Patent ID: 7237576
Filing Date: 2007-07-03
Classification: A01F

Abstract:
1. An adjustable density control apparatus for use with a bagging machine for bagging agricultural, compost, or other loose materials for storage and/or composting into an elongate bag coupled to the bagging machine and extending rearward from a material forming enclosure of the bagging machine to a closed end of the bag, wherein the bagging machine is adapted to move forward as loose material is packed into the bag, the density control apparatus comprising: a screw anchor assembly adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine, to extend rearwardly within the material forming enclosure, and to engage material packed within the material forming enclosure, wherein the screw anchor engaged in the packed material is adapted to apply an anchoring force to the bagging machine against the forward movement thereof; a weigh bar assembly operatively coupled to the screw anchor assembly and adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine; and a variable speed motor operatively coupled to the screw anchor and including a rotor adapted to selectively rotate the screw anchor assembly to vary the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine.