MODULES

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990

The invention is described in the following statement: METHOD AND ASSEMBLY FOR PROCESSING ROUND SEED COTTON

MODULES

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to processing of agricultural modules of crop produce and more particularly relates to an assembly and methods for processing modules containing produce such as but not limited to seed cotton. The invention further relates to an assembly capable of removing seed cotton from seed cotton modules covered with a plastics sleeve. The present invention further relates to a method and an apparatus which enables removal of a plastics sleeve from a seed cotton module and which allows release of the seed cotton for further processing. The invention further provides an apparatus which receives and retains a seed cotton module and facilitates removal of the seed cotton from a plastics sleeve which captures the seed cotton. The present invention also relates to a method of processing a seed cotton module for presentation to such apparatus for removing the plastics sleeve. The invention further relates to a device for handling cylindrical seed cotton modules each having their circumference wrapped with a plastics wrapping material. The device includes primary support space frame having arms and feet members each hydraulically controlled to grip and remove the plastics wrapping material from the cylindrical seed cotton module. PRIOR ART

Cotton is a soft, staple fiber that grows in a form known as a boll around the seeds of the cotton plant. This is known as seed cotton. Once harvested, seed cotton must be removed from the harvester and stored before it is delivered to gins. Seed cotton is removed from the harvester and placed in modules, which are relatively compact units of seed cotton. A cotton module, can be large weighing up to 25,000 pounds. Most cotton in the United States, Europe, and Australia is harvested mechanically, either by a cotton picker, a machine that removes the cotton from the boll without damaging the cotton plant, or by a cotton stripper, which strips the entire boll off the plant.

From the field, seed cotton moves to nearby gins for separation of lint and seed. The cotton first goes through dryers to reduce moisture content and then through cleaning equipment to remove foreign matter. These operations facilitate processing and improve fiber quality. The cotton is then air conveyed to gin stands where revolving circular saws pull the lint through closely spaced ribs that prevent the seed from passing through. The lint is removed from the saw teeth by air blasts or rotating brushes, and then compressed into bales weighing approximately 500 pounds. Cotton is then moved to a warehouse for storage until it is shipped to a textile mill for use.

The agricultural industry commonly uses modules to retain produce for transportation and storage before further processing.

Produce is commonly wrapped in a plastics cover creating cylindrical modules with open ends. This practice is adopted for food produce such as lucerne and hay also for seed cotton produce. Once seed cotton is harvested, the produce is wrapped using a tight plastics sleeve forming a generally cylindrical module with open ends. Various methods have in the past been used for removal of the seed cotton from the modules

According to the prior part there is already in existence an apparatus for removing seed cotton from a plastics sleeve. This apparatus is complicated and includes a mechanism for rotation of the module into an optimal attitude for processing and includes cutting means for removing the seed cotton from a plastics sleeve. Due to the inclusion of the rotating mechanism, this leads to a machine which is complicated in construction, more expensive to maintain and operate and which has a large number of moving parts.

There are various other assemblies and apparatuses which mechanically process bales of produce textiles and the like. One example of a device which removes textile form a bale is disclosed in United States Patent 3,900,920 which describes a method and apparatus for removing textile fiber from a compacted bale. Textile fiber formed as a compacted bale is loosened, stripped from the bale and rolled into a wound package in preparation for delivery for subsequent processing. Loosening, stripping and rolling are accomplished by compound motion of tines of a rake, with the tines having relatively fast movement in a closed path of travel generally about a center of movement and with a lower reach in which the tines move in one direction and the rake having relatively slow movement in that direction, such that repeated relatively quick strokes of the tines cooperate with the slower movement of the rake for stripping and rolling the textile fiber.

Another apparatus for removing material from a bale is disclosed in United States Patent 4,194,269 which describes an apparatus for removing a layer of predetermined thickness from a bale of fiber material including an array of rigidly secured, juxtaposed, vertically oriented tines and carriers for moving the tines downwardly to a selected depth in the bale and then horizontally to remove a top layer from the bale. The invention described in that patent provides an apparatus for the removal of cotton of the above described type which enables layers of cotton to be removed from a bale toward the side and which is structurally simple.

