Patent Publication Number: US-10757864-B2

Title: System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/566,717, filed on Oct. 2, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to crop-packaging devices, such as round balers, and to a system and method for recompressing a round bale into a square bale. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In various settings, crops or other material may be arranged for pick-up by mechanized equipment. For example, cut material (e.g., hay) in a field may be raked or otherwise arranged into windrows in the field for further processing. Various mechanisms may then be utilized to gather such material. For example, a crop-packaging device such as a round baler may be pulled by a tractor along a windrow of cut material and may gather the material from the windrow. The material may then be passed into a packaging (e.g., baling) chamber for formation into a crop package (e.g., a bale). In various configurations, such a crop package may be generally cylindrical in shape and may be typically referred to as a “round” bale. Similarly, a baler that forms a round bale may be referred to as a “round” baler. 
     In certain instances, it is desirable to load one or more round bales onto a truck for transport. In these instances, due to the shape of the round bale and the rectangular shape of a bed or trailer of the truck, the number of round bales that may be transported is reduced. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure provides a system and method for recompressing a round bale into a square bale for a round baler, which, for example, may allow for more efficient transportation of bales by a bed or trailer of a truck. 
     In one aspect the disclosure provides an accumulator system for a bale recompression system that recompresses a round bale into a square bale. The accumulator system includes a bottom platen to receive the round bale and a movable platen translatable relative to the bottom platen. The accumulator system includes a source of a bale diameter that indicates a diameter of the round bale to be received and a controller, having a processor, configured to: receive as input the bale diameter and output one or more control signals to move the movable platen based on the bale diameter. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for accumulating round bales on a bale recompression system that recompresses a round bale into a square bale. The method includes receiving the round bale on a bottom platen and receiving, by a processor, a bale diameter that indicates a diameter of the round bale to be received on the bottom platen. The method includes outputting, by the processor, one or more control signals to move a movable platen relative to the bottom platen based on the bale diameter. 
     In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a round baler. The round baler includes a baling chamber that forms a round bale and a bale recompression system that is configured to recompress the round bale into a square bale. The bale recompression system includes a bottom platen to receive the round bale and a movable platen translatable relative to the bottom platen. The round baler includes a source of a bale diameter that indicates a diameter of the round bale to be received, and an accumulator control system having a processor, configured to, receive as input the bale diameter and output one or more control signals to move the movable platen based on the bale diameter. 
     The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an example work vehicle in the form of an agricultural tractor, which includes an example crop-packaging device, such as a baler, having a bale recompression system according to various embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of a first side of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates upper platens of both a first platen system and a second platen system of the bale recompression system in a first position and a formed round bale received on a bale accumulator of the bale recompression system; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen system and the second platen system of the bale recompression system in a first position; 
         FIG. 4  is a detail view of the bale accumulator of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a second side of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen system and the second platen system of the bale recompression system in the first position and the formed round bale received on the bale accumulator; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the second side of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen system and the second platen system of the bale recompression system in the first position and the formed round bale received on a bottom platen of the first platen system; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the first side of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates the upper platen of the first platen system in a position between the first position and a second position, and the upper platen of the second platen system in the first position; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the first side of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates the upper platen of the first platen system in the second position, and a second formed round bale received on a bottom platen of the second platen system with the upper platen of the second platen system in the first position; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the first side of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a first square bale and a second square bale formed by the first platen system and the second platen system, which are banded by wrap material received through a banding unit associated with each of the first platen system and the second platen system and the bottom platens of each of the first platen system and the second platen system are in a first recompression position; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the first side of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates the bottom platens of each of the first platen system and the second platen system in a second discharge position to deposit the first square bale and the second square bale on a ground surface; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the first side of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a third formed round bale received on the bale accumulator, and the first square bale and the second square bale on the respective one of the bottom platens of each of the first platen system and the second platen system; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the first side of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates the third formed round bale ejecting the first square bale from the bottom platen of the first platen system to deposit the first square bale on the ground surface; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of an example bale recompression system, which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen system and the second platen system of the bale recompression system in a first position and an example actuation system for the both the first platen system and the second platen system; 
         FIG. 13A  is a detail front perspective of the actuation system of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 13 , with the upper platen in the first position; 
         FIG. 13B  is a detail front perspective of the actuation system of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 13 , with the upper platen in the second position; 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of an example bale recompression system, which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen system and the second platen system of the bale recompression system in a first position and an example actuation system for the both the first platen system and the second platen system; 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of an example bale recompression system, which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen system and the second platen system of the bale recompression system in a first position and an example actuation system for the both the first platen system and the second platen system; 
         FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of an example crop-packaging device, such as a baler, having a bale recompression system according to various embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a side perspective view of an example crop-packaging device, such as a baler, having a bale recompression system according to various embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of a portion of an actuation system for the bale recompression system of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a partially exploded view of the portion of the actuation system of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of  FIG. 17 , in which a round bale has been discharged from the baler and moved by a transfer table into a first platen system for recompression; 
         FIG. 22  is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of  FIG. 17 , in which a round bale received within the first platen system for recompression, with an upper platen of the first platen system in a first position and a movable platen of the first platen system in a first position; 
         FIG. 23  is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of  FIG. 17 , in which the upper platen has been rotated from the first position to a second position, and the movable platen is in the first position; 
         FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of  FIG. 17 , in which the upper platen has been rotated from the first position to a second position, and the movable platen has been moved from the first position to the second position to recompress the round bale into a square bale; 
         FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of  FIG. 17 , in a pusher of a bale accumulator has been actuated to remove the square bale from the bale recompression system; 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of  FIG. 17 , in which the pusher of the bale accumulator has moved the square bale into a bale accumulator wing, and the upper platen has been rotated from the second position to the first position; 
         FIG. 27  is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of  FIG. 17 , in which the movable platen has been rotated from the second position to the first position such that the bale recompression system may receive another round bale from the baler; 
         FIG. 28  is a functional block diagram illustrating the baler having the bale recompression system of  FIG. 17  and a bale accumulator system in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 29  is a dataflow diagram illustrating the bale accumulator system of the baler and bale recompression system of  FIG. 28 , in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 30A-30D  illustrate the bale accumulator system of the baler and bale recompression system of  FIG. 28  controlling a position of the movable platen to operate the bale recompression system as a bale accumulator; 
         FIG. 31  is a flowchart illustrating a control method that may be performed by the bale accumulator system of the baler and bale recompression system of  FIG. 28 , in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 32  is a continuation of the flowchart of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33A  is a side view of an example crop-packaging device, such as a baler, having a bale recompression system with an arcuate transfer table according to various embodiments of this disclosure, with an upper platen of a first platen system in a first position and the transfer table in a first position; 
         FIG. 33B  is a side view of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 33A , with the upper platen of the first platen system in the first position and the transfer table moved from the first position to a second position; 
         FIG. 33C  is a side view of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 33A , with the upper platen of the first platen system moved from the first position to a second position, and the transfer table moved from the second position to the first position; 
         FIG. 34A  is a side view of an example crop-packaging device, such as a baler, having a bale recompression system with a planar transfer table according to various embodiments of this disclosure, with an upper platen of a first platen system in a first position and the transfer table in a first position; 
         FIG. 34B  is a side view of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 34A , with the upper platen of the first platen system in the first position and the transfer table moved from the first position to a second position; 
         FIG. 34C  is a side view of the bale recompression system of  FIG. 34A , with the upper platen of the first platen system moved from the first position to a second position, and the transfer table moved from the second position to the first position; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective of another example embodiment of a bale recompression system according to this disclosure; 
         FIGS. 36A and 36B  are side views of an example crop-packaging device, such as a baler, having a bale recompression system as shown in  FIG. 35  with a load-bearing arcuate transfer table according to various embodiments of this disclosure, with an upper platen of a first platen system in different positions; and 
         FIGS. 37 and 38  are partial perspective and side views, respectively, showing a crop shield arrangement. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following describes one or more example embodiments of the disclosed method and system for recompressing a round bale into a square bale, as shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. Various modifications to the example embodiments may be contemplated by one of skill in the art. 
     As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists with elements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and that are also preceded by the phrase “one or more of” or “at least one of” indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially include individual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” or “one or more of A, B, and C” indicates the possibilities of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C). 
     As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device, individually or in any combination, including without limitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with any number of systems, and that the work vehicle described herein is merely one example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     As noted above, in various situations it may be useful to gather material (e.g., cut plant material) for further processing. For example, a cutting or raking operation may leave cut material (e.g., hay) arranged in windrows in a field. Balers and other equipment may then be used to gather the material from the windrows for formation into bales. 
     The following describes one or more example implementations of the disclosed system for recompressing a round bale into a square bale for a crop-packaging device, such as a round baler, as shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. It will be understood that the term “round” as used herein with respect to crop packaging (e.g., “round bale” or “round baler”) refers to a crop packaging machine (or a machine that produces a crop package) that is generally cylindrical in shape. The term “square” as used herein with respect to crop packaging (e.g., “square bale” or “square baler”) refers to a crop packaging machine (or a machine that produces a crop package) that is generally rectangular in shape, despite not necessarily having equal length sides. The term “square” thus may be considered synonymous with the term “rectangular” for purposes of this disclosure. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “square” may also be considered to encompass any geometric and non-geometric shapes having at least one flat side (e.g., trapezoidal, rhomboidal and other such three-dimensional rectilinear configurations as well as bulbous configurations in which a rounded portion protrudes from one or more flat sides). The following description relates to the baler that produces “round” bales. Generally, the disclosed bale recompression systems provide for recompression of a round bale into a square bale, which enables more efficient positioning of the bales into a transportation device, such as a rectangular trailer, bed of a truck, etc. 
     In this regard, the disclosed bale recompression system includes at least one of a first platen system and a second platen system. In this example, the first platen system is identical to the second platen system. Each of the first platen system and the second platen system include a first, upper platen and a second, bottom platen. The upper platen is movable relative to the bottom platen, via a hydraulic actuator, to recompress a round bale into a square bale. It should be noted that while the following disclosure provides the example of an upper platen movable relative to a stationary, bottom platen, the disclosure is not so limited. Rather, in certain embodiments the bottom platen may move relative to a stationary upper platen. In other embodiments, both the upper platen and the bottom platen may move together, either substantially simultaneously, or in a sequence to cooperate to recompress the bale. Moreover, while the motion of the upper platen is described herein as rotating or pivoting about a hinge, the upper platen may move linearly relative to the bottom platen to recompress the bale. In other embodiments, the upper platen and the bottom platen may be angled relative to each other, and the upper platen may be moved relative to the bottom platen to recompress the bale. Thus, while the following description refers to a recompression system having a movable platen and a stationary platen, any arrangement of platens (upper stationary, bottom movable; upper movable, bottom stationary; upper movable, bottom movable) may be employed to recompress a round bale into a square bale. In most embodiments, the bale recompression system does not include a gate, but rather, the bale recompression system receives the bale from the baler, via a bale accumulator, transfer table, rails, or other arrangement, and recompresses the round bale into a square bale. 
     Generally, a bale accumulator is coupled to the first platen system and the second platen system, and receives a formed round bale from a baler. In various embodiments, the bale accumulator is a crop accumulator, and includes features of the crop accumulator  20  described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420 to Kraus et. al., titled “Agricultural Baler Platform” and incorporated herein by reference. The bale accumulator includes a pusher, which is actuatable by a hydraulic cylinder, to move the received round bale into one of the bottom platens. Alternatively, the bale accumulator or a portion of the bale accumulator may be incorporated into the bottom platen. The respective upper platen is then rotated, by the hydraulic cylinder, and cooperates with the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into a square bale. The bale recompression system may also include a banding unit to apply a wrap material to the square bale, to preserve the square bale. In certain examples, the bottom platen is rotatable relative to the baler to deposit the square bale onto a ground surface. In other examples, the pusher of the bale accumulator may push a newly received round bale toward the bottom platen to push the formed square bale off the bottom platen and onto the ground surface. By recompressing the round bales into square bales, the bales may be more efficiently shipped by a rectangular trailer, for example, as the square bales conform to the shape of the trailer. 
     The plate members associated with the first platen system and the second platen system each include “channels” or “ducts,” which may receive a wrap material to enable the wrap material to surround the formed square bale. The channels in each plate member are generally aligned so that multiple continuous ducts are defined around the bale. An automatic strapping unit or banding unit is placed above each channel and the banding unit pushes the wrap material in the channel and the channel guides the wrap material around the bale. When the end of the wrap material fully encompasses the square bale, the banding unit captures the free end of the wrap material, pulls the slack out of wrap material wrapping it tightly to the surface of the square bale, and bonds both ends of the wrap material together. As used herein, “wrap material” may indicate one of various types of materials utilized to hold bales of compressed crop or other plant matter together or to otherwise maintain the integrity (structural or otherwise) of the bales. Wrap material may include, for example, twine or similar material, net wrap, plastic or other sheeting (i.e., “sheet wrap”), banding, straps, and so on. In certain instances, wrap material may be provided in spools or rolls, including spools of twine, rolls of net wrap, rolls of plastic sheeting, and so on. 
     As noted above, with reference to  FIG. 1 , the bale recompression system described herein may be employed with respect to a variety of crop-packaging devices, such as a baler  10 . The baler  10  is configured to be towed by a tractor  12 , and in this example is a “round” baler. The baler  10  may have a main frame  16  supported on a pair of ground wheels  18 . The main frame  16  includes a draft tongue  17  at a first end  19  having a rear end joined to the main frame  16  and a forward end defined by a clevis arrangement (not shown) adapted for being coupled to a drawbar (not shown) of the tractor  12 . A pair of upright side walls  20  may be fixed to the main frame  16  to define forward regions of opposite side walls of a bale forming (or baling) chamber  22 . Mounted for pivoting vertically about a horizontal pivot arrangement  24  located at an upper rear location of the side walls  20  is a discharge gate  26  including opposite upright side walls  28 , which define opposite sides of a rear region of the bale forming chamber  22 . The discharge gate  26  is coupled to a second end  21  of the main frame  16 . One or more gate hydraulic cylinders  30  may be coupled between the main frame  16  and the opposite side walls  28  of the discharge gate  26  and are selectively operable for moving the discharge gate  26  between a lowered baling position and an opened discharge position. It is understood that while one hydraulic cylinder is shown, two or more hydraulic cylinders may be used to open and close the discharge gate  26 . The baler  10  as shown is of a variable chamber design and thus comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending side-by-side belts (not shown) supported on a plurality of rollers (not shown). At least one of the rollers is driven, via a chain drive coupled to a motor or other arrangement, to drive the belts about the bale forming chamber  22 . 
     The baler  10  may also include one or more controllers, such as electronic controller unit (ECU). The controllers may be configured as computing devices with associated processor devices and memory architectures, as hydraulic, electrical or electro-hydraulic controllers, or otherwise. As such, the controllers may be configured to execute various computational and control functionality with respect to the baler  10  (and other machinery). The controllers may be in electronic, hydraulic, or other communication with various other systems or devices of the baler  10  (or machinery). For example, the controllers may be in electronic or hydraulic communication with various actuators, sensors, and other devices within (or outside of) the baler  10 , including various devices associated with the bale forming chamber and related mechanisms. Additionally, one or more electro-hydraulic control valves (not shown) may be a part of a baler hydraulic system and interposed in hydraulic lines connecting the gate hydraulic cylinders  30  with a hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . The electro-hydraulic control valve may be electrically activated according to signals from the ECU and may be configured to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 , the gate hydraulic cylinders  30  and various components of the bale recompression system  100 . 
     In its general operation, the baler  10  is drawn through a field by the tractor  12  attached to the draft tongue  17 . Crop material  36  is fed into a crop inlet  38  of the bale forming chamber  22  from a windrow of crop on the ground by a pickup  40 . In the bale forming chamber  22 , the crop material  36  is rolled in spiral fashion into a cylindrical bale B. In this example, the baler  10  illustrated is a variable chamber design wherein crop is rolled up in a spiral fashion in a nip formed between oppositely moving adjacent loops of belts. The space between adjacent loops of belts grows as the forming bale B grows larger. Upon completion, the bale B is discharged by actuation of gate hydraulic cylinders  30  that open discharge gate  26  permitting the completed bale B to be discharged from the baler  10  onto a bale recompression system  100 . 
