WO2020245577A1

WO2020245577A1 - Bale handling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2020245577A1
Application number: PCT/GB2020/051334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Hughes
Original assignee: Spread-A-Bale Limited
Priority date: 2019-06-03
Filing date: 2020-06-03
Publication date: 2020-12-10
Also published as: EP3976262A1; GB201907844D0

Abstract

A bale handling apparatus having a frame which retains a bale of material in a manner providing for longitudinal movement of the bale from an entry end of the frame to a spreader head located at an exit end, the apparatus comprises serially-connected loading, weighing and spreading modules, each of which has a supporting surface which is movable to permit movement of the bale in a longitudinal direction from one module to the next wherein: the loading module has a loading platform onto which bales may be introduced to the apparatus; the weighing module includes a weighing device to establish the mass of a bale and the supporting surface of spreading module moves under the operation of a motor thereby to drive the bale to and through the spreader head.

Description

BALE HANDLING APPARATUS

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bale-handling apparatus used to shred or otherwise morcelate elements of a package of material, typically known as a bale. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns ...

Background to the Invention

The use of such apparatus is known in agriculture, for example, for the spreading of straw, hay or other natural botanical material which are formed into bales. Examples of such apparatus are known from EP944300, FR2765773, ETS2006/086849 and WO2013108005.

Some embodiments of such apparatus are constructed in a manner that enables their mounting to a tractor or other agricultural vehicle via an extended, hydraulically- operated arm, known as a loader.

Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate any one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bale handling apparatus which is adapted to handle bales of waste material in a flexible manner and to acquire data relating to the material handled.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a bale handling apparatus having a frame which retains a bale of material in a manner providing for longitudinal movement of the bale from an entry end of the frame to a spreader head located at an exit end, the apparatus comprising serially-connected loading, weighing and spreading modules, each of which has a supporting surface which is movable to permit movement of the bale in a longitudinal direction from one module to the next wherein: the loading module has a loading platform onto which bales may be introduced to the apparatus; the weighing module includes a weighing device to establish the mass of a bale and the supporting surface of spreading module moves under the operation of a motor thereby to drive the bale to and through the spreader head.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a bale handling apparatus having a frame with an entry end and an exit end, a spreader head located at the exit end, at least one translation assembly associated with the frame providing for movement of the bale in a longitudinal direction from the entry end of the frame to the spreader head located at an exit end, serially-connected loading, weighing and spreading modules, each of which has a supporting surface which is movable to permit movement of the bale in the longitudinal direction from one module to the next wherein: the loading module has at least one loading element onto which bales are introduced to the apparatus; the weighing module includes a weighing device to establish the mass of a bale and the spreading module includes a supporting surface associated with a drive configured to move the supporting surface thereby to drive the bale to and through the spreader head.

Providing a bale handling apparatus serially-connected loading, weighing and spreading modules, each of which has a supporting surface which is movable to permit movement of the bale in a longitudinal direction from one module to the next

The loading module may comprise a plurality of supporting surfaces.

The supporting surfaces of the loading module may be provided by a plurality of rollers which extend laterally to the longitudinal direction and are journalled for rotation relative to the frame.

The weighing module may comprise a plurality of support surfaces located at substantially the same height as the support surfaces of the loading module.

The weighing module may comprise weighing scales having upper and lower relatively displaceable parts.

The support surfaces may be mounted to the upper part of the scales.

A lower part of the scales may be mounted to the frame. The support surface of the spreading module may be provided by a conveyor belt which is operable by a motor to urge a bale located upon it towards the spreader head.

The conveyor belt me be supported by a plurality of laterally-extending rollers located within the belt and journalled for rotation relative to the frame.

The frame of the apparatus is preferably a main chassis relative to which the components of the apparatus are mounted.

The frame typically includes at least a pair of elongate side beams or rails. Any configuration of beam or rail may be used.

