U.S. patent application number 15/045467 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for bale processor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Vermeer Manufacturing Company. Invention is credited to Lucas B. Graham, Luke A. Mushitz, Philip D. Stam.
Application Number | 20160157436 15/045467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52624558 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160157436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graham; Lucas B. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2016 |
Bale Processor
Abstract
A bale processor (10) of a type for tearing apart a bale of
forage material into filamentary material includes a shredder rotor
(13) with blades that remove filamentary portions of the bale and
delivers such filamentary material directly to a multiple fan
blower (14a/14b) for blowing such filamentary material directly to
and out of a delivery chute (15). An independent dual discharge
feature permits discharge out of either side and/or one or more
blowers placed closer to the shredder rotor can be used
independently of the dual discharge feature and the multiple fan
blower feature.
Inventors: |
Graham; Lucas B.; (New
Sharon, IA) ; Mushitz; Luke A.; (Monroe, IA) ;
Stam; Philip D.; (Pella, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vermeer Manufacturing Company |
Pella |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52624558 |
Appl. No.: |
15/045467 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14023677 |
Sep 11, 2013 |
|
|
|
15045467 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
241/101.5 ;
241/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B02C 13/2804 20130101;
A01D 87/0007 20130101; B02C 19/0018 20130101; A01F 29/005 20130101;
A01K 5/005 20130101; A01D 87/10 20130101; A01F 29/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01F 29/00 20060101
A01F029/00; A01D 87/00 20060101 A01D087/00; A01D 87/10 20060101
A01D087/10; A01F 29/12 20060101 A01F029/12 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A bale processor comprising: a frame; a bale chamber mounted on
the frame, the bale chamber defined at least partially by a first
side and a second side; a bale shredder operably positioned below
the bale chamber; a shield disposed around a bottom portion of the
bale shredder; a first discharge opening in a first side of the
shield; and a second discharge opening disposed in the second side
of the shield.
18. The bale processor of claim 17 further comprising: a blower
mounted proximate the first discharge opening; a first discharge
passageway defined between the first discharge opening and the
blower; and a delivery chute affixed relative to the first side of
the chamber and adjacent to the blower, the delivery chute and the
blower defining a flow path there between.
19. The bale processor of claim 17 further comprising a diverter
selectably movable between at least a first diverter position and a
second diverter position, the first diverter position being chosen
for permitting flow of filamentary material out of the first
discharge opening, the second diverter position further being
chosen for blocking the first discharge opening, whereby most of
the filamentary material from the blower will go out the second
discharge opening.
20. The bale processor of claim 19 wherein the diverter is a one
piece member that slides between the first and second diverter
positions thereof.
21. The bale processor of claim 19 wherein the first diverter
position further blocks flow of filimentary material at the second
discharge opening to cause substantially all flow of filimentary
material to go through the first discharge opening.
22. The bale processor of claim 19 wherein the diverter comprises
at least two parts that are moveable with respect to each
other.
23. A bale processor comprising: a frame; a bale chamber mounted on
the frame, the bale chamber defining at least a first chamber wall
on one side of the frame and an second chamber wall on the other
side of the frame; a bale shredder operably positioned within the
bale chamber; a blower mounted proximate the first chamber wall; a
first discharge passageway defined between the bale shredder and
the blower; a delivery chute affixed relative to the first chamber
wall and adjacent to the blower, the delivery chute and the blower
defining a flow path there between; and the blower having a fan
blade rotatable about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation
being disposed at an angle between horizontal and vertical and
wherein a radially outer portion of the fan blade is closer to the
bale shredder at a bottom most rotary position thereof than at a
top most position thereof, resulting in close proximity of the
blower to the bale shredder.
24. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 14/023,677
filed Sep. 11, 2013, entitled BALE PROCESSOR and is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to a bale processor of a
type for tearing apart a bale of forage material into filamentary
material and more particularly to one that includes a rotor with
flails that remove such filamentary portions of the bale and
delivers such filamentary material directly to a blower for blowing
such filamentary material directly to and out of a delivery
chute.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are known ways of moving filamentary material taken
from a bale to a delivery chute.
