Cotton bale strapping apparatus and methods of use

Abstract

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.

1 . An assembly for positioning one or more strap chutes of a cotton baling machine comprising:
 a. a frame for supporting a plurality of strap chutes wherein an upper end of said frame is attached to a first shaft that is pivotally mounted on a side of a cotton baling bailing machine;   b. an electronic actuator pivotally mounted to said cotton baling machine, said actuator including a movable rod having an end of said rod that is pivotally attached to said frame;   c. a second shaft attached to and collinear with said first shaft;   d. at least one adjustable stop provided on said second shaft;   e. at least one sensor, each sensor being associated with each adjustable; and   f. a controller in communication with said actuator and said at least one sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising an electronic motor attached to said actuator and in communication with said controller wherein operation of said motor causes the movable rod of said actuator to extend or retract. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 2  further comprising a brake on said actuator in communication with said controller for preventing movement of said rod. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said at least one adjustable stop comprises a surface feature that is detectable by said sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 4  wherein said surface feature comprises an optically detectable sticker. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said at least one stop comprises a cylindrical bearing that may be engaged with said second shaft, said bearing having a surface feature that is detectable by said sensor. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein said surface feature comprises a recess in said bearing. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein said surface feature comprises a tab on said bearing. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein said surface feature comprises an optically detectable sticker on said bearing. 
     
     
         10 . A method for positioning one or more strap guides of a cotton bailing machine comprising the steps of:
 a. Compressing bale of cotton using a cotton baling machine;   b. Moving a frame supporting a plurality of strapping chutes to a lowermost position adjacent to a compressed bale of cotton using an electronic actuator and rod such that said strapping chutes align with other strapping chutes on said cotton bailing machine;   c. Sending straps through said chutes to secure said compressed bale of cotton;   d. Retracting said frame using said electronic actuator and rod to an uppermost position to allow a first compressed cotton bale to be discharged from said machine;   e. After said compressed cotton bale has been discharged from said machine, and while a subsequent cotton bale is being compressed by said machine, moving said frame to an intermediate position between said lowermost and said uppermost positions.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  comprising the additional steps of, after said subsequent cotton bale has been compressed, repeating steps “b” through “e” above.