Each of the elongate side beams or rails preferably has a planar lower surface. This will configure the elongate side beams or rails for use as feet to rest on the ground surface and support the apparatus. This will preferably give the apparatus a sled configuration and spread the load of the apparatus.

An upper side of the elongate side beams or rails will typically be spaced from the planar lower surface. This will preferably define a space or volume between the elongate side beams or rails.

An internal floor of the apparatus (which supports the bale) will preferably be positioned at approximately the same level as the upper side of the elongate side beams or rails.

One or more transverse beams will typically be provided to space the elongate side beams or rails apart.

The elongate side beams or rails and/or the one or more transverse beams are preferably metal. An appropriate attachment mechanism is used to attach the beams in the frame together.

A spreader chamber or box may be provided relative to the frame. The spreader chamber or box preferably at least partially defines an internal volume into which one or more bales are received. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber will typically have a pair of upstanding side walls, and a base (in each of the loading, weighing and spreading modules) with the exit side closed by the spreader head. The spreader chamber will typically have an open top.

The base wall of the spreader chamber in the spreader module may be substantially defined by a conveyor. In this form, the conveyor will preferably extend across the width of the internal volume and the length of the internal volume of the spreader module. The conveyor may be a belt.

In an alternative embodiment, a fixed, substantially solid base wall may be provided in the spreader module. The conveyer may be a chain conveyor.

The base wall may be located substantially transversely relative to the upstanding side walls. The base wall will typically be spaced above a lower plane of the apparatus, which is preferably defined by a lower edge of the frame. This configuration will preferably provide clearance beneath the underside of the base wall, above the lower plane of the apparatus.

The spreader head may be fixed or movable relative to the frame and/or the spreader chamber. If the spreader head is fixed, then provision will normally be made elsewhere in the spreader chamber to allow one or more bales to be loaded into the spreader chamber. This is typically accomplished for example by providing an open entry end or a rear wall as a movable wall.

Generally, the base wall and upstanding side walls of the spreader chamber will define a substantially U-shaped profile.

If the rear wall is a movable rear wall, it is preferred that the rear wall pivots about a lower side edge to form a ramp to allow loading of at least one bale into the spreader chamber from an end of the chamber opposite to spreader head. In one configuration, it is preferred that the ramp is a substantially planar member. Typically, the ramp/rear wall will extend across the width of the spreader chamber. Preferably, the lower end of the ramp/rear wall is substantially coplanar with the base wall of the spreader chamber and when lowered, will preferably angle downwardly.

The pivoting rear wall is simply one preferred embodiment of providing a movable rear wall and other configurations of movable rear wall may be provided, if preferred or no rear wall may be provided. The spreader head preferably comprises one or more vertically mounted rotatable shafts, a series of blades being mounted on at least one of said shafts.

Optionally no more than two blades are provided in any line of circumference on the shaft. In other words, more than one blade is preferably provided but preferably there are no more than two blades which are radially aligned in any single plane. If four blades are provided, they would all be offset radially or two blades would be aligned in one radial plane and the other two blades would be aligned in another radial plane. If more blades were provided, then they could all be offset from one another or provided in pairs aligned in a radial plane with each pair of set. In an embodiment, 12 blades are provided mounted on at least one of said shafts.

Preferably, laterally adjacent blades will be radially offset from one another.

Optionally a pair of blades are provided as the respective opposite tips of an elongate member extending around and from opposite sides of the shaft.

Optionally blades are spaced apart along the shaft. In one embodiment, the blades are evenly spaced apart on the shaft.

Optionally adjacent blades are spaced apart along the shaft by 10 cm to 20cm. In one embodiment this distance is 15cm.

Optionally the tips of the blades are spaced apart from the centre of the shaft by a length between 10 cm and 60 cm. In one embodiment this distance is 30cm. Depending upon the height of the apparatus and/or the height of the bale, the or each shaft mounting the blades may be movable laterally during spreading. Preferably, the or each haft may be driven laterally. Any movement of the or each shaft relative to which the blades are mounted will typically be linear. Preferably, the movement of the shaft will reciprocate.