     In various embodiments, the bale recompression system  100  is coupled to the baler  10  for movement with the baler  10  as the baler  10  is towed by the tractor  12 . As will be discussed, the bale recompression system  100  receives the round bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate  26 , and recompresses the round bale B into a square bale. By recompressing the round bale B into a square bale, the bales are easier to transport as the shape of the square bale enables for improved packing of the bales within a transportation device. The bale recompression system  100  includes a first platen system  102 , a second platen system  104  and a crop or bale accumulator  106 . The first platen system  102  is spaced apart from the second platen system  104  such that the discharge gate  26  may open and close without contacting or interfering with either the first platen system  102  or the second platen system  104 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , as the first platen system  102  is the same as the second platen system  104 , for ease of description, the first platen system  102  will be described in detail herein, with the same reference numerals used to denote the same features of the second platen system  104 . The first platen system  102  includes a first, upper platen  110 , a second, bottom platen  112 , a banding unit  114  and an actuator  116 . Generally, the upper platen  110  is movably or rotatably coupled to the bottom platen  112 , and is rotatable by the actuator  116  between a first position in which the upper platen  110  is spaced apart from the bottom platen  112  to define an opening  118  for receiving the round bale B from the bale accumulator  106 ; and a second position, in which the upper platen  110  cooperates with the bottom platen  112  to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. The bottom platen  112  remains stationary during the recompression of the round bales B. 
     In one example, the upper platen  110  includes a first plate member  120  and a second plate member  122 . The first plate member  120  and the second plate member  122  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. The first plate member  120  and the second plate member  122  may be integrally formed, or may be discretely formed and coupled together via a suitable technique, such as welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. The first plate member  120  is rotatably coupled to the bottom platen  112 . The first plate member  120  is substantially planar and includes a first plate end  124  opposite a second plate end  126 . The first plate end  124  defines a first portion  128  of a hinge  130 . 
     The first plate member  120  includes a plurality of first banding channels  132 , which are defined through the first plate member  120  from the first plate end  124  to the second plate end  126 . The plurality of first banding channels  132  are defined through the first plate member  120  and cooperate with the banding unit  114  to band the square bale after recompression. Each of the plurality of first banding channels  132  are generally spaced apart from each other along the first plate member  120 . The second plate end  126  is coupled to the second plate member  122 . 
     The second plate member  122  cooperates with the bottom platen  112  to secure the bale within the first platen system  102  during recompression. The second plate member  122  is substantially planar and includes a third plate end  140  opposite a fourth plate end  142 . The third plate end  140  is coupled to the first plate member  120 . The fourth plate end  142  defines a plurality of upper fingers  144 . In one example, each of the upper fingers  144  has a first body portion  146  that extends outwardly from the fourth plate end  142  for a distance, and a second body portion  148  that extends from the first body portion  146  along an axis A. The axis A is substantially oblique to a plane defined by a surface S of the second plate member  122 . Stated another way, at least a portion of each of the upper fingers  144  extends from the second plate member  122  at an angle. Each of the upper fingers  144  are spaced apart along the fourth plate end  142  such that a plurality of gaps  150  is defined between adjacent ones of the upper fingers  144 . Each of the gaps  150  have a width W, which is at least equal to or slightly greater than a width W 2  of a plurality of lower fingers  152  of the bottom platen  112 . 
     The second plate member  122  includes a plurality of second banding channels  154 , which are defined through the second plate member  122  from the third plate end  140  to the fourth plate end  142 . The plurality of second banding channels  154  are defined through the second plate member  122  and cooperate with the banding unit  114  to band the square bale after recompression. Each of the plurality of second banding channels  154  are generally spaced apart from each other along the second plate member  122 . 
     In various embodiments, one or more support plates  160  may be coupled to the first plate member  120  and the second plate member  122  to assist in the recompressing of the round bale B. The support plates  160  may be composed of a metal, metal alloy or polymer, which may be cast, stamped, etc. In this example, two support plates  160 . 1 ,  160 . 2  are coupled to the first plate member  120  and the second plate member  122  at the intersection of the second plate end  126  and the third plate end  140 . The support plates  160 . 1 ,  160 . 2  may be coupled to the first plate member  120  and the second plate member  122  via any suitable technique, such as welding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc. The support plates  160 . 1 ,  160 . 2  are substantially triangular in shape; however, the support plates  160 . 1 ,  160 . 2  may have any shape. Each of the support plates  160 . 1 ,  160 . 2  have a first support end  162 , a second support end  164  and a third support end  166 . The first support end  162  is coupled to the first plate member  120  to extend along the first plate member  120  from the second plate end  126  towards the first plate end  124 . The second support end  164  is coupled to the second plate member  122  to extend along the second plate member  122  from the third plate end  140  towards the fourth plate end  142 . The third support end  166  may contact the round bale B during recompression, and assists in retaining the round bale B between the upper platen  110  and the bottom platen  112  during recompression. 
     The bottom platen  112  includes a third plate member  170  and a fourth plate member  172 . The third plate member  170  and the fourth plate member  172  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. The third plate member  170  and the fourth plate member  172  may be integrally formed, or may be discretely formed and coupled together via a suitable technique, such as welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. The third plate member  170  is rotatably coupled to the first plate member  120  of the upper platen  110 . The third plate member  170  is substantially planar and includes a first bottom plate end  174  opposite a second bottom plate end  176 . The first bottom plate end  174  defines a second portion  178  of the hinge  130 . 
     The third plate member  170  includes a plurality of third banding channels  180 , which are defined through the third plate member  170  from the first bottom plate end  174  to the second bottom plate end  176 . The plurality of third banding channels  180  are defined through the third plate member  170  and cooperate with the banding unit  114  to band the square bale after recompression. Each of the third banding channels  180  are generally spaced apart from each other along the third plate member  170 . The second bottom plate end  176  is coupled to the fourth plate member  172 . 
     The fourth plate member  172  cooperates with the upper platen  110  to secure the bale within the first platen system  102  during recompression. The fourth plate member  172  is substantially planar and includes a third bottom plate end  182  opposite a fourth bottom plate end  184 . The third bottom plate end  182  is coupled to the third plate member  170 . The fourth bottom plate end  184  defines the plurality of lower fingers  152 . In one example, each of the lower fingers  152  extends outwardly from the fourth bottom plate end  184  along an axis A 2 . The axis A 2  is substantially oblique to a plane defined by a surface S 2  of the fourth plate member  172 . Stated another way, each of the lower fingers  152  extend from the fourth plate member  172  at an angle. Each of the lower fingers  152  are spaced apart along the fourth bottom plate end  184  such that a plurality of bottom gaps  186  is defined between adjacent ones of the lower fingers  152 . Each of the bottom gaps  186  have a width W 3 , which is at least equal to or slightly greater than a width W 4  of each of the upper fingers  144  of the upper platen  110 . Thus, the gaps  150  and the bottom gaps  186  enable the upper fingers  144  to interleave with the lower fingers  152  when the upper platen  110  is in the second position. This assists in retaining the crop material within the first platen system  102  during recompression of the round bale. 
     The fourth plate member  172  includes a plurality of fourth banding channels  190 , which are defined through the fourth plate member  172  from the third bottom plate end  182  to the fourth bottom plate end  184 . The plurality of fourth banding channels  190  are defined through the fourth plate member  172  and cooperate with the banding unit  114  to band the square bale after recompression. Each of the fourth banding channels  190  are generally spaced apart from each other along the fourth plate member  172 . 
     In various embodiments, the bottom platen  112  is rotatably coupled to the baler  10 . In one example, a rear surface  192  of the third plate member  170  is coupled to a shaft  194 . For example, the rear surface  192  includes a mounting bracket, which receives an end of the shaft  194  such that a rotation of the shaft  194  rotates the bottom platen  112 . Generally, the shaft  194  is rotatable by a bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  to move the bottom platen  112 , and thus, the upper platen  110  from a first recompression position ( FIG. 2 ) to a second, discharge position ( FIG. 10 ). This enables the square bales to be discharged from the bale recompression system  100 . In one example, the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  is a hydraulic cylinder, which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . For example, the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196 . In various embodiments the ECU of the baler  10  may be in communication with a controller of the tractor  12 , and may control the recompression of the bale based on one or more signals received from the controller of the tractor  12 . For example, the controller of the tractor  12  may receive input from a human-machine interface, positioned within a cab of the tractor  12 , which commands the recompression of a round bale into a square bale. Alternatively, the third plate member  170  may be coupled to a pivot arm, and the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  may be actuated to move the pivot arm, thereby pivoting the third plate member  170  to deposit the square bales, similar to the pivot arm and actuators employed with the bale carriage 29 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420 to Kraus et. al., previously incorporated herein by reference. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the banding unit  114  is coupled to the rear surface  192  of the third plate member  170 . The banding unit  114  is any suitable unit or system known in the art, which is capable of applying a wrap material  198  to the recompressed square bale once formed. As used herein, “wrap material” may indicate one of various types of materials utilized to hold bales of compressed crop or other plant matter together or to otherwise maintain the integrity (structural or otherwise) of the bales. The wrap material  198  may include, for example, twine or similar material, net wrap, plastic or other sheeting (i.e., “sheet wrap”), banding, straps, and so on. In certain instances, the wrap material  198  may be provided in spools or rolls, including spools of twine, rolls of net wrap, rolls of plastic sheeting, and so on. The banding unit  114  generally includes at least one spool of wrap material  198 , which is supported on a roller (not shown). The roller is driven (by a motor, gearing, etc.) to dispense the wrap material  198 , which is driven through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the third banding channels  180  and the fourth banding channels  190  around the bale to hold the recompressed bale in the square shape. It should be noted that although the banding unit  114  is shown coupled to the third plate member  170  to dispose the wrap material  198  in a direction substantially parallel to the surface S of the second plate member  122 , in certain embodiments, a banding unit may be configured to dispose the wrap material  198  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface S of the second plate member  122 . Further, while the banding unit  114  is shown coupled to the third plate member  170 , the banding unit  114  may also be coupled to the first plate member  120  or the second plate member  122  of the upper platen  110 . Alternatively, the banding unit  114  may be coupled to a support frame associated with the bale accumulator  106  or a frame of the baler  10 . Thus, generally, the banding unit  114  is coupled to or disposed in proximity to at least one of the upper platen  110  and the bottom platen  112  to dispense the wrap material  198  about the square bale. 
     Moreover, in certain embodiments, the baler  10  may also include a wrap feed and cut-off system coupled to the baler  10  so as to be external to the bale forming chamber  22 . The wrap feed and cut-off system includes at least one spool of wrap material, such as the wrap material  198 , which is supported on a roller. The roller is driven to dispense the wrap material  198 , which is pulled into the bale forming chamber  22  and around the bale B. It should be noted that while in some embodiments the baler  10  is illustrated herein as including the wrap feed and cut-off system, the wrap feed and cut-off system is optional. 
     In one example, the actuator  116  rotates the upper platen  110  between the first position and the second position. In this example, the actuator  116  is a hydraulic cylinder, which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . It should be noted that while the first platen system  102  is shown and described as including a single hydraulic actuator  116 , the first platen system  102  may include any number of actuators  116 . For example, the actuator  116  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the actuator  116  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the actuator  116  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the actuator  116 . The actuator  116  is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from the tractor  12  to rotate the upper platen  110  relative to the bottom platen  112 . In one example, the actuator  116  has a first end coupled to the third plate member  170 , and a second end coupled to the first plate member  120 . Upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, the actuator  116  extends, thereby rotating the first plate member  120  relative to the third plate member  170  and moving the upper platen  110  from the first position to the second position. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the bale accumulator  106  is shown in greater detail. In this example, the bale accumulator  106  is coupled to the baler  10  so as to be adjacent to or near the discharge gate  26  such that when the discharge gate  26  moves into the open discharge position, the round bale B is received on the bale accumulator  106 . The bale accumulator  106  may act as a crop-package accumulator, and may also store a single round bale B while other square bales are being formed by the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104 . The bale accumulator  106  includes a support frame  200  and a pusher  202 . 
     The support frame  200  is coupled to the fourth plate member  172  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104 . The support frame  200  supports a single round bale B, and interconnects the fourth plate members  172  to enable the bale accumulator  106  to transfer round bales B to the respective one of the fourth plate members  172 . The support frame  200  is configured as a rigid metal frame and is supported on a pair of ground wheels  204 . 
     As depicted, a front end  206  of the support frame  200  is coupled to the baler  10  for receiving the round bale from the discharge gate  26  ( FIG. 2 ). One or more flexible members  208  (e.g., one or more belts or straps) are secured to the support frame  200 , extending between front and rear attachment points  210  and  212  of the support frame  200 . The attachment points  210  and  212  may be configured as tubing, bars, rollers, beams, brackets, or otherwise. As depicted, the flexible members  208  extend the full length of the front end  206  of the support frame  200  between front and rear attachment points  210  and  212 . It will be understood, however, that the flexible members  208  may extend various other distances between attachment points on the support frame  200 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the flexible members  208  are rigidly fixed to the frame at the attachment points  210  and  212 , such that the flexible members  208  may lengthen by elastic deformation, but are not extendable through movement (e.g., unwinding) at the attachment points  210  and  212 . It will be understood that other configurations are possible. The flexible members  208  are attached to the support frame  200  such that a round bale B may be received on the flexible members  208  with respect to the support frame  200 , before moving to a platform  220  at a rear end  218  of the support frame  200 . 
     The platform  220  receives the round bale B as the round bale B rolls out of the discharge gate  26  onto the flexible members  208  and to the platform  220 . The platform  220  may also support a single round bale during the formation of two square bales by the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104 . The platform  220  includes a stop  222 , a first rail  224 , a second rail  226  and a slot  228 . The stop  222  prevents the further rotation of the round bale B, and assists in retaining the round bale B on the platform  220 . The first rail  224  is opposite the second rail  226 , and each of the rails  224 ,  226  extend along the platform  220  such that ends of each of the rails  224 ,  226  are coupled to the fourth plate members  172 . Thus, in this example, the rails  224 ,  226  extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction of forward travel of the tractor  12  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Each of the rails  224 ,  226  include a pair of stops  230 . A first stop  230 . 1  of the pair of stops  230  is coupled at a first end  224 . 1 ,  226 . 1  of each of the rails  224 ,  226 , and a second stop  230 . 2  of the pair of stops  230  is coupled at a second end  224 . 2 ,  226 . 2  of each of the rails  224 ,  226 . The rails  224 ,  226  guide the pusher  202  as the pusher  202  moves between the first stops  230 . 1  and the second stops  230 . 2 . The slot  228  receives a portion of the pusher  202  to drive the pusher  202  between the first end  224 . 1 ,  226 . 1  and the second end  224 . 2 ,  226 . 2  of each of the rails  224 ,  226 . 
     The pusher  202  includes a lower flange  240  and an upper flange  242 . The lower flange  240  is coupled to the upper flange  242 . The lower flange  240  extends below the platform  220 , and is coupled to a pusher hydraulic actuator  241 , such as a hydraulic cylinder. The pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . For example, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the pusher hydraulic actuator  241 . The pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic system to move the pusher  202  between the rails  224 ,  226  from the first end  224 . 1 ,  226 . 1  to the second end  224 . 2 ,  226 . 2  and vice versa. 
     The upper flange  242  extends outwardly and upwardly from the platform  220  to contact the bale. The upper flange  242  may include a left projection  244  and a right projection  246 . The left projection  244  extends outward from a first or left side  242 . 1  of the upper flange  242 ; and the right projection  246  extends outward from a second or right side  242 . 2  of the upper flange  242 . The left projection  244  and the right projection  246  contact a round bale received on the platform  220  and cooperate with the upper flange  242  to move the round bale to the respective one of the fourth plate members  172  on the actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , in one example, in order to assemble each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104 , with the first plate member  120  coupled to the second plate member  122  to define the upper platen  110 , the third plate member  170  is coupled to the fourth plate member  172  to define the bottom platen  112 . The supports  160 . 1 ,  160 . 2  are coupled to the first plate member  120  and the second plate member  122 . The upper platen  110  is coupled to the bottom platen  112  at the hinge  130 , and the actuator  116  is coupled to the third plate member  170  and the first plate member  120  to enable movement of the upper platen  110  between the first position and the second position. The hinge  130  defines a pivot axis P 1  for the upper platen  110 . It should be noted that while the upper platen  110  is described herein as being coupled to the bottom platen  112  via the hinge  130 , the upper platen  110  may be coupled to the bottom platen  112  via a pivot pin or other device that enables the upper platen  110  to pivot relative to the bottom platen  112 . 
     With the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  assembled, the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  are coupled to the support frame  200  once the bale accumulator  106  is assembled. In certain embodiments, the third plate members  170  are coupled to the shaft  194 , which is coupled to the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196 . Generally, the bale accumulator  106  is assembled by coupling the pusher  202  to the support frame  200 , with the lower flange  240  disposed within and partially below the slot  228 , and the upper flange  242  is coupled to the lower flange  240  ( FIG. 4 ) to contact a received round bale B. The pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is coupled to the lower flange  240 . The flexible members  208  are coupled to the attachment points  210 ,  212  of the support frame  200 . 
     With the bale accumulator  106  assembled, the fourth plate member  172  of the first platen system  102  is coupled at the first ends  224 . 1 ,  226 . 1  of the rails  224 ,  226  ( FIG. 4 ) and the fourth plate member  172  of the second platen system  104  is coupled to the second ends  224 . 2 ,  226 . 2  of the rails  224 ,  226 . The respective actuators  116 ,  196 ,  241  are each coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10  so as to be fluidly coupled to the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12 . 
     Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber  22  of the baler  10 , the discharge gate  26  moves to the open discharge position to release the formed round bale B. The formed round bale B contacts the flexible members  208  ( FIG. 4 ) and rolls until the round bale B contacts the stop  222  on the platform  220 . In this position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the left projection  244  of the upper flange  242  contacts the round bale B. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , with the upper platen  110  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  in the first position, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  drives the pusher  202  to move the round bale B into the opening  118 . With the round bale B received within the first platen system  102 , with reference to  FIG. 7 , the actuator  116  of the first platen system  102  is actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the actuator  116  rotates the upper platen  110  toward the bottom platen  112  to recompress the round bale B. The actuator  116  continues to rotate the upper platen  110  toward the bottom platen  112  such that the upper fingers  144  interleave with the lower fingers  152 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 8 , as the first platen system  102  forms a square bale SB, the discharge gate  26  moves to the open discharge position to release a second round bale B. 1 . Once the second round bale B. 1  is received on the platform  220 , the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  of the bale accumulator  106  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  moves the second round bale B. 1  onto the fourth plate member  172  of the second platen system  104 . With the second round bale B. 1  received on the fourth plate member  172  of the second platen system  104 , the actuator  116  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the actuator  116  moves the upper platen  110  from the first position to the second position to recompress the second round bale B. 1 . With the upper platen  110  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  in the second position, the banding unit  114  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  may be activated to apply wrap material  198  to each of the square bales SB, SB. 1  ( FIG. 9 ). The wrap material  198  passes through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the third banding channels  180  and the fourth banding channels  190  to surround the square bales SB, SB. 1  ( FIG. 9 ). Thus, the bale recompression system  100  is capable of compressing two round bales at a time into square bales. It should be understood, however, that a single one of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  may be coupled to the bale accumulator  106  to recompress a single round bale at a time. 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , with the second round bale B. 1  from  FIG. 8  recompressed into the second square bale SB. 1  and the wrap material  198  applied, the upper platen  110  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  may be moved from the second position to the first position. It should be noted, however, that the upper platen  110  of the first platen system  102  may be moved to the first position upon completion of recompressing the bale. 
     With the upper platen  110  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  in the first position, with reference to  FIG. 10 , the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  rotates the shaft  194 . The rotation of the shaft  194  rotates the bottom platen  112  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  from the first, recompression position ( FIG. 9 ) to the second, discharge position ( FIG. 10 ). In the second, discharge position, the lower fingers  152  rest on a ground surface G to enable the square bales SB, SB. 1  to fall onto the ground surface G. The bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  may be actuated to reverse the rotation of the shaft  194  to move the bottom platen  112  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  from the second position to the first position ( FIG. 9 ) to resume recompressing round bales. It should be noted, however, that the bottom platen hydraulic actuator  196  and the shaft  194  may be configured such that a single one of the bottom platens  112  may be rotated to the second, discharge position, to enable a single one of the square bales SB, SB. 1  to be deposited at a time. Thus, in certain embodiments, the bottom platens  112  are individually rotatable relative to the baler  10  to deposit the respective square bales SB, SB. 1  onto the ground surface G. Moreover, the bale recompression system  100  may be configured to deposit the square bales SB, SB. 1  on a virtual trip line. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line is known from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al., titled “Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which is incorporated herein by reference, the depositing of the square bales SB, SB. 1  will not be discussed in detail herein. 
     Alternatively, in certain embodiments, with reference to  FIG. 11 , the upper platen  110  may be moved from the second position to the first position once the square bale SB is formed and wrapped with the wrap material  198 . While the upper platen  110  of the second platen system  104  is in the second position to form the second square bale SB. 1 , a third round bale B. 2  may be discharged through the discharge gate  26  onto the platform  220 . The third round bale B. 2  is received on the platform  220  of the support frame  200 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated, and moves the third round bale B. 2  toward the first platen system  102 . As the third round bale B. 2  moves toward the first platen system  102 , the third round bale B. 2  contacts the square bale SB. The continued advancement of the pusher  202  to move the third round bale B. 2  unto the fourth plate member  172  ejects the square bale SB from the first platen system  102 . The upper platen  110  may then be moved, via the actuator  116 , from the first position to the second position to recompress the third round bale B. 2 . 
     It should be noted that while the bale recompression system  100  is described herein as employing hydraulic actuators  116  to move the upper platen  110  relative to the bottom platen  112 , the upper platen  110  may be moved relative to the bottom platen  112  in a variety of ways. For example, with reference to  FIG. 13 , a bale recompression system  100 ′ is shown. As the bale recompression system  100 ′ is similar to the bale recompression system  100  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1-12 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. The bale recompression system  100 ′ includes a first platen system  102 ′ and a second platen system  104 ′. As the first platen system  102 ′ is the same as the second platen system  104 ′, for ease of description, the first platen system  102 ′ will be described in detail herein, with the same reference numerals used to denote the same features of the second platen system  104 ′. 
     The first platen system  102 ′ includes the upper platen  110 , the bottom platen  112 , the banding unit  114  and an actuation system  300 . In this example, the actuation system  300  includes a support structure  302 , a linkage  304  and an actuator  306 . The support structure  302  is rigid structure, which is capable of withstanding the force applied by the actuator  306  to move the upper platen  110  to recompress the bale B. In one example, the support structure  302  includes a support beam  308 , a first frame member  310 , a second frame member  312  and one or more interconnecting members  314 . While the support structure  302  is described herein as comprising separate and discrete components that are coupled together, via welding, mechanical fasteners, etc., it will be understood that the support structure  302  may be integrally formed, via selective metal sintering, additive manufacturing, etc. The support beam  308  may comprise an I-beam or similar beam, which is coupled to a bottom surface of the bottom platen  112 . Generally, the support beam  308  is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. While the support beam  308  is described herein as a beam, the support beam  308  may comprise a rigid plate, a truss structure, or the like. Moreover, the support beam  308  may comprise more than one beam. 
     The first frame member  310  and the second frame member  312  are coupled to the support beam  308 , via welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. The first frame member  310  and the second frame member  312  are composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. The first frame member  310  has a first end  310 . 1  coupled to the support beam  308  and an opposite, second end  310 . 2  coupled to the second frame member  312 . Generally, the first frame member  310  extends along an axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support beam  308  such that the first frame member  310  extends at an angle relative to the support beam  308 . The second frame member  312  has a first end  312 . 1  coupled to the support beam  308  and an opposite, second end  312 . 2  coupled to the first frame member  310 . The first end  312 . 1  of the second frame member  312  is spaced apart from the first end  310 . 1  of the first frame member  310 . Generally, the second frame member  312  extends along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support beam  308 . 
     The interconnecting members  314  couple or connect the first frame member  310  to the second frame member  312 . Generally, each of the interconnecting members  314  extend along an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support beam  308 . In this example, the interconnecting members  314  include a first interconnecting member  314 . 1  and a second interconnecting member  314 . 2 . The first interconnecting member  314 . 1  has a first end coupled to the first frame member  310  and a second end coupled to the second frame member  312 . The first interconnecting member  314 . 1  generally has a length that is greater than a length of the second frame member  312  due to the orientation of the first frame member  310 . The second interconnecting member  314 . 2  has a first end coupled to the first frame member  310  and a second end coupled to the second frame member  312 . It should be noted that the orientation and configuration of the support structure  302  is merely an example. 
     In one example, the linkage  304  is a scissors linkage, having a first link  320  and a second link  322 . Each of the first link  320  and the second link  322  are composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. The first link  320  has a first end  320 . 1  and an opposite, second end  320 . 2 , and the first link  320  extends along a first link longitudinal axis. The first end  320 . 1  is coupled to the second frame member  312 . In this example, the second frame member  312  includes a first bracket  324 , and the first end  320 . 1  is pivotally coupled to the first bracket  324  via a first pin  326 . The first pin  326  defines a first pivot axis SP 1  for the linkage  304 . The second end  320 . 2  is coupled to the second link  322  via a second pin  328 . The second pin  328  defines a second pivot axis SP 2  for the linkage  304 . 
     The second link  322  includes a first end  322 . 1  and an opposite, second end  322 . 2 , and the second link  322  extends along a second link longitudinal axis. The first end  322 . 1  is coupled to the second end  320 . 2  of the first link  320  via the second pin  328 . The second end  322 . 2  is coupled to the first plate member  120  of the upper platen  110 . In one example, the first plate member  120  of the upper platen  110  has a second bracket  330 , and the second end  322 . 2  is coupled to the second bracket  330  via a third pin  332 . The third pin  332  defines a third pivot axis SP 3  for the linkage  304 . 
     The actuator  306  rotates the upper platen  110  between the first position and the second position. In this example, the actuator  306  is a hydraulic cylinder, which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . For example, the actuator  306  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the actuator  306  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the actuator  306  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the actuator  306 . It should be noted that while a single actuator  306  is illustrated herein, one or more actuators  306  may be employed. The actuator  306  is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from the tractor  12  to rotate the upper platen  110  relative to the bottom platen  112 . In one example, the second frame member  312  includes a third bracket  334 , and the actuator  306  has a first end  306 . 1  coupled to the third bracket  334  via a fourth pin  336 . Generally, the actuator  306  is coupled to the third bracket  334  so as to remain in a fixed orientation (i.e. non-rotating) relative to the second frame member  312 . The actuator  306  has a second end  306 . 1 , which is opposite the first end  306 . 1 . The second end  306 . 2  is coupled to the second pin  328 . In one example, the second pin  328  is received through a bore defined through the second end  306 . 2  of the actuator  306  to couple the actuator  306  to the second pin  328 , the first links  320  and the second links  322 . 
     In order to move the upper platen  110  between the first position and the second position, with the upper platen  110  in the first position ( FIG. 13A ), upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, the actuator  306  retracts such that the second end  306 . 2  of the actuator  306  is pulled toward the first end  306 . 1 . As the first link longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to or intersects the second link longitudinal axis in the first position of the upper platen  110 , the retraction of the second end  306 . 2  of the actuator  306  causes the linkage  304  to move toward a position in which the first link longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second link longitudinal axis. This movement of the linkage  304  causes the upper platen  110  to move or rotate into the second position ( FIG. 13B ) to enable recompression of a round bale into a square bale. 
     As discussed, the upper platen  110  may be moved relative to the bottom platen  112  in a variety of ways. In another example, with reference to  FIG. 14 , a bale recompression system  100 ″ is shown. As the bale recompression system  100 ″ is similar to the bale recompression system  100 ′ discussed with regard to  FIGS. 13-13B , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. The bale recompression system  100 ″ includes a first platen system  102 ″ and a second platen system  104 ″. As the first platen system  102 ″ is the same as the second platen system  104 ″, for ease of description, the first platen system  102 ″ will be described in detail herein, with the same reference numerals used to denote the same features of the second platen system  104 ″. 
     The first platen system  102 ″ includes the upper platen  110 , the bottom platen  112 , the banding unit  114  and an actuation system  350 . In this example, the actuation system  350  includes a support structure  352 , a linkage assembly  354  and the actuator  306 . In one example, the support structure  352  includes the support beam  308 , the first frame member  310 , the second frame member  312 , a cross-bar  353  and the interconnecting members  314 . 1 ,  314 . 2 . While the support structure  352  is described herein as comprising separate and discrete components that are coupled together, via welding, mechanical fasteners, etc., it will be understood that the support structure  352  may be integrally formed, via selective metal sintering, additive manufacturing, etc. 
     In one example, the linkage assembly  354  is a dual scissors linkage, having a first linkage  355  and a second linkage  356  interconnected by a cross-pin  358 . The first linkage  355  includes the first link  320  and the second link  322 ; and the second linkage  356  includes the first link  320  and the second link  322 . In this example, the cross-bar  353  includes a pair of first brackets  324 . The first end  320 . 1  of one of the first links  320  is pivotally coupled to one of the first brackets  324  via the first pin  326 ; and the first end  320 . 1  of the second one of the first links  320  is pivotally coupled to the other of the first brackets  324  via the first pin  326 . The second end  320 . 2  of each of the pair of first links  320  is coupled to the cross-pin  358 . 
     The first end  322 . 1  of each of the second links  322  is coupled to the second end  320 . 2  of each of the first links  320  via the cross-pin  358 . The second end  322 . 2  of each of the second links  322  is coupled to the first plate member  120  of the upper platen  110 . In one example, the first plate member  120  of the upper platen  110  has a pair of the second brackets  330 , and the second end  322 . 2  of each of the second links  322  is coupled to a respective one of the second brackets  330  via a respective one of a pair of third pins  332 . 
     The cross-pin  358  is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. The cross-pin  358  defines a second pivot axis SP 2  for the linkage assembly  354 . The cross-pin  358  couples the second ends  320 . 2  of each of the first links  320  and the first ends  322 . 1  of each of the second links  322  to the actuator  306 . In one example, the cross-pin  358  is received through a bore defined through the second end  306 . 1  of the actuator  306  to couple the actuator  306  to the cross-pin  358 . 
     In order to move the upper platen  110  between the first position and the second position, with the upper platen  110  in the first position ( FIG. 14 ), upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, the actuator  306  retracts such that the second end  306 . 2  of the actuator  306  is pulled toward the first end  306 . 1 . As the first link longitudinal axis of each of the first links  320  is substantially transverse to or intersects the second link longitudinal axis of each of the second links  322  in the first position of the upper platen  110 , the retraction of the second end  306 . 2  of the actuator  306  causes the linkage assembly  354  to move toward a position in which the first link longitudinal axis of each of the first links  320  is substantially parallel to the second link longitudinal axis of each of the second links  322 . Thus, the retraction of the second end  306 . 2  of the actuator  306  pulls the cross-pin  358  toward the upper platen  110 , which causes the pair of first links  320  and the pair of second links  322  to rotate into an extended position. This movement of the linkage assembly  354  causes the upper platen  110  to move or rotate into the second position (similar to that shown in  FIG. 13B ) to enable recompression of a round bale into a square bale. 
     As discussed, the upper platen  110  may be moved relative to the bottom platen  112  in a variety of ways. In another example, with reference to  FIG. 15 , a bale recompression system  100 ′″ is shown. As the bale recompression system  100 ′″ is similar to the bale recompression system  100 ′ discussed with regard to  FIGS. 13-13B , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. The bale recompression system  100 ′″ includes a first platen system  102 ″ and a second platen system  104 ′″. As the first platen system  102 ″ is the same as the second platen system  104 ″, for ease of description, the first platen system  102 ″ will be described in detail herein, with the same reference numerals used to denote the same features of the second platen system  104 ″. 
     The first platen system  102 ′″ includes the upper platen  110 , the bottom platen  112 , the banding unit  114  and an actuation system  400 . In this example, the actuation system  400  includes a support structure  402 , a linkage  404  and an actuator  406 . The support structure  402  is rigid structure, which is capable of withstanding the force applied by the actuator  406  to move the upper platen  110  to recompress the bale B. In one example, the support structure  402  includes a support beam  408 . The support beam  408  may comprise an I-beam or similar beam, which is coupled to the bottom surface of the bottom platen  112 . Generally, the support beam  408  is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. While the support beam  408  is described herein as a beam, the support beam  408  may comprise a rigid plate, a truss structure, or the like. Moreover, the support beam  408  may comprise more than one beam. 
     The support beam  408  is sized to generally extend a distance beyond the third plate member  170 . The support beam  408  includes a first bracket  410  at a first end and a second bracket  412  between the first bracket  410  and an opposite, second end. The first bracket  410  couples the actuator  406  to the support beam  408  and the second bracket  412  couples a portion of the linkage  404  to the support beam  408 . In one example, the first bracket  410  and the second bracket  412  are each substantially U-shaped and each define a through bore for receipt of a pin. It will be noted that the first bracket  410  and the second bracket  412  may have any desired shape and configuration for receiving the actuator  406 . 
     In one example, the linkage  404  is a scissors linkage, having a first link  420  and a second link  422 . Each of the first link  420  and the second link  422  are composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. The first link  420  has a first end  420 . 1  and an opposite, second end  420 . 2 , and the first link  420  extends along a first link longitudinal axis. The first end  420 . 1  is coupled to the second bracket  412  of the support beam  408 . In this example, the first end  420 . 1  is pivotally coupled to the second bracket  412  via a first pin  426 . The first pin  426  defines a first pivot axis SP 1 . 1  for the linkage  404 . The second end  420 . 2  is coupled to the second link  422  via a second pin  428 . The second pin  428  defines a second pivot axis SP 2 . 1  for the linkage  404 . 
