An expandable and collapsible grain bin is provided comprising at least two telescoping cylindrical sections adapted to interlock with one another when the grain bin is in an expanded position; a base member attached to the bottom most cylindrical section; and a bin cover for enclosing the grain bin, said bin cover adapted to be in a raised position when the grain bin is in the expanded position and in a lowered position when the grain bin is in a collapsed position.

A method and a bale wrapping device for wrapping a bale. The method includes receiving a bale at a bale moving ramp device of the bale wrapping device. The bale on the bale moving ramp device is moved through a bale wrapping frame. The breathable sheet of wrapping material is applied on the bale to wrap the bale as the bale passes through the bale wrapping frame, and a roller on the bale wrapping frame holds a roll of the breathable sheet of wrapping material.

A method and a bale wrapping device for wrapping a bale. The method includes receiving a bale at a bale moving ramp device of the bale wrapping device. The bale on the bale moving ramp device is moved through a bale wrapping frame. The breathable sheet of wrapping material is applied on the bale to wrap the bale as the bale passes through the bale wrapping frame, and a roller on the bale wrapping frame holds a roll of the breathable sheet of wrapping material.

In one embodiment, a method for controlling a manufacturing process can include obstructing a part receiving path of a press station with a part detection fixture. The part detection fixture can include a moveable contact member and a target body that moves in response to motion of the moveable contact member. The moveable contact member of the part detection fixture can obstruct the part receiving path such that the target body of the part detection fixture is positioned in a dissenting state. The target body of the part detection fixture can be positioned in an assenting state coincident with contact between the moveable contact member of the part detection fixture and the workpiece. Image data of the target body of the part detection fixture can be detected with a vision system. The press station can be actuated when the image data is indicative of the assenting state.

A bale bagging apparatus and method are provided. The bale bagging apparatus includes a bale feeding station, a bale chute, a bale bagging station, and a transportation system that transports a bale to be bagged from the bale feeding station through the bale chute and into the bale bagging station. The bale bagging station includes a bag receptacle, a first opening, and a bag retrieval assembly. The bag receptacle is positioned on a side opposite of the first opening from the side of the first opening on which the bale to be bagged is to be transported. The bag retrieval assembly retrieves a bag from the bag receptacle through the first opening. The bag retrieval assembly positions a first end of said bag around at least a portion of the bale chute before the bale to be bagged is transported through the bale chute by the transportation system.

A bale bagging apparatus and method are provided. The bale bagging apparatus includes a bale feeding station, a bale chute, a bale bagging station, and a transportation system that transports a bale to be bagged from the bale feeding station through the bale chute and into the bale bagging station. The bale bagging station includes a bag receptacle, a first opening, and a bag retrieval assembly. The bag receptacle is positioned on a side opposite of the first opening from the side of the first opening on which the bale to be bagged is to be transported. The bag retrieval assembly retrieves a bag from the bag receptacle through the first opening. The bag retrieval assembly positions a first end of said bag around at least a portion of the bale chute before the bale to be bagged is transported through the bale chute by the transportation system.

An intermediate sump warning system having a sensor associated with a gate of an intermediate sump. The sensor is connected to a controller that activates a warning signal when the sensor detects that the gate is in an open position.

A gate valve for positioning in the open upper end of a grain bin below the lid thereof which closes the open upper end of the grain bin. The gate valve permits grain to pass downwardly therethrough but which prevents warm moist air from the grain bin from passing upwardly therethrough into a grain spout or deadhead box.

A gate valve for positioning in the open upper end of a grain bin below the lid thereof which closes the open upper end of the grain bin. The gate valve permits grain to pass downwardly therethrough but which prevents warm moist air from the grain bin from passing upwardly therethrough into a grain spout or deadhead box.

A system and method for remotely managing content levels in one or more defined areas includes a computer system communicatively connected to one or more resident sensor units and controllers linked to devices such as content loading drive mechanisms and/or supply reordering modules. When a sensor reports that a content level is or will be lower or higher than desired, the computer system generates an alert and forwards the alert across a wireless communications network to a user's mobile device. The user may select a user command to send to the computer system, whereupon the computer system may selectively regulate the content levels in accordance with the response action or alternatively override the user command based upon one or more contextual determinations.