Optionally the blades are each set at 45° to an adjacent blade on the same shaft.

Optionally the blades are arranged such that a blade tip is provided every 45° around the same shaft, when viewed along the same shaft.

Optionally one motor drives rotation of a single shaft and all of the blades mounted relative to the shaft. Each of the blades may be mounted relative to the or each shaft through provision of a rotor arm. Each rotor arm is preferably located on the or each rotatable shaft. The rotor arms are preferably planar. The rotor arms preferably extend on each side of the or each rotatable shaft approximately equally. A substantially central aperture through which the rotatable shaft extends is preferably provided through the rotor arm.

Each free end of each rotor arm is provided with or forms a blade for shredding the bales. The blade may be formed separately and attached relative to the free end of the rotor arm.

Each blade will preferably be shaped to optimise the breakup of the bale. Each blade will preferably be elongate. Each blade will preferably have a planar forward edge and a planar rear edge (in the direction of rotation). The tip of each blade will preferably be arcuate. In a preferred form, the tip will curve toward the root of the blade, rearwardly (relative to the direction of rotation).

The blade may be twisted or shaped relative to the direction of rotation.

The spreader head comprises one or more vertically mounted rotatable shafts, a series of blades being mounted on at least one of said shafts. In an embodiment, a pair of spaced apart shafts are provided.

The apparatus will preferably include at least one translation assembly associated with the frame providing for movement of the bale in a longitudinal direction from the entry end of the frame to the spreader head located at an exit end.

The configuration of the at least one translation assembly may differ in the serially-connected loading, weighing and spreading modules. Each of the loading, weighing and spreading modules preferably has a supporting surface which is movable to permit movement of the bale in the longitudinal direction from one module to the next.

The loading module may include a translation assembly comprising at least one roller oriented transversely across the width of the chamber. Typically, a plurality or parallel rollers is provided. The plurality or parallel rollers are preferably spaced apart. An upper surface of the plurality or parallel rollers is preferably coplanar. The weighing module may include a translation assembly comprising at least one roller oriented transversely across the width of the chamber. Typically, a plurality or parallel rollers is provided. The plurality or parallel rollers are preferably spaced apart. An upper surface of the plurality or parallel rollers is preferably coplanar.

Any one or more of the rollers provided in the loading module may be driven.

Any one or more of the rollers provided in the weighing module may be driven.

The spreading module may include a translation assembly comprising a conveyor belt.

The spreading module may include a translation assembly comprising one or more bale chain drives. Preferably, more than one bale chain drive will be provided. Preferably, each of the bale chain drives is provided in the form of an endless chain with one or more engagement teeth extending upwardly from the chain within the spreading module of the spreader chamber.

In this configuration, a solid base wall of the spreader chamber will typically be provided with an elongate opening for each of the bale chain drives so that the engagement teeth can extend above the level of the base wall over a working length during rotation of the chain so that the engagement teeth of the chain engage a bale and drive the bale through the spreader module, toward the spreader head.

Where one or more bale chain drives are provided, is preferred that each of the blades of the spreader head are offset from each the bale chain drives.

The rotating blades of the spreader head will preferably extend rearwardly into the volume of the spreading module of the of the spreader chamber from a forward end of the spreading module of the spreader chamber, during rotation. The blades may extend further rearwardly than a forward end of the translation assembly. In this configuration, the blades of the spreader head can begin breaking up the bale and dispersing the bale from a portion of the bale behind the forward end of the translation assembly. Any number of bale chain drives may be provided. In a preferred configuration, at least two bale chain drives are provided, one on either lateral side of the longitudinal midline of the spreader chamber.

More than two bale chain drives may be provided depending upon parameters such as the configuration of the spreader chamber, the size of the spreader chamber, the type of bale to be spread and the like.