To achieve this, the tines penetrate into the uppermost region of the bale. Thereafter, a frame holding the tines is laterally displaced to slide along the support so that the upper region gripped by the tines is simply pulled away to the side. After the frame has been pushed back over the bale, the support is moved vertically downwardly along the movable frame so that the tines which are fastened to the frame can penetrate the fiber bale anew, likewise in a vertical direction.

Another apparatus associated with bale processing is described in United States Patent 4,250,783 which discloses an apparatus for cutting straps wound on a bale of material in which the bale of material is brought into contact with a cutter blade which is forcibly retracted against the action of a spring. The cutter element is released under the pressure of a compressed spring and is thrust forwardly against the bale to cut straps on the bale.

By way of another example of the prior art, United States Patent 5,211,708 discloses a fiber bale opening machine having an inclined opening roller provided with a conveying apparatus for stepwise displacement of fiber bales in the direction of the opening roller. The roller is movable transversely with respect to the direction of the displacement. The conveying apparatus includes at least one stationary support for supporting the bale and at least one shifting device for performing a repetitive movement cycle starting from an initial position and returning back to it. In the initial position, the lifting device is lower than the stationary support and the bale is supported on such support. Later the lifting device moves up to take over support of the bale and during this time it shifts in the direction of intended bale displacement.

In the more specific seed cotton module processing step of removing seed cotton from a retaining plastics sleeve there is a long felt want in the industry to provide a more cost, labor and time efficient method of and apparatus for removing seed cotton from a seed cotton bale sleeve and which is simple to operate with a minimum of labour and reduces processing time.

To meet that objective there is provided an assembly which is adjustable to receive a seed cotton module and which can be adjusted to allow engagement with the module presented in an optimal attitude for sleeve removal and subsequent release of seed cotton for further processing along a production conveyor.

INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved method and apparatus for removing produce from a module &/or bale created by field wrapping in a plastics sleeve.

More specifically, the present provides an assembly and methods for processing seed cotton modules and more particularly relates to an assembly capable of removing seed cotton from seed cotton modules covered with a plastics sleeve without necessarily cutting the sleeve. The present invention further relates to an apparatus which enables removal of a plastics sleeve from a seed cotton module by gravitation and which allows release of the seed cotton for further processing.

The invention further provides an apparatus which receives and retains a seed cotton module by application of compression and facilitates removal of the seed cotton from a plastics sleeve which is wrapped about the seed cotton. The present invention also relates to a method of processing a seed cotton module for presentation to such apparatus for removing the plastics sleeve.

Although the invention will be predominantly described with reference to its application in the cotton industry, it will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that the invention has other applications beyond those limited to seed cotton module processing. For instance, the assembly could be used to removing plastics wrapping from hay and lucerne bales.

In its broadest form the present invention comprises: an apparatus for enabling the removal of a covering from a produce module/bale, the apparatus comprising; a primary support frame including legs fixed to ground surface via feet a gantry which supports a compression assembly capable of receiving and retaining a module; wherein the compression assembly moves between a non working state in which compression arms supported by said gantry are retracted away from a workspace in which a module is located and a working state in which the compression arms apply sufficient pressure to the bale to allow removal of a plastics sleeve as the compression assembly is moved from a location in which the compression arms grip the module to a location in which the sleeve is released from the module. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastics sleeve is removed by elevating the sleeve relative to the module contents so that the module contents are left in a work station. Elevation of the plastics allows the produce to gravitate away from the sleeve via the open end of the module for further processing.

Preferably the compression assembly is supported by a gantry which is adapted for vertical extension and retraction. Preferably the apparatus includes four legs which engage ground anchored pivot connections enabling the legs to rotate freely as the gantry is vertically advanced and retracted. Struts connected to the gantry are connected to ends of respective legs via pin connections which allow the struts to rotate through an arc in a substantially vertical plane through at least 100 degrees enabling the gantry to descend and ascend. The ascent and descent of the gantry is preferably assisted by hydraulically actuated struts. The gantry includes an auxiliary frame from which depends the compression assembly which includes evenly spaced compression arms which radially oppose a circumferential wall of a module. Preferably, the compression arms are urged radially inward towards a module placed under the assembly.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: an apparatus for enabling the release of produce from a module/bale retained by a plastics sleeve, the apparatus comprising; a primary support frame including legs fixed to ground surface via feet a gantry which supports a compression assembly capable of receiving and retaining a module; means to enable the compression assembly to moves between a non working state in which the compression assembly is elevated above a work station and a working state in which the compression assembly is at a work station in which compression arms are capable of retaining a produce module; wherein the compression assembly includes means to enable the arms to apply a radial force to the module sufficient to allow the compression assembly to remove the plastics sleeve and allow the produce to gravitate through a free end of the module as the plastics sleeve is elevated away from the produce.

