Patent Publication Number: US-10306837-B2

Title: Bale storage system with damper assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/320,251, filed Apr. 8, 2016, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to bale storage systems and methods, and more specifically to bale storage systems and methods in which a damper assembly is configured to dissipate the kinetic energy of a bale. 
     During the baling process, large cylindrical bales are rolled or otherwise placed onto various storage devices, such as accumulators, trailers, and the like. During this process, the bale&#39;s rolling motion generates a large amount of kinetic (e.g., rotational and translational) energy that must be contained in order to properly position the bale within the storage device. When attempting to contain the bale&#39;s energy, large impact forces are generated by the bale when it comes into contact with fixed-fences and other stops, which often results in large recoil oscillations (i.e., bouncing off the fence or rocking back and forth in the storage device) or damage to the device itself from excess stress being placed on the mechanism. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a bale collection system and method for receiving and storing a bale. The bale collection system including a baler having a rear aperture through which a bale may be ejected, a trough defining a storage bay sized to receive one or more bales therein, where the trough is coupled to the baler and movable with respect thereto between a first position, where no bale is positioned within the storage bay, and a second position, where at least a portion of a bale is positioned within the storage bay, and where the first position is different than the second position. The bale collection system also includes a resistance element operatively coupled to the frame and configured to at least partially control the movement of the frame between the first and second positions. 
     In another aspect, a bale collection system for receiving and storing a bale, where the bale collection system includes a baler having a rear aperture through which a bale may be ejected, a first trough portion, a second trough portion defining a storage bay sized to receive one or more bales therein, and where the second trough portion is movable with respect to the first trough portion between a first position, where the second trough portion is not aligned with the first trough portion, and a second position, where the second trough portion is aligned with the first trough portion. The bale collection system also including a resistance element operatively coupled to the frame and configured to at least partially control the movement of the frame between the first and second positions. 
     In another aspect, a bale collection system for use with a baler having a rear aperture, the bale collection system including a frame defining at least one storage bay sized to store a bale therein, and a damping system. The damping system including a first member having a first end that is movable with respect to the frame, a second member having a second end that is movable with respect to the frame, and where the movement of the first end and the second end are configured to transfer a bale between the rear aperture and the storage bay. 
     Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a bale collection system, with a baler rear door in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the bale collection system of  FIG. 1 , with the baler rear door in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic top view of an accumulator of a bale collection system. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of a damper assembly of an accumulator, with an arm of the damper assembly in a first position. 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of the accumulator of  FIG. 4 , with the arm of the damper assembly in the first position. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view of the damper assembly of the accumulator of  FIG. 4 , with the arm of the damper assembly in a second position. 
         FIG. 7  is an end view of the accumulator of  FIG. 6 , with the arm of the damper assembly in the second position. 
         FIGS. 8 a -8 d    are schematic views of a bale being loaded into an accumulator. 
         FIG. 9  is an alternative implementation of a bale collector system. 
         FIGS. 10 a -10 b    illustrate another alternative implementation of a bale collector system. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of the bale collector system of  FIGS. 10 a    and  10   b.    
         FIG. 12  is a detailed perspective view of the damper assembly of the accumulator of  FIG. 4  with hard stops installed thereon. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of the accumulator with the damper assembly in a step position. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the accumulator of  FIG. 1  with the accumulator in a pass-through orientation. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of another implementation of the damper assembly. 
         FIGS. 16 a -16 c    are schematic top views of other implementations of the accumulator of the bale system. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another implementation of the damper assembly. 
         FIGS. 18 a -18 b    illustrate side views of another implementation of the accumulator of the bale system. 
         FIG. 18 c    illustrates a side view of another implementation of the accumulator of the bale system. 
         FIGS. 19 a -19 b    are schematic top views of another implementation of the accumulator of the bale system. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a side view of another implementation of the accumulator of the bale system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the formation and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other implementations and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
     The disclosure relates to bale collection systems and methods, and more particularly to bale collection systems and methods in which provision is made to damp the motion of each bale as it is loaded into and positioned within the system. In particular, a damping mechanism is used to dissipate the kinetic energy of the bale (e.g., brought about by the rotation and translational movement of the bale) as it rolls into place in the system so that it can be subsequently processed by the system. By dissipating the energy of the bale, the bale can be loaded into position quickly, allowing the system to maintain a high level of efficiency, while also minimizing the chances for and amount of damage occurring to the system itself or the bale. Unlike a hard barrier, in which the user must decide between fast bale loading in which recoil oscillations and damage to the device become increasingly hazardous problems, or slow bale loading in which the user must sacrifice efficiency to minimize recoil and damage, the bale collection system of the present disclosure permits both fast loading speeds, little to no recoil oscillations, and minimal wear and tear on the storage device, the bale, and the bale wrap material. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a bale collection system or accumulator  22  is mounted on a baler  18 . The baler  18  is configured to collect crop material  34  from the ground&#39;s surface  38  (i.e., the field), process the crop material  34  into individual bales  26 , then eject the completed bale  26  from the baler  18  for subsequent processing by the accumulator  22 . In the illustrated implementation, the baler  18  includes a body  42 , a set of wheels  46  mounted on the body  42 , and a rear door or crop package barrier  50  pivotably coupled to the body  42  proximate a rear aperture  54 . During use, the baler  18  is configured to produce generally cylindrical crop packages, e.g., round bales, from an agricultural field. The baler  18  may produce crop packages from hay, corn stalks, and the like. In some implementations, the baler  18  may also include a loading assembly or transfer system to help convey the bale  26  between the rear aperture  54  and the accumulator  22 . 
     The crop package barrier  50  is pivotable with respect to the body  42  between a closed position, and an open position by gate actuator  44  (e.g., hydraulic actuators, electrical actuators, and the like). The closed position is configured to allow for the formation of a bale  26  within the baler  18 . For example, the barrier  50  is in the closed position when the barrier  50  substantially abuts or interfaces with the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18 . In contrast, the open position is configured to permit exiting of the bale  26  from the baler  18 . More specifically, the completed bale  26  is ejected from the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18  in a direction generally opposite the direction of travel  62 . Moreover, the open position of the barrier  50  may vary for different sized bales. In further implementations, the crop package barrier  50  may translate or slide between the closed and open positions. In still further implementations, the crop package barrier  50  may be a skeleton structure that pivots within the baler  18 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the baler  18  is a “round” baler, forming substantially cylindrical bales  26 , each defining an axis  66  therethrough ( FIG. 1 ). Each bale  26  is generally between about 900 lbs. and about 4,000 lbs. having substantially planar side surfaces  70   a ,  70   b  and an annular outer surface  74  extending therebetween. However, in other embodiments, the bale  26  can have other shapes, including without limitation rectangular and square bales that can be received by the accumulator with an amount of kinetic (e.g., sliding, rolling) energy. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the accumulator  22  is coupled to the rear of the baler  18 , proximate the crop package barrier  50  and is configured to collect and store the completed bales  26  ejected therefrom. The accumulator  22  includes a frame  78  at least partially forming a storage trough  82 , a shuttle assembly  86 , and a damper assembly  90 . In the illustrated implementation, the frame  78  of the accumulator  22  is coupled to and supported by the body  42  and/or a frame of the baler  18 , being positioned proximate the crop package barrier  50  and oriented such that a bale  26  ejected from the baler  18  will roll or be slid, along its outer surface  74  and perpendicular its axis  66 , into the trough  82 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 3 , the trough  82  of the accumulator  22  is configured to support one or more bales  26  and forms a central axis  94  substantially perpendicular to the direction the bale  26  is ejected (i.e., the insertion direction  98 ) to form multiple storage bays  102 . In the illustrated implementation, the accumulator  22  defines three bays  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c , each sized to at least partially receive a bale  26  therein, with the center bay  102   b  being substantially aligned with the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18  and configured to receive the ejected bale  26  therein. Stated differently, the center bay  102   b  constitutes the loading zone  170  of the trough  82 , which is generally defined as the axial location in which a bale  26  is introduced into the trough  82 . In alternative implementations, more or fewer bays  102  may be formed, generally being dictated by the overall width of the trough  82 . Still further, the width of the trough  82 , and therefore the number of bays  102 , may be adjustable in some implementations. 
     Viewed perpendicularly to the central axis  94 , the cross-section of the trough  82  is substantially concave in shape, being formed such that at least a portion of the bale  26  may be positioned within the volume  106  of the trough  82  and held in stable equilibrium ( FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated implementation, the trough  82  is generally formed from four rails  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d , each extending generally parallel to one another and the central axis  94  to form an upwardly-opening trapezoidal shape. With reference also to  FIGS. 4-8   d , the rails  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d  of the trough  82  generally form a bottom or base  114  and two side walls  118  extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom  114  to form the volume  106  in which at least a portion of the bale  26  is positioned during storage. In addition to securing the bale  26  in the trough  82 , the rails  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d  also permit the bale  26  to slide laterally on its outer surface  74  between the various bays  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c  without damaging the outer surface  74 . 
     In other implementations, the trough  82  may include any number of rails (i.e., 3 rails, 5 rails, and the like), be formed by plates, or include other structural elements. Still further, the trough  82  may provide various cross-sectional shapes including a single curved surface (not shown), be “V-shaped” or be substantially planar, so long as the trough  82  can support one or more bales  26  thereon. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 7 , the shuttle assembly  86  of the accumulator  22  is coupled to the frame  78  and configured to slide the bales  26  along the four rails  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d  between the various storage bays  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c . The shuttle assembly  86  includes a movable paddle  122  positioned at least partially within volume  106  of the trough  82 , and a drive assembly  126  to drive the paddle  122  along the central axis  94  of the trough  82 . During use, the paddle  122  engages a respective side surface  70   a ,  70   b  of the bale  26  and slides the bale  26  parallel to its axis  66  to an adjacent storage bay  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c . For example, when a bale  26  enters the accumulator  22  via the insertion direction  98  into the central bay  102   b , the paddle  122  engages the side surface  70   a  and slides the bale  26  into an adjacent bay  102   a . To note, the bale  26  is not being rolled between the bays  102 , but rather slid along the rails  110  parallel to the bale axis  66 . As a result, the central bay  102   b  is now open and able to receive a subsequent bale  26  therein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8   d , the damper assembly  90  of the accumulator  22  is configured to dissipate the kinetic energy (e.g., the kinetic energy generated by rotational and translational movement of the bale, in the illustrated implementation) of the bale  26  as it enters the trough  82 , bringing the bale  26  to a quick and controlled stop. The damper assembly  90  of the illustrated accumulator  22  includes a base  130  coupled to the trough  82 , an arm or member  134  pivotably coupled to the base  130 , and one or more resistance members or dampers  138  extending between and coupled to both the base  130  and the arm  134 . 
     The base  130  of the damper assembly  90  is coupled to the trough  82  of the accumulator  22 , and acts as a mounting point for the arm  134  and the one or more resistance members  138 . In the illustrated implementation, the base  130  includes a pair of mounting brackets  146  coupled to the rail  110   b  of the trough  82  via a cross-brace  152 , each bracket  146  defining a first mounting aperture  150  and a second mounting aperture  154  ( FIG. 4 ). When the damper assembly  90  is assembled, the first mounting aperture  150  is configured to receive a fastener  158  therethrough to pivotably couple a respective leg  162  of the arm  134  to a respective bracket  146 . Furthermore, the second mounting aperture  154  is configured to receive a fastener  158  therethrough to pivotably couple one end of a respective resistance member  138  to a respective bracket  146 . 
     In the illustrated implement, the base  130  of the damper assembly  90  is removably bolted to the rail  110   b  of the trough  82  by a pair of pins  156  at least partially received within the cross-brace  152 . During use, the pins  156  may be removed by the user to allow the damper assembly  90  to be detached from the trough  82  and allow greater access to the trough  82 , the net roll access panel  160  (described below), and the like. In alternative implementations, the base  130  may be pivotably coupled to the trough  82  such that removal of the pins  156  will permit the user to pivot the damper assembly  90  into a stowed position to provide greater access to the trough  82 , the net roll access panel  160 , and the like. In other implementations each individual mounting bracket may be welded or integrally formed with the trough  82 . In still other implementations, mounting points for the arm  134  and the resistance member  138  may be formed directly into the rails  110  of the trough  82 . 
     The arm  134  of the illustrated damper assembly  90  includes a cross-bar  142  configured to contact or engage the outer surface  74  of a bale  26 , with the aforementioned pair of legs  162  extending from the cross-bar  142  to be pivotably coupled to the base  130 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the cross-bar  142  of the arm  134  is substantially cylindrical in shape defining a bale contact surface  136  ( FIG. 4 ). However, in alternative implementations, the cross-bar  142  of the arm  134  may include any shape or surface texture to alter the amount of friction formed between the contact surface  136  of the bar  142  and the outer surface  74  of the bale  26 . For example, the bar  142  may include knurling, ridges, or other textures formed into or on the bar  142  to increase the amount of friction formed between the bale  26  and the bar  142 . Still further, the bar  142  may be formed with a square, triangular, or other polygonal cross-section. In still other implementations, the cross-bar  142  may be rotationally coupled to the legs  162 , allowing the bar  142  to rotate when coming into contact with the bale  26 . In such an implementation, the friction between the outer surface  74  of the bale  26  and the contact surface  136  of the arm  134  can be substantially decreased, or nearly eliminated. As such, dissipating forces against the bale  26  can be limited nearly exclusively to the pivoting of the arm  134  with respect to the base  130 . In still further implementations, the rotation of the cross-bar  142  with respect to the legs  162  may be damped independently of the motion of the legs  162  with respect to the base  130 . In such implementations, the rotational characteristics of the cross-bar  142  may be adjusted so as to minimize any damage being caused to the outer surface  74  of the bale  26  while still providing some supplemental stopping force (i.e., friction) to the bale  26 . 
     Each of the one or more resistance members  138  of the damper assembly  90  extends between and is coupled to both the base  130  and the arm  134  to resist movement therebetween. In the illustrated implementation, each resistance member  138  includes a gas shock; however in alternative implementations, the resistance member  138  may include a viscous damper, a hydraulic cylinder, an air spring, a mechanical spring, an electronic actuator, a brake assembly (e.g., a disk or drum brake), and other forms of motion control devices. Furthermore, although the illustrated implementation includes two resistance members  138  each attached to a respective one of the legs  162  of the arm  134 , a single damper or any other number of dampers may instead be used as necessary to produce the desired amount of damping force, and can be coupled to the arm  134  or to any other location of the cross-bar  142 . Although not shown, each resistance member  138  may also be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to accommodate bales  26  of different sizes, different bale movement speeds, and bale weights. More specifically, a larger damping force may be provided in instances where larger or heavier bales  26  are being produced, while, a lower damping force may be provided when smaller or lighter bales  26  are created. In still other implementations, the resistance member  138  may only resist the motion of the arm  134  in a single direction, permitting the arm  134  to move unopposed in an opposite direction. Still further, the resistance member  138  may be “locked out” causing the arm  134  to become fixed in place with respect to the base  130 . In still other implementations, the resistance member  138  may be adjustable between an off configuration (i.e., the resistance member  138  provides no resistance) and an on configuration (i.e., the resistance member  138  provides resistance). In such implementations, changing the resistance member  138  from the off configuration to the on configuration may cause the resistance member  148  to bias the arm  134  to the first position. 
     In instances where a gas shock or fluid damper are used, a pin or block may be used to limit the length of retraction of the resistance member  138  (i.e., how close the first end can retract toward the second end of the device). In the illustrated implementation, the resistance member  138  is passive in nature, however in alternative implementations the resistance member  138  may be actively controlled by a controller (not shown). In such implementations, the controller may control the resistance member  138  based on one or more inputs such as, but not limited to, the motion of the bale  26 , contact between the bale and the damper assembly  90 , force sensor readings, and the like. Still further, the controller may include one or more pre-programmed algorithms that automatically run once a trigger has been activated. For example, the resistance member  138  may cause the arm  134  to retract toward the second position at a predetermined rate once the arm  134  comes into contact with the bale  26 . In such implementations, the resistance member  138  may include a hydraulic cylinder driven by a series of hydraulic valves and pumps (not shown), or an electrical actuator or combination of both. 
     Still further, the resistance member  138  may be in operable communication with the baler  18 . For example, in some implementations the baler  18  may include one or more valves re-directing hydraulic fluid to the resistance member  138  based at least in part on the position of the rear door  50  when the resistance member  138  is a hydraulic cylinder. In other implementations, the baler  18  may include electrical leads to provide electrical power to the resistance member  138  when the resistance member  138  is an electric actuator. 