     The second link  422  includes a first end  422 . 1  and an opposite, second end  422 . 2 , and the second link  422  extends along a second link longitudinal axis. The first end  422 . 1  is coupled to the second end  420 . 2  of the first link  420  via the second pin  428 . The second end  422 . 2  is coupled to an extension  430  of the upper platen  110 . The extension  430  is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. In one example, the extension  430  is coupled to the first plate member  120  of the upper platen  110  at the hinge  130 , and extends downward from the first plate member  120  at an angle. It should be noted, however, that the extension  430  may have any desired shape, and may be coupled to the upper platen  110  at any desired location. The extension  430  couples the linkage  404  to the upper platen  110  to enable the movement of the upper platen  110  about the pivot axis P 1 . Generally, the second end  422 . 2  is coupled to the extension  430  via a third pin  432 . The third pin  432  defines a third pivot axis SP 3 . 2  for the linkage  404 . 
     The actuator  406  rotates the upper platen  110  between the first position and the second position. In this example, the actuator  406  is a hydraulic cylinder, which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . For example, the actuator  406  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the actuator  406  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the actuator  406  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the actuator  406 . The actuator  406  is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from the tractor  12  to rotate the upper platen  110  relative to the bottom platen  112 . In one example, the actuator  406  has a first end  406 . 1  coupled to the first bracket  410  via a fourth pin  436 . Generally, the actuator  406  is coupled to the first bracket  410  so as to remain in a fixed orientation (i.e. non-rotating) relative to the support beam  408 . The actuator  406  has a second end  406 . 2 , which is opposite the first end  406 . 1 . The second end  406 . 2  is coupled to the second pin  428 . In one example, the second pin  428  is received through a bore defined through the second end  406 . 2  of the actuator  406  to couple the actuator  406  to the second pin  428 . 
     In order to move the upper platen  110  between the first position and the second position, with the upper platen  110  in the first position ( FIG. 15 ), upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, the actuator  406  extends such that the second end  406 . 2  of the actuator  406  is pushed toward the first end  406 . 1 . As the first link longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to or intersects the second link longitudinal axis in the first position of the upper platen  110 , the retraction of the second end  406 . 2  of the actuator  406  causes the linkage  404  to move toward a position in which the first link longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second link longitudinal axis. This movement of the linkage  404  causes the upper platen  110  to move or rotate into the second position (similar to that shown in  FIG. 13B ) to enable recompression of a round bale into a square bale. It should be noted that the position of the actuator  406  is merely an example, as the actuators  116 ,  306 ,  406  may be positioned at any desired location relative to the upper platen  110  to move the upper platen  110  relative to the bottom platen  112 . 
     It should be noted that while the bale recompression system  100  is described herein as including the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104 , it should be understood that the bale recompression system  100  may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, with reference to  FIG. 16 , a bale recompression system  500  is shown. As the bale recompression system  500  is similar to the bale recompression system  100  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1-12 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. The bale recompression system  500  includes a transfer table  502 , first platen system  504  and one or more optional bale accumulator wings  506 . 
     The bale recompression system  500  is coupled to the baler  10  for movement with the baler  10  as the baler  10  is towed by the tractor  12 . As will be discussed, the bale recompression system  500  receives the round bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate  26 , and recompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, the first platen system  504  is towed substantially directly behind the tractor  12 , and the transfer table  502  guides the round bale B from the discharge gate  26  of the baler  10  into the first platen system  504 . 
     The transfer table  502  interconnects the baler  10  and the first platen system  504 . In various embodiments, the transfer table  502  comprises the platform 56 described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420, previously incorporated herein by reference. Generally, the transfer table  502  is substantially planar and is coupled to the baler  10  so as to be in a position for the round bale B to be dropped on a surface  502 . 1  of the transfer table  502  when the discharge gate  26  opens. The transfer table  502  is pivotable relative to a support structure  502 . 2 . The transfer table  502  receives the round bale B and when the discharge gate  26  opens, the transfer table  502  tilts and/or lifts the round bale B in a generally aft direction (indicated by arrow  508 ) to move the round bale B in the direction  512  onto the first platen system  504 . Thus, the transfer table  502  is movable between a first position (in which the transfer table  502  is substantially parallel to a ground surface G) and a second position (in which the transfer table  502  is pivoted in the aft direction). 
     Generally, the transfer table  502  is movable between the first position and the second position by an actuator  510 . In one example, the actuator  510  is a hydraulic actuator, which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10  and is coupled between the transfer table  502  and the support structure  502 . 2 . For example, the actuator  510  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the actuator  510  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the actuator  510  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the actuator  510 . The actuator  510  is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic system to move the transfer table  502  between the first position (substantially parallel the ground G) and the second position (pivoted in the aft direction) and vice versa. 
     In one example, the transfer table  502  is configured to position the round bale B so that it can be slid in the direction  512  without the side of the round bale B getting caught on a portion of the first platen system  504 , such as the second plurality of lower fingers  152 . This may be accomplished by pivoting the transfer table  502 , via the extension of the actuator  510 , such that it pushes the round bale B far enough back into the first platen system  504  so that the round bale B does not initially contact the second plurality of lower fingers  152  of the first platen system  504 . This ensures that the round bale B enters into the first platen system  504  without damage to the round bale B and without getting hung up or stuck on the second plurality of lower fingers  152 . 
     The first platen system  504  includes the upper platen  110 , a bottom platen  514 , the banding unit  114  and the actuator  116 . The first platen system  504  may be supported on a frame  516 , which may include one or more ground wheels  516 . 1 ,  516 . 2 . The frame  516  may include the support structure  502 . 2 , which is coupled to and supports the pivotal movement of the transfer table  502 . Generally, the upper platen  110  is rotatably coupled to the bottom platen  514 , and is rotatable by the actuator  116  between a first position in which the upper platen  110  is spaced apart from the bottom platen  514  to define an opening  518  for receiving the round bale B from the transfer table  502 ; and a second position, in which the upper platen  110  cooperates with the bottom platen  514  to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. The bottom platen  514  remains stationary during the recompression of the round bales B. The upper platen  110  may include the support plates  160  or the support plates  160  may be optional. 
     The bottom platen  514  includes the third plate member  170  and a fourth plate member  520 . The fourth plate member  520  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. The third plate member  170  and the fourth plate member  520  may be integrally formed, or may be discretely formed and coupled together via a suitable technique, such as welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. The third plate member  170  is coupled to the first plate member  120  of the upper platen  110  such that the first plate member  120  is movable or pivotable relative to the third plate member  170 . 
     The fourth plate member  520  cooperates with the upper platen  110  to secure the bale within the first platen system  504  during recompression. The fourth plate member  520  includes a third bottom plate end  522  opposite a fourth bottom plate end  524 . The third bottom plate end  522  is coupled to the third plate member  170 . The fourth bottom plate end  524  defines the plurality of lower fingers  152  and includes the plurality of fourth banding channels  190 . The fourth plate member  520  also includes a first plate side  524  opposite a second plate side  526 , and the pusher  202 . The first plate side  524  and the second plate side  526  extend from the third bottom plate end  522  to the fourth bottom plate end  524 . As will be discussed, one of the bale accumulator wings  506  may be coupled to the first plate side  524  and another one of the bale accumulator wings  506  may be coupled to the second plate side  526 . 
     In this example, the pusher  202  is integrated into the fourth plate member  520  for moving a formed square bale to either one of the optional bale accumulator wings  506 , or for moving the formed square bale off either side of the fourth plate member  520 . In one example, the fourth plate member  520  includes a recessed area  530 , which includes a first rail  532 , a second rail  534  and a slot  536 . The first rail  532  is opposite the second rail  534 , and each of the rails  532 ,  534  extend along the fourth plate member  520  from the first plate side  524  to the second plate side  526 . Thus, in this example, the rails  532 ,  534  extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction of forward travel of the tractor  12  ( FIG. 1 ). Each of the rails  532 ,  534  include a pair of stops (not shown; substantially the same as the stops  230 . 1 ,  230 . 2 ) at each of the first plate side  524  and the second plate side  526 . The rails  532 ,  534  guide the pusher  202  as the pusher  202  moves between the first stops and the second stops. The slot  536  receives a portion of the pusher  202  to drive the pusher  202  between the first plate side  524  and the second plate side  526  along each of the rails  532 ,  534 . 
     The pusher  202  is coupled to the pusher hydraulic actuator  241 , which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . For example, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . The pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic system to move the pusher  202  from the first plate side  524  to the second plate side  526  between each of the rails  532 ,  534  and vice versa. The left projection  244  and the right projection  246  of the pusher  202  contact a round bale received from the transfer table  502  and cooperate with the upper flange  242  of the pusher  202  to move the round bale to the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506  or off the fourth plate member  520  onto the ground surface G. 
     The optional one or more bale accumulator wings  506  are coupled to the fourth plate member  520 . In this example, one bale accumulator wing  506 . 1  is coupled to the first plate side  524  and one bale accumulator wing  506 . 2  is coupled to the second plate side  526 . In one example, each of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  includes a plurality of interconnected frame members  540 . The plurality of interconnected frame members  540  are generally connected together via mechanical fasteners, welding, etc., to define a substantially U-shape for receipt of a square bale formed by the first platen system  504 . Generally, one end of the interconnected frame members  540  are coupled to the respective one of the first plate side  524  and the second plate side  526 , and the opposite end of the interconnected frame members  540  includes a cross-bar  542 , which retains the square bale on the bale accumulator wing  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . The bale accumulator wing  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  may also be extendable and retractable, so as to be stowable along the respective first plate side  524  and the second plate side  526  when not in use. 
     In certain embodiments, the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  may be coupled to fourth plate member  520  so as to be rotatable relative to the bottom platen  514  to deposit the square bales on a virtual trip line. In one example, the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are pivotally coupled to the respective one of the first plate side  524  and the second plate side  526 , via a pivot pin or other arrangement that defines a pivot axis WP 1 . A respective pivot arm (not shown) may be coupled to a respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 , and moved by a respective actuator (not shown) to pivot the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  about the pivot axis WP 1  to deposit the square bales on the ground surface G. The pivot arms and the actuators may be coupled between the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and the support frame  502 . 2  that supports the transfer table  502 . The actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder, which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10 ; however, other actuators may be employed. The actuators may move the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  substantially simultaneously to deposit the square bales upon the ground surface G, or may move the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  independently. Moreover, a single actuator may be employed to move a pivot arm coupled to a respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . Further detail regarding the depositing of a bale on a ground surface may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420, previously incorporated herein by reference. 
     In one example, in order to assemble the first platen system  504 , with the first plate member  120  coupled to the second plate member  122  to define the upper platen  110 , the third plate member  170  is coupled to the fourth plate member  520  to define the bottom platen  514 . The supports  160 . 1 ,  160 . 2 , if employed, are coupled to the first plate member  120  and the second plate member  122 . The pusher  202  is coupled to the fourth plate member  520 , with the lower flange  240  disposed within and partially below the slot  536 , and the upper flange  242  is coupled to the lower flange  240  to contact a received round bale B. The pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is coupled to the lower flange  240 . The upper platen  110  is coupled to the bottom platen  514  at the hinge  130 , and the actuator  116  is coupled to the third plate member  170  and the first plate member  120  to enable movement of the upper platen  110  between the first position and the second position. It should be noted that while the upper platen  110  is described herein as being coupled to the bottom platen  514  via the hinge  130 , the upper platen  110  may be coupled to the bottom platen  514  via a pivot pin or other device that enables the upper platen  110  to pivot relative to the bottom platen  514 . 
     With the first platen system  102  assembled, the first platen system  504  is coupled to the transfer table  502  once the transfer table  502  is assembled. In certain embodiments, the transfer table  502  is pivotally coupled to the baler  10 , and the actuator  510  is coupled between the transfer table  502  and a frame of the baler  10 . The bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are coupled to a respective one of the first plate side  524  and the second plate side  526 . The respective pivot arms and actuators are coupled to the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and to the support structure  502 . 2 . The respective actuators  116 ,  510 ,  241  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are each coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10  so as to be fluidly coupled to the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12 . 
     Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber  22  of the baler  10 , the discharge gate  26  moves to the open discharge position to release the formed round bale B. The formed round bale B contacts the transfer table  502  and the transfer table  502  is actuated by the actuator  510  to pivot to the second position. As the transfer table  502  moves to the second position, the round bale B is received within the first platen system  504 . Once the round bale B is received within the first platen system  504 , the transfer table  502  is moved from the second position to the first position. 
     With the upper platen  110  of the first platen system  504  in the first position, the actuator  116  of the first platen system  504  is actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the actuator  116  rotates the upper platen  110  toward the bottom platen  514  to recompress the round bale B. The actuator  116  continues to rotate the upper platen  110  toward the bottom platen  514  such that the upper fingers  144  interleave with the lower fingers  152  (like that shown in  FIG. 8 ) to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. The banding unit  114  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  may be activated to apply wrap material to the square bale. The wrap material  198  passes through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the third banding channels  180  and the fourth banding channels  190  to surround the square bale. 
     With the square bale formed and wrapped, the upper platen  110  is rotated from the second position to the first position, and once in the first position, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  drives the pusher  202  to move the square bale into one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . 
     With a first square bale formed, the discharge gate  26  may move to the open discharge position to release a second round bale. Once the second round bale is received on the transfer table  502 , the transfer table  502  is actuated by the actuator  510  to pivot to the second position. As the transfer table  502  moves to the second position, the second round bale B is received within the first platen system  504 . Once the second round bale B is received within the first platen system  504 , the transfer table  502  is moved from the second position to the first position. 
     With the upper platen  110  of the first platen system  504  in the first position, the actuator  116  of the first platen system  504  is actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the actuator  116  rotates the upper platen  110  toward the bottom platen  514  to recompress the second round bale B. The actuator  116  continues to rotate the upper platen  110  toward the bottom platen  514  such that the upper fingers  144  interleave with the lower fingers  152  (like that shown in  FIG. 8 ) to recompress the second round bale B into a second square bale. The banding unit  114  of each of the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104  may be activated to apply wrap material to the second square bale. The wrap material  198  passes through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the third banding channels  180  and the fourth banding channels  190  to surround the second square bale. 
     With the second square bale formed, the upper platen  110  is rotated from the second position to the first position, and once in the first position, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  drives the pusher  202  to move the second square bale into the other of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . 
     With the upper platen  110  of the first platen system  102  in the first position, the actuators (not shown) associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of these actuators moves the respective pivot arms, and thus, the respective bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  to deposit the square bales SB, SB. 1  on a virtual trip line. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line is known from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al., titled “Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which was previously incorporated herein by reference, the depositing of the square bales SB, SB. 1  will not be discussed in detail herein. 
     Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are not employed, the pusher  202  may be actuated to eject the square bale from the fourth plate member  520  of the first platen system  504 . 
     It should be noted that while the bale recompression system  100  is described herein as including the first platen system  102  and the second platen system  104 , it should be understood that the bale recompression system  100  may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, with reference to  FIG. 17 , a bale recompression system  600  is shown. As the bale recompression system  600  is similar to the bale recompression system  100  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1-12  and the bale recompression system  500  discussed with regard to  FIG. 16 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. The bale recompression system  600  includes the transfer table  502 , a first platen system  602  and a bale accumulator  604 . In various embodiments, the bale recompression system  600  also includes an accumulator control system  606 , as will be discussed with regard to  FIGS. 28-32 . 
     The bale recompression system  600  is coupled to the baler  10  for movement with the baler  10  as the baler  10  is towed by the tractor  12 . As will be discussed, the bale recompression system  600  receives the round bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate  26 , and recompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, the first platen system  602  is towed substantially directly behind the tractor  12 , and the transfer table  502  guides the round bale B from the discharge gate  26  of the baler  10  into the first platen system  602 . 
     The transfer table  502  interconnects the baler  10  and the first platen system  602 . As discussed, the transfer table  502  is substantially planar and is coupled to the baler  10  so as to be in a position for the round bale B to be dropped on a surface  502 . 1  of the transfer table  502  when the discharge gate  26  opens. The transfer table  502  tilts and/or lifts the round bale B in a generally aft direction to move the round bale B in the direction  512  onto the first platen system  602 . The transfer table  502  is movable about a pivot axis PT defined by a pivot pin  502 . 3  between the first position (in which the transfer table  502  is substantially parallel to a ground surface G) and the second position (in which the transfer table  502  is pivoted in the aft direction) by the actuator  510 . 
     The first platen system  602  includes a frame  608 , a first, upper platen  610 , a second, bottom platen  612 , a third, movable platen  614 , the banding unit  114  and an actuation system  616 . The banding unit  114  is shown in  FIGS. 18 and 25 , and is not shown in the remaining figures of the bale recompression system  600  for clarity. In addition, it will be noted that the position of the banding unit  114  illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 25  is merely an example, as generally, the banding unit  114  may be coupled to or disposed in proximity to at least one of the upper platen  610  and the bottom platen  612  to dispense the wrap material  198  about a square bale SQ. As will be discussed, the actuation system  616  is operable to move the upper platen  610  and the movable platen  614  to recompress the round bale B into the square bale SQ. The first platen system  602  is supported on the frame  608 , which may include one or more ground wheels  618 , a plurality of interconnecting frame members  620  and a pair of vertical support beams  622 . The interconnecting frame members  620  and the pair of vertical support beams  622  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. The plurality of interconnecting frame members  620  forms a support structure or platform for the bottom platen  612 , the bale accumulator  604  and the actuation system  616 . A second end  620 . 2  of the support structure formed by the interconnecting frame members  620  may be coupled to or may form part of the support structure  502 . 2  for the transfer table  502 . 