[0004] One prior art bale processor uses a rotary shredder, one
blower fan and an auger to deliver filamentary material to a
discharge chute. Use of such an auger can be prone to plugging,
especially if materials such as twine, netwrap or other long
fibrous material becomes wrapped around the auger. These auger
style machines can also be prone to plugging at the carrier bearing
adjacent to the discharge fan.
[0005] But while there are problems associated with using an auger,
eliminating the auger altogether in such a bale processor is not a
simple matter. For example in a six foot bale processor trying to
transfer the bale fragments from a shredder directly to a single
six foot in diameter fan would be very complicated and expensive to
manufacture along with being too heavy for practical
application.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a bale processor that
overcomes the aforementioned problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] By covering an entire bale chamber tub length with multiple
fans, the fan blade placement can be moved closer to the primary
shredder flail rotor, thereby reducing the distance the material
must travel from the primary flail rotor to the fan blades. This
proximity greatly reduces the chance for wet material to bridge or
clog the transition area between the flail rotor and fan blades.
With the fans located extremely close to the primary shredder flail
rotor a secondary conveyance system, such as an auger, to change
the direction of material transport from the shredder to the fans
is not required. Complete fan blade coverage across the entire tub
is accomplished with smaller, cheaper, and simpler to manufacture
fans.
[0008] Additionally or alternatively, one or more blowers can be
placed closer to the bale shredder by installation at an angle
between vertical and horizontal so a fan blade would be closer to
the bale shredder when it its lowermost position than when the
blade is in its uppermost position.
[0009] Also additionally or alternatively, providing a discharge
opening on both sides of a bale processor will assist in the
efficiency of moving the filamentary material from the bale
shredder to the place where it is desired to be discharged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The above needs are at least partially met through provision
of the apparatus described in the following detailed description,
particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings,
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a bale
processor constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view through the left side
showing the inside of a twin blower and showing the intake portion
thereof of the bale processor of FIG. 1 ;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view looking from the front of
the bale processor and looking rearwardly, showing a chain conveyor
that moves a bale towards a rotating drum shredder with flails that
tear off and throw bale filaments into the blower intake zone;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view showing the chain conveyor, shredder
and the top of the delivery chute, the blowers being disposed below
the delivery chute;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of the bale processor of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a partial cross sectional view from the inside of
the bale chamber looking out towards the blowers and showing the
intake portion of the blowers;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention having a delivery chute connected to a place
between two blowers;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a view of the FIG. 7 embodiment with the structure
removed on the left side to show the blowers and the intake section
thereof;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a front view of the bale processor of FIG. 7;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the chain conveyor, shredder
and the delivery chute extending upwardly from between the two
blowers;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the FIG. 7 bale processor,
showing the two blowers, the inlet section to the two blowers being
shown in dashed lines;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross sectional view of a third
embodiment showing a bale in dashed lines disposed in a chamber,
with a double fan blower and delivery chute shown schematically,
with the main difference from the FIGS. 1-11 embodiments being that
instead of a chain conveyor, two rollers are used to support and
rotate the bale in the bale chamber;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross sectional view of a fourth
embodiment like FIG. 12, except that the blowers are positioned at
the side opposite that shown in the FIG. 12 embodiment;
[0024] FIGS. 14A and 14B show cross sectional schematic views of
anther embodiment having an arcuate shield that is positioned in
one position in FIG. 14A to cause most of the filamentary matter to
exit through the blower on the right side and to the left when the
semi-circular shield is positioned in the position shown in FIG.