According to a preferred embodiment the produce is a cotton crop.

Preferably the compression assembly is retained by an overhead gantry which ascends and descends as the apparatus moves between the working and non working states. Preferably the compression arms apply sufficient pressure to the bale to allow removal of a plastics sleeve using a friction force as the compression assembly is moved from a location in which the compression arms grip the module to a location in which the sleeve is released from the module. In ano&er broad form of a method aspect the present invention comprises; a method of releasing a produce module from a retaining sleeve, using an apparatus comprising; the method comprising the steps of : an apparatus for enabling the release of produce from a module retained by a plastics sleeve, the apparatus comprising; a primary support frame including legs fixed to ground surface via feet a gantry which supports a compression assembly capable of receiving and retaining a module; means to enable the compression assembly to moves between a non working state in which the compression assembly is elevated above a work station and a working state in which the compression assembly is at a work station in which compression arms are capable of retaining a produce module; the method comprising the steps of; a) placing the produce bale at a work station underneath the apparatus so that the module is sitting on an open end; b) advancing arms of the compression assembly so that a radial force is applied to a wall of the module sufficient to friction grip the sleeve; c) elevating the compression assembly so that the sleeve is elevated away from the produce module until the sleeve is released from the module, d) allowing the produce to gravitate through a free end of the plastics sleeve as the sleeve is elevated away from the produce; e) discarding the plastics sleeve and advancing the produce to a further processing state away from the apparatus.

The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and the shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying illustrations, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a side elevation view of a conveyor processing system in

which bales are advanced towards an apparatus in a working state for removing a plastics sleeve according to one embodiment;

Figure 2 shows in a non working state a side elevation view of an apparatus for enabling the removal of a module covering such as a plastics sleeve with compression arms retracted according to one embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the apparatus of figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a side elevation view of the apparatus of figure 2 in a working state retaining a module.

