Abstract:
Mid-size balers and methods for compressing material into bales are disclosed. An exemplary baler ( 10 ) comprises a cylindrical baling chamber ( 24 ) configured to receive the material. The baling chamber is formed by a pair of circular, disk-shaped end plates ( 26 ) limiting opposite end faces of the baling chamber. The baling chamber is further formed by an axial motion actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end plates. The axial motion actuator including at least one piston providing an axial force to position the at least one of the end plates and react to forces of the bales ( 215 ) against the at least one of the end plates during operation. The baling chamber is further formed by a driven endless belt ( 12 ) guided by a plurality of rollers ( 20, 30, 32, 34, 42 ). The endless belt extends around the outer, circular perimeter of the end plates, forming a cylindrical periphery of the baling chamber.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    a. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The instant invention relates to a bale press for baling a wide variety of materials and to a method of compressing a wide variety of materials into bales. In particular, the instant invention relates to bale presses and related methods for generating cylindrical bales. 
         [0003]    b. Background Art 
         [0004]    It is well known that refuse may be compressed into bales that can be transported, burned for energy generation, or disposed of. When the bales are burned for energy generation, the baling process holds the bales together and maintains the bales&#39; caloric value until the bales are burned. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,306 (the &#39;306 patent), for example, a round bale press or baler is disclosed including an endless belt guided around a plurality of deflection rollers via a pair of disk-like side walls or end plates defining a compression chamber. Refuse is fed into the compression chamber via a feed aperture and compacted into a cylindrical bale. A netting is unwound from a roller and fed into the compression chamber to initially secure the compressed bale. The initially secured bale may then be delivered to a wrapping apparatus to be fully enveloped in film, or the initially secured bale may then be transported, burned, or otherwise disposed of without being further wrapped in film. The endless belt comprises a segment pivotable out of a closed configuration suitable for compacting refuse to an open configuration suitable for discharging the initially secured cylindrical bale from the compression chamber and conveying the bale to a wrapping table or directly to an off-load station. 
         [0005]    For some applications, the baling process is most cost-effective when the bales are, for example, efficiently and rapidly compacted to a high density. Where the bales are to be disposed of in a landfill, for example, it is valuable to maximize use of the available landfill volume by more tightly compacting each bale to increase the amount of refuse that can be stored in the same volume of the landfill. In addition, the less time it takes to produce each bale, the faster, more efficient, and cost-effective the waste disposal process becomes. 
         [0006]    While cylindrical bale presses such as the one disclosed in the &#39;306 patent provide cylindrical bales of compacted refuse that may be transported, burned, or otherwise disposed of, problems often arise when the bales are compacted at increased pressures and/or higher speeds. Where the pressure on the refuse in the compression chamber of a cylindrical bale press is increased, for example, refuse often “boils” at the feed aperture or “throat” of the compression chamber as the hard-packed bale in the compression chamber prevents the new refuse from entering the compression chamber. In addition, as bale compression pressures increase in existing bale presses, the bale itself may bulge out at the feed aperture of the compression chamber. Before desirable bale densities can be reached, the bulge can get large enough that the bale is prevented from easily rotating within the compression chamber, and the motors driving the endless belt may stall or fail prematurely. Merely increasing the size or horsepower of the drive motor or motors may not overcome this stalling tendency and may unnecessarily increase the size and/or cost of the bale press. 
         [0007]    When the production speed of the bale press is increased, other problems are often created. For example, until enough refuse is in the compression chamber, the refuse rolls or tumbles around the chamber similar to clothing in a dryer without being compressed. Thus, wasted time and energy is used operating the bale press until the chamber is sufficiently full so that the refuse starts to be compacted. In addition, as the speed of the bale press is increased, the tendency of the netting used to initially secure completed bales to skew to one end of a delivery roller may increase. A skewed net may, for example, insufficiently secure the bale so that as the newly-formed bale exits the bale press, the bale falls apart and the bale press must be stopped to clean up the refuse that has separated from the bale. The skewed net may also catch on a portion of the compression chamber and jam the bale press. When this occurs, the bale press again must be stopped to clear the jam and realign the net. Time lost cleaning a damaged bale from the bale press and realigning the net is time that could have been used to form more bales. 
