A bale unroller apparatus for distributing hay includes a frame configured to be coupled to a hitch of a tractor. A motor is coupled to the frame and rotates a driveshaft. A bale plate is coupled to the driveshaft and at least one bale spear is coupled to the bale plate. The bale spears are configured to support a hay bale. An extension arm is coupled to the frame and a rake is coupled to the extension arm. The rake has a plurality of tines extending towards the bale spears. As the motor rotates the bale plate the hay bale unrolls while the rake breaks apart the hay.

An automatic net wrap remover is shown and described. The automatic net wrap remover includes a housing constructed of a base and a plurality of sidewalls. The housing has an interior volume. The base supports a belt system that will support a round hay bale and help to rotate the bale. A spindle is attached to the top of one of the plurality of sidewalls that will engage the hay bale. A blade is attached adjacent to the spindle that will cut the net wrapping of the hay bale.

A wrap removal assembly includes an elongated support member extending along a central longitudinal axis and having an exterior surface. A snagging wire is disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the elongated support member and includes an active material changeable between a first shape and a second shape in response to a control signal. The snagging wire presents a catch spaced outward and away from the exterior surface when disposed in the first shape to snag the wrap material and gather the wrap material around the elongated support member. The snagging wire is positioned substantially flat against the exterior surface of the elongated support member when disposed in the second shape to release the wrap material and allow removal of the wrap material from the elongated support member.

An automatic net wrap remover is shown and described. The automatic net wrap remover includes a housing constructed of a base and a plurality of sidewalk. The housing has an interior volume. The base supports a belt system that will support a round hay bale and help to rotate the bale. A spindle is attached to the top of one of the plurality of sidewalls that will engage the hay bale. A blade is attached adjacent to the spindle that cut the net wrapping of the hay bale.

Example aspects of a wrap cutting assembly for a bale wrap and a method for using a bale wrap cutting and retaining apparatus are disclosed. The wrap cutting assembly can comprise a saw housing defining a connection portion; a saw comprising a plurality of teeth configured to cut the bale wrap; and a linkage system movably coupling the saw to the saw housing and configured to move the saw along an arcuate path.

Apparatus and methods for removing net wrap from a bale are described herein. The apparatus includes a frame configured to releasably mount to a vehicle and first and second opposed arms movably coupled to the frame. At least one of the first and second opposed arms moves between a retracted position where the arms support the bale and an extended position where the bale passes between the arms and falls downwardly. The apparatus also includes a cutting mechanism including a cutting element configured to cut the net wrap. The apparatus further includes at least one grabbing mechanism coupled to at least one of the first arm and the second arm to retain the net wrap after the net wrap has been cut by the cutting mechanism and the bale falls downwardly between the arms.

An implement includes a bale cutting device, which includes a carrier that can be pivoted about a pivot axis, and a support connected to the carrier. A cutter bar is attached to and supported by the support so as to be movable at least substantially in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the support. The implement may include at least one pick-up for engaging a bale. In operation, the cutter bar is positioned on a far side of the bale, with the bale between the carrier and the cutter bar. The cutter bar may then be drawn inward into the bale to cut the bale approximately in half.

An attachment for an industrial or farm vehicle is designed to engage, carry and unroll a round hay bale. The attachment can be adjusted to interact with hay bales of various lengths. The attachment includes a support structure with features to attach to the vehicle. A first end of a first arm is pivotably connected proximate a first end of the support structure. A first end of a second arm is pivotably connected proximate the first end of the support structure. A spacing link is pivotably connected to second ends of the first and second arms. A first hay bale spear is attached to the spacing link. A third arm has a first end pivotably connected proximate a second end of the support structure. A second hale bay spear is attached proximate to a second end of the third arm and faces toward the first hay bale spear.

The present invention concerns an apparatus for loosening fiber material packed in bales, comprising a conveyor region for conveying the fiber material along a conveyor direction. The conveyor region includes a feed portion, a buffer portion and a discharge portion. A first roller arrangement is arranged in the transitional region between the feed portion and the buffer portion and a second roller arrangement is arranged in the transitional region between the buffer portion and the discharge portion.

A system for processing plant materials is described. The plant materials have at least plant stalks, and the plant stalks comprise at least bast fibers. The system has a crusher module for disrupting the plant materials without breaking or damaging the bast fibers thereof, thereby obtaining disrupted plant stalks and a first plant-remainder; a decorticator module coupled to the crusher module for separating the disrupted plant stalks into bast fibers as a first product and a second plant-remainder; and a screening module coupled to the decorticator module for separating at least the second plant-remainder to microfibers and hurds as a second and a third product, respectively.