     In one example, the pair of vertical support beams  622  each extend upwardly from a first end  620 . 1  of the support structure formed by the interconnecting frame members  620 . The pair of vertical support beams  622  are each spaced apart from each other along the first end  620 . 1 . The pair of vertical support beams  622  are each coupled to the upper platen  610 , the movable platen  614  and the actuation system  616 . The vertical support beams  622  each define a bore  621  at a first end  622 . 1  that cooperate with the upper platen  610  to pivotally couple the upper platen  610  to the vertical support beams  622 . The first end  622 . 1  is opposite a second end  622 . 2 , and the first end  622 . 1  is coupled to the upper platen  610  and the second end  622 . 2  is coupled to the second end  620 . 1  of the frame  608 . 
     Generally, the upper platen  610  is rotatably coupled to the vertical support beams  622 , and is rotatable by the actuation system  616  between a first position in which the upper platen  610  is spaced apart from the bottom platen  612  to define an opening  623  for receiving the round bale B from the transfer table  502 ; and a second position, in which the upper platen  610  cooperates with the bottom platen  612  and the movable platen  614  to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. The bottom platen  612  remains stationary during the recompression of the round bales B. 
     In one example, the upper platen  610  includes a first plate member  626  and a second plate member  628 . The first plate member  626  and the second plate member  628  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. The first plate member  626  and the second plate member  628  may be integrally formed, or may be discretely formed and coupled together via a suitable technique, such as welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. The first plate member  626  and the second plate member  628  may include one or more cross-beams  630  and vertical reinforcement beams  632  to provide structural rigidity to the respective first plate member  626  and the second plate member  628 . In one example, one of the cross-beams  630  includes a coupler  631  for coupling the second plate member  628  to the actuation system  616 . In this example, the coupler  631  is an eye bolt; however, any coupler may be employed. Generally, the coupler  631  is coupled to one of the cross-beams  630  of the second plate member  628 ; however, the coupler  631  may be coupled to one of the cross-beams  630  of the first plate member  626 , or may be coupled directly to one of the first plate member  626  and the second plate member  628 . 
     The first plate member  626  is rotatably coupled to the vertical support beams  622 . The first plate member  626  is substantially planar and includes a first plate end  634  opposite a second plate end  636 . The first plate end  634  includes a pair of first hinge brackets  638  and a pair of second hinge brackets  640 . The pair of first hinge brackets  638  is coupled to a first side  626 . 1  of the first plate member  626 , and the pair of second hinge brackets  640  is coupled to a first side  626 . 2  of the first plate member  626 . The pair of first hinge brackets  638  and the pair of second hinge brackets  640  extend from the first plate member  626  to pivotally couple the first plate member  626  to the vertical support beams  622 . In one example, the pair of first hinge brackets  638  and the pair of second hinge brackets  640  each include a bore  642 , which is defined along a pivot axis P 6 . A pivot pin  644  is received through the bores  642  of the pair of first hinge brackets  638  and the bore  621  of one of the vertical support beams  622 ; and a pivot pin  644  is received through the bores  642  of the pair of second hinge bracket  640  and the bore  621  of one of the vertical support beams  622 . The pivot pins  644  enable the upper platen  610  to rotate relative to the vertical support beams  622 , and thus, the movable platen  614  and the bottom platen  612 . The first plate member  626  also includes the plurality of first banding channels  132 , which are defined through the first plate member  626  from the first plate end  634  to the second plate end  636 . The second plate end  636  is coupled to the second plate member  628 . 
     The second plate member  628  cooperates with the bottom platen  612  to secure the bale within the first platen system  602  during recompression. The second plate member  628  is substantially planar and includes a third plate end  646  opposite a fourth plate end  648 . The third plate end  646  is coupled to the first plate member  626 , and the fourth plate end  648  contacts a portion of the bottom platen  612  when the upper platen  610  is in the second position. The second plate member  628  includes the plurality of second banding channels  154 , which are defined through the second plate member  628  from the third plate end  646  to the fourth plate end  648 . While not illustrated herein, the one or more support plates  160  may be coupled to the first plate member  626  and the second plate member  628 , if desired. 
     The bottom platen  612  includes a plate member  650 . The plate member  650  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. In one example, with reference to  FIG. 18 , the plate member  650  is substantially planar, and includes a first end  650 . 1  opposite a second end  650 . 2  and a channel  652 . The first end  650 . 1  is coupled to the frame  608  near or adjacent to the first end  620 . 1  of the support structure formed by the interconnecting frame members  620 . The second end  650 . 2  is coupled to the frame  608  at the second end  620 . 2  of the support structure formed by the interconnecting frame members  620 . The channel  652  is defined between the first end  650 . 1  and the second end  650 . 2 . The channel  652  receives a portion of the bale accumulator  604  to couple the bale accumulator  604  to the bottom platen  514 . 
     Alternatively, the plate member  650  may be composed of multiple pieces, which are coupled together on either side of the bale accumulator  604 . 
     The plate member  650  also includes a plurality of banding channels  654  and one or more retaining projections  656 . The plurality of banding channels  654  are defined through the plate member  650  from the first end  650 . 1  to the second end  650 . 2 . The plurality of banding channels  654  are defined through the plate member  650  and cooperate with the banding unit  114  to band the square bale after recompression. Each of the plurality of banding channels  654  are generally spaced apart from each other along the plate member  650 . The one or more retaining projections  656  extend upwardly and outwardly from the plate member  650 . In one example, the one or more retaining projections  656  are substantially triangular in shape; however, the one or more retaining projections  656  may have any desired shape. The one or more retaining projections  656  contact the fourth plate end  648  of the second plate member  628  in the second position and aid in preventing the movement of the second plate member  628  toward the transfer table  502 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 17 , the movable platen  614  is movable by the actuation system  616  to cooperate with the upper platen  610  to recompress the round bale B. Generally, the movable platen  614  is movable between a first position, in which the movable platen  614  is next to or adjacent to the first end  650 . 1  of the bottom platen  612  ( FIG. 17 ), and a second position, in which the movable platen  614  is next to or adjacent to the channel  652  defined in the plate member  650  to recompress the round bale B ( FIG. 24 ). The movable platen  614  is substantially perpendicular to the bottom platen  612  and moves in a direction substantially parallel to a surface of the plate member  650 . The movable platen  614  includes a movable plate member  660 , one or more cross-beams  662  and a pair of vertical support beams  664 . The movable plate member  660 , the cross-beams  662  and the vertical support beams  664  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. 
     The movable plate member  660  is substantially planar, and includes a first end  660 . 1  opposite a second end  660 . 2  and a plurality of banding channels  668 . The first end  660 . 1  contacts the first plate end  634  of the first plate member  626  when the upper platen  610  is in the first position, and the second end  660 . 2  is slidable along a surface  650 . 3  of the plate member  650 . The plurality of banding channels  668  are defined through the movable plate member  660  from the first end  660 . 1  to the second end  660 . 2 . The plurality of banding channels  668  are defined through the movable plate member  660  and cooperate with the banding unit  114  to band the square bale after recompression. Each of the plurality of banding channels  668  are generally spaced apart from each other along the movable plate member  660 . 
     The cross-beams  662  and the vertical support beams  664  are coupled to a first side  660 . 3  of the movable plate member  660 , which is opposite a second side  660 . 4  that contacts the round bale B during recompression. With reference to  FIG. 19 , a detail view of the first side  660 . 3  of the movable plate member  660  is shown. In this example, the movable platen  614  includes four cross-beams  662  coupled to the first side  660 . 3  of the movable plate member  660 , but it should be understood that the movable plate member  660  may include any number of cross-beams  662 . The cross-beams  662  provide structural rigidity and reinforcement to the movable plate member  660 . 
     The vertical support beams  664  are coupled to the first side  660 . 3 , and couple the movable platen  614  to the actuation system  616 . Generally, the vertical support beams  664  extend along the first side  660 . 3  of the movable plate member  660  from the first end  660 . 1  to the second end  660 . 2 . In one example, each of the vertical support beams  664  define a plurality of cut-outs on a first beam side  664 . 1 , such that the first beam side  664 . 1  is coupled to the first side  660 . 3  over each of the plurality of cross-beams  662 . Each of the vertical support beams  664  also include a second side  664 . 2  opposite the first side  664 . 1 , and a third side  664 . 3  opposite a fourth side  664 . 4 . The third side  664 . 3  and the fourth side  664 . 4  are coupled to the actuation system  616 . In one example, a first bore  670  is defined through each of the vertical support beams  664  from the third side  664 . 3  to the fourth side  664 . 4  at a first end  664 . 5  of the vertical support beams  664 . A second bore  672  is defined through each of the vertical support beams  664  from the third side  664 . 3  to the fourth side  664 . 4  at a second end  664 . 6  of the vertical support beams  664 . The first bore  670  and the second bore  672  couple the movable platen  614  to the actuation system  616 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 17 , the actuation system  616  is shown in greater detail. In one example, the actuation system  616  includes an upper platen actuation system  680  and a movable platen actuation system  682 . The upper platen actuation system  680  is operable to move the upper platen  610  between the first position and the second position, while the movable platen actuation system  682  is operable to move the movable platen  614  between the first position and the second position. In one example, the upper platen actuation system  680  includes a first, lift actuator  684  and one or more second, pull actuators  686 . The lift actuator  684  moves the upper platen  610  to the first position, and the pull actuators  686  move the upper platen  610  to the second position. 
     With reference to  FIG. 20 , the lift actuator  684  is coupled to the upper platen  610 . In one example, the lift actuator  684  includes a first end  684 . 1  and an opposite second end  684 . 2 . The first end  684 . 1  is coupled to the upper platen  610 . In this example, the first end  684 . 1  is substantially U-shaped, and defines a pair of coaxially aligned bores  685 . The first end  684 . 1  is coupled to the upper platen  610  via a pair of mounting flanges  688 . The pair of mounting flanges  688  generally extends from the surface  626 . 1  of the first plate member  626 . The pair of mounting flanges  688  each defines a bore  688 . 1 , and a pin is received through the bores  688 . 1  and the pair of coaxially aligned bores  685  to couple the first end  684 . 1  to the pair of mounting flanges  688 . The second end  684 . 2  is coupled to the frame  608 . 
     In this example, the lift actuator  684  is a hydraulic cylinder, which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . It should be noted that while the upper platen actuation system  680  is shown and described as including a single lift actuator  684 , the upper platen actuation system  680  may include any number of lift actuators  684 . In one example, the lift actuator  684  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the lift actuator  684  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the lift actuator  684  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the lift actuator  684 . The lift actuator  684  is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from the tractor  12  to move or rotate the upper platen  610  relative to the bottom platen  612 . Upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, the lift actuator  684  extends, thereby rotating the upper platen  610  relative to the bottom platen  612  and moving the upper platen  610  from the second position to the first position. 
     The pull actuators  686  are coupled to the bottom platen  612 . In one example, the pull actuators  686  each include a first end  686 . 1  and an opposite second end  686 . 2 . The first end  686 . 1  is coupled to a respective coupling member  690 . In one example, the first end  686 . 1  includes a sprocket  687  to couple the first end  686 . 1  to the respective coupling member  690 . Generally, the sprocket  687  is movably coupled to the first end  686 . 1 , via a pin, for example. In this example, the sprocket  687  is a chain sprocket and the coupling member  690  is a roller chain. It should be noted, however, that the coupling member  690  may comprise a rope, twine, cable, etc., which may be coupled to the first end  686 . 1  via any suitable technique, and thus, the first end  686 . 1  may include any compatible device for cooperating with a selected coupling member  690 . The second end  686 . 2  of each of the pull actuators  686  is coupled to the frame  608 . In one example, the second end  686 . 2  of each of the pull actuators  686  is coupled to the frame  608  via a pin  698 . 1  that is received within a post  689 . 2  coupled to the frame  608 , however, any suitable technique may be used to couple the second end  686 . 2  of each of the pull actuators  686  to the frame  608 . 
     In addition, in this example, the frame  608  may include a cross-shaft assembly  691 . In one example, the cross-shaft assembly  691  includes a shaft  693  and a pair of sprockets  695 . The shaft  693  is received through a bore  697  defined in two or more of the interconnecting frame members  620 . The shaft  693  generally extends along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of forward travel of the tractor  12  so as to interconnect the coupling members  690  on each side of the upper platen  610 . The shaft  693  may be composed of metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, rolled, forged, cast, etc. The shaft  693  may be a solid rod, or may be a hollow tubular structure. A first end  693 . 1  of the shaft  693  includes a first one of the pair of sprockets  695 , and an opposite, second end  693 . 2  of the shaft  693  includes a second one of the pair of sprockets  695 . Each of the pair of sprockets  695  is movably coupled to the respective end  693 . 1 ,  693 . 2  of the shaft  693 , via a pin, for example, to guide the respective one of the coupling members  690  during a movement of the upper platen  610 . It should be noted, however, that the ends  693 . 1 ,  693 . 2  of the shaft  693  may include a guide or other feature that directs the coupling member  690  along the respective one of the pull actuators  686  from the second end  686 . 2  to the first end  686 . 1 . Generally, the cross-shaft assembly  691  ensures that the coupling members  690  are substantially synchronized during the movement of the upper platen  610  between the first position and the second position and thereby inhibit the upper platen  610  from twisting as the upper platen  610  moves between the first position and the second position. Further, the cross-shaft assembly  691  enables the pull actuators  686  to share the load involved in moving the upper platen  610  from the first position to the second position. For example, in an instance where the round bale is cone-shaped, such that one of the pull actuators  686  encounters a greater load than the other, the cross-shaft assembly  691  enables the load to be shared between each of the pull actuators  686 . 
     In this example, each of the pull actuators  686  is a hydraulic cylinder, which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . It should be noted that while the upper platen actuation system  680  is shown and described as including two pull actuators  686 , the upper platen actuation system  680  may include any number of pull actuators  686 . In one example, the pull actuators  686  may each include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the respective pull actuator  686  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the respective pull actuator  686  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the respective pull actuator  686 . Each of the pull actuators  686  is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from the tractor  12  to move or rotate the upper platen  610  relative to the bottom platen  612 . Upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, each of the pull actuators  686  extends, thereby pulling the coupling members  690  to rotate the upper platen  610  relative to the bottom platen  612  and moving the upper platen  610  from the first position to the second position. Once the hydraulic fluid is released from each of the pull actuators  686 , the first end  686 . 1  retracts towards the second end  686 . 2 , resulting in slack in the coupling members  690 . The slack on the coupling members  690  enables the lift actuator  684  to move the upper platen  610  from the second position to the first position. 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , the movable platen actuation system  682  includes a first scissors linkage  692 , a second scissors linkage  694 , a pair of cross-members  696 , one or more connector links  698  and one or more actuators  700 . The scissors linkages  692 ,  694  are configured to impart translation movement to the movable platen  614  and may effect such translation with any type of input actuation, including translation and pivotal input force. In the illustrated example, the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694  are scissor linkages, in particular, split scissor linkages in which an upper linkage of each scissors linkage  692 ,  694  has a pivot point that is movable (e.g., vertically separable) with respect to a pivot point of a lower linkage of each scissors linkage  692 ,  694 . As the first linkage  692  is the same as the second linkage  694 , for ease of description, the second linkage  694  will be described in detail herein, with the same reference numerals used to denote the same features of the first linkage  692 . Also for simplicity, the scissors linkages  692 ,  694  will be referred to below as first and second linkages  692 ,  694 . In one example, with reference to  FIG. 20 , the second linkage  694  includes a pair of first links  702 , a pair of second links  704 , a pair of third links  706 , a pair of fourth links  708 , a pair of fifth links  710  and a pair of sixth links  711 . The first links  702 , the second links  704 , the third links  706 , the fourth links  708 , the fifth links  710  and the sixth links  711  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. 
     Each of the first links  702  has a first end  702 . 1  opposite a second end  702 . 2  and a plurality of bores  712  defined between the first end  702 . 1  and the second end  702 . 2 . A first bore  712 . 1  is defined through each of the first links  702  at the first end  702 . 1 , a second bore  712 . 2  is defined through each of the first links  702  at the second end  702 . 2  and a third bore  712 . 3  is defined through each of the first links  702  between the first bore  712 . 1  and the second bore  712 . 2 . The first bore  712 . 1  couples the first links  702  to the actuator  700 , and the second bore  712 . 2  couples the first links  702  to the second links  706 . The third bore  712 . 3  couples the first links  702  to the vertical support beam  622 . For example, a pin, bolt or other mechanical fastener is received through the first bore  712 . 3  to couple the first links  702  to the vertical support beam  622 , thus forming a first pair of laterally spaced apart pivotal mounting locations for the first links  702  to the movable platen  614 , one for each of the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694 . 