As mentioned above, each of the bale chain drives will typically extend longitudinally over at least a portion of the length of the spreading module of the spreader chamber. Preferably, the forward end of the bale chain drives will be located in front of the rearmost part of the rotating blades of the spreader head. Preferably the rear end of the bale chain drives will be located adjacent to and closely spaced from the entry end of the spreading module.

If the spreader is provided with one or more bale drive chains, then a cowl (if provided) may be fixed (or provided as a part of, or aligned with, the base wall) with the one or more bale drive chains turning about a forward cog or sprocket preferably located behind the cowl.

The chain part of the respective bale drive chains will preferably be mounted below the level of the base wall, so that only a portion of each of the engagement teeth mounted relative to the chain extend above the upper surface of the base wall. At the extremities of the preferred endless chain loop, the chain will preferably extend about the cog or sprocket, and the return portion of the chain would then typically extend beneath the cog or sprocket and under the base wall in space provided beneath the base wall and above the lower plane of the apparatus.

Each of the endless chains of a bale chain drive will preferably be mounted for rotation relative to at least two cogs or sprockets. Preferably, each of the cogs or sprockets will be provided with a number of teeth to engage the chain of the bale chain drive and drive rotation of the chain. In a preferred form, one of the cogs or sprockets will be a drive cog or sprocket on the other will be free rotating cog or sprocket which rotates due to the rotation of the drive cog or sprocket and being linked by the preferred endless chain. In some embodiments, both or more than one of the cogs or sprockets associated with a single bale drive chain may be a drive cog or sprocket.

Typically, a cog or sprocket is provided a forward end of each bale chain drive and a cog or sprocket is provided at the rear end of each bale chain drive. A cog or sprocket is provided a forward end of the spreader chamber and a cog or sprocket is provided at the rear end of the spreader chamber.

The cogs or sprockets will preferably be provided in number of sets, with the cogs or sprockets of each set mounted relative to a single shaft. Rotation of the shaft will preferably rotate each of the cogs or sprockets in a particular set or vice versa. The number of cogs or sprockets in a set will preferably correspond to the number of bale chain drives provided.

Each of the bale chain drives can be driven in a forward and a reverse direction, as chosen by an operator. All of the bale chain drives of an apparatus are typically driven in the same direction and at the same speed to stop skewing of the bale as it is driven forward.

The forward end of the floor of the spreading module of the spreader chamber and/or the cowl may be mounted for pivotal movement up and down. The drive device such as a ram for example, may be provided attached to one end of one or more mounting arms which is/are mounted in over centre configuration relative to a shaft with an opposite end of the one or more mounting arms associated with a portion of the floor and/or the cowl. Raising and lowering the forward end of the floor and/or cowl can be undertaken to adjust the angle at which the material from the bale leaves the forward end of the apparatus.

Each shaft of the spreader head is typically driven by a drive motor. The or each drive motor is preferably mounted relative to the spreader head.

One or more shafts associated with the conveyor belt and/or the bale chain drives is typically driven by a drive motor.

It is preferred that any drive motor provided on the apparatus is mounted relative to one of the side walls of the chamber or the spreader head, relative to an outer surface of the side wall. The drive motors may be connected to a hydraulic circuit.

Where a drive motor is provided, the drive motor is typically provided with a drive cog or sprocket. A toothed belt may be provided to connect the drive cog or sprocket with a cog or sprocket associated with at least one end of shaft.

In one preferred embodiment, the rear shaft associated with the bale chain drives is a driveshaft rotated by a drive motor. A shaft associated with the bale chain drives at a forward end may be provided with a drive cog or sprocket linked to a drive cog or sprocket associated with at least one end of shaft of the spreader head, for example, with a toothed belt.

In one configuration, the drive motor which drives the bale chain drives can also drive rotation of the shaft of the spreader head. This configuration will normally be geared appropriately to optimise the speed of advance of the bale with the rotation speed of the spreader shaft.

