Densification method and apparatus for harvested cotton or other similar fibrous material
US6032446A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01F15/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for densification of fibrous material such as harvested cotton, preferably by a movement of the cotton continuously through a compacting zone on the harvester. In one aspect of the invention, the fibers are locked by differential translation of portions of the mass of compacted material to prevent a layer of material from springing back after compression. A continuous mat of compressed material with locked fibers is formed into a uniform, high density bale or module on the harvester. A cotton harvester compacting system includes an air system feeding harvested cotton into an accumulation area and to the compacting zone on the harvester. The cotton is compressed and fed through a shear zone which differentially translates the cotton and locks the cotton fibers into a uniform, compact mat. In one embodiment, the mat of compacted cotton is fed to a round baler on the harvester to form a dense round bale or module. In another embodiment, the mat is layered into a rectangular bale or module on the harvester. An in-line horizontal compaction zone allows any existing voids in the in-feed section or voids resulting from compaction or shearing to be closed. A brake zo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.