         [0008]    Further, as the pivotable segment of the endless belt opens, the kinetic energy of the bale may cause unloading problems if the bale is allowed to roll out of the compression chamber of the bale press. 
         [0009]    Thus, it remains desirable to have a bale press that operates at high speed while creating high-density bales that may be efficiently unloaded from the bale press. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is desirable to have high-speed, high-compression balers capable of reliably producing high-density bales. Baled waste reduces or altogether eliminates odor and contamination issues, such as, blowing debris during transport and at the waste disposal facility. In addition, the shipping containers or vehicles used for transporting the waste may be reused, and may even be used for other purposes, without extensive cleaning or decontamination. 
         [0011]    An exemplary baler for compressing material into bales may comprise a baling chamber configured to receive the material. The baling chamber is formed by a pair of end plates limiting opposite end faces of the baling chamber and a driven endless belt guided by a plurality of rollers. The endless belt defines the cylindrical wall of the baling chamber between the end plates. The baler comprises an axial motion actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end plates. The axial motion actuator including at least one piston providing an axial force to position the at least one of the end plates against the bales during operation. At least two of the rollers are belt guide rollers that have an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the endless belt. 
         [0012]    An exemplary method for compressing material into bales may comprise providing an axial motion actuator operatively associated with a pair of end plates. The axial motion actuator including at least one piston providing an axial force to position the end plates against the longitudinal ends of a bale during operation of an endless belt so that the endless belt and end plates form a baling chamber. The material is received in the baling chamber through a throat formed between a driven roller and a tailgate roller pair, pressure is applied by the endless belt to the material in the baling chamber, and the material is initially secured in the baling chamber with netting to form the bales. 
         [0013]    An exemplary baler comprises a baling chamber formed by a driven endless belt and a pair of opposing end plates configured to receive material to be baled. The baler further comprises a plurality of rollers including at least a driven roller defining a path for the driven endless belt and at least a guide roller having an axis of rotation oriented substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the driven roller. A frame is configured to support the baling chamber. The frame is sized to fit on conventional semi-trailers for transport on highways without special size permits and without having to disassemble the frame. 
         [0014]    Another exemplary baler for compressing material into bales is configured to receive the material in a baling chamber formed by a pair of end plates limiting opposite end faces of the baling chamber and a driven endless belt guided by a plurality of rollers defining a periphery of the baling chamber between the end plates. The baler further comprises a plurality of coated tubular links forming the driven endless belt, a plurality of pins holding together the coated tubular links, and a retaining ring holding each of the plurality of pins in place. An axial motion actuator is operatively associated with at least one of the end plates. The axial motion actuator including at least one piston providing an axial force to position the at least one of the end plates against the bales during operation. A tailgate conveyor pivots about a single axis for loading and unloading. A control algorithm operating a belt tensioner to adjust tension of the driven endless belt in response to feedback indicating an amount of slip of the driven endless belt, thereby optimizing power consumption and chain wear. At least two of the rollers are belt guide rollers that have an axis substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the endless belt. The belt guide rollers are configured to maintain the driven endless belt on-center. 
         [0015]    The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  are isometric views of an exemplary baler and support frame wherein  FIG. 1   a  shows the baler with an endless compression belt and  FIG. 1   b  shows the baler with the endless compression belt removed to show components of the baler that would otherwise be hidden from view. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are simplified side views of the exemplary baler shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , wherein  FIG. 2   a  shows a tailgate of the baler in an open position and  FIG. 2   b  shows the tailgate in a closed position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary belt for the baler. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a detailed view of an exemplary belt guide for the baler. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a detailed view of an exemplary belt tensioner assembly for the baler. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 6 and 6   a - b  are detailed views of an exemplary mechanism for moving an end plate, with the end plate removed to show details of the mechanism. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a detailed view showing an exemplary end plate mounted to the mechanism shown in  FIG. 6  for moving the end plate. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is another detailed view of the end plate showing a swing plate mounted to a hinge plate. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is another view of the swing plate in  FIG. 8 , with a portion of the swing plate removed to show an actuator. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of exemplary drive system components for the baler. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a detailed view of an exemplary securement netting delivery system. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a detailed view of an exemplary tailgate lock. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an exemplary tilt conveyor for discharging a precursor bale from the baling chamber of the baler, showing the tilt conveyor trough in detail. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view illustrating a precursor bale after it has been discharged from the baling chamber onto the tilt conveyor where the bale has come to rest in the tilt conveyor trough. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view illustrating transfer of the bale onto the offload conveyor for removal from the baler. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    The baler of the present invention is configured to provide high-density bales of a variety of different possible materials including, for example, municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste, medical and other hazardous waste, mine trailings, dirt, agricultural products, and anything else that needs to be efficiently contained, moved, stored, or disposed of. As explained further below, the baler according to the present invention is highly configurable and is thus capable of producing bales of a wide variety of bale densities, lengths, and diameters. The baler includes special hardware and process control features that allow a user to select or “dial in” desired bale parameters and then produce the desired bales at high speeds with minimal interruptions. 