14B most of the filamentary matter is directed to the double
blowers on the left side;
[0025] FIGS. 15A and 15B show schematic views of another embodiment
that has a sliding shield so that in FIG. 15A most of the
filamentary material exits the right side directly from the flails
and in FIG. 15B most of the filamentary material exits through a
blower on the left side and out a discharge chute;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross sectional view of another
embodiment showing a bale in dashed lines disposed in a chamber,
with a blower and delivery chute shown schematically, in which the
main difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is that a
chain conveyor is used instead of two rollers to support and rotate
the bale in the bale chamber;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional view of another
embodiment like FIG. 13, except that a chain conveyor, instead of a
pair of rollers, is used to convey the bale to the shredder;
[0028] FIG. 18A is a cross sectional schematic view showing another
embodiment, which is like FIG. 14A except that a chain conveyor,
instead of rollers, is used as a bale conveyor;
[0029] FIG. 18B is a cross sectional schematic view showing another
embodiment, which is like FIG. 14B except that a chain conveyor is
used in place of the rollers as the bale conveyor;
[0030] FIGS. 19A and 19B show cross sectional schematic views of a
another embodiment which is like the FIGS. 15A and 15B embodiment,
but uses a chain conveyor instead of roller conveyors;
[0031] FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic views of an embodiment
identical to the FIGS. 14A and 14B embodiment, except that a
material diverting shield is on the inside of a shroud around the
shredder/rotor; and
[0032] FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic views of an embodiment
showing that a material diverting shield can be in two or more
pieces on the inside of a shroud around the shredder/rotor.
[0033] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present
invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often
not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence may not actually be required.
The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals indicate identical or similar parts throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1-6 show a bale processor having a frame (11). A bale
chamber (12) is disposed on the frame (11), the bale chamber (12)
being defined by a plurality of chamber walls (12a-12d). A bale
shredder (13) is operatively positioned within the bale chamber
(12). This bale shredder can be like that shown U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/749,895 to Graham, which is incorporated
hereby by reference in its entirety.
[0035] A plurality of blowers (14a/14b) mounted proximate one
another along are disposed along chosen chamber wall (12a). Each
blower (14a/14b) respectively includes a blower chamber (14ac/14bc)
and a blower fan (14af/14bf) operatively mounted within the
corresponding blower chamber (14ac/14bc). Each blower chamber
(14ac/14bc) defines a respective chamber height (14ah/14bh) and has
a respective blower intake zone (14az/14bz) defined therein. Each
blower intake zone (14az/14bz) connects the respective blower
chamber with the bale chamber (12) and each blower intake zone
(14az/14bz) is configured to receive a respective amount of the
bale filamentary material there through. Each blower intake zone
(14az/14bz) has an intake zone height (14azh/14bzh) which is less
than a corresponding chamber height (14ah/14bh). The corresponding
blower fan (14af/14bf) is configured for suctioning and throwing
the respective amount of bale filamentary material through the
respective blower intake zone (14az/14bz) and for moving the
respective amount of the bale filamentary material toward a
corresponding blower output (14ao/14bo). One reason it is
advantageous for the intake height to be smaller than the blower
height is because material would be moved the opposite direction of
what is desired if the top halves of the fans were exposed for
material intake.
[0036] A delivery chute (15) is affixed relative to the chosen
chamber wall (12a) and adjacent at least one of the blower outputs
(14ao/14bo), and the delivery chute (15) extends to a release
height above the bale chamber (12). The delivery chute (15) and the
plurality of blowers (14a/14b), in turn, define a bale filament
flow path there between. In the situation in which the delivery
chute (15) is adjacent just of the blower outputs (14ao/14bo), as
is the case in FIGS. 1-6, such a layout may nominally be considered
as a side blower configuration. It is to be understood that while
the delivery chute (15) is shown in this embodiment to be adjacent
the forward-most of the two blower outputs (14ao/14bo), as shown in
FIGS. 1-5, it could instead be adjacent the rearward most of the
two in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6 (requiring, of course, an
opposite spin of the blowers (14a/14b) needed in the forward
placement scenario for the delivery chute (15)).
[0037] The first blower (14a) has a first diameter (14ad), the
second blower (14b) has a second diameter (14bd), which are not
necessarily equal. The chosen chamber wall (12a) extends between a
pair of other chamber walls (12c/12d). The chosen chamber wall
(12a) has a wall width (12aw), the wall width (12aw) being the
distance of the pair of other chamber walls (12c/12d). Further, the
first diameter (14ad) and the second diameter (14bd) together
substantially approximate the wall width (12aw).
