Patent ID: 8397632
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: B23P,B65B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A knotter assembly in a wire-tying system of a baler, the assembly comprising: a base plate; a pair of parallel opposed side walls each having a first edge, the first edges together defining a first side of the knotter assembly; a guide mechanism on each side wall and extending inwardly therefrom, said guide mechanism having a planar top surface; a torque tube assembly disposed between the side walls, the torque tube assembly including a torque tube, a cutter-assembly-actuating component fixably associated with the torque tube, a gripper-assembly-actuating component fixably associated with the torque tube, and a first and second operator member fixably attached to the torque tube, the first operator member including components for actuating-a first cover arm, the first cover arm being coupled with a knotter cover, and the second operator member including components for actuating a second cover arm, the second cover arm being coupled with the knotter cover, the first and second operator members actuating the first and second cover arms to cause the first and second cover arms and the knotter cover to at least partially extend from the first side of the knotter assembly; and a twist-module assembly that is removable as a unit via the first side of the knotter assembly, the twist-module assembly including a modular housing having spaced-apart guide structures, each having a channel that matingly slides over a corresponding guide mechanism along said top surface to guide said housing into and out of said side walls; said housing having the cutter assembly, a twister pinion, pair of pinion bushings, and a pair of wire guides removeably mounted to the modular housing.