In a preferred embodiment, one drive motor may be provided to drive the conveyor belt and/or bale chain drives and a second drive motor may be provided to drive rotation of the shaft of the spreader head.

The spreader head of the apparatus may be movable. In one preferred form, the spreader head is provided with a generally rectangular external frame, of a dimension which is substantially the same as the spreader chamber. The or each shaft is typically mounted substantially vertically across the generally rectangular frame with the spreader blades mounted relative to the shaft.

A pair of mounting arms which extend rearwardly of the frame are each typically mounted relative to the pivot and upper area of the apparatus. One or more rooms are preferably provided to lift and lower the spreader head by driving the mounting arms up and down. In this configuration, the spreader head is typically lifted to load a bale and the lifting will typically move the entire spreader head out of the way of a forward end of the spreader chamber so that it can be loaded into the spreader chamber.

Typically, the blades will break up the bale and disperse the broken up bale from the apparatus. The apparatus also preferably includes serially-connected loading, weighing and spreading modules. Each of the loading, weighing and spreading modules has a supporting surface which is movable to permit movement of the bale in the longitudinal direction from one module to the next. Typically, the supporting surface will also be formed by a part of the translation assembly provided in the respective loading, weighing and spreading modules.

The weighing module includes a weighing device to establish the mass of a bale. The weighing module preferably includes a lower support and relatively displaceable upper parts interconnected by a resilient connector. A weighing device or mechanism is associated with the upper and/or lower part to ascertain the weight of a bale. When the weight of a bale bears upon upper part, the weight of the preferably causes the resilient connector to permit a relative displacement of the upper part relative to the lower support with the size of the displacement corresponding with a weight on the scales.

The lower support of the weighing scales is typically mounted to the frame. The supporting surface or preferred rollers are preferably substantially fixedly connected to a pair of end plates (at the sides of the apparatus) and/or a base plate.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bale-handling apparatus according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section on II- II in Figure 6 through the apparatus of

Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a detail of the loading module of an embodiment.

Figure 4A is an isometric view of the weighing module of an embodiment with the lateral spars removed.

Figure 4B is a schematic side view of the weighing scales of an embodiment. Figure 5 is a detail of the spreading module of an embodiment

Figure 6 is an end view at the exit end of the apparatus of Figure 2.

Referring now to Figure 1, a bale-handling apparatus is illustrated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus is used to handle and shred, or morcelate aggregated bundles, for example to make them ready for incineration. The bales of waste may comprise, for example, crushed plastics waste goods.

The handling apparatus has a frame 10 which, in the present embodiment, has a generally elongate and box-like configuration. The function of the frame 10 is to retain a bale of material (not shown) within the apparatus. When retained in the frame 10, the apparatus is configured to enable longitudinal movement of the bale from an entry end of the frame 12 to a spreader head 20 located at an exit end 14.

During operation, a bale will therefore travel along the apparatus in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 1. The apparatus comprises serially-connected loading, weighing and spreading modules 30, 40, 50 respectively. Each of the modules therefore provides a respective part of the box-like exterior of the frame 10 to retain the bale within the apparatus. Movement of the bale along the apparatus in the longitudinal direction from one module to the next in the direction of arrow A is facilitated by the provision, within each of the modules 30, 40, 50, of a supporting surface which is movable.

Referring to Figure 2, in the present embodiment the loading and weighing modules 30, 40 have a plurality of supporting surfaces in the form of an array of rollers 32, 42 respectively which extend laterally with respect to the length of the apparatus (i.e. to arrow A) and are journalled relative to the frame at their ends; the upper surfaces of the rollers which, in operation, contact the bales therefore are moveable in a generally tangential manner to provide for motion of the bale in the longitudinal direction. The journalling of the rollers 32, 42 relative to the frame 10 ensures that the rollers 32, 42 can both support the bale relative to the respective part of the frame 10 and enable movement of the bale along the frame and thus can perform the function of support surfaces. Referring additionally to Figure 3, in the case of the loading module 30, the array of rollers 32 providing the support surfaces 32 are mounted within a sub-frame 34 having two end plates 36 to which the rollers 32 are journalled, interconnected by lateral spars 38. The sub-frame 34 is then mounted to the frame 10 by the end plates 36. The support surfaces 32 of the loading module provided by the rollers 32 further cooperate to serve as a loading platform onto which a bale may be placed when it is loaded into the apparatus.