[0038] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the second blower (14b) is
located between the first blower (14a) and the delivery chute (15).
The first blower (14a) is configured to receive a first amount of
the bale filamentary material through the corresponding blower
intake zone (14az) and to deliver, through the corresponding blower
output (14ao) thereof, the first amount of the bale filamentary
material to the second blower (14b). In order to achieve this
function, the first blower (14a), in this embodiment, is configured
to rotate in a manner so as to move the bale filamentary material
toward the second blower (14b).
[0039] The second blower (14b) is configured to receive a second
amount of the bale filamentary material through a corresponding
blower intake zone (14bz). The second blower (14b) is further
configured to deliver both the second amount of the bale
filamentary material and the first amount of the bale filamentary
material to the delivery chute (15). In this embodiment, the first
blower (14a) and the second blower (14b) are arranged to rotate in
a same direction.
[0040] Looking to FIG. 3 it can be seen that, in operation, as a
bale (not shown) resting on chain conveyor (16) is moved towards
the shredder (13), the shredder (13) tears off pieces of the bale
and throws the pieces through the openings 14az and 14bz. From
there the rotating fan blades (14af/14bf), shown best in FIG. 2,
move the bale fragments forwardly and up out through the delivery
chute (15).
[0041] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-11, a delivery
chute (115) is located between the first blower (114a) and the
second blower (114b). This general layout may nominally be
considered as a central blower configuration. The first blower
(114a) and the second blower (114b) are both configured for
delivering a corresponding amount of the bale filamentary material
directly to the delivery chute (115). In this arrangement, the
first blower (114a) and the second blower (114b) are configured to
rotate in opposing directions, the first blower (114a) rotating
counterclockwise and the other one (114b) rotating clockwise as
shown in FIG. 8, for example, in order for both to move bale
filamentary material toward the delivery chute (115). Ideally, the
respective blower fans (114af/114bf) of the first blower (114a) and
the second blower (114b) are disposed within about 4 inches of one
another, but other separation distances may be chosen, in light of
other design requirements, if needed.
[0042] In both of the aforementioned embodiments, the bale shredder
(13/113) extends adjacent the corresponding blower intake zones
(14az/114az/14bz/114bz) of the respective blowers
(14a/14b/114a/114b) and the corresponding blower intake zones
(14az/114az/14bz/114bz) of the respective blowers are
coextensive.
[0043] Attention is directed to the drawings to show that each
blower (14a/14b/114a/114b) has a respective blower diameter
(14ad/114ad/14bd/114bd), and that preferably (but not required) the
corresponding blower intake zone height (14azh/114azh/14bzh/114bzh)
of the respective blowers (14a/114a/14b/114b) is about 1/3 of the
respective blower diameter (14ad/114ad/14bd/114bd) or less.
[0044] Each blower (14a/114a/14b/114b) has a respective blower
diameter (14ad/114ad/14bd/114bd) being about 3 feet across (though
one blower could be larger than the other one if desired) and the
respective intake zones (14az/114az/14bz/114bz) of the
corresponding blowers (14a/114a/14b/114b) preferably (but not
required) have a respective intake zone height
(14azh/114azh/14bzh/114bzh) that is greater than about 4 inches but
less than about 14 inches. Some of balancing factors in this
decision are maintaining a sufficient flow of bale filamentary
material into the delivery chute, minimizing blowback of the bale
filamentary material, and achieving a desirable suction level by
the blower fans (14af/14bf).
[0045] In both embodiments, a set of wheels (18/118) is mounted to
the frame (11/111) (FIG. 2) and a tow hitch (17/117), thereby
making the bale processor (10/100) a trailer implement.
Advantageously, the placement of the wheels (18/118) and the size
of the frame (11), among other features of the construction, are
all chosen so that the trailer implement ultimately has a
street-legal width.
[0046] It is to be understood that while a front/top (15) and
middle/top (115) delivery chute is shown in the drawings, it is
within the inventive concept (shown in later figures) to use a side
delivery chute mounted to a lower side of the bale chamber and
configure it for directing the bale filamentary material from the
bale shredder out a side opposite to that where the plurality of
blowers is located. In this arrangement, one of the delivery chutes
and/or the side delivery chute can be selected for delivery of the
bale filamentary material.
