can be moved toward the shredding assembly (see Figure 16b).

[00132] In an embodiment, the method includes controllably rotating the rotor assembly 310. In the embodiment shown, the rotor assembly 310 is rotated in a counter clockwise direction (i.e. in an upward motion relatively to the approaching bale) as shown by the arrow indicating the rotation direction 324 in Figures 3 to 15. In an embodiment, the rotation speed of the rotor assembly 310 can be controlled, to allow the shredding of the baled forage to a desired length and/or at a desired rate.

[00133] In an embodiment, the method comprises engaging the baled forage with the rotor assembly 310, along the bale engagement section 312 thereof. Such engagement occurs as the baled forage is engaged by the knives 31 1 mounted on the rotor assembly 310, as the rotor assembly 310 rotates. The method further comprises cutting the forage to a first length. In an embodiment, the step of cutting the forage to a first length is performed by shearing of the forage between the knives 31 1 and the fingers 331 of the comb-shaped protector 330.

[00134] In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of selectively moving a top gate 350 between the above described distal position and proximal position to define a top gate restrained passage 354 peripherally of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310, along the material shredding path 304. In an embodiment, such a step is performed before rotating the rotor assembly 310. As mentioned above, in the distal position, the top gate 350 is positioned with its blocking surface 353 distal from the top section 314 of the rotor assembly 310, to define a large open space at the top section 314 of the rotor assembly 310. In the proximal position, the top gate 350 is positioned with the blocking surface 353 closer to the rotor assembly 310, such that the open space above the top section 314 of the rotor assembly 310 is reduced and the baled forage consequently travels closer to the rotor assembly 310 and can be cut to a shorter length by the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310.

[00135] In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of moving a barrier 340 between an active position and an inactive position. As mentioned above, the barrier 340 comprises a plurality of counter-knives 341 and is positioned proximate to the top section 314 of the rotor assembly 310, downstream of the comb-shaped protector 330. In the inactive position, the barrier 340 is positioned such that its blocking surface 343 and the counter-knives 341 are distal from the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310 and therefore do not cooperate therewith. In the active position, the barrier 340 is positioned such that the blocking surface 343 is closer to the rotor assembly 310 and the counter-knives 341 extend towards the rotor assembly 310 and cooperate with the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310 to cut the baled forage to a shorter length by shearing of the baled forage between the knives 31 1 of the rotor assembly 310 and the counter-knives 341 of the barrier 340. [00136] In an embodiment, the method includes providing (or adding) a removable recutter screen 360 such as defined hereinabove. As mentioned above, the recutter screen 360 is positioned along the material discharge section 313 of the rotor assembly 310 and extends at a determined distance from the rotor assembly 310 to define a delimited recutter screen constrained passage peripherally of the drum 317 of the rotor assembly 310, along the material shredding path 304, into which the baled forage is trapped before flowing through apertures defined in the recutter screen 360.

[00137] In an embodiment, the method further comprises discharging the shredded material through a spreading assembly 400. In an embodiment, the spreading assembly 400 includes a blowing device and the shredded material is thus blown through the charging inlet 1 10 and projected away from the apparatus 10.

[00138] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person skilled in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A bale shredding assembly for shredding baled forage, the bale shredding assembly comprising: a rotor assembly including a drum extending along a transversal axis and a plurality of knives protruding outwardly from the drum, the rotor assembly having a bale engagement section upon which the knives engage the baled forage and a material discharge section downstream of the bale engagement section with respect to a material shredding path along which forage flow around the rotor assembly; a comb-shaped protector comprising a plurality of fingers spaced-apart along the transversal axis, the comb-shaped protector extending across the material shredding path and superposed to the drum of the rotor assembly along at least a portion of the bale engagement section thereof; a barrier positioned downstream of the comb-shaped protector along the material shredding path, the barrier including a blocking surface with a plurality of counter-knives projecting therefrom and spaced apart from one another along the transversal axis, the barrier being selectively movable between an inactive position where the counter-knives are spaced apart from the knives of the rotor assembly and an active position where at least a portion of the counter-knives overlap with at least a portion of the knives of the rotor assembly.

2. The bale shredding assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a top gate movable between a distal position and a proximal position, the top gate being positioned upstream of the barrier along the material shredding path and including a blocking surface, the blocking surface being positioned to define a top gate restrained passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position.