Referring additionally to Figure 4A, the weighing module has a plurality of support surfaces which are located at substantially the same vertical height as the support surfaces 32 of the loading module. In this way a bale can be urged‘manually’ (typically by a fork lift truck) from the loading module onto the weighing module merely by means of the application of a sideways force. In the present embodiment the support surfaces of the weighing module are provided by an array of laterally-extending rollers 42. The support surfaces of the weighing module are mounted within a sub- frame 44. The sub-frame 44 comprises (as with subframe 34) end plates 46 and the rollers 42 providing the support surfaces are journalled for rotation relative to the end plates.

The end plates are, in turn, mounted upon a base plate 48 and the base plate 48 is mounted to the top of a weighing device. In the present embodiment has the form of weighing scales 400. Referring to Figure 4B, the weighing scales 400 are illustrated schematically and have upper and lower relatively displaceable parts 402, 404, interconnected by a resilient connector 406. When the weight of a bale bears upon upper part 402 the weight of the bale (not shown) causes the resilient connector 406 to permit a relative displacement of the two parts 402, 404 with the size of the displacement corresponding with a weight on the scales 400. Accordingly, the lower part 404 of the weighing scales mounted to the base 40B of the module 40 via bolts 60 (best illustrated in Figure 2). Thus the supporting rollers 42 are substantially fixedly connected to upper part 402 of the scales 400 by means of the end plates 46 and base plate 48, whilst the lower part of the scales 400 is substantially fixedly connected to the frame 10 by means of bolts 60 engaging the base 40B and the upper and lower parts 402, 404 of the scales 400 are therefore free to undergo relative displacement and, thereby, measurement of the weight of the bale by the scales 400.

Referring now additionally to Figures 5 and 6, the support surface of the spreading module 50 is provided by a continuous belt 52. The upper surface of the belt 52 extends from the exit end of the weighing module to the exit end of the apparatus, adjacent the spreader head 20.

The belt 52 is, in turn, supported by an array of rollers 54 which are located within the continuity of the belt 52, extend laterally with respect to the length of the apparatus and are journalled at their ends for rotation relative to the frame 10. The spreading module 50 additionally includes a drive roller 150 within its continuity which is located at the exit end of the support surface 52, adjacent the spreader head 20. The drive roller 150 operates to cause movement of the belt 52 in a direction such that a bale located on its upper surface is driven towards and then through the spreader head 20. A tensioning roller 152 is located distally of the drive roller 150 within the continuity of the belt 52 to tension the belt. The drive roller 150 is powered by a motor 154. In the present embodiment the motor 154 is electrically-powered; alternative power sources may be used, such as hydraulic power sources. The assembly of the belt 52, support rollers 54 and drive and tensioning rollers 150, 152 are provided on a sub- frame 56, comprising mutually opposing side plates 58 and which is in turn mounted to the part of the frame 10 providing the weighing module 50.

Referring to Figure 6, the spreader head 20 comprises a pair of vertical shafts 112 journalled for rotation relative to the frame and to which are mounted a plurality of laterally extending slicing tines 114. Rotation of the shafts is powered by motors 116. As a bale is forced through the spreader head by motion of the support surface in the form of the belt 52 the rotation of the tines operates to morcelate the bale into small pieces and spread the resulting, shredded bale.

