Method and assembly for processing round seed cotton modules

Abstract

An assembly for enabling the release of produce from a module retained by a plastics sleeve. The apparatus comprises a primary support frame including legs fixed to ground surface via feet. A gantry supports a compression assembly capable of receiving and retaining a module. There are means to enable the compression assembly to move 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 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.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]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.[0002]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.[0003]The invention further relates to a device for handling cylindrical se...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0045]e) discarding the plastics sleeve and advancing the produce to a further processing state away from the apparatus.

[0046]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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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