     In still other implementations, the damping forces provided by the resistance members  138  may be adjusted by altering the mounting locations of the resistance member  138  with respect to the arm  134  and base  130  (see  FIG. 15 ). More specifically, each leg  162  of the arm  134  may include a plurality of mounting apertures  140  therein. During use, the user may adjust the damping force provided by the resistance member  138  by securing one end of the resistance member  138  to a respective one of the mounting apertures  140  such as with a pin and the like (not shown). By doing so, the user changes the geometric orientation between the arm  134 , base  130  and resistance member  138  such that a single resistance member  138  will provide different levels of damping force over the same range of motion between the arm  134  and the base  130 . In still other implementations, apertures may be formed along the length of the resistance member  138  (not shown). In still other implementations, one or more of the mounting points may be adjustable on the resistance member  138 , for example, the ends may be threadably coupled to the resistance member  138  so that the relative positions of the two ends of the resistance member  138  may be adjusted. 
     The damper assembly  90  may also include one or more springs  166 , extending between and coupled to both the arm  134  and the base  130 , or between the cross-bar  142  and the base  130 . The springs  166  may also provide supplemental damping forces to the resistance members  138  when necessary. Still further, the spring  166  may also be used to return the damper assembly  90  to the rest position (described below). 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 12 , on implementation of the damper assembly  90  includes a pair of hard stops  172  configured to limit the travel of the arm  134  with respect to the base  130 . In the illustrated construction, each hard stop  172  includes an elongated body  176  having a first end  180  pivotably coupled to the base  130 , and a second end  184  opposite the first end  180  that is coupled to the arm  134 . In particular, the second end  184  of the body  176  includes an elongated slot  188  coupled to the arm  134  by a pin  192 . During use, the pin  192  travels along the length of the slot  188  as the arm  134  pivots with respect to the base  130  restricting the pivoting of the arm  134  each time the pin  192  reaches an end of the slot  188 . More specifically, each end of the slot  188  substantially corresponds with the first position and the second position of the arm  134  (described below). As such, the hard stops  172  may be used to set and adjust the first position and the second position of the arm  134  during operation. In one implementation, the slot  188  is sized such that the cross-bar  142  cannot pass beyond alignment with rail  110   a  of the trough  82 . As such, the cross-bar  142  creates a shingle effect with the rail  110   a  to ensure that the bale  26  slides smoothly along the length of the trough  82  when the shuttle assembly  86  slides the bale  26  from the central bay  102   b  to one of the adjacent bays  102   a ,  102   c . In alternative implementations, the hard stop  172  may be integrally formed with the resistance member  138 . In still other implementations, the hard stop  172  may be adjustable so that the user may adjust the travel limits of the arm  134 . 
     In still other implementations, the hard stops  172  and the mounting locations of the resistance members  138  may be adjusted in combination to provide still further variations and adjustability to the damping forces applied by the damping assembly  90  to the bale. More specifically, the hard stops  172  and the mounting locations of the resistance member  138  may be adjusted to “pre-load” the springs  166  or the resistance member  138  by setting the first position of the hard stop  172  at a location different than the natural resting point of the resistance member  138 . 
     During operation, the arm  134  and the cross-bar  142  of the damper assembly  90  pivots with respect to the trough  82 , or more broadly with respect to the frame  78  of the accumulator  22 . In the illustrated implementation by way of example, the arm  134  of the damper assembly  90  pivots between a first or rest position ( FIGS. 4-5 ), where the cross-bar  142  of the arm  134  is not aligned with the side wall  118  of the trough  82 , and a second or engaged position ( FIGS. 6-7 ), where the cross-bar  142  of the arm  134  is substantially aligned with and positioned slightly above the side wall  118  of the trough  82 . More specifically, the arm  134  is biased toward the first position by the springs  166  and is configured to engage the bale  26  as it enters the trough  82  via the loading zone  170  and in the insertion direction  98 . Once engaged by the bale  26 , the resistance members  138  are configured to resist motion of the arm  134  with respect to the base  130 , thereby providing a damping force against the motion of the bale  26 . In the illustrated implementation, the arm  134  generally forms an angle between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 80 degrees with respect to the bottom  114  of the trough  82  when in the first position. In other implementations, the arm  134  generally forms an angle between approximately 30 and 50 degrees with respect to the bottom  114  of the trough  82  when in the first position. In still other implementations, the arm  134  forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees angle with respect to bottom  114  of the trough  82  when in the first position. In still other implementations, the arm  134  generally forms an angle of 85 degrees with respect to the bottom  114  of the trough  82 . Stated differently, the cross-bar  142  of the arm  134  is positioned between approximately 1 foot and approximately 3 feet above the bottom  114  of the trough  82  when the arm  134  is in the first position. 
     While the arm  134  of the illustrated implementation is pivotably coupled to the frame  78  for rotational movement with respect thereto; in alternative implementations, the arm  134  may be mounted in ways that allow for alternative forms of motion during use. In some implementations, the arm  134  may be mounted for linear motion with respect to the frame  78  (e.g., mounted on rails, further described below). In still other implementations, the arm  134  may be mounted to the frame  78  such that is moves in a combination of linear and curvilinear motions (e.g., mounted with a four-bar linkage, move along curvilinear slots, and the like, not shown). 
     In still other implementations, the arm of the damper assembly  90  may include a pair of arms  134   a ,  134   b  pivoting about an axis extending substantially normal to the base  114  of the trough  82  (see  FIGS. 16 a , 16 b   ). In such implementations, each arm  134   a ,  134   b  may be independently rotatable with respect to the trough  82  and include a dedicated damper (not shown). In still other implementations, the movement of the arms  134   a ,  134   b  may be related by linkages, gears, and the like (not shown). In still other implementations, the damper assembly  90  may include only a single arm  134  rotating about an axis extending substantially normal to the base  114  (see  FIG. 16 c   ). 