     Each of the second links  704  has a first end  704 . 1  opposite a second end  704 . 2  and a plurality of bores  714  defined between the first end  704 . 1  and the second end  704 . 2 . A first bore  714 . 1  is defined through each of the second links  704  at the first end  704 . 1 , a second bore  714 . 2  is defined through each of the second links  704  at the second end  704 . 2  and a third bore  714 . 3  is defined through each of the second links  704  between the first bore  714 . 1  and the second bore  714 . 2 . The first bore  714 . 1  couples the second links  704  to one of the cross-members  696  and to the first links  702 , and the second bore  714 . 2  couples the second links  704  to the third links  706 . The third bore  714 . 3  is couples the second links  704  to one of the connector links  698 . 
     Each of the pair of third links  706  has a first end  706 . 1  opposite a second end  706 . 2  and a plurality of bores  716  defined between the first end  706 . 1  and the second end  706 . 2 . A first bore  716 . 1  is defined through each of the third links  706  at the first end  706 . 1 , a second bore  716 . 2  is defined through each of the third links  706  at the second end  706 . 2  and a third bore  716 . 3  is defined through each of the third links  706  between the first bore  716 . 1  and the second bore  716 . 2 . The first bore  716 . 1  couples the third links  706  to second link  704 . In one example, a rod  718  is received within the first bore  716 . 1  of the third links  706  and the second bore  714 . 2  of the second links  704  to couple the second links  704  to the third links  706 . The second bore  716 . 2  couples the third links  706  to the movable platen  614 . In one example, a pin is received through the second bores  716 . 2  and the second bore  762  defined in the movable platen  614  to couple the movable platen  614  to the third links  706  near or adjacent to the second end  660 . 2  of the movable platen  614 . The third bore  712 . 3  is optional. 
     Each of the fourth links  708  has a first end  708 . 1  opposite a second end  708 . 2  and a plurality of bores  722  defined between the first end  708 . 1  and the second end  708 . 2 . A first bore  722 . 1  is defined through each of the fourth links  708  at the first end  708 . 1 , a second bore  722 . 2  is defined through each of the fourth links  708  at the second end  708 . 2  and a third bore  722 . 3  is defined through each of the fourth links  708  between the first bore  722 . 1  and the second bore  722 . 2 . The first bore  722 . 1  couples the fourth links  708  to the actuator  700 , and the second bore  722 . 2  couples the fourth links  708  to the fifth links  710  and to one of the cross-members  696 . The third bore  722 . 3  couples the fourth links  708  to one of the connector links  698 . 
     Each of the fifth links  710  has a first end  710 . 1  opposite a second end  710 . 2  and a plurality of bores  724  defined between the first end  710 . 1  and the second end  710 . 2 . A first bore  724 . 1  is defined through each of the fifth links  710  at the first end  710 . 1 , a second bore  724 . 2  is defined through each of the fifth links  710  at the second end  710 . 2  and a third bore  724 . 3  is defined through each of the fifth links  710  between the first bore  724 . 1  and the second bore  724 . 2 . The first bore  724 . 1  couples the fifth links  710  to one of the cross-members  696  and to the fourth links  708 , and the second bore  724 . 2  couples the fifth links  710  to the sixth links  711 . The third bore  724 . 3  is optional. 
     Each of the pair of sixth links  711  has a first end  711 . 1  opposite a second end  711 . 2  and a plurality of bores  725  defined between the first end  706 . 1  and the second end  711 . 2 . A first bore  725 . 1  is defined through each of the sixth links  711  at the first end  711 . 1 , a second bore  725 . 2  is defined through each of the sixth links  711  at the second end  725 . 2  and a third bore  725 . 3  is defined through each of the sixth links  711  between the first bore  725 . 1  and the second bore  725 . 2 . The first bore  725 . 1  couples the sixth links  711  to fifth links  710 . In one example, a rod  720  is received within the first bore  725 . 1  of the sixth links  711  and the second bore  724 . 2  of the fifth links  710  to couple the sixth links  711  to the fifth links  710 . The second bore  725 . 2  couples the sixth links  711  to the movable platen  614 . In one example, a pin is received through the second bores  725 . 2  and the first bore  670  defined in the movable platen  614  to couple the movable platen  614  to the sixth links  711  near or adjacent to the first end  660 . 1  of the movable platen  614  thus forming a second pair of laterally spaced apart pivotal mounting locations for the sixth links  711  to the movable platen  614 , one for each of the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694 . The pivotal mounting locations are at fixed locations relative to the movable platen  614 . The second pair of pivotal mounting locations is spaced apart from the first pair of pivotal mounting locations to be at different heights, such as the upper and lower areas of the movable platen  614  (e.g., at or near upper and lower ones of the cross-beams  662 ). The third bore  725 . 3  is optional. 
     Generally, the first links  702  are fixedly coupled to the second links  704  such that the first links  702  do not move relative to the second links  704  and vice versa. It should be noted that while the first links  702  and the second links  704  are described herein as separate and discrete components, one or more of the first links  702  and the second links  704  may be integrally formed. Moreover, one or more of the first links  702 , the second links  704  and the rod  718  may be coupled together via welding, for example, to ensure that the first links  702  and the second links  704  move and act as a single unit. It should be noted, however, that splined coupling or other techniques may be used to ensure that the first links  702  and the second links  704  move and act as a single unit. Generally, the third links  706  are movable or pivotable relative to the second links  704 . 
     In addition, the fourth links  708  are fixedly coupled to the fifth links  710  such that the fourth links  708  do not move relative to the fifth links  710  and vice versa. It should be noted that while the fourth links  708  and the fifth links  710  are described herein as separate and discrete components, one or more of the fourth links  708  and the fifth links  710  may be integrally formed. Moreover, one or more of the fourth links  708 , the fifth links  710  and the rod  720  may be coupled together via welding, for example, to ensure that the fourth links  708  and the fifth links  710  move and act as a single unit. It should be noted, however, that splined coupling or other techniques may be used to ensure that the fourth links  708  and the fifth links  710  move and act as a single unit. Generally, the sixth links  711  are movable or pivotable relative to the fifth links  710 . 
     The pair of cross-members  696  each act as a torsion bar and maintain a lateral (left and right) alignment of the movable platen  614  as the movable platen  614  moves between the first position and the second position. In one example, the pair of cross-members  696  includes a first cross-member  696 . 1  and a second cross-member  696 . 2 . The pair of cross-members  696  are composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. In this example, the pair of cross-members  696  are each tubular; however, the pair of cross-members  696  may have any desired shape. The first cross-member  696 . 1  interconnects the first links  702  and second links  704 . In one example, the first cross-member  696 . 1  is received through the second bores  712 . 2  of the first links  702  and the first bores  714 . 1  of the second links  704 . The second cross-member  696 . 2  interconnects the fourth links  708  and the fifth links  710 . In one example, the second cross-member  696 . 2  is received through the second bores  722 . 2  of the fourth links  708  and the first bores  724 . 1  of the fifth links  710 . Each of the pair of cross-members  696  may also include a flange, cap or other device at each end to securely couple each of the pair of cross-members  696  to the respective links  702 ,  704 ,  708 ,  710 . 
     The one or more connector links  698  ensure the first end  660 . 1  of the movable plate member  660  moves substantially simultaneously with the second end  660 . 2  of the movable plate member  660 . Thus, the connector links  698  cooperate with the pair of cross-members  696  to ensure that the movable platen  614  moves in a uniform manner from the first position to the second position to recompress the round bale B. In one example, the connector links  698  comprise four connector links  698 . Each of the connector links  698  includes a first end  698 . 1  opposite a second end  698 . 2 . The first end  698 . 1  and the second end  698 . 2  each define a peg  734 . 1 ,  734 . 2 . The pegs  734 . 1  of the connector links  698  are each received within the third bores  722 . 3  of the fourth links  708  to couple the respective connector links  698  to the fourth links  708 . The pegs  734 . 2  of the connector links  698  are received within the third bores  714 . 3  of the second links  704  to couple the connector links  698  to the second links  704 . Thus, generally, the connector links  698  interconnect the fourth links  708  with the second links  704  to ensure that the movement of a top of the respective linkage  692 ,  694  is synchronized with a movement of a bottom of the respective linkage  692 ,  694 , thereby ensuring the first end  660 . 1  of the movable platen  614  moves in unison with the second end  660 . 2  of the movable platen  614 . 
     The one or more actuators  700  move the movable platen  614  between the first position and the second position. The actuators  700  may be rotary or linear actuators of various types. The actuators  700  are coupled to the first links  702  and the fourth links  708 . In one example, the actuators  700  include a first actuator  700 . 1  coupled to the first linkage  692 , and a second actuator  700 . 2  is coupled to the second linkage  694 . It should be noted that while the movable platen actuation system  682  is shown and described as including two actuators  700 , the movable platen actuation system  682  may include any number of actuators  700 . Each of the actuators  700  includes a first end  740 . 1 ,  740 . 2  and an opposite second end  742 . 1 ,  742 . 2 . Mounting projections  744 . 1 ,  744 . 2  are defined near or adjacent to the first end  740 . 1 ,  740 . 2 . The mounting projections  744 . 1 ,  744 . 2  extend from either side of the respective actuator  700 . 1 ,  700 . 2 . The mounting projections  744 . 1  of the actuator  700 . 1  are coupled to the fourth links  708  of the first linkage  692  and the mounting projections  744 . 2  of the actuator  700 . 2  are coupled to the fourth links  708  of the second linkage  694 . The second end  742 . 1 ,  742 . 2  of each of the actuators  700  includes second mounting projections  746 . 1 ,  746 . 2 . The second mounting projections  746 . 1 ,  746 . 2  extend from either side of the respective actuator  700 . 1 ,  700 . 2 . The second mounting projections  746 . 1  of the actuator  700 . 1  are coupled to the first links  702  of the first linkage  692  and the second mounting projections  746 . 2  of the actuator  700 . 2  are coupled to the first links  702  of the second linkage  694 . 
     In this example, each of the actuators  700  is a hydraulic cylinder, and the first ends  740 . 1 ,  740 . 2  are cylinders and the second ends  742 . 1 ,  742 . 2  are pistons. The hydraulic cylinders are in fluid communication with the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . In one example, the actuators  700  may each include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the respective actuator  700  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the respective actuator  700  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the respective actuator  700 . Each of the actuators  700  is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from the tractor  12  to move the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694  to move the movable platen  614  from the first position to the second position. Upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, each of the actuators  700  retracts, thereby causing the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694  to extend, moving the movable platen  614  from the first position to the second position. Once the hydraulic fluid is released from each of the actuators  700 , the second ends  742 . 1 ,  742 . 2  extend towards the first ends  740 . 1 ,  740 . 2 , resulting in the retraction of the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 18 , the bale accumulator  604  is shown coupled to the bottom platen  612 . The bale accumulator  604  includes the pusher  202  and the one or more optional bale accumulator wings  506 . In this example, the pusher  202  is integrated into the bottom platen  612  for moving a formed square bale to either one of the optional bale accumulator wings  506 , or for moving the formed square bale off either side of the plate member  650 . In one example, the channel  652  of the plate member  650  is coupled to a first rail  750 , a second rail  752  and a slot  754 . The first rail  750  is opposite the second rail  752 , and each of the rails  750 ,  752  extend along the plate member  650  from a first plate side  754  to a second plate side  756 . Thus, in this example, the rails  750 ,  752  extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction of forward travel of the tractor  12  ( FIG. 1 ). The rails  750 ,  752  guide the pusher  202  as the pusher  202  moves between the first plate side  754  and the second plate side  756 . The slot  754  receives a portion of the pusher  202  to drive the pusher  202  between the first plate side  754  to a second plate side  756  along each of the rails  750 ,  752 . 
     The pusher  202  is coupled to the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  ( FIG. 17 ), which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . The pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic system to move the pusher  202  from the first plate side  754  to a second plate side  756  between each of the rails  750 ,  752  and vice versa. The left projection  244  and the right projection  246  of the pusher  202  contact a round bale received from the transfer table  502  and cooperate with the upper flange  242  of the pusher  202  to move the round bale to the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506  or off the plate member  650  onto the ground surface G ( FIG. 17 ). 
     The optional one or more bale accumulator wings  506  are coupled to the plate member  650 . In this example, one bale accumulator wing  506 . 1  is coupled to the first plate side  754  and one bale accumulator wing  506 . 2  is coupled to the second plate side  756 . Generally, one end of the interconnected frame members  540  are coupled to the respective one of the first plate side  754  and the second plate side  756 , and the opposite end of the interconnected frame members  540  includes the cross-bar  542 , which retains the square bale on the bale accumulator wing  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . The bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are also be extendable and retractable, so as to be stowable along the respective first plate side  754  and the second plate side  756  when not in use. 
     In certain embodiments, the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  may be coupled to the plate member  650  so as to be rotatable relative to the plate member  650  to deposit the square bales on a virtual trip line. In one example, with reference to  FIG. 17 , the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are pivotally coupled to the respective one of the first plate side  754  and the second plate side  756 , via a pivot pin or other arrangement that defines the pivot axis WP 1 . A respective pivot arm (not shown) may be coupled to a respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 , and moved by a respective actuator (not shown) to pivot the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  about the pivot axis WP 1  to deposit the square bales on the ground surface G. The pivot arms and the actuators may be coupled between the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and the support frame  502 . 2  that supports the transfer table  502 . The actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder, which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10 ; however, other actuators may be employed. The actuators may move the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  substantially simultaneously to deposit the square bales upon the ground surface G, or may move the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  independently. Moreover, a single actuator may be employed to move a pivot arm coupled to a respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . Further detail regarding the depositing of a bale on a ground surface may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420, previously incorporated herein by reference. 
     In one example, in order to assemble the first platen system  602 , with the cross-beams  630  and the reinforcement beams  632  coupled to each of the first plate member  626  and the second plate member  628 , the first plate member  626  is coupled to the second plate member  628  to define the upper platen  610 . The first hinge brackets  638  are coupled to the first plate end  634 . The frame  608  is assembled with the interconnecting frame members  620  joined together to form the support structure. The vertical support beams  622  are coupled to the frame  608 . The bottom platen  612  is coupled to the frame  608 , and the bale accumulator  604 , with the pusher  202  coupled to the slot  754  ( FIG. 18 ), is coupled to the channel  652 . The pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is coupled to the pusher  202  and the frame  608 . The bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are coupled to the respective one of the first plate side  754  and the second plate side  756 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 20 , the first linkage  692  is assembled, and coupled to one of the vertical support beams  622 . The second linkage  694  is assembled, and coupled to the other one of the vertical support beams  622 . The cross-member  696 . 1  is coupled to the first links  702  and the second links  704 ; and the cross-member  696 . 2  is coupled to the fourth links  708  and the fifth links  710 . The third links  706  and the sixth links  711  are coupled to the vertical support beams  664  of the movable plate member  660 , thereby coupling the movable platen  614  to the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694 . The connector links  698  are coupled to the fourth links  708  and the second links  704 . The actuators  700  are coupled to the respective vertical support beams  622 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 17 , with the transfer table  502  and actuator  510  assembled and coupled to the support structure  502 . 2 , the support structure  502 . 2 , including the transfer table  502 , is coupled to the frame  608 . The lift actuator  684  is coupled to the upper platen  610  and to the frame  608 . With the pull actuators  686  coupled to the frame  608 , the coupling members  690  are coupled to the sprockets  687  of the pull actuators  686 , the sprockets  695  and the coupler  631 . 
     With the bale recompression system  600  assembled, the respective pivot arms and actuators are coupled to the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and to the support frame  502 . 2 . The respective hydraulic actuators  241 ,  510 ,  684 ,  686 ,  700  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are each coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10  so as to be fluidly coupled to the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12 . 
     Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber  22  of the baler  10 , the discharge gate  26  moves to the open discharge position to release the formed round bale B. With reference to  FIG. 21 , the formed round bale B contacts the transfer table  502  and the transfer table  502  is actuated by the actuator  510  to pivot from the first position ( FIG. 17 ) to the second position ( FIG. 21 ). As the transfer table  502  moves to the second position, the round bale B is received within the first platen system  602 . Generally, with reference to  FIG. 22 , the round bale B rolls from the transfer table  502  onto the plate member  650  and continues to roll until the round bale B contacts the movable plate member  660 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 23 , once the round bale B is received within the first platen system  602 , the transfer table  502  is moved from the second position to the first position. The pull actuators  686  are actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , to move the upper platen  610  from the first position ( FIG. 17 ) to the second position ( FIG. 23 ). In the second position, the second plate member  628  contacts the retaining projections  656 . As shown, the movement of the upper platen  610  to the second position recompresses the round bale B into a substantially elongated rectangular shape. 
