Patent ID: 6766634
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
An unloader for a cotton compacting structure including a cotton compacting chamber, the chamber having a floor therein and an open end, the unloader comprising:an unloading element mounted to the compacting structure having a first end located adjacent to the open end of the chamber in position for receiving a mass of compacted cotton from the chamber thereon, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface portion extending between the first end and an intermediate location disposed generally between the first and second ends, a second surface portion extending between the intermediate location and the second end, a first cotton driver extending along the first surface portion, and a second cotton driver extending along the second surface portion; and an unloader control, including apparatus for selectably operating the first cotton driver in an unloading direction for moving a mass of compacted cotton over the first surface portion away from the chamber, and apparatus operable during operation of the first cotton driver for detecting passage of a trailing end of a mass of compacted cotton from the first surface portion and automatically stopping the operation of the first cotton driver in the unloading direction so as to limit loose cotton following the mass of compacted cotton on the first surface portion from passing to the second surface portion, the control preventing resumption of operation of the first cotton driver in the unloading direction until a predetermined condition is present indicative of return of a substantial amount of any loose cotton on the first surface portion to the chamber.