     The illustrated damper assembly  90  is generally axially aligned with the location in which the bale  26  is to be introduced into the device (e.g., the loading zone  170 ) such that when the bale  26  is introduced via the insertion direction  98 , the bale  26  will come into contact with the damper assembly  90  as it rolls into position within the trough  82  ( FIG. 3 ). In the illustrated implementation, the damper assembly  90  is positioned within the center storage bay  102   b  of the trough  82 . As such, when the accumulator  22  is installed on the baler  18 , a bale  26  exiting the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18  will contact the damper assembly  90  as it rolls into the position within the trough  82 . 
     To load a bale onto the accumulator  22 , the user first introduces a bale  26  into the loading zone  170  of the trough  82  in the insertion direction  98 . While being loaded, the bale  26  is oriented such that the bale&#39;s axis  66  is substantially parallel to the central axis  94  of the accumulator so that the bale  26  will rotate or roll about its outer surface  74  toward the trough  82  in the insertion direction  98 . In the illustrated implementation, the bale  26  is introduced into the trough  82  in the insertion direction  98  by exiting the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18 ; however in alternative constructions, the bale  26  may be introduced into the accumulator by any form of loading device known in the art. The bale  26  then rolls toward the volume  106  of the trough  82  ( FIG. 8 a   ). As the bale  26  begins to enter the trough  82 , the bale  26  has an initial value of kinetic energy. 
     After entering the volume  106 , the bale  26  continues to travel in the insertion direction  98  until the outer surface  74  of the bale  26  comes into contact with the cross-bar  142  of the arm  134  ( FIG. 8 b   ). Once in contact, the frictional force created between the cross-bar  142  and the outer surface  74  of the bale  26  creates a torque, acting against the rotation of the bale  26  about the bale&#39;s axis  66 —thereby dissipating at least a portion of the bale&#39;s rotational energy. As the contact force between the cross-bar  142  and the bale  26  increases, the frictional force and torque acting against the rotation of the bale  26  also increases. In alternative implementations where a rotationally mounted or low-friction cross-bar  142  is utilized, little to no rotational energy may be dissipated at this initial phase. 
     As the bale  26  continues to travel into the volume  106  of the trough  82 , the bale  26  begins to bias the arm  134  from the first position toward the second position. As the arm  134  rotates with respect to the base  130 , the one or more resistance members  138  provide resisting forces to the arm  134 , which are in turn applied through the arm  134  to the bale  26  itself. ( FIG. 8 c   ) These forces act to dissipate at least a portion of both the kinetic and rotational energies of the bale  26 . 
     As the arm  134  approaches the second position, the kinetic energy of the bale  26  is almost completely dissipated, such that once the bale  26  reaches its rest position ( FIG. 8 d   ), very little to no recoil oscillations occur. With the bale  26  resting in the trough  82 , it is ready to be subsequently processed (i.e., moved axially to an adjacent cell  102   a ,  102   c  by the shuttle assembly  86 ; described above). 
     By utilizing resistance members  138  to controllably decelerate the bale  26  as it enters the trough  82 , the damper assembly  90  is able to increase the speed at which the bale  26  can be loaded without sacrificing the time the bale  26  takes to come to rest (i.e., recoil oscillations) or requiring a reinforced frame to accommodate increased forces. As described, during operation of the device  22 , damper assembly  90  may dissipate the kinetic energy of the bale  26  in any combination of two primary ways: first, the frictional force of the outer surface  74  of the bale  26  contacting the cross-bar  142  produces a torque acting counter to the rotational motion of the bale  26  ( FIG. 8 b   ); and second, the resistance member  138  resists the pivoting motion of the arm  134  and creates a dissipating, resistive force against the motion of the bale  26  itself ( FIG. 8 c   ). Together, these two forces dissipate the energy of the bale  26  quickly and in a controlled manner so as to damp the motion of the bale  26  within the trough  82 . 
     In alternative implementations, the damper assembly  90  may also be utilized as a step to provide easier access to the trough  82  and baler  18 . To utilize the damper assembly  90  as a step, the user first disengages the resistance members  138  by decoupling one end of the resistance members  138  from either the arm  134  or the base  130 . The user may then pivot the arm  134  into the step position (see  FIG. 13 ). Once in position, the user may lock the arm  134  in place with a locking mechanism (not shown), utilizing the cross-bar  142  as the step surface. In alternative implementations, the resistance members  138  may remain coupled to both the arm  134  and the base  130 . 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the damper assembly  90  may also be utilized when the accumulator  22  is in a pass-through mode of operation. More specifically, during the pass-through mode of operation, the trough  82  of the accumulator  22  is positioned at an angle with respect to horizontal (see  FIG. 14 ) such that the trough  82  acts as an inclined ramp causing any bale  26  being ejected from the baler  18  to roll under the force of gravity across the bottom  114  of the trough and onto the support surface  38 . The damper assembly  90  is configured such that, even with the trough  82  in the angled orientation, the damper assembly  90  remains in the necessary position to damp the motion of the bale  26  as it rolls across the bottom  114  of the trough  82  and onto the support surface  38 . As such, the damper assembly  90  reduces the speed at which the bale  26  exits the trough  82  and reduces the distance the bale  26  will roll along the support surface  38 . 