In use, a bale is first placed on the loading platform provided by the loading module 30. It is often likely that this‘placing’ will involve the possibility of the bale being roughly placed or even dropped onto the loading platform provided by the support surfaces 32. The function of the loading module 30 is therefore to provide a robust loading platform onto which bales may be placed which then easily permits sideways motion of the bale onto the weighing module which avoids damage to the scales 400 of the weighing module - which might otherwise be damaged by relatively rough impacts. After placing on the loading platform, the bale is then‘manually’ (i.e. most likely by fork lift truck forks, for example) urged along the frame, facilitated by the moving support surfaces provided by the rollers 32, onto the weighing module. A bale on the weighing module which has been weighed is then urged along the frame onto the belt 52 by a further bale pushed laterally onto the weighing platform from the loading platform.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bale handling apparatus having a frame which retains a bale of material in a manner providing for longitudinal movement of the bale from an entry end of the frame to a spreader head located at an exit end, the apparatus comprising serially-connected loading, weighing and spreading modules, each of which has a supporting surface which is movable to permit movement of the bale in a longitudinal direction from one module to the next wherein: the loading module has a loading platform onto which bales may be introduced to the apparatus; the weighing module includes a weighing device to establish the mass of a bale and the supporting surface of spreading module moves under the operation of a motor thereby to drive the bale to and through the spreader head.

2. A bale handling apparatus having a frame with an entry end and an exit end, a spreader head located at the exit end, at least one translation assembly associated with the frame providing for movement of the bale in a longitudinal direction from the entry end of the frame to the spreader head located at an exit end, serially-connected loading, weighing and spreading modules, each of which has a supporting surface which is movable to permit movement of the bale in the longitudinal direction from one module to the next wherein: the loading module has at least one loading element onto which bales are introduced to the apparatus; the weighing module includes a weighing device to establish the mass of a bale and the spreading module includes a supporting surface associated with a drive configured to move the supporting surface thereby to drive the bale to and through the spreader head.

3. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the loading module comprises a plurality of supporting surfaces.

4. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the supporting surfaces of the loading module are provided by a plurality of rollers which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction.

5. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the plurality of rollers are journalled for rotation relative to the frame.

6. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein at least one of the plurality of rollers is a driven roller.

7. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the weighing module comprises a plurality of support surfaces located at substantially the same height as the support surfaces of the loading module.

8. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the weighing module comprises weighing scales having upper and lower relatively displaceable parts.

9. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the support surfaces are mounted to the upper part of the weighing scales.

10. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the lower part of the weighing scales is mounted to the frame.

11. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the supporting surfaces of the weighing module are provided by a plurality of rollers which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction.

12. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the plurality of rollers are journalled for rotation relative to the frame.

13. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of claims 11 or claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of rollers is a driven roller.

14. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support surface of the spreading module is provided by a conveyor belt which is operable by a motor to urge a bale located upon it towards the spreader head.

15. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the conveyor belt is supported by a plurality of laterally-extending rollers located within the belt and journalled for rotation relative to the frame.

16. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the support surface of the spreading module is provided by solid base wall having at least one longitudinally extending opening therein and at least one chain drive having a one or more engagement teeth extending upwardly from the chain within the spreading module and which is operable by a drive to urge a bale located at least partially in the spreading module towards the spreader head.

17. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spreader head comprises one or more vertically mounted rotatable shafts, and a series of blades being mounted on at least one of said shafts.

18. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the series of blades is provided in pairs of two blades with the blades of each pair radially aligned in a single plane and the pairs spaced over the length of the at least one shaft.

19. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 18 wherein 12 pairs of blades are provided mounted on at least one of said shafts.

20. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein laterally adjacent blades will be radially offset from one another.

21. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein a pair of spaced apart shafts is provided.

22. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 21 wherein each blade is elongate with a planar forward edge and a planar rear edge.

23. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein each blade has an arcuate blade tip curving rearwardly toward a root of the blade.

24. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 23 wherein at least some of the blades is twisted or shaped relative to the direction of rotation.