Figure 5 shows an elevation view of the apparatus of figure 4 in the working state retaining a module. Figure 6 shows according to a preferred embodiment, a schematic layout of the hydraulics system which operates the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the present invention will be described with reference to its application in cotton processing, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the assembly to be described below according to various embodiments may be adapted for use in other applications. Figure 1 shows a side elevation view of a conveyor processing system 1 in which bales 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are advanced along a first conveyor 8 towards an apparatus 17. Typically a round seed cotton bale also described as a module is packed using a plastics sleeve which is wrapped tightly about the module usually leaving open ends. Round seed cotton modules can weigh up to three tonne so module handling must be mechanised. The seed cotton is contained under a circumferential compression force induced by tension in the plastics sleeve when the module is wrapped. A round seed cotton module is typically cylindrical such that the plastics sleeve forms a wall for the bale leaving open ends with seed cotton at those ends exposed to the outside. When retained in a plastics sleeve the seed cotton cannot escape from the open ends due to the aforesaid compression force exerted by the sleeve. One method for releasing the cotton from a round seed cotton module is by cutting the sleeve manually. Another way is to allow the seed cotton to escape from the free open ends but this will not occur of its own volition without mechanical intervention as the tensile forces exerted by the sleeve prevent this. First conveyor 8 terminates in an incline 10 which elevates module 3 sufficiently to enable it to fall off incline 10 and as it does it rotates about 90 degrees to an end-on attitude. Module 2 leaves the position of module 3 such that its open end 11 seats on inclined ramp 12 of second conveyor 13. Once end 11 of module 2 is on conveyor 13 it then travels in the direction of apparatus 17 which operates to receive and retain module 16 and release cotton from a plastics sleeve 18 which holds the cotton under tension. Apparatus 17 moves between a first non working state in which a compression assembly 14 is elevated clear of processing station 15 and a second working state in which assembly 14 has descended to a height which enables gripping of a module in space 16. The module in space 16 is engaged by compression assembly 14. Once the plastics sleeve 18 has been released from the cotton module, cotton advances along conveyor 13 until it enters hopper 19. Figure 2 shows in a non working state an elevation view of apparatus 17 according to one embodiment for enabling the removal of a plastics sleeve from a cotton module. Apparatus 17 comprises a primary support frame 20 including legs 21 and 22 which are respectively fixed to ground surface 23 via feet 24 and 25. Legs 21 and 22 engage feet 24 and 25 via either a fixed/rigid moment connection or alternatively via pin connections 26 and 27 which allow legs 21 and 22 to pivot during operation of apparatus 17. Strut 28 is connected to end 29 of leg 21 via pin connection 30. Likewise Strut 31 is connected to end 32 of leg 22 via pin connection 33. Struts 28 and 31 terminate in gusset 34 which engages axle 35 which supports auxiliary frame 37 of gantry 36. Strut 28 connects to strut 82 via pin 83. LLikewiose strut 31 connects to strut 81 via pin 80. This geometry will allow compression assembly 38 to descend and elevate without displacement of legs 21 and 22 in the case where a fixed ( non pivotal ) connection is used to anchor legs 21 and 22 to feet 24 and 25. Gantry 36 includes an auxiliary frame 37 from which depends compression assembly 38 which includes compression feet 39, 39a, 40 and 40a. Compression feet 39 and 39a connect via linkage 41 to hydraulic actuator 44 which urges feet 39 and 39a radially inward. Likewise compression feet 40 and 40a connect via linkage 42 to hydraulic actuator 44 which urges feet 40 and 40a radially inwardly towards work space 43. Connected to leg 21 and strut 28 is hydraulic actuator 48 shown in its extended form which contributes to decent and ascent of gantry 36 and consequently ascent and descent of compression assembly 38. Attached to leg 21 and strut 28 is telescopic hydraulic actuator 48. This elevates strut 28 to its maximum extent and places compression assembly 38 in the non working state elevated away from ground surface 23. Likewise attached to leg 22 and strut 31 is telescopic hydraulic actuator 49. This elevates strut 31 to its maximum extent and also contributes to placement of compression assembly 38 in the non working state. Actuators 48 and 49 are shown in their fully extended state which elevates assembly 38 to its maximum extent. Strut 81 is attached via pin 80 to strut 31. At its opposite end strut 81 is pivotally attached to gusset 34. Strut 82 is attached via pin 83 to strut 28. At its opposite end strut 82 is pivotally attached to gusset 34. This arrangement allows struts 28, 82, 81 and 31 to displace as required when compression assembly 38 is raised and lowered.

Figure 3 shows with corresponding numbering a plan view of the apparatus 17 of figure 2. Apparatus 17 further comprises a secondary support frame 45 including legs 46 and 47 which are respectively fixed to ground surface 23 (see figure 2) via ground engaging feet 50 and 51. Legs 46 and 47 engage feet 50 and 51. Legs 46 and 47 may be connected to feet 50 and 51 as rigid connections so the frame is stiffened and braced against lateral movement. Alternatively the anchorage is via pin connections 52 and 53 which allow legs 46 and 47 to pivot during operation of apparatus 17 to make way for compression assembly 38. Strut 58 is connected to leg 47 via pin connection 67. Strut 54 is connected to end 55 of leg 46 via pin connection 56. Likewise strut 57 is connected to strut 58 via pin 59. Strut 54 connects to gust 60. Gusset 60 engages axle 61 and supports gantry 36. Struts 54 and 55 are joined via pin connection 56. Compression assembly 38 further comprises additional compression feet 63 and 65 which are in use urged radially inwards under the actuation of a hydraulic actuator. Alternatively, the same action can be conducted mechanically. Compression feet 64 and 66 are in use urged radially inwards under the actuation of a hydraulic actuator. Likewise feet 39, 39a, 40 and 40a are urged radially inwardly. Compression feet 39, 39a and 64 and 66 are mutually supported via bridge member 70. Feet 40, 40a and 63 and 63a are mutually supported by bridge member 71. Bridge members 70 and 71 are supported by gantry auxiliary frame 37. Compression feet 64, 66, 40, 40a 39, 39a, 63 and 65 retain module 72