     While the present implementation of the bale storage system is discussed with regards to round bales, it is to be recognized that the damping system  90  may also be utilized with regards to the control and handling of rectangular bales as well. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative implementation of a bale collection system  10 ′. The bale collection system  10 ′ includes a bale trailer  200 ′, as is well known in the art, having a damping system  90 ′ according to the present disclosure installed thereon. Similar to the accumulator  22 , the trailer  200 ′ defines a trough  82 ′ into which one or more round bales  26  can be positioned and stored. The trailer  200 ′ also includes a loading assembly  202 ′ configured to collect and introduce a bale  26  into the trough  82 ′. In the illustrated implementation, the loading assembly  202 ′ includes a loading arm  204 ′ that grasps a bale  26  from the ground  38 ′ and introduces it, via the load zone  170 ′ and in the introduction direction  98 ′ into the trough  82 ′. In still other implementations, the loading assembly  202 ′ may be configured to collect a bale  26  from a separate baler (not illustrated). Similar to that described above, the trailer  200 ′ includes a damping system  90 ′ axially aligned with the loading zone  170 ′ and positioned opposite the introduction direction  98 ′. The damping system  90 ′ of the trailer  200 ′ acts in substantially the same manner as that utilized in the accumulator  22 , dissipating the kinetic energy of the bale  26  as it rolls into the trough  82 ′ for subsequent processing. 
     The loading assembly  202 ′ of the illustrated implementation loads the bales  26  proximate the front  212 ′ of the trailer  200 ′. In alternative implementations, the loading assembly  202 ′ may move along the length of the trough  82 ′ to load bales  26  next to one another. In such implementations, the damping system  90 ′ is configured to move together with the load assembly  202 ′ so that the damping system  90 ′ remains axially aligned with the loading zone  170 ′, regardless of its position relative to the trough  82 ′. 
       FIGS. 10 a   - 11  illustrate yet another alternative implementation of the bale collection system  10 ″. The bale collection system  10 ″ includes a double bale trailer  200 ″, as is well known in the art, having a damping system  90 ″ accordingly to the present disclosure installed thereon. The double trailer  200 ″ includes a pair of troughs  82   a ″,  82   b ″ each extending substantially parallel to one another and spaced a distance apart. The double trailer  22 ″ also includes a pair of loading assemblies  202   a ″,  202   b ″, each corresponding to a respective one of the troughs  82   a ″,  82   b ″ ( FIG. 11 ). The double trailer  200 ″ also includes a damping system  90 ″ operating substantially similarly to the damping system  90  described above. The primary difference between the damping system  90 ″ and the damping system  90  is that the single arm  134 ″ is able to rotate in both directions (A and B) to accommodate a bale  26  loaded from either loading assembly  202   a ″,  202   b ″. More specifically, the arm  134 ″ will rotate in a first direction A (while applying damping forces to the bale  26 ) away from the first loading assembly  202   a ″ to accommodate a bale  26  loaded in the first direction  98   a ″, while the arm  134 ″ will rotate in a second direction B (while applying damping force to the bale  26 ) away from the second loading assembly  202   b ″ to accommodate a bale  26  loaded in the second direction  98   b ″ In such a implementation, the arm  134 ″ may include two pairs of dampers (not shown), each of which apply the necessary damping forces when the arm  134 ″ moves in a particular direction. Furthermore, the arm  134 ″ may include a single set of dampers (not shown) that is biased toward a neutral position, having available travel in both directions so as to compensate and apply damping forces whether the arm  134 ″ travels in either direction. In still other implementations, the arm  134 ″ may include two arms (not shown), each positioned to accommodate a bale  26  loaded from a respective loading assembly  202   a ″,  202   b″.    
       FIG. 17  illustrates yet another alternative implementation of the bale collection system  10 ′″. The bale collection system  10 ′″ includes a damper assembly  90 ′″ that is coupled to the crop package barrier  50  of the baler  18 . In such an implementation, after a bale  26  has been formed, the crop package barrier  50  opens to allow the bale  26  to be ejected toward the accumulator  22 . With the crop package barrier  50  opened, the damper assembly  90 ′″ is positioned such that it contacts the bale  26  as it exits the baler  18 , causing it to pivot in a first direction (A). As described above, the motion of the arm  134 ′″ is resisted by the damper  138 ′″, which absorbs at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the bale  26 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the damper assembly  90 ′″ may be coupled to the crop package barrier  50  opposite the pivot joint so that the arm  134 ′″ is in position to contact the bale  26  when the crop package barrier  50  is in an open position and the bale  26  exits the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18 . 