     With reference to  FIG. 24 , with the upper platen  610  in the second position, the actuators  700 . 1 ,  700 . 2  are actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , to substantially simultaneously move the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694 . The movement of the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694  causes the movable platen  614  to move from the first position ( FIG. 17 ) to the second position ( FIG. 24 ). In the second position, the round bale B is further recompressed into a substantially square shape to form the square bale SQ. The banding unit  114  of the first platen system  1104  may be activated to apply wrap material to the square bale SQ. The wrap material  198  passes through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the banding channels  654  and the banding channels  668  to surround the square bale SQ. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , with the square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  drives the pusher  202  to move the square bale into one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , with the square bale SQ on one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 , the hydraulic pressure is released from the pull actuators  686 , which causes the pull actuators  686  to retract thereby causing slack on the coupling members  690 . The lift actuator  684  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the lift actuator  684  moves the upper platen  610  from the second position to the first position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , with the upper platen  610  in the first position, the hydraulic pressure is released from the actuators  700 . 1 ,  700 . 2 , which causes the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694  to retract, thereby moving the movable platen  614  from the second position to the first position. With the upper platen  610  and the movable platen  614  in the first position, the bale recompression system  600  is ready to accept another round bale B from the baler  10  for recompression. 
     With the first square bale SQ formed, the discharge gate  26  may move to the open discharge position to release a second round bale. Once the second round bale is received on the transfer table  502 , the transfer table  502  is actuated by the actuator  510  to pivot to the second position. As the transfer table  502  moves to the second position, the second round bale B is received within the first platen system  602 . Once the second round bale B is received within the first platen system  602 , the transfer table  502  is moved from the second position to the first position. The pull actuators  686  are actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , to move the upper platen  610  from the first position ( FIG. 17 ) to the second position ( FIG. 23 ). In the second position, the second plate member  628  contacts the retaining projections  656 . As shown, the movement of the upper platen  610  to the second position recompresses the second round bale B into a substantially elongated rectangular shape. 
     With the upper platen  610  in the second position, the actuators  700 . 1 ,  700 . 2  are actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , to substantially simultaneously move the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694 . The movement of the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694  causes the movable platen  614  to move from the first position ( FIG. 17 ) to the second position ( FIG. 24 ). In the second position, the second round bale B is further recompressed into a substantially square shape to form a second square bale SQ. The banding unit  114  of the first platen system  602  may be activated to apply wrap material to the second square bale SQ. The banding unit  114  of the first platen system  1104  may be activated to apply wrap material to the second square bale SQ. The wrap material  198  passes through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the banding channels  654  and the banding channels  668  to surround the second square bale SQ. 
     With the second square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  drives the pusher  202  to move the second square bale into the other one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . 
     With the second square bale SQ on the other one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 , the hydraulic pressure is released from the pull actuators  686 , which causes the pull actuators  686  to retract thereby causing slack on the coupling members  690 . The lift actuator  684  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the lift actuator  684  moves the upper platen  610  from the second position to the first position. 
     With the upper platen  610  in the first position, the hydraulic pressure is released from the actuators  700 . 1 ,  700 . 2 , which causes the first linkage  692  and the second linkage  694  to retract, thereby moving the movable platen  614  from the second position to the first position. With the upper platen  610  and the movable platen  614  in the first position, the bale recompression system  600  is ready to accept another round bale B from the baler  10  for recompression. 
     Further, with square bales on both of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and the upper platen  610  of the first platen system  602  in the first position, the actuators (not shown) associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of these actuators moves the respective pivot arms, and thus, the respective bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  to deposit the square bales on a virtual trip line. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line is known from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al., titled “Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which is incorporated herein by reference, the depositing of the square bales will not be discussed in detail herein. 
     Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are not employed, the pusher  202  may be actuated to eject the square bale from the plate member  650  of the first platen system  602 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 28 , a functional block diagram of the accumulator control system  606  is shown. In various embodiments, the accumulator control system  606  includes various components associated with the baler  10 , the bale recompression system  600  and the tractor  12 . In one example, the accumulator control system  606  includes one or more tractor hydraulic pumps  800 , one or more control valves  802 , a controller  804 , a human-machine or operator interface  806  and one or more sensors  808 . The one or more tractor hydraulic pumps  800  and the one or more control valves  802 , along with various lines, hoses, conduits, define a hydraulic circuit that supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuators  241 ,  510 ,  684 ,  686 ,  700  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  based on one or more control signals from the controller  804 . 
     Generally, the tractor  12  includes the one or more tractor hydraulic pumps  800 , which may be driven by an engine of the tractor  12 . Flow from the tractor hydraulic pumps  800  may be routed through the one or more control valves  802  of the tractor  12  and baler  10  and various conduits (e.g., flexible hoses) in order to drive the hydraulic cylinders or hydraulic actuators  241 ,  510 ,  684 ,  686 ,  700  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . Flow from the tractor hydraulic pumps  800  may also power various other components of the tractor  12  and/or baler  10 . The flow from the tractor hydraulic pumps  800  may be controlled in various ways (e.g., through control of the various control valves  802 ), in order to cause movement of the hydraulic actuators  241 ,  510 ,  684 ,  686 ,  700  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . In this way, for example, a movement of the baler  10  and/or bale recompression system  600  may be implemented by various control signals to the tractor hydraulic pumps  800 , control valves  802 , and so on. Generally, each of the control valves  802  may be controlled by the controller  804  between one of three positions. In one example, the control valves  802  have a first, open position, in which hydraulic fluid from the tractor hydraulic pumps  800  flows into a respective one of the hydraulic actuators  241 ,  510 ,  684 ,  686 ,  700  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 ; a second, open position, in which hydraulic fluid from the tractor hydraulic pumps  800  is released from the respective one of the hydraulic actuators  241 ,  510 ,  684 ,  686 ,  700  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 ; and a third, closed position, in which hydraulic fluid from the tractor hydraulic pumps  800  does not flow into the respective one of the hydraulic actuators  241 ,  510 ,  684 ,  686 ,  700  to maintain a hydraulic pressure within the respective one of the hydraulic actuators  241 ,  510 ,  684 ,  686 ,  700  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . 
     Generally, the controller  804  (or multiple controllers) may be provided, for control of various aspects of the operation of the baler  10 , in general. The controller  804  (or others) may be configured as a computing device with associated processor devices and memory architectures, as a hard-wired computing circuit (or circuits), as a programmable circuit, as a hydraulic, electrical or electro-hydraulic controller, or otherwise. As such, the controller  804  may be configured to execute various computational and control functionality with respect to the baler  10  (or other machinery). In some embodiments, the controller  804  may be configured to receive input signals in various formats (e.g., as hydraulic signals, voltage signals, current signals, and so on), and to output command signals in various formats (e.g., as hydraulic signals, voltage signals, current signals, mechanical movements, and so on). In some embodiments, the controller  804  (or a portion thereof) may be configured as an assembly of hydraulic components (e.g., valves, flow lines, pistons and cylinders, and so on), such that control of various devices (e.g., pumps or motors) may be effected with, and based upon, hydraulic, mechanical, or other signals and movements. 
     The controller  804  may be in electronic, hydraulic, mechanical, or other communication with various other systems or devices of the baler  10 , such as the ECU of the baler  10 , the bale recompression system  600  and the tractor  12  (or other machinery). For example, the controller  804  may be in electronic or hydraulic communication with various actuators, sensors, and other devices within (or outside of) the baler  10 , the ECU of the baler  10 , the bale recompression system  600  and the tractor  12  including various devices associated with the pumps  800 , control valves  802 , and so on. The controller  804  may communicate with other systems or devices (including other controllers) in various known ways, including via a CAN bus (not shown) of the baler  10  or the tractor  12 , via wireless or hydraulic communication means, or otherwise. In this example, the controller  804  is associated with the baler  10 , however, it will be understood that the controller  804  may be associated with the tractor  12 , the bale recompression system  600 , or may be associated with a remote device, such as a portable electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  804  may be configured to receive input commands and to interface with an operator via the human-machine interface or operator interface  806 , which may be disposed inside a cab  12 . 1  of the tractor  12  for easy access by the operator. The operator interface  806  may be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the operator interface  806  may include one or more joysticks, various switches or levers, one or more buttons, a touchscreen interface that may be overlaid on a display, a keyboard, a speaker, a microphone associated with a speech recognition system, or various other human-machine interface devices. 
     Various sensors  808  may also be provided to observe various conditions associated with the baler  10  and bale recompression system  600 . In some embodiments, various sensors (e.g., pressure, flow or other sensors) may be disposed near the pumps  800  and control valves  802 , or elsewhere on the baler  10  and bale recompression system  600 . For example, sensor  808 . 1  may include one or more flow sensors, such as volumetric flow sensors, that observe a volumetric flow rate associated with the hydraulic circuit and generate sensor signals based thereon, such as a volumetric flow rate associated with the pusher hydraulic actuator  241 . Based on the volumetric flow rate associated with the pusher hydraulic actuator  241 , an amount of time the control valve  802  associated with the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is in the first, open position (which may be observed by the sensors  808 . 1  or another module associated with the controller  804 ), and a known bore diameter of a cylinder of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  (which may be stored in a memory associated with the controller  804 ), the controller  804  determines how far the cylinder extends outward (an extended length of the cylinder). Based on how far the cylinder extends (the extended length of the cylinder) and a known geometry of pusher hydraulic actuator  241  relative to the pusher  202  (which may be stored in a memory associated with the controller  804 ), the controller  804  determines a position of the pusher  202  relative to the bottom platen  612 . This enables the controller  804  to determine whether the bale has been moved into one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 
     In various embodiments, a position sensor  808 . 2  is coupled to the movable platen  614  and observes a position of the movable platen  614 . In one example, the position sensor  808 . 2  is a linear position sensor, which observes a position of the movable platen  614  and generates sensor signals based thereon. Based on the linear position of the movable platen  614  observed by the position sensor  808 . 2 , the controller determines a current position of the movable platen  614 . It should be noted that other techniques may be used to determine a position of the movable platen  614 . For example, one or more sensors (e.g., pressure, flow or other sensors) may be coupled to one or more of the actuators  700  to observe a volumetric flow rate associated with the actuators  700 . In this example, based on the volumetric flow rate associated with the actuators  700 , an amount of time the control valve(s)  802  associated with the actuators  700  is in the first, open position (which may be observed by the sensors  808 . 2  or another module associated with the controller  804 ), and a known bore diameter of each cylinder of the actuators  700  (which may be stored in a memory associated with the controller  804 ), the controller  804  determines how far each of the cylinders extends outward (a length of each of the cylinders). Based on how far each of the cylinders extends (the length of each of the cylinders) and a known geometry of the linkage  692 ,  694  (which may be stored in a memory associated with the controller  804 ), the controller  804  determines a position of the movable platen  614  relative to the bottom platen  612 . 
     Various sensors  808 . 3  may also be disposed on or near the baler  10  in order to measure parameters, such as a diameter of a bale within the bale forming chamber  22 , and so on. In some embodiments, the sensors  808 . 3  may include a bale diameter sensor, which observes a diameter of the bale within the bale forming chamber  22  and generates sensor signals based thereon. In various embodiments, the bale diameter sensor may comprise one or more pressure sensors, potentiometers, rotary encoders, etc. 
     The various components noted above (or others) may be utilized by the controller  804  to determine whether to move the movable platen  614  when the bale recompression system  600  is being used as a bale accumulator and not for the recompression of a round bale into a square bale. Accordingly, these components may be viewed as forming part of the bale accumulator control system  606  for the bale recompression system  600 . Each of the control valves  802 , the operator interface  806  and the sensors  808  are in communication with the controller  804  via a suitable communication architecture, such as a CAN bus associated with the baler  10 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 29 , a dataflow diagram illustrates various embodiments of an accumulation system  900  of the bale accumulator control system  606  for the bale recompression system  600 , which may be embedded within a control module  902  associated with the controller  804 . Various embodiments of the accumulation system  900  according to the present disclosure can include any number of sub-modules embedded within the control module  902 . As can be appreciated, the sub-modules shown in  FIG. 29  can be combined and/or further partitioned to similarly output one or more control signals to the control valves  802 , the pusher hydraulic actuator  241 , the ECU of the baler  10  and the actuator  510 . Inputs to the accumulation system  900  are received from the sensors  808  ( FIG. 28 ), received from the operator interface  806  ( FIG. 28 ), received from other control modules (not shown) associated with the baler  10  and/or recompression system  600 , and/or determined/modeled by other sub-modules (not shown) within the controller  804 . In various embodiments, the control module  902  includes an operator interface control module  904 , a bale diameter datastore  906 , a bale monitor module  908 , a platen position datastore  910 , a platen control module  912  and a baler interface module  914 . 
     The operator interface control module  904  receives input data  916  from an operator&#39;s manipulation of the operator interface  806 . In one example, the operator interface control module  904  receives bale diameter input data  918 , bale input data  920  and recompression input data  922 . The bale diameter input data  918  comprises input received from the operator interface  806  that indicates an operator&#39;s selected diameter for a round bale to be formed in the bale forming chamber  22  of the baler  10 . The operator interface control module  904  interprets the bale diameter input data  918  and sets selected bale diameter  924  for the bale monitor module  908 . The selected bale diameter data  924  is the operator&#39;s desired diameter for the round bale. 
     The bale input data  920  comprises input received from the operator interface  806  that indicates an operator&#39;s desire to form a bale of crop with the baler  10 . The recompression input data  922  comprises input received from the operator interface  806  that indicates an operator&#39;s desire to recompress the round bale formed by the baler  10  into a square bale. The operator interface control module  904  interprets the bale input data  920  and the recompression input data  922 . If the bale input data  920  indicates that the operator desires to bale crop, and the recompression input data  922  indicates that the operator does not wish to recompress the round bale into a square bale, the operator interface control module  904  sets bale request  926  for the platen control module  912 . The bale request  926  is a notification that the operator is operating the baler  10  for baling crop and desires to accumulate the crop on the bale recompression system  600  instead of recompressing the round bale. Stated another way, the bale request  926  is a notification that the bale recompression system  600  is not being used to recompress round bales formed by the baler  10 , but rather, the bale recompression system  600  is being used to accumulate the round bales prior to depositing the formed round bales on the ground. 
     If however, the recompression input data  922  indicates that the operator selects to recompress the round bales formed by the baler  10  into square bales, the operator interface control module  904  sets recompress request  927  for the platen control module  912 . 
     The bale diameter datastore  906  stores data that indicates a current bale diameter  928 . In one example, the bale diameter datastore  906  is populated by the bale monitor module  908  during the formation of a round bale by the baler  10 . The current bale diameter  928  retrieved from the bale diameter datastore  906  provides a diameter of the bale formed by the baler  10 . 
     The bale monitor module  908  receives as input bale diameter sensor data  930 . The bale diameter sensor data  930  comprises sensor signals or sensor data received from the sensor  808 . 3 . The bale monitor module  908  processes the sensor signals from the sensor  808 . 3  and determines a diameter of the bale in the bale forming chamber  22 . 
     The bale monitor module  908  also receives as input the selected bale diameter  924 . The bale monitor module  908  compares the diameter of the bale (observed by the sensor  808 . 3 ) to the selected bale diameter  924 . If the diameter of the bale is greater than the selected bale diameter  924 , the bale monitor module  908  stores the diameter of the bale as the current bale diameter  928  in the bale diameter datastore  906 . If the diameter of the bale is greater than the selected bale diameter  924 , the bale monitor module  908  also sets a wrap and discharge notification  932  for the baler interface module  914 . The wrap and discharge notification  932  indicates that the bale in the bale forming chamber  22  has reached the desired diameter, and is to be wrapped and discharged. 
     The platen position datastore  910  stores a table of correlation data, which correlates a position of the movable platen  614  to the current diameter of the bale formed in the bale forming chamber  22 . Thus, the platen position datastore  910  stores one or more lookup tables, which provide a platen position  934  that corresponds with the current bale diameter  928 . The platen positions  934  stored in the platen position datastore  910  are each predefined, and in one example, a platen position  934  is predefined for each available bale diameter selection. Stated another way, each of the bale diameters from which the operator may select through the operator interface  806  has a corresponding associated predefined platen position  934 . 