         [0032]    If desired, the baler can produce a hermetically sealed, essentially self-contained bale that facilitates easy movement of a high volume of material to, for example, a landfill, if the baled material is to be disposed of, or to a power plant, if the baled material will be used in the production of energy for delivery to consumers and businesses. These balers are particularly beneficial when a large volume of any type of material needs to be packaged in a secure and portable configuration. For situations where the materials to be baled may be moist and would thus produce undesirable leachate if the materials were compressed using various conventional balers, the production of undesirable leachate may be controlled via the process and the film wrapping that are both used by the baler according to the present invention. In particular, the tumbling and pressing actions tend to disperse any moisture contained within the materials being baled throughout the bale, while the film wrapping contains the remaining moisture within the bale. 
         [0033]    The baler of the present invention and its operation, while sharing some similarities with the baler disclosed in the &#39;237 application, has many novel and nonobvious differences and advantages over the baler disclosed in the &#39;237 application. Some of the more notable differences and advantages will be specifically called out with reference to the &#39;237 application in the following discussion. 
       Exemplary Baler 
       [0034]    The figures depict a baler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in various operating configurations.  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  are isometric views of an exemplary baler  10  and support frame  210  wherein  FIG. 1   a  shows the baler  10  with an endless compression belt  12 , and  FIG. 2   b  shows the baler  10  with the endless compression belt  12  removed to show components of the baler  10  that would otherwise be hidden from view.  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are simplified side views of the exemplary baler  10  shown in  FIG. 1  wherein  FIG. 2   a  shows a tailgate  14  of the baler  10  in an open position, and  FIG. 2   b  shows the tailgate  14  in a closed position. In  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , several features and components of the baler  10  and support frame  210  shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  have been removed to more clearly show rollers or cylinders and a path of the endless compression belt  12  used to form bales  215  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 14 and 15 ). 
         [0035]    In an exemplary embodiment, the baler  10  is configured to make the bales  215  as large as possible while still being able to conveniently transport the baler  10  over the road without the transporter being required to obtain a special permit. For example, size is important when transporting the baler  10  from a manufacturing facility to an operation facility, or to move the baler  10  from one site to another. Accordingly, the baler  10  may be sized such that it fits within a “legal envelope” (without requiring special transport permits for oversize loads) without requiring major disassembly. The baler  10  is also sized so that the overall length of each bale  215  measured between its substantially circular ends is as long as possible while ensuring that the baler  10  fits on most conventional semi-truck trailers and clears the tandem axles of a conventional “low-boy” type semi-truck trailer for shipping. 
         [0036]    The tailgate  14  may be movable about a tailgate pivot location  16  to assist in formation of the bale  215 . During the formation of a bale  215 , the tailgate  14  is moved to its fully-closed configuration. For purposes of illustration, the tailgate  14  may be moved about the tailgate pivot location  16  in the direction of arrow  17   a  (shown in  FIG. 2   a ) by retracting ram  18  so that the tailgate  14  is in the position shown in  FIG. 2   b  for bale formation. The tailgate  14  may also be moved to its fully-open configuration to permit the formed bale  215  to be dispatched from the baler  10  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 14 ). For purposes of illustration, the tailgate  14  may be moved about the tailgate pivot location  16  in the direction of arrow  17   b  (shown in  FIG. 2   b ) by extending ram  18  so that the tailgate  14  is in the position shown in  FIG. 2   a  for discharging the bale  215  from the baler  10 . The tailgate  14  is also shown in its fully-open configuration in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b.    