       FIGS. 18A-18C  illustrate yet another alternative implementation of the bale collection system  10 ″″. The bale collection system  10 ″″ includes a trough  82 ″″ defining a storage bay sized to support at least a portion of a bale therein. The trough  82 ″″ is movably mounted to the baler  18  and adjustable with respect to the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18  between a first position, where the trough  82 ″″ is at rest and no bale is positioned within the storage bay, and a second position, where at least a portion of a bale  26  is positioned within the storage bay of the trough  82 ″″ and approximately all the kinetic energy of the bale has been dissipated. The bale collection system  10 ″″ also includes a resistance member  138 ″″ that is operably coupled to the trough  82 ″″ and at least partially controls the motion of the trough  82 ″″ as it moves between the first and second positions, as described above. In other implementations, the resistance member  138 ″″ damps the motion of the trough  82 ″″ between the first and second positions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18A , in one implementation the trough  82 ″″ is movable translationally between the first position, where the trough  82 ″″ is a first distance from the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18 , and a second position, where the trough  82 ″″ is positioned a second distance, greater than the first distance, from the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18 . In some implementations, the trough  82 ″″ may move linearly with respect to the baler  18 , in a path that is substantially parallel to the support surface. In still other implementations, the trough  82 ″″ may move with respect to the baler  18  along a curvilinear path, along rails, or via a four-bar linkage. In still other implementations, the movement of the trough  82 ″″ may be a combination of both translational and rotational movement. During use, the motion of trough  82 ″″ with respect to the baler  18  and the damping force provided by the resistance member  138 ″″ causes the trough  82 ″″ to dissipate at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the bale  26  as it exits the rear aperture  54 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18B and 18C , in still other implementations the bale collection system  10 ″″ may rotate between the first position and the second position about an axis of rotation  306  that is substantially parallel with the axis  94 ″″ of the trough  82 ″″. More specifically, the trough  82 ″″ may rotate between a first position ( FIG. 18B ), where the trough  82 ″″ forms a first trough angle  307   a , and a second position ( FIG. 18C ), where the trough forms a second angle  307   b  that is different than first angle  307   a . For the purposes of this application, the trough angle  307  is defined as the angle of a first ray extending substantially normal to the bottom surface of the trough  82 ″″ and a second ray extending from the origin of the first ray and toward the front of the baler  18  substantially parallel to the baler&#39;s longitudinal axis. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the trough  82 ″″ is angled toward the rear aperture  54  in the first position (i.e., the trough angle  307   a  is less than 90 degrees) and rotates away from the rear aperture  54  toward the second position (i.e., the trough angle  307  increases). Furthermore, the trough angle  307   b  is approximately 90 degrees when the trough  82 ″″ is in the second position. During use, the rotational motion of the trough  82 ″″ with respect to the baler  18  and the damping force provided by the resistance member  138 ″″ causes the trough  82 ″″ to dissipate at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the bale  26  as it exits the rear aperture  54 . 
     In still other implementations, the trough  82 ″″ may pivot with respect to the baler  18  between a first position, where the trough  82 ″″ is angled to and open toward the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18 , and second position, where the trough  82 ″″ is substantially parallel to the support surface to help absorb at least a portion of the rotational motion of the bale  26 . In still other implementations, the trough  82 ″″ may also be pivoted away from the rear aperture  54  beyond the second position (e.g., the trough angle  307  is greater than 90 degrees) into a third position (see  FIG. 14 ) to allow any bales stored on the trough  82 ″″ to be positioned on the support surface  38 . 
       FIGS. 19 a  and 19 b    illustrate yet another alternative implementation of the bale collection system  10 ′″″. The bale collection system  10 ′″″ includes a trough  82 ′″″ that has a first portion  300 ′″″, and a second portion  304 ′″″ that is movable with respect to the first portion  300 ′″″. In the illustrated implementation, the first and second portions  300 ′″″,  304 ′″″ of the tough  82 ′″″ include substantially the same cross-sectional shape as described above. During use, the second portion  304 ′″″ of the trough  82 ′″″ is movable with respect to the first portion  300 ′″″ between a first position, where the first portion  300 ′″″ is not aligned with the second portion  304 ′″″ (see  FIG. 19 a   ), and a second position, where the first portion  300 ′″″ is substantially aligned with the second portion  304 ′″″ ( FIG. 19 b   ). The bale collection system  10 ′″″ also includes a resistance member (not shown) in operable communication with the second portion  304 ′″″ and configured to at least partially control the motion of the second portion  304 ′″″. In other implementations, the resistance member provides a damping force against the motion of the second portion  304 ′″″. The second portion  304 ′″″ of the tough  82 ′″″ is biased toward and rests in the first position. 
     During use, the user first introduces a bale  26  into the second portion  304 ′″″ of the trough  82 ′″″. While being loaded, the bale  26  is oriented such that the bale  26  will rotate or roll about its outer surface  74  into the second portion  304 ′″″. In the illustrated implementation, the bale  26  is introduced into the trough  82 ′″″ after exiting the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18 ; however in alternative constructions, the bale  26  may be introduced into the accumulator by any form of loading device known in the art. The bale  26  then rolls into the second portion  304 ′″″ of the trough  82 ′″″. As the bale  26  enters the trough  82 ′″″, the bale  26  has an initial value of kinetic energy. 
     Once the bale  26  is positioned within the second portion  304 ′″″ of the trough  82 ′″″, the momentum of the bale  26  causes the second portion  304 ′″″ to begin to move with respect to the baler  18 , either linearly or rotationally, from the first position and toward the second position. This motion, coupled with the resistive force provided by the resistance member  138 ′″″, helps dissipate at least a portion of the bale&#39;s kinetic energy. 
     The bale  26  and second portion  304 ′″″ continue to travel until the second portion  304 ′″″ enters the second position and is generally aligned with the first portion  300 ′″″ of the trough  82 ′″″. At this point, the kinetic energy of the bale  26  has been dissipated and the bale  26  is substantially stationary. With the bale  26  at rest and the second portion  304 ′″″ aligned with the first portion  300 ′″″ of the trough  82 ′″″, the bale  26  may then be processed as described above. More specifically, with the first portion  300 ′″″ generally aligned with the second portion  304 ′″″ the two portions become “shingled” allowing the bale to be transitioned axially along the axial length of the trough without damaging the bale  26  or its wrapping material. 
     While the illustrated implementation includes a first portion  300 ′″″ that is fixed relative to the rear aperture  54  of the bale  18 , in alternative implementations the first portion  300 ′″″ may also be movable with respect to the rear aperture  54  either independently from or together with the second portion  304 ′″″. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates yet another alternative implementation of the bale collection system  600 . The bale collection system  600  includes a frame  604 , a trough  608  coupled to the frame  604  and defining at least one storage bay sized to receive at least a portion of a bale  26  therein, and a multi-arm damper assembly  610  movable with respect to the trough  608 . In the illustrated implementation, the damper assembly  610  includes a first member  614  movable with respect to the trough  608 , and a second member  618  spaced a distance from the first member  614  and movable with respect to the trough  608 . During use, the collection system  600  is configured to use both members  614 ,  618  to transfer a bale  26  from the baler  18  (i.e., the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18 ) to the storage bay defined by the trough  608 . More specifically, the first member  614  and the second member  618  operate together to at least partially control the motion of the bale  26  as it moves between the baler  18  and the trough  608 . 
