Apparatus and method using imaging in building a cotton module
US7677169B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D46/085
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cotton module building apparatus, utilizing imaging apparatus operable for capturing real-time images of the module building process, including accumulated cotton in the module building chamber, cotton inflow, and the in-process cotton module, and a method for building a cotton module using the images. The imaging apparatus includes a camera or cameras disposed at advantageous locations about the module building chamber, and cotton is distributed and moved within the chamber responsive to the images, for advantageous placement and distribution for forming a module having a desired consistency and top shape. Imaging apparatus can also be provided for observing unloading of a module from the chamber, and for facilitating maneuvering and positioning the unloading apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.