Figure 4 shows with corresponding numbering a side elevation view of the apparatus 17 of figure 3 in a working state retaining a module 72. Apparatus 17 is initially in its non working state as shown in figure 2 with the compression arms retracted away from work station 43. Once a module 72 is located in workstation 43 apparatus 17 adopts the working configuration as shown in figure 4. Legs 21 and 22 of a primary support frame 20 are respectively fixed to ground surface 23 via feet 24 and 25. Legs 21 and 22 engage feet 24 and 25. In figure 4 the connection between leg 21 and foot 24 and leg 22 and foot 25 is a fixed moment connection which is an alternative to pin connections 26 and 27 which allow legs 21 and 22 to pivot during operation of apparatus 17 as shown in figure 2. Telescopic hydraulic actuator 48 attached to leg 21 and strut 28, allows strut 28 to move between an elevated state (see figure 2) and a descended state. Likewise telescopic hydraulic actuator 49 attached to leg 22 and strut 31 allows strut 31 to move between and elevated state and a descended state. This action allows compression assembly 38 to move from its non working state elevated away from ground surface 23 as shown in figure 2 to a working state shown in figure 4. Actuators 48 and 49 elevate struts 28 and 31 to their maximum extent and also contributes to ascent and decent of gantry 36 to place compression assembly 38 in the working state. Linkages 41 and 42 of compression feet 39, 39a, 40 and 40a urge feet 39 and 40 radially inward as telescopic hydraulic actuator 44 extends. Likewise compression feet 63 and 64 (obscured) are urged radially inwardly towards work space 43 to allow gripping of module 72.

In use, a module 72 is fed via a conveyor as described in figure 1 to work station 43 directly under compression assembly 38 which is initially elevated away from surface 23. Apparatus 17 is initially in its non working state as shown in figure 2 with the compression arms retracted away from work station 43. Once a module 72 is located in workstation 43 the compression assembly 14 descends down towards module 72 which is placed on its open end. Telescopic hydraulic actuators 48 and 49 contract which allows compression assembly 38 to move from its non working elevated state towards module 72. Linkages 41 and 42 of compression feet 39 and 40 mutually operate to urge feet 39 and 40 radially inwardly towards work space 43 thereby allowing gripping of module 72. Sufficient compression is applied to allow a friction grip between feet 39 and 40 and a plastics sleeve which wraps module 72 such that upon elevation of compression assembly 38 cotton gradually gravitates out of the plastics sleeve. The plastics sleeve is then moved away from the workstation 43 and discarded. This process is repeated as each module is advanced towards processing station as described with reference to figure 1. it can be seen from figure 4 that arms 28 and 82 are in general alignment both having been displaced from their respective positions when compression assembly 38 was elevated. Likewise for struts 31 and 81. The articulations allow the compression assembly 38 to ascend and descend relative to legs 21 and 22 without any displacement of those legs when a fixed anchorage is used. Figure 5 shows with corresponding numbering a side elevation view rotated

90 degrees of the apparatus 17 of figure 4 in the working state with gantry 36 lowered so that compression assembly 14 retains module 72. The lift range for the apparatus 17 will preferably be in the order of up to 2.5 meters. Span of the compression arms would be in the order of 1.2 meters. Figure 6 shows according to one embodiment, a schematic layout of the hydraulics controlling hydraulic actuators which operate ascent and descent of the compression assembly and radial extension and retraction of the compression arms 39, 39a, 40, 40a, 64 and 66 and operate actuators 44, 48, 49. Hydraulics circuit 90 includes a drive motor 91 which drives pump 92 pressurising circuit 90. Pressure transducers 93 and 94 are used to converts pressure into an analogue electrical signal which operate stroke rods 95, 96, 97, 99 and 100. The present invention obviates the disadvantages of the prior art and provides other advantages which are apparent from the description herein. One major advantage of the present invention is that it does not require the significant power which is otherwise required to rotate a module to an optimal attitude before processing. Since a cotton module is very heavy and can weigh up to 3 ton, a strong rotation capability is required on the prior art machines. According to the present invention the rotation step is eliminated from the apparatus as the improved conveyor configuration presents the module to the apparatus in an optimal attitude - i.e. it is already rotated to an end up geometry. In the past this rotation was also performed by a front end loader. The present invention apparatus can process at least 260 bales per day.

It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.