         [0037]    It is noted that the tailgate pivot location  16  of the baler  10  of the present invention has been moved relative to the tailgate pivot location of the baler disclosed in the &#39;237 application. In the &#39;237 application, the tailgate pivoted about a lower idler roller. In the present invention, the tailgate pivot location  16  is positioned above and inboard from a lower idler roller  20 . Separating the pivot location  16  from the idler roller  20  in the present invention allows roller bearings in roller  20  to be changed “on the fly” because the idler roller  20  does not move during operation of the tailgate. Although the belt path continues over the roller  20 , roller  20  remains in the same position and thus is easily accessible even during bale formation. The tailgate pivot location  16  also reduces the overall length of the tailgate  14 , resulting in much shorter overall configuration of the baler  10 . This shorter length can be seen in  FIG. 2   a  by comparing the distal portion  15  of tailgate  14  of the present invention with the distal position  15 ′ of the tailgate shown in phantom corresponding to the &#39;237 application. Using ram  18  also eliminates complicated linkage and reduces the number of parts compared to the components used to operate the tailgate of the baler disclosed in the &#39;237 application. 
         [0038]    The material to be baled is introduced into the baler  10  at a feed opening or throat  22  defining an entry path into the baler  10 . A baling chamber  24  (best seen in  FIG. 7 ) is formed by the endless compression belt  12  and end plates  26  on each side and then by closing the tailgate  14  so that the tailgate  14  is in its fully-closed position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2   b ). A pair of swing plates or panels  28  (shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b ; also see  FIGS. 8-11 ) help guide the material to be baled into the space between the end plates  26  of the baling chamber  24 . 
         [0039]    A pair of tailgate rollers  30 ,  32  are also visible in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In particular, a distal tailgate roller  32  is present adjacent to the distal edge  15  of the tailgate  14  and a proximal tailgate roller  30  is immediately adjacent to the distal tailgate roller  32 . The tailgate roller pair  30 ,  32  may be tilted toward the baling chamber  26  (e.g., in the direction of arrow  31   a  in  FIG. 2   b ) and away from the baling chamber  26  (e.g., in the direction of arrow  31   b  in  FIG. 2   b ). 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , after the endless compression belt  12  travels via the tailgate  14  over the tailgate roller pair  30 ,  32 , the belt  12  extends around the outer circumference of the end plates  26  and then around a driven roller  34 . Drive motor  36  for the driven roller  34  is visible in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b . The endless belt  12  then travels around a tensioner assembly  40  that includes a tensioner roller or cylinder  42 . The tensioner roller  42  is pivotably mounted by a pair of arms  44  (only one arm is visible in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , but is symmetrical for each side of the baler  10  as can be seen in  FIG. 5 ) that are bolted to the support frame  210 , and not to the baler itself as in the &#39;237 application. A pair of tensioner rams  46  (only one ram is visible in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , but is symmetrical for each side of the baler  10  as can be seen in  FIG. 5 ) may be activated to move the tensioner roller  42  to change the length of the path that the endless compression belt  12  must follow, thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of pressure being applied to the material in the baling chamber  24 . 
         [0041]    In an exemplary embodiment, the bearings supporting each of the rollers (e.g., idler roller  20 , driven roller  34 , and tailgate roller pair  30 ,  32 ) may be mounted to removable plates so that the rollers and bearings can be made readily available for maintenance without major disassembly of the baler  10 . 