3. The bale shredding assembly of claim 2, wherein the top gate is disengaged from the fingers of the comb-shaped protector in the distal position and is engaged with the fingers of the comb-shaped protector when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position.

4. The bale shredding assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the blocking surface of the top gate and the blocking surface of the barrier are adjacent and substantially evenly levelled and together define a substantially continuous surface when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position and the barrier is positioned in the active position.

5. The bale shredding assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a removable recutter screen positioned downstream of the barrier along the material shredding path, the recutter screen including an elongated plate with through holes defined therein, the elongated plate extending at a distance from the drum of the rotor assembly, along at least a portion of the material discharge section thereof, and defining a constrained recutter screen passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path.

6. The bale shredding assembly of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the recutter screen substantially conforms to the shape of the corresponding section of the drum of the rotor assembly.

7. The bale shredding assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein the recutter screen is removably mountable to the barrier, when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

8. The bale shredding assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a deflector wall positioned above the rotor assembly, the deflector wall having a bale engaging surface sized and shaped to promote tumbling of the bale during operation of the bale shredding assembly.

9. The bale shredding assembly of claim 8, wherein the bale engaging surface of the deflector wall has a concave configuration.

10. The bale shredding assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rotor assembly comprises at least about 100 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

1 1 . The bale shredding assembly of claim 10, wherein the rotor assembly comprises between about 100 knives and about 400 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

12. The bale shredding assembly of claim 1 1 , wherein the rotor assembly comprises between about 200 knives and about 300 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

13. The bale shredding assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least some of the knives extend radially from the drum.

14. The bale shredding assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the knives extend radially from the drum.

15. The bale shredding assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the knives are grouped in pairs, each pair of knives defining a slot between the knives thereof.

16. The bale shredding assembly of claim 15, wherein the distance between two knives of a pair of knives ranges between about ¼ inch and about 1 inch.

17. The bale shredding assembly of claim 15 or 16, wherein the distance between two adjacent pairs of knives ranges between about 1 inch and about 3 inches.

18. The bale shredding assembly of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the counter-knives of the barrier extend into the slots defined between the knives of the pairs of knives, when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

19. The bale shredding assembly of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the rotor assembly comprises a plurality of disks mounted on the drum and spaced apart from one another along the transversal axis, the knives being mounted on the disks.

20. The bale shredding assembly of claim 19, wherein each one of the plurality of disks has side surfaces and each pair of knives is formed by corresponding knives being mounted on opposed side surfaces of one of the disks.

21 . The bale shredding assembly of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the fingers of the comb-shaped assembly each include a section which substantially conform to the shape of the corresponding section of the drum of the rotor assembly.

22. A bale shredding and spreading apparatus comprising: a housing having a charging inlet for receiving baled forage and a discharging outlet for distributing shredded material, the shredded material resulting from the processing of the baled forage; a conveyor for transporting the baled forage from the charging inlet to a bale shredding assembly, the bale shredding assembly comprising: a rotor assembly including a drum extending along a transversal axis and at least about 100 knives protruding outwardly from the drum, the rotor assembly having a bale engagement section upon which the knives engage the bale, a material discharge section downstream of the bale engagement section with respect to a material shredding path along which forage flow around the rotor assembly and a top section positioned between the bale engagement section and the material discharge section, along the material shredding path; a comb-shaped protector comprising a plurality of fingers spaced- apart along the transversal axis, the comb-shaped protector extending above the rotor assembly, across the material shredding path, and over the drum of the rotor assembly along at least a portion of the bale engagement section thereof; a spreading assembly positioned downstream of the bale shredding assembly along the material shredding path, for blowing and spreading the shredded material from the bale shredding assembly through the discharging outlet.

23. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 22, wherein the shredding assembly further comprises a barrier positioned above the rotor assembly and substantially aligned with the top section thereof, the barrier including a blocking surface with a plurality of counter-knives projecting therefrom and spaced apart from one another along the transversal axis, the barrier being selectively movable between an inactive position and an active position with the counter-knives cooperating with the knives of the rotor assembly to further process the shredded material when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

24. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 23, wherein the shredding assembly further comprises a top gate movable between a distal position and a proximal position, the top gate being positioned above the rotor assembly, upstream of the barrier along the material shredding path, and including a blocking surface defining a top gate restrained passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path, when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position.

25. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 24, wherein the top gate is disengaged from the fingers of the comb-shaped protector in the distal position and is engaged with the fingers of the comb-shaped protector when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position.

26. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 24 or 25, wherein the blocking surface of the top gate and the blocking surface of the barrier are adjacent and substantially evenly levelled and together define a substantially continuous surface when the top gate is positioned in the proximal position and the barrier is positioned in the active position.

27. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the shredding assembly further comprises a removable recutter screen including an elongated plate with through holes defined therein, the elongated plate extending at a distance from the drum of the rotor assembly, along at least a portion of the material discharge section thereof, and defining a constrained recutter screen passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path.

28. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the recutter screen substantially conforms to the shape of the corresponding section of the drum of the rotor assembly.

29. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 27 or 28, wherein the recutter screen is removably mountable to the barrier, when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

30. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the shredding assembly further comprises a deflector wall positioned above the rotor assembly, the deflector wall having a bale engaging surface sized and shaped to promote tumbling of the bale during operation of the bale shredding assembly.

31 . The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 30, wherein the bale engaging surface of the deflector wall has a concave configuration.

32. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 31 , wherein the rotor assembly comprises between about 100 knives and about 400 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

33. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 32, wherein the rotor assembly comprises between about 200 knives and about 300 knives protruding outwardly from the drum.

34. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein at least some of the knives extend radially from the drum.

35. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein the knives extend radially from the drum.

36. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 35, wherein the knives are grouped in pairs, each pair of knives defining a slot between the knives thereof.

37. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 36, wherein the distance between two knives of a pair of knives ranges between about ¼ inch and about 1 inch.

38. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 36 or 37, wherein the distance between two adjacent pairs of knives ranges between about 1 inch and about 3 inches.

39. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the counter-knives of the barrier extend into the slots defined between the knives of the pairs of knives, when the barrier is positioned in the active position.

40. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 39, wherein the rotor assembly comprises a plurality of disks mounted on the drum and spaced apart from one another along the transversal axis, the knives being mounted on the disks.

41 . The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of claim 40, wherein each one of the plurality of disks has side surfaces and each pair of knives is formed by corresponding knives being mounted on opposed side surfaces of one of the disks.

42. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 41 , wherein the fingers of the comb-shaped assembly each include a section which substantially conform to the shape of the corresponding section of the drum of the rotor assembly.

43. The bale shredding and spreading apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 42, wherein the spreading assembly comprises a blowing device.

44. A method of operating a bale shredding and spreading apparatus for shredding baled forage, the method comprising the steps of: conveying the baled forage toward a bale shredding assembly, the bale shredding assembly comprising:

a rotor assembly including a drum and a plurality of knives protruding outwardly therefrom, the rotor assembly having a bale engagement section upon which the knives engage the baled forage and a material discharge section downstream of the bale engagement section with respect to a material shredding path along which forage flow around the rotor assembly; and a comb-shaped protector comprising a plurality of spaced-apart fingers, the comb-shaped protector extending across the material shredding path and superposed to the drum of the rotor assembly along at least a portion of the bale engagement section thereof; controllably rotating the rotor assembly; engaging the baled forage at the bale engagement section of the rotor assembly and cutting the forage to a first length by shearing of the forage between the knives and the fingers of the comb-shaped protector; and selectively positioning a barrier between an active position and an inactive position to further cut the forage, the barrier comprising a plurality of counter-knives cooperating with the knives of the rotor assembly to cut the forage to a second length shorter than the first length by shearing of the forage between the knives of the rotor assembly and the counter-knives of the barrier.

45. The method of claim 44 further comprising the step of discharging the forage through a discharging inlet of a spreading assembly.

46. The method of claim 44 or 45, wherein the bale shredding assembly comprises a top gate and the method further comprises the step of selectively moving the top gate from a distal position to a proximal position to define a top gate restrained passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path.

47. The method of any one of claims 44 to 46, further comprising the step of mounting a recutter screen to the barrier positioned in the active position, to define a constrained recutter screen passage peripherally of the drum of the rotor assembly along the material shredding path.

48. The method of any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein at least some of the knives extend radially from the drum.

49. The method of any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the knives extend radially from the drum.