The present invention provides improved throughput in cotton baling machines by utilizing an electronically actuated apparatus for reliably, efficiently and precisely moving a chute frame into and out of position adjacent to a compressed cotton bale. Embodiments of the invention may include an electronic actuator that may be operated using a programmable logic control (PLC), and a control shaft having at least three distinct stops corresponding to raised, lowered and intermediate positions of the chute frame. Embodiments of the invention may be used to replace existing pneumatic apparatus, and may include an adapter for installing an electronic actuator to the mounts of the replaced pneumatic piston.

The present invention provides improved throughput in cotton baling machines by utilizing an electronically actuated apparatus for reliably, efficiently and precisely moving a chute frame into and out of position adjacent to a compressed cotton bale. Embodiments of the invention may include an electronic actuator that may be operated using a programmable logic control (PLC), and a control shaft having at least three distinct stops corresponding to raised, lowered and intermediate positions of the chute frame. Embodiments of the invention may be used to replace existing pneumatic apparatus, and may include an adapter for installing an electronic actuator to the mounts of the replaced pneumatic piston.

A belt baler (1) comprising a chassis (5) supported on ground engaging wheels (6) comprises a housing (3) having a first part (8) and a second part (10) housing belts (20) defining a variable diameter bale chamber (25). The second part (10) is pivotally coupled to the first part (8) about a pivot axis (14) and is pivotal from a closed state for forming a bale and an open state for discharge of a bale from the bale chamber (25). A pair of retaining devices (39) comprising latches (40) on respective opposite sides of the first part (8) are engageable with corresponding latch pins (45) on respective opposite sides of the second part (10) for retaining the second part (10) in the closed state. Load sensors (59) coupled by first and second connecting members (64,65) between distal ends (49) of the respective latch pins (45) and anchor brackets (60) located on the second parts (10) produce signals indicative of the forces induced in the respective retaining devices (39) by the pressure being applied to a bale being formed in the bale chamber (25). A microprocessor (75) reads signals from the load sensors (59) and determines the uniformity or non-uniformity of the density of the bale across the axial length thereof from the signals read from the load sensors (59). An output signal from the microprocessor (75) is applied to a visual display device (77) which presents a display screen (78) to a driver indicating the direction of travel or a change in direction of travel of the baler (1) required to maintain uniform density or to correct for non-uniformity of the density of the bale by appropriately displaying a central cross sign (80), or arrows (83) in respective sections (81) of an area (79) of the screen (78).

A lift system for a baler implement includes a hanger including a hanger body defining a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture is positioned such that a center of gravity of the hanger body is located within the first aperture. The second aperture is positioned vertically below the first aperture. A lift line includes an upper end portion secured to a line actuator, and a lower end portion supporting the hanger. The lower end portion of the lift line is routed through the first aperture and the second aperture and is secured relative to the hanger such that the lift line applies a lift force to the hanger body at the center of gravity of the hanger body. The hanger includes a first pocket and a second pocket at respective ends of the hanger body shaped to capture respective lifting bands on a roll of wrap material.

A lift system for a baler implement includes a hanger including a hanger body defining a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture is positioned such that a center of gravity of the hanger body is located within the first aperture. The second aperture is positioned vertically below the first aperture. A lift line includes an upper end portion secured to a line actuator, and a lower end portion supporting the hanger. The lower end portion of the lift line is routed through the first aperture and the second aperture and is secured relative to the hanger such that the lift line applies a lift force to the hanger body at the center of gravity of the hanger body. The hanger includes a first pocket and a second pocket at respective ends of the hanger body shaped to capture respective lifting bands on a roll of wrap material.

A tractor includes a controller configured to make a determination as to whether stopping control is necessary and to start the stopping control, based on a relation between a target bale size and a current bale size and a stopping distance corresponding to a vehicle speed and a surrounding environment.

A tractor includes a controller configured to make a determination as to whether stopping control is necessary and to start the stopping control, based on a relation between a target bale size and a current bale size and a stopping distance corresponding to a vehicle speed and a surrounding environment.

A yield calculation system comprises a position sensor configured to detect a position. A baler comprises a bale chamber in which crop material is to be formed into a bale, a volume measurement sensor provided in the bale chamber and configured to measure a volume of the bale in the bale chamber, the volume corresponding to the position detected by the position sensor, and a moisture measurement sensor provided in the bale chamber and configured to measure a moisture amount in the bale, the moisture amount corresponding to the position detected by the position sensor. Circuitry is configured to calculate, based on the volume of the bale and the moisture amount corresponding to the position, a yield corresponding to the position by excluding the moisture amount from an amount of the bale.

A yield calculation system comprises a position sensor configured to detect a position. A baler comprises a bale chamber in which crop material is to be formed into a bale, a volume measurement sensor provided in the bale chamber and configured to measure a volume of the bale in the bale chamber, the volume corresponding to the position detected by the position sensor, and a moisture measurement sensor provided in the bale chamber and configured to measure a moisture amount in the bale, the moisture amount corresponding to the position detected by the position sensor. Circuitry is configured to calculate, based on the volume of the bale and the moisture amount corresponding to the position, a yield corresponding to the position by excluding the moisture amount from an amount of the bale.

A torque smoothing apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a large square baler (LSB), which includes a bale chamber, a plunger mounted for reciprocation within the bale chamber, and an LSB drive line. In embodiments, the torque smoothing apparatus includes a planetary gear train and a flywheel, which is mechanically coupled to the LSB drive line through the planetary gear train. An auxiliary motor having a motor output is mechanically coupled to the LSB drive line through the planetary gear train, while a controller is operably coupled to the auxiliary motor. The controller commands the auxiliary motor to selectively apply torque to the LSB drive line such that the torque applied by the auxiliary motor, taken in combination with a torque contribution of the flywheel, reduces variations in torque demands placed on a vehicle engine as the plunger reciprocates during LSB bale formation.