         [0042]    Before continuing, it is noted that a tilt table  50  is shown between the tailgate  14  and exit conveyor  116  in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b . The tilt table  50  and exit conveyor  116  are described in more detail below. For now it is sufficient to understand that the tilt table  50  receives the formed bale  215  from the baling chamber  24  via the tailgate  14 . While on the tilt table  50 , the bale  215  can be further wrapped (e.g., using film  54  and heli-wrapper  56 ) before transferring the bale  215  to the exit conveyor  116  where the bale  215  can be removed using a forklift, tractor, or other machinery. It is also noted that the exit conveyor  116  is troughed so that the bale  215  settles onto the exit conveyor  116  and does not readily roll off the exit conveyor  116 , providing additional safety for workers. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary endless compression belt  12  for the baler  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the endless compression belt  12  may be manufactured in the form of a chain link having a plurality of links  60  interconnected by pins  62 . The pins  62  are held in place by a retaining ring  64 , such as a snap ring, for easier assembly and disassembly and reduced manufacturing costs. The links  60  and pins  62  may be manufactured of a lightweight material (e.g., aluminum or other metal, or plastic or polymer) and the pins  62  may be hollow or tubular to reduce overall weight of the chain link belt. 
         [0044]    Several features may be provided to help reduce wear of the endless compression belt  12  during use. For example, the face  66  of the links  60  form an enlarged working surface to reduce wear by reducing contact pressure with the materials being baled. The links  60  and pins  62  may be coated to reduce “bearing” friction. In addition, the retaining ring  64  may reside within a recess  68  formed in the links  60  so that the retaining ring  64  can be readily removed even after the links  60  have been worn down due to use. 
         [0045]    To further increase life span of the endless compression belt  12 , one or more belt guides  70  (such as the belt guide depicted in  FIG. 4  including roller  72 ), may be provided on each side of the endless compression belt  12  to help maintain the belt in a centered position during operation. The belt guide  70  serves to reduce edge wear during operation, in addition to reducing or eliminating jamming of the endless compression belt  12  which may occur if the belt were to ride off-center and come into contact with the support frame  210  or other components of the baler  10 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  depicts the belt tension assembly  40  in more detail. As discussed above, the belt tension assembly  40  may comprise the tensioner roller or cylinder  42 . The endless compression belt  12  may pass between the roller  42  and a guide  48 . The tensioner roller  42  is pivotably mounted by a pair of support arms  44  that are bolted to the support frame  210  (e.g., at connection  49 ). The tensioner rams  46 , discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  2   a , and  2   b , may be activated to move the tensioner roller  42  to change the length of the path that the endless compression belt  12  must follow, thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of pressure being applied to the material in the baling chamber  26 . It is noted that the mounting of the tensioner roller  42  to the lower portion of frame  210  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  2   a , and  2   b ) and providing a slot  49  for the tensioner rams  46  in which to move, increases the available stroke and enables more pressure to be applied to the baling chamber  26  via the endless compression belt  12 , relative to stroke available from the configuration of the tensioning assembly in the &#39;237 application. An increase in stroke also allows longer run times between maintenance and capability to produce a wider range of bale sizes. 
         [0047]    Trash compaction occurs primarily in the last few revolutions of the baling operation. For this reason, it is desirable that the tension in the endless compression belt  12  be as loose as possible during the initial phase of operation. A variable belt tension control algorithm may be implemented to reduce the fatigue of mechanical parts, greatly increasing life, and reducing overall power consumption of the baler  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, a computer controller increases and decreases the pressure in the tensioning rams  46  during the operation cycle. Encoders and a control algorithm for chain slip detection facilitate the use of minimum belt tension at all times, reducing power consumption and belt wear. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  is a detailed isometric view of an exemplary mechanism for moving an end plate  26 . In  FIG. 6 , the end plate  26  is shown removed so that details of the mechanism can be better seen.  FIG. 7  is a detailed isometric view showing an exemplary end plate  26  mounted to the mechanism for moving the end plate  26  shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 8  is another detailed isometric view of the end plate  26  showing a swing plate  28  connected to the end plate  26 .  FIG. 9  is another isometric view of the swing plate  28  shown in  FIG. 8 , with a portion of the swing plate  28  removed to show an actuator for moving the swing plate  28 . 
         [0049]    During operation, at least one of the end plates  26  may be moved axially inward (as shown, for example, by arrow  74   a  in  FIG. 6 ) and outward (as shown, for example, by arrow  74   b  in  FIG. 6 ). The end plate(s)  26  may be moved inward to create the baling chamber  24 , and the end plates  26  may be displaced away from the longitudinal ends of the bale  215  (see, e.g., surface  216  of the bale  215  shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 ) to release the bale  215  when the bale  215  is ready for removal from the baling chamber  24 . The movement of the end plate(s)  26  axially away from the longitudinal ends of the bale  215  is accomplished by an axial motion assembly  76  comprising at least one moving cylinder guided by pins around the cylinder(s). 