[0047] In operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11, looking to
FIG. 7 specifically, it can be seen that as a bale (not shown)
resting on the chain conveyor (116) is moved towards the shredder
(113), the shredder (113) tears off pieces of the bale and throws
the pieces through the openings 114az and 114bz, as shown in FIG.
8. From there the rotating fan blades (114af/114bf), shown best in
FIG. 8, move the bale fragments forwardly and up out through the
delivery chute (115).
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 12, a schematic cross sectional view
of another embodiment (200) shows a bale in dashed lines disposed
in a chamber between walls (212a/212b) with a fan blower (214a) and
delivery chute (215a). The main difference from the FIGS. 1-11
embodiments is that, instead of a chain conveyor (16/116), two
rollers (216a/216b) are used to support and rotate the bale in the
bale chamber. As such, the outside portion of the bale on
adjustable slug bars (218) is exposed to rotating flails (213f) of
a shredder rotor (213). This two roller arrangement is shown in
more detail in PCT/US11/58514 filed Oct. 31, 2011, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0049] In the embodiment of FIG. 12, a shredder shielding (219) is
provided adjacent the shredder (213). The shredder shielding (219)
defines an exit port (210) below the roller (216a), where is the
roller (216a) is proximate a double blower fan (214a), though this
could be a single blower fan or one having any number of fans
desired. Through this positioning of the exit port (210), the bale
filamentary material (not shown) is thrown from the shredder (213)
while in about the 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock position, relative to a
clockwise rotation, traveling through the exit port (210) in order
to reach a given blower fan (214a).
[0050] Further, to a greater degree than shown in FIGS. 1-11, a
given blower fan (214a) is positioned at an angle in a range of
approximately 10.degree. to about 35.degree. relative to the
delivery chute (215a) (e.g., angled relative to the vertical). This
angled positioning of the blower fan (214a) reduces the distance
between the flail (214f) and at least a lower portion of a given
blower fan (214a). This reduction in distance promotes the
efficient transfer of the filamentary material (not shown) between
the shredder (213) and the blower fan (214a). Angled placement of
blower fan(s) helps make the system more compact, in addition to
reducing the flail to fan distance. The benefits of this sort of
angled positioning of the blower fan (214a) holds true for other
embodiments, as well, whether single or multiple blower fans are
employed.
[0051] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross sectional view of another
embodiment, like FIG. 12 except that the illustrated blower (314b)
is at the opposite side from that shown in the FIG. 12 embodiment.
Two rollers (316a/316b) are used to support and rotate the bale
supported on slug bars (318) in the bale chamber, so that the
outside portion of the bale is exposed to rotating flails (313f) of
a shredder (313).
[0052] In the embodiment of FIG. 13, a shredder shielding (319) is
provided adjacent the shredder (313), and the shredder shielding
(319) defines a sheet metal exit guide (321) below the roller
(316b) and between the shredder (313) and a blower fan (314b).
Through this positioning of the exit guide (321), the bale
filamentary material (not shown) is thrown from the shredder (313),
while in about the 6 o'clock to 9 o'clock position, relative to a
clockwise rotation. The thrown bale filamentary material is then
channeled via the exit guide (321) to reach a given blower fan
(314a).
[0053] In FIG. 13 the filamentary material (not shown) is thrown
upwardly by flails (313f) into the blower (314b) as contrasted from
the way that flails (213f) in FIG. 12 throw the filamentary
material (not shown) downwardly into blower (214a). In both
instances the blowers (214a/314b) are placed closer to the flails
(213f/313f) than if the blowers (214a/314b) were placed in a
vertical wall as in the prior art. Such angled placement enhances
the efficient transfer of the filamentary material from the
respective flails (213f/313f) to the respective blowers
(214a/314b).