     The first member  614  of the damper assembly  610  is pivotably coupled to the trough  608  at a first pivot point  626  positioned opposite the location where the bale  26  is introduced into the trough  608 . The first member  614  includes a first end  630 , configured to contact the bale  26  as it is introduced into the storage bay of the trough  608 , and a second end  634  opposite the first end  630 . While  FIG. 20  illustrates the first member  614  being coupled to the trough  608 , in alternative implementations the first member  614  may be coupled to the door  50  of the baler  18  (see  FIG. 17 , described above), the perimeter of the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18  or any other location where the first end  630  of the first member  614  is able to contact the bale  26  as it moves between the baler  18  and the storage bay. During use, the first member  614  is generally configured to contact the bale  26  as it enters the storage bay providing a resisting force against its rotation. Similar to the arm  138  described above, such a force may be used to dissipate the kinetic energy of the bale  26 . Once the bale  26  is in its final rest position within the storage bay of the trough  608 , the first member  614  is configured to restrict movement of the bale  26  (e.g., rotation about the bale axis  66 ) in a first direction. 
     The second member  618  of the damper assembly  610  is pivotably coupled to the frame  604  at a second pivot point  638  positioned between the trough  608  and the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18 . The second member  618  includes a first end  642  configured to contact the bale  26 , and a second end  646  opposite the first end  642 . During use, the second member  618  is generally configured to contact the bale  26  and bias the bale  26  away from the rear aperture  54  of the baler  18  and toward the storage bay of the trough  608  while also restricting any motion back toward the rear aperture  54 . Once the bale  26  is in its final rest position within the storage bay, the second member  618  is configured to restrict movement of the bale  26  (e.g., rotation about the bale axis  66 ) in a second direction, opposite the first direction. 
     The damper assembly  610  also includes a linkage member  622  coupled to and extending between both the first member  614  and the second member  618 . In the illustrated implementation, the linkage member  622  is a substantially rigid rod configured to transmit motion and forces between the first member  614  and the second member  618  causing the motion of the two members  614 ,  618  to be interdependent. In alternative implementations, the linkage member  622  may include a spring, hydraulic cylinder, electric actuator, fluid damper, and the like allowing the user to vary the relative position of the first member  614  with respect to the second member  618  or to introduce elasticity into the assembly  610 . In still other implementations, no linkage member  622  may be present and each member  614 ,  618  may be independently driven by one or more actuators (described below). In such implementations, the movement of the members  614 ,  618  may still be coordinated to control the movement of the bale  26  as desired. 
     The damper assembly  610  may also include an actuator  650  coupled to one of the first or second members  614 ,  618  and configured to control the motion of the system  600  between the first and second configurations (described below). During use, the motion of the first and second members  614 ,  618  may be at least partially determined based on one or more inputs received by one or more controllers (not shown). Such inputs my include, but are not limited to, the location and movement of the bale  26 , elements coming into contact with the bale  26 , and the like. Still further, the motion of the first and second members may include a pre-determined algorithm or path that is triggered by an event. In the illustrated implementation, a single actuator  650  directly controls the motion of the first member  614  which in turn dictates the motion of the second member  618  via the linkage member  622 . In other implementations, each member  614 ,  618  may have its own actuator (not shown) allowing direct control of each member&#39;s  614 ,  618  movement independently. 
     The damper assembly  610  may also include a resistance member (not shown) in addition to or in replacement of the actuator  650 . Similar to the resistance members  138  described above, the resistance member is configured to dissipate the kinetic energy of the baler  26  as it enters the trough  608 . In still further implementations, the damper assembly  610  may not include a resistance member or actuator  650 , rather relying on the layout and design of the members to capture the bale  26  in such a way that the bale&#39;s kinetic energy is dissipated without damaging the bale  26  or the damper assembly  610 . 
     During use, the damper assembly  610  is adjustable between a first configuration (see position A in  FIG. 20 ), where the damper assembly  610  is at rest and awaiting the introduction of a bale  26  into the trough  608 , and a second configuration (see position C in  FIG. 20 ) where the assembly  610  has transferred the bale  26  into the storage bay of the trough  608  and secured the bale  26  in place. In the illustrated implementation, the system  600  is configured to capture or otherwise secure the bale  26  within the trough  608  by restricting the movement of the bale  26  in both rotational directions. Stated differently, when the damper assembly  610  is in the second configuration, the damper assembly  610  is configured to resist the rotation energy of the bale  26  about its axis  66  in both directions of rotation. More specifically, the system  600  restricts rotation in one direction with the first end  630  of the first member  614  and restricts rotation in a second direction with the first end  642  of the second member  618 . 
     In still another implementation, the damper assembly  610  may be configured such that the first member  614  includes the crop package barrier  50  of the baler  18 . In such an implementation, the distal end of the door  50  (e.g., the end of the crop package barrier  50  opposite the hinge) generally acts as the first end  630  and is configured to contact the bale  26  as it exits the rear aperture  54  and at least partially control the movement of the bale  26  as it is transferred between the baler  18  and the storage bay of the trough  608 . In still other implementations, the crop package barrier  50  may also include an arm  134  pivotably coupled thereto (see  FIG. 17 ) such that the arm  134  acts as the first end  630 .