         [0050]    Although only one axial motion assembly  76  is shown in  FIG. 6 , the baler  10  is symmetrical and thus an axial motion assembly  76  may also be provided for both end plates  26  on each side of the baling chamber  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, however, only one end plate  26  is moved so that there are fewer moving parts, and hence fewer potential mechanical problems during operation. 
         [0051]    The end plate  26  is mounted to the end plate spindle  78 . In  FIG. 6 , the end plate  26  has been removed to better show the axial motion assembly  76 . The axial motion assembly  76  can also be seen in  FIGS. 6   a - b  and  7 . The axial motion assembly  76  includes at least one piston (although four pistons  80   a - d  are shown in the figures). The piston(s)  80   a - d  may be operated to move the end plate spindle  78  during axial transition of the end plate  26 . This motion moves the end plate spindle  78  in the direction of arrows  88   a  and  88   b  to move the end plate  26  axially, thereby resulting in axial motion of the end plate  26 . 
         [0052]    The axial motion assembly  76  also has the advantage of using readily commercially available components instead of the specially made axial sleeve bearings with a rotary locking key as disclosed for the baler in the &#39;237 application. The configuration of the present invention also results in an overall more compact size of the baler  10 . 
         [0053]    It is noted that the end plates  26  may not extend to or be terminus with the outer circumference of the cylindrical bale sidewall. When the end plates  26  are smaller than the circular cross section of the bale  215 , it is possible to more firmly squeeze or compress the material to reach the high compressions or bale densities that may be required for particular applications. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show further details concerning the hydraulic and mechanical linkage that moves or swings the swing plates  28  into and out of position. As the end plate  26  moves horizontally in the direction of arrows  88   a  and  88   b  (see  FIG. 6 ), the swing plates  28  also move toward and away from the baling chamber  24  to form the throat  22  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b ). This motion is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder  90  best seen in  FIG. 9 . When the hydraulic rams are activated, the swing plates  28  may be moved into and out of contact with the longitudinal ends of the bale  215 . In particular, each swing plate  28  is hingedly mounted to the support frame  210  of the baler  10  by a hinge bracket  92 . Each hinge bracket  92  (or brackets) permits the respective swing plate  28  to move toward and away from the longitudinal end of the bale  215  under the influence of the hydraulic rams  90  and their associated linkages. 
         [0055]    The end plate motion of the baler disclosed in the &#39;237 application was derived from the motion of the tailgate itself. Having a separate actuator such as hydraulic rams  86  in the present invention simplifies the mechanism and gives more control over the motion. In addition, baler operators can readily make semi-permanent adjustments to the length of the bale by inserting spacers (not shown), e.g., between the end plate spindle  78  and the end plate  26  and between hinge bracket  92  and baler frame  210 , and swing plate cylinder  90  and baler frame  210 . In exemplary embodiments, the length of the bale may be changed between about fifty and sixty inches. Previous balers are not adjustable. 
         [0056]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the drive system components for the baler  10 . The drive system components may include the drive motor  36  and belt driven transmission  94  operative to drive the driven roller  34  and move the endless compression belt  12 . Although not shown in  FIG. 10 , the endless compression belt  12  follows a serpentine or circuitous path around a plurality of rollers including driven roller  34 , tensioning roller  42 , rollers  30 ,  32 , and idler roller  20 . Optionally, the idler roller  20  may be an additional or an alternative driven roller. 