[0054] FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross sectional schematic views
showing another embodiment (400). In this embodiment (400), a first
blower or set of first blowers (414a) are shown to be on a first
(e.g., right) side in FIG. 14A, while a side discharge zone or
passageway (shown by arrow (410) is defined at the bottom of the
bale processor (400) in a region at least partially between the
left/second bale processor wall and the flails (413f). Shredder
shielding (419) further has a moveable arcuate shield member (420)
slideably and rotatably fixed relative to an outer face thereof.
When positioned as shown in FIG. 14A, the shield member (420)
facilitates the selectable control of the flow of bale filamentary
material mainly through the blower (414a) and chute (415)
combination.
[0055] FIG. 14B shows a side discharge zone shown by arrow (410)
above a guide member (421), which could be made of sheet metal,
composite, plastic, etc., and includes a first arcuate guide
portion under the rotor/shredder 413 and flat guide extension
extending to one side of the shredder 413. The first arcuate guide
portion under the shredder 413. The arcuate shield member (420) is
positioned in FIG. 14B so as to cause most of the filamentary
matter to exit through the blower(s) (414a) and chute (415) on the
right side as shown in FIG. 14A. However, when the arcuate shield
(420) is positioned in the position shown in FIG. 14B, thereby
essentially blocking the pathway to the blower/chute combination,
most of the filamentary matter is diverted directly out the bottom,
left side of the bale processor (400), past the guide member (421),
as shown by the arrow (410) due to the force of the flails (413f)
of the rotor (413).The bale rotates by rollers (416a/416b) between
walls (412a/412b). The arcuate shield (420) just slides in and is
guided by a mating arcuate slot or other known guide mechanism (not
shown) operatively attached to the frame.
[0056] Looking now to FIG. 15A and 15B, a sixth embodiment 500 has
a sliding shield (520) and when that sliding shield (520) in the
position of FIG. 15A, most of the filamentary material exits at a
right side discharge zone (as indicated via arrow (510a)) directly
from the flails (513f), and in FIG. 15B most of the filamentary
material exits through at least one blower (514b) on the left side
and out a discharge chute (515), when the sliding shield (520) is
moved to the position shown in FIG. 15B.
[0057] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross sectional view of a fifth
embodiment (600), showing a bale in dashed lines disposed in a
chamber with walls (612a/612b) with a fan blower (614a) and
delivery chute (615). A chain conveyor (616) is used to support and
rotate the bale on slug bars (618) in the bale chamber defined by
the walls (612a/612b). By being supported and rotated in this
manner, the outside portion of the bale is exposed to rotating
flails (613f) of a shredder (613). The filamentary material (not
shown) will exit out the side discharge zone, indicated by the
arrow (610), directly from the shredder (613) to the blower (614a)
and out the delivery chute (615).
[0058] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional view of a sixth
embodiment 600, which is like FIG. 13, except that a chain conveyor
(716) is used to support and rotate the bale on slug bars (718) in
the bale chamber, instead of using conveying rollers (316a/316b).
The outside portion of the bale is thereby exposed to rotating
flails (713f) of a shredder (713) as the chain conveyor (716) moves
the bale toward the shredder (713).
[0059] FIG. 18A is a cross sectional schematic view, showing an
embodiment (800). An arcuate shield (820) is positioned in one
position in FIG. 18A to cause most of the filamentary matter (not
shown) to exit at arrow (810a) through the blowers (814a) on the
right side as shown in FIG. 18A. But when the semi-circular shield
(820) is positioned in the position shown in FIG. 18B all of the
filamentary matter (not shown) is directed to the blowers (814b) on
the left side as indicated by arrow (810b) over guide member (821)
and includes a first arcuate guide portion under the rotor/shredder
813 and flat guide extension extending to one side of the shredder
813. As in the other embodiments described above, the bale rests on
slug bars (818) in a bale chamber.
[0060] FIGS. 19A and 19B show cross sectional schematic views of a
another embodiment (900), which is like the FIGS. 15A and 15B
embodiment except that it uses a chain conveyor (916) instead of
roller conveyors (516a/516b). Embodiment 900 has a rotatable
movable sliding shield (920), and, when that sliding shield (920)
in the position of FIG. 19A, most of the filamentary material exits
the right side discharge zone (indicated at arrow (910a) directly
from the flails (913f). Meanwhile, when the sliding shield is moved
to the position shown in FIG. 19B, most of the filamentary material
exits through a blower (914b) on the left side and out a discharge
chute (915).