         [0057]    A securement netting delivery system also may be seen in  FIG. 10  and is shown in more detail in  FIG. 1I  (also is visible in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   b ). In this particular embodiment, the netting delivery system comprises a netting supply, which dispenses netting  96  for initial securement of the baled materials to form a “precursor bale” (i.e., a bale that is not completely enveloped in film or foil since its longitudinal ends remain uncovered). Similar to embodiments disclosed in the &#39;237 application, the netting  96  travels over one or more netting rollers, which may be smooth and/or include grooves or helical channels to help spread the netting  96  toward the longitudinal ends of the netting supply roller. The netting  96  may be pulled by drive system  98  from the netting supply. The free end of the netting  96  is fed into the baling chamber  24 . After the formation of a bale  215 , the free end of the securement netting  96  eventually gets trapped and pulled into and around the formed bale  215 . The netting  96  thus makes it possible to keep the baled materials together until the precursor bale (i.e., the bale that has been formed and then wrapped with one or more layers of netting) is delivered to a wrapping station prior to transport. 
         [0058]    As compared to the &#39;237 application, the securement netting delivery system of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 10  has a redesigned netting path for even feeding of the securement netting  96  across the width of the bale  215 . A free-wheel mechanism  100  has also been added to ensure that the netting  96  is fed consistently, and a net roll brake  102  may be operated to increase tension on the netting  96  to hold the bale  215  tighter. In addition, the distance that the net needs to travel from the net roller to the feed rollers has been reduced from that disclosed in the &#39;237 application, e.g., on the order of about 3 feet shorter (i.e., the distance is about 1 foot from the net roller to the feed rollers). This reduction reduces the likelihood that the net will “net down” (requiring the net needed to be re-spread or otherwise re-loaded). 
         [0059]    Although this securement netting  96  is typically delivered to the outside of the bale  215  as a final step prior to removing the bale  215  from the baling chamber  24 , in some applications, it could be possible to embed netting  96  in the bale  215  at various stages during the formation of the bale  215  to stabilize the materials being baled. 
         [0060]      FIG. 12  is a detailed view of an exemplary tailgate lock  104 . See  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  for location of the tailgate lock  104  in the baler  10 . Although only one tailgate lock  104  is shown in  FIG. 12 , it is noted that a tailgate lock  104  may be provided on each side of the tailgate  14 . In an exemplary embodiment, the tailgate lock  104  uses an over-center mechanism operated by a hydraulic actuator  106 . As the links  108  of tailgate lock  104  move over-center, the tailgate  14  is locked in its closed position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2   b ) by latch  110  without the need for any additional application of force by the actuator  106 . In addition, the over-center links  108  of the tailgate lock  104  are designed so that when disengaging from the tailgate  14 , the latch  110  lifts away from the tailgate  14  rather than sliding away. Lifting the latch  110  rather than sliding it increases the mechanical life of the tailgate lock  104  and results in less maintenance. A hydraulic shock absorber  112  may also be implemented on the tailgate  14  to better control closure of the tailgate  14 , enabling faster tailgate lifting speeds without the associated wear that may otherwise be caused by the shock if the tailgate  14  were to slam shut. 
         [0061]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an exemplary tilt table  50  for discharging the precursor bale  215  received from the baling chamber  24  of the baler  10 , showing the tilt conveyor trough  114  in detail.  FIG. 14  is an isometric view illustrating a precursor bale  215  after it has been discharged from the baling chamber  26  onto the tilt table  50  where the bale  215  has come to rest in the tilt conveyor trough  114 .  FIG. 15  is an isometric view illustrating transfer of the bale  215  onto the exit conveyor  116  for removal from the baler  10 . 
         [0062]      FIGS. 13 and 14  depict the baler  10  with the tailgate  14  rotated to its fully-open configuration (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2   a ). A formed and “secured” bale  215  is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  after it has been discharged from the baling chamber  24 . This bale  215  comprises a highly-compressed mass of material that is being held in a “precursor” bale configuration by the securement netting  96 . The amount of securement netting  96  delivered to the outer surface of the bale  215  depends upon the material from which the netting is formed, the density of the bale  215 , the type of material that has been baled, and potentially a number of other factors. 
         [0063]    When the tailgate  14  opens, the formed precursor bale  215  rolls off of the endless compression belt  12  and may initially be prevented from rolling off of the distal edge of the tailgate  14  by deflecting the distal section of the tailgate  14  slightly upward (i.e., toward the baling chamber) about tailgate roller  30  as the tailgate  14  is opened. In  FIG. 14 , the precursor bale  215  has been delivered to an adjacent transfer belt, i.e., tilt table  50 . Since the tailgate roller pair  30 ,  32  makes it possible to control the movement of the precursor bale  215  (e.g., it makes it possible to keep the precursor bale  215  from inadvertently rolling off of the tailgate  14 ), it is possible with this configuration to unload the precursor bale  215  off of the tailgate  14  without movement of the endless compression belt  12 . Drive system  118  may be used to operate rollers  120  and  122  to rotate the bale  215 , e.g., for further wrapping. 
         [0064]    In an exemplary embodiment, the tilt table  50  can be tilted about a single axis (e.g., the axis of rotation of roller  120 ) for loading and unloading. The single axis tilt conveyor simplifies the design and reduces the size of the support structure needed to transfer the bale  215 . Comparing  FIGS. 14 and 15  shows how a mechanical linkage may be used to move the bale  215 . The depicted mechanical linkage, for example, includes a hydraulic cylinder or tilt ram  124  for raising and lowering the intermediate or tilt table  50  about the axis of rotation (shown in  FIG. 14  by the axel to the right and just below roller  120 ). 
         [0065]    It is noted that the tilt table  50  of the present invention has a deeper trough  114  compared to the baler disclosed in the &#39;237 application to better maintain position of the bale  215  during the final wrapping. In addition, extra stroke length has been added by the tilt ram  124  to better assist in discharging the bale  215  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 15 ). The exit conveyors  116  are also troughed to increase stability of the bales  215  during offload and pickup. A narrower dimension exit conveyor  116  also makes bale  215  pick up easier. 
         [0066]    Optionally, one or more spillage blowers (not shown) may also be provided. The spillage blower moves high volumes of air into the baling chamber  24  and/or across the tilt table  50  and exit conveyors  116  to remove trash or other materials. Removing these materials before they can build up increases belt life and reduces overall maintenance for the baler  10 . 
       Exemplary Operations 
       [0067]    Operation of the baler  10  described above with reference to the figures is, in general, similar to operation of the baler described in more detail in the &#39;237 application. Briefly, during the initial phase of a bale formation cycle, the entry path or throat  22  of the baler  10  is in its least constricted configuration. The tensioner assembly  40  has been extended slightly, thereby being capable of driving the tensioner roller  42  further away from the baling chamber. This movement of the tensioner roller  42  increases the length of the circuitous pathway followed by the endless compression belt  12 . This, in turn, moves the endless compression belt  12  adjacent to the baling chamber end plates  26 . When the belt  12  moves in this manner, it compresses the material in the baling chamber  24 . In particular, the material in the baling chamber  24  is moved towards the proximal tailgate roller  30 , which acts as a compression roller when the baler  10  is in this configuration. Thus, the material being fed into the throat  22  of the baler  10  is being pressed by the motion of the belt  12  against the proximal tailgate roller  30  and the outer surface of the bale  215  that is being formed. In other words, the proximal tailgate roller  30  potentially acts on or presses against each point on the outer surface of the cylindrical bale  215 , which evenly distributes the material in the bale  215 , including any potential moisture in the materials that are being baled. 
         [0068]    The tensioner rams  46  continue to be extended even further, thereby driving the tensioner roller  42  and, in turn, further lengthening the path that the endless compression belt  12  must follow, which causes the belt to further compress the material in the baling chamber  24 . At this point in the process, the pressure inside of the baling chamber  24  has increased substantially. Material being fed into the throat  22  of the baler  10  may experience difficulty being incorporated into the bale  215 . In other words, the newly introduced materials may tend to sit in the gap formed between the tailgate roller pair  30 ,  32  and the driven roller  34 , thereby “boiling” or churning without being drawn into the bale  215  itself. 
         [0069]    Once the bale has been generated, the tailgate  14  is moved to a fully-down or fully-open position for off-loading the bale  215 . When the tailgate  14  has reached its fully-opened position (e.g.,  FIG. 2   a ), the bale  215  settles into a trough  114  on the tilt table  50 . The tilt table  50  is then lifted up. Once the tilt table  50  is lifted sufficiently, the bale  215  moves out of the trough and onto the exit conveyor  116 . 
         [0070]    Although embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.