[0061] FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic views of an embodiment
identical to the FIGS. 14A and 14B embodiment except that a sliding
shield for diverting material is on the inside of a shroud around
the shredder/rotor. Accordingly, a first blower or set of first
blowers (1014a) are shown to be on a first (e.g., right) side in
FIG. 20A. A shredder shroud (1019) further has a moveable arcuate
shield member (1020) rotatably fixed relative to an inner face
thereof to facilitate the selectable control of the flow of bale
filamentary material. When positioned as shown in FIG. 20A, the
arcuate shield member (1020) allows the bale filamentary material
to flow mainly through the blower (1014a) and chute (1015). FIG.
20B shows a side discharge zone shown by arrow (1020b) above a flow
guide member (1021) and includes a first arcuate guide portion
under the rotor/shredder 1013 and flat guide extension extending to
one side of the shredder 1013. The arcuate shield member (1020) is
positioned in one position in FIG. 20B to cause most of the
filamentary matter to exit to the right through the blowers (1014a)
and chute (1015). In this embodiment, the arcuate shield member
(1020) is particularly semicircular or nearly so in shape to permit
greater flow control (i.e., can be selectably positioned so as
leave substantially one exit/discharge location for the bale
filamentary material). When the semi-circular shield (1020) is
positioned in the position shown in FIG. 20B, most of the
filamentary matter is directed directly out on the left side past
guide member (1021) along the direction of arrow (1020b) by the
force of the flails (1013f) of the rotor (1013).The bale is rotated
using rollers (1016a/1016b) though other conveyors, such as a chain
conveyor, could be used instead. The semi-circular shield (1020)
just slides in and is guided by a semi-circular slot (not shown)
operatively attached to the frame.
[0062] FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic views of an embodiment
(1100) showing that a material diverting shield (1120a/1120b) in
two pieces on the inside of a shroud (1119) around the
shredder/rotor (1113). In FIG. 21A the first shield part (1120a) is
positioned so as that the first passageway proximate the
shredder/rotor (1113) is open and the second shield part (1120b) is
located so the second passageway is closed so that the filamentary
material will go out the discharge chute (1115) via the fan (1114).
In FIG. 21B the shield part (1120b) is open and the shield part
(1120a) is closed so that the filamentary material will go out the
discharge chute (1115) directly via shredder (1113). The respective
shield parts (1120a/1120b) are used to open or close respective
discharge passageways depending upon which side a user wants the
material from the shredder 1113 to flow.
[0063] Referring again to FIGS. 21A and 21B, another alternate way
to close the side of the flow path over guide member (1121) is
shown and includes a first arcuate guide portion under the
rotor/shredder 1113 and flat guide extension extending to one side
of the shredder 1113. In FIG. 21A the flow guide member (1121) has
a hinge or pivot (1121p) so that the flow guide member (1121) can
be pivoted between the solid line position to allow flow of
filamentary material from the bale shredder (1113) out the left
side as shown in FIG. 21A. And if it is desired to prevent flow to
the left side as shown in FIG. 21A, then the flow guide member
(1121) would be pivoted to the dashed line position shown in FIG.
21A. This pivoting of the flow guide member (1121) could be used
instead of the arcuate member (1120b).
[0064] It is to be understood that the FIGS. 12-21B embodiments are
not required to have double or multiple fan blowers on one side as
in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-11. These FIGS. 12-21B embodiments
are workable with single or multi-fan blowers. With respect to
FIGS. 12-21B, while two rollers or one chain conveyor is shown for
bale rotation, it is to be understood that one, three, four, etc.
rollers could be employed, or that at least one roller and a drive
chain/belt could be used in tandem.
[0065] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with
respect to the above described embodiments without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications,
alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the
ambit of the inventive concept as expressed by the attached
claims.
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