     The platen control module  912  receives as input the bale request  926 . Based on the bale request  926 , the platen control module  912  queries the bale diameter datastore  906  and retrieves the current bale diameter  928 . Based on the current bale diameter  928 , the platen control module  912  queries the platen position datastore  910  and retrieves the platen position  934  associated with the current bale diameter  928 . The platen control module  912  sets the platen position  934  as a desired position for the movable platen  614 . The platen control module  912  also receives as input platen position sensor data  936 . The platen position sensor data  936  comprises sensor signals or sensor data received from the sensor  808 . 2 . The platen control module  912  processes the sensor signals from the sensor  808 . 2  and determines a current position of the movable platen  614 . In the example in which the sensors  808 . 2  observe a volumetric flow rate, the platen control module  912  may determine the position of the movable platen  614  based on calculating the volume of hydraulic fluid that flows into the cylinders of each of the actuators  700  by solving equation (1) for each actuator  700 :
 
Vol (gal)=Hyd flow rate (gal/sec)*valve open time (sec)  (1)
 
     Wherein the Hyd flow rate (gal/sec) is the measured flow rate observed by the sensors  808 . 2  and the valve open time (sec) is the amount of time the control valve  802  associated with the actuators  700  is in the first, open position. Once the platen control module  912  determines Vol, the platen control module  912  solves the following equation for L:
 
Vol=(π/4)* D   2   *L   (2)
 
Wherein D is the bore diameter of the cylinder of the respective actuator  700 , L is how far the cylinder extends (the extended length of the cylinder) and Vol is from equation (1). Once the platen control module  912  has solved for L, the platen control module  912  retrieves the known or pre-defined geometry of the linkage  692 ,  694  (from a memory associated with the controller  804 ), and determines the position of the movable platen  614  based on how far the actuators  700  are extended.
 
     In various embodiments, the platen control module  912  compares the desired position to the current position, and if the current position is not equal to the desired position, the platen control module  912  outputs open valve control signals  938 . In other embodiments, the platen control module  912  assumes that the movable platen  614  is in the first position, and outputs the open valve control signals  938  upon retrieval of a platen position  934  that is not equal to the first position. The open valve control signals  938  comprise one or more control signals for the control valves  802  to open to the first, open position to drive the actuators  700 . 1 ,  700 . 2  to move the movable platen  614 . 
     Based on the outputting of the open valve control signals  938 , the platen control module  912  receives as input or resamples the platen position sensor data  936 . Based on the platen position sensor data  936 , the platen control module  912  determines a current position of the movable platen  614 . If the current position of the movable platen  614  is not equal to the desired position (set based on the platen position  934 ), the platen control module  912  continues to monitor or determine the current position of the movable platen  614  until the current position of the movable platen  614  is substantially equal to the desired position (set based on the platen position  934 ). 
     Once the current position of the movable platen  614  is substantially equal to the desired position, the platen control module  912  outputs close valve control signals  940 . The close valve control signals  940  comprise one or more control signals for the control valves  802  to move to the third, close position to close to maintain the position of the movable platen  614 . Once the current position of the movable platen  614  is substantially equal to the desired position, the platen control module  912  also sets a bale notification  942  for the baler interface module  914 . The bale notification  942  indicates that the movable platen  614  is in a position to receive a round bale from the baler  10  such that the received round bale is substantially centered with the pusher  202 . 
     The platen control module  912  also receives as input reset  943 . The reset  943  is a command to move the movable platen  316  to the first position. Based on the receipt of the reset  943 , the platen control module  912  outputs the one or more open valve control signals  938  to move the movable platen  614  to the first position. In this example, the open valve control signals  938  comprise the one or more control signals for the control valves  802  to move to the second, open position to release the hydraulic pressure within the actuators  700 . In various embodiments, the platen control module  912  may receive as input the platen position sensor data  936 , may process the platen position sensor data  936  to determine whether the movable platen  614  has returned to the first position, and may output the close valve control signals  940  once the current position of the movable platen  614  is equal to a known first position of the movable platen  614  (which may be stored in a memory associated with the controller  804 ). In the example where the sensors  808 . 2  observe a volumetric flow rate, the controller  804  may utilize equations (1) and (2), but may subtract an area of the rod of the cylinder associated with the actuators  700  to determine if the movable platen  614  has returned to the first position. 
     The platen control module  912  also receives as input the recompress request  927 . Based on the recompress request  927 , the platen control module  912  receives as input the platen position sensor data  936  and determines whether the movable platen  614  is in the first position (by comparing the determined current position of the movable platen  614  to a known or predefined position value for the first position of the movable platen  614 ). If the movable platen  614  is not at the first position, the platen control module  912  outputs the one or more open valve control signals  938  to move the movable platen  614  to the first position. In this example, the open valve control signals  938  comprise the one or more control signals for the control valves  802  to move to the second, open position to release the hydraulic pressure within the actuators  700 . In various embodiments, the platen control module  912  may receive as input the platen position sensor data  936 , may process the platen position sensor data  936  to determine whether the movable platen  614  has returned to the first position, and may output the close valve control signals  940  once the current position of the movable platen  614  is equal to a known first position of the movable platen  614 . 
     For example, with reference to  FIG. 30A , the bale recompression system  600  is shown coupled to the baler  10 . In this example, the operator has selected to bale crop in the bale forming chamber  22 , but not to recompress the round bales formed in the bale forming chamber  22 . As shown, with the movable platen  614  in the first position, the round bale B received from the baler  10  (via the transfer table  502 ) is not aligned with a centerline CL of the pusher  202 . Rather, a central radial axis CB of the round bale B is offset from the centerline CL of the pusher  202 . In certain instances, when the round bale B is not aligned with the centerline CL of the pusher  202 , the pusher  202  may be unable to move the round bale B into the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 , and may be unable to move the round bale B off the bottom platen  612 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 30B , in this example, the platen control module  912  of the control module  902  has output the one or more control signals to the control valves  802  to move the movable platen  614  a distance  1 X. The distance  1 X is the platen position  934  retrieved from the platen position datastore  910 , which corresponds to the diameter of the round bale B. As shown in  FIG. 30B , the central radial axis CB of the round bale B is aligned with the centerline CL of the pusher  202 , which enables the pusher  202  to move the round bale B into the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 
     For example, with reference to  FIG. 30C , the bale recompression system  600  is shown coupled to the baler  10 . In this example, the operator has selected to bale crop in the bale forming chamber  22 , but not to recompress the round bales formed in the bale forming chamber  22 . As shown, with the movable platen  614  in the first position, the round bale B received from the baler  10  (via the transfer table  502 ) is not aligned with a centerline CL of the pusher  202 . Rather, a central radial axis CB of the round bale B is offset from the centerline CL of the pusher  202 . In certain instances, when the round bale B is not aligned with the centerline CL of the pusher  202 , the pusher  202  may be unable to move the round bale B into the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 , and may be unable to move the round bale B off the bottom platen  612 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 30D , in this example, the platen control module  912  of the control module  902  has output the one or more control signals to the control valves  802  to move the movable platen  614  a distance  2 X. The distance  2 X is the platen position  934  retrieved from the platen position datastore  910 , which corresponds to the diameter of the round bale B. As shown in  FIG. 30D , the central radial axis CB of the round bale B is aligned with the centerline CL of the pusher  202 , which enables the pusher  202  to move the round bale B into the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 
     The baler interface module  914  receives as input the wrap and discharge notification  932 . Based on the wrap and discharge notification  932 , the baler interface module  914  determines whether the bale notification  942  has been received that indicates that the movable platen  614  is in the desired position. If true, the baler interface module  914  outputs a wrap and discharge command  946 . The wrap and discharge command  946  is a command that is output to the ECU of the baler  10  to command the baler  10  to activate the wrap feed and cut-off system of the baler  10  to apply the wrap material  198  about the round bale in the bale forming chamber  22 . The baler interface module  914  also outputs tilt actuator command  948 . The tilt actuator command  948  is a command that is output to the ECU of the baler  10  to command the baler  10  to actuate the actuator  510  of the transfer table  502  to move the round bale into the first platen system  602 . 
     The baler interface module  914  also outputs pusher actuator command  950 . The pusher actuator command  950  is a command that is output to the ECU of the baler  10  to command the baler  10  to actuate the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  to move the round bale from the bottom platen  612  to one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . The baler interface module  914  also receives as input pusher position sensor data  952 . The pusher position sensor data  952  comprises sensor signals or sensor data received from the sensor  808 . 1 . The baler interface module  914  processes the sensor signals from the sensor  808 . 1  and determines a position of the pusher  202 . In one example, based on the volumetric flow rate of the hydraulic fluid into the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  (as observed by the sensor  808 . 1 ), an amount of time the control valve  802  associated with the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is in the first, open position (which may also be observed by the sensors  808 . 1  or determined by a module associated with the controller  804 ), and a known bore diameter of a cylinder of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241 , the baler interface module  914  determines how far the cylinder extends outward (an extended length of the cylinder). Based on how far the cylinder extends (the extended length of the cylinder) and a known or pre-defined geometry of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  relative to the pusher  202  (which may be stored in a memory associated with the baler interface module  914 ), the baler interface module  914  determines a position of the pusher  202  relative to the bottom platen  612 . 
     In one example, the baler interface module  914  calculates the volume of hydraulic fluid that flows into the cylinder of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  by solving the equation:
 
Vol (gal)=Hyd flow rate (gal/sec)*valve open time (sec)  (1)
 
     Wherein the hyd flow rate (gal/sec) is the measured flow rate observed by the sensors  808 . 1  and the valve open time (sec) is the amount of time the control valve  802  associated with the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is in the first, open position. Once the baler interface module  914  determines Vol, the baler interface module  914  solves the following equation for L:
 
Vol=(π/4)* D   2   *L   (2)
 
     Wherein D is the bore diameter of the cylinder of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241 , L is how far the cylinder of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  extends (the extended length of the cylinder) and Vol is from equation (1). Once the baler interface module  914  has solved for L, the baler interface module  914  retrieves the known or pre-defined geometry of a linkage or other arrangement that connects the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  and the pusher  202  (from a memory associated with the controller  804 ), and determines the position of the pusher  202  based on how far the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is extended. 
     Based on the position of the pusher  202 , the baler interface module  914  determines whether the round bale has been moved onto one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . If true, the baler interface module  914  sets the reset  943  for the platen control module  912 . 
     The baler interface module  914  also receives as input the bale request  926 . Based on the bale request  926 , the baler interface module  914  outputs a bale command  954 . The bale command  954  is a command that is output to the ECU of the baler  10  to start a baling operation. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 31 , a flowchart illustrates a method  1000  that may be performed by the control module  902  of the controller  804  of  FIGS. 28-29  in accordance with the present disclosure. As can be appreciated in light of the disclosure, the order of operation within the method is not limited to the sequential execution as illustrated in  FIG. 31 , but may be performed in one or more varying orders as applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the method  1000  may be scheduled to run based on predetermined events, and/or can run continuously during operation of the baler  10 . 
     In one example, the method begins at  1002 . At  1004 , the method determines whether recompression input data  922  has been received, via the operator&#39;s manipulation of the operator interface  806 . If true, the method proceeds to  1006 , and determines whether the movable platen  614  is in the first position (by processing the platen position sensor data  936 ). If true, the method ends at  1008 . Otherwise, at  1010 , the method outputs the one or more open valve control signals  938  to move the movable platen  614  to the first position. The method ends at  1008 . 
     At  1004 , if the method determines that input has not been received to recompress the bale, at  1012 , the method determines whether input has been received, via the operator&#39;s manipulation of the operator interface  806 , to perform a baling operation (i.e. the bale input data  920 ). If true, the method proceeds to  1012 . Otherwise, the method ends at  1008 . 
     At  1014 , the method determines whether input has been received, via the operator&#39;s manipulation of the operator interface  806 , to select a diameter for the round bale formed during the baling operation (i.e. the bale diameter input data  918 ). If true, The method proceeds to  1016 . Otherwise, the method loops until input is received. 
     At  1016 , the method outputs the bale command  954  to the baler  10  to start a baling operation. At  1018 , the method receives and processes the bale diameter sensor data  930  and determines a current diameter of the round bale in the bale forming chamber  22 . At  1020 , the method determines whether the current diameter of the round bale in the bale forming chamber  22  is greater than the selected bale diameter received from the operator interface  806  (i.e. whether the current bale diameter  928  is greater than the selected bale diameter  924 ). If true, the method proceeds to  1022 . If false, the method loops to  1018 . 
     At  1022 , the method stores the diameter of the round bale as the current bale diameter  928 . At  1024 , based on the current bale diameter  928 , the method queries the platen position datastore  910  and retrieves the platen position  934  associated with the current bale diameter  928 . The method also sets the retrieved platen position  934  as the desired position for the movable platen  614 . 
     At  1026 , the method outputs the one or more open valve control signals  938  to the control valves  802  to open the control valves  802  to actuate the actuators  700 . 1 ,  700 . 2  associated with the movable platen  614  to move the movable platen  614  from the first position toward the second position. At  1028 , the method receives and processes the platen position sensor data  936  and determines a current position of the movable platen  614 . At  1030 , the method determines whether the current position of the movable platen  614  is substantially equal to the desired position for the movable platen  614  retrieved from the platen position datastore  910 . If true, the method proceeds to  1032 . Otherwise, the method loops to  1028 . 
     At  1032 , the method outputs the one or more close valve control signals  940  to the control valves  802  to close the control valves  802  to maintain the position of the movable platen  614 . The method proceeds to A on  FIG. 32 . 
     From A on  FIG. 32 , the method at  1034  outputs the wrap and discharge command  946  to the ECU of the baler  10  to wrap the bale in the bale forming chamber  22  and to discharge the bale through the discharge gate  26 . At  1036 , the method outputs the tilt actuator command  948  to the ECU of the baler  10  to actuate the actuator  510  to pivot the transfer table  502 . At  1038 , the method outputs the pusher actuator command  950  to the ECU of the baler  10  to actuate the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  to push the round bale off the bottom platen  612 . At  1040 , the method receives and processes the pusher position sensor data  952  and determines a current position of the pusher  202 . At  1042 , the method determines whether the current position of the pusher  202  indicates that the round bale is off of the bottom platen  612 . If true, the method proceeds to  1044 . Otherwise, the method loops to  1040 . 
     At  1044 , method outputs the one or more open valve control signals  938  to the control valves  802  to open the control valves  802  to actuate the actuators  700 . 1 ,  700 . 2  associated with the movable platen  614  to move the movable platen  614  to the first position. Optionally, at  1046 , the method outputs a discharge close command to the ECU of the baler  10  to close the discharge gate  26 . The method ends at  1048 . It should be noted, however, that block  1044  may be optional, as alternatively, the movable platen  614  may remain in the desired position until another bale diameter input data  918  is received. Thus, in certain embodiments, the method may perform block  1046  and loop to block  1014  to await another selected bale diameter. As a further alternative, the method may loop to  1014  once block  1042  is true. As a further alternative, the method may not end at  1048 , but may loop to  1004  so long as the baler  10  is operating. 
     It should be noted that while the bale recompression system  600  is described herein as including the first platen system  602  having the upper platen  610 , the bottom platen  612  and the movable platen  614 , it should be understood that the bale recompression system  600  may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, with reference to  FIG. 33A , a bale recompression system  1100  is shown. As the bale recompression system  1100  is similar to the bale recompression system  600  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 17-32  and the bale recompression system  100 ′ discussed with regard to  FIG. 13 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. The bale recompression system  1100  includes a transfer table  1102 , a first platen system  1104  and the bale accumulator  604 . 
     The bale recompression system  1100  is coupled to the baler  10  for movement with the baler  10  as the baler  10  is towed by the tractor  12 . As will be discussed, the bale recompression system  1100  receives the round bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate  26 , and recompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, the first platen system  1104  is towed substantially directly behind the tractor  12 . The transfer table  1102  guides the round bale B from the discharge gate  26  of the baler  10  into the first platen system  1104  and cooperates with the first platen system  1102  to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. 
     The transfer table  1102  interconnects the baler  10  and the first platen system  1104 . In various embodiments, the transfer table  1102  is coupled to the baler  10  so as to be in a position for the round bale B to be dropped on a surface  1102 . 1  of the transfer table  1102  when the discharge gate  26  opens. The transfer table  1102 , which is pivotable relative to a support structure  1112 , receives the round bale B. When the discharge gate  26  opens, the transfer table  1102  tilts and/or lifts the round bale B in a generally aft direction (indicated by arrow  1108 ) to move the round bale B onto the first platen system  1104 . Thus, the transfer table  1102  is movable between a first position (in which the transfer table  1102  is substantially parallel to a ground surface G) and a second position (in which the transfer table  1102  is pivoted in the aft direction). 
     The transfer table  1102  includes the surface  1102 . 1 , which is opposite a second surface  1102 . 2 . The transfer table  1102  also includes a first end  1102 . 3  opposite a second end  1102 . 4 . The transfer table  1102  is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. In this example, the transfer table  1102  is generally arcuate or curved between the first end  1102 . 3  and the second end  1102 . 4 . In this example, the surface  1102 . 1  of the transfer table  1102  is substantially concave; however, the surface  1102 . 1  may have any desired curvature. Moreover, while surface  1102 . 1  is shown to have a uniform radius of curvature TR, it should be noted that the surface  1102 . 1  may include a region of localized curvature, if desired. In one example, the radius of curvature R 1  of the surface  1102 . 1  is substantially the same as a radius of curvature R 2  ( FIG. 33B ) that a leading edge  1110 . 1  of an upper platen  1110  of the first platen system  1104  follows as the upper platen  1110  moves from a first position ( FIG. 33A ) to a second position ( FIG. 33C ). The first end  1102 . 3  is adjacent to the baler  10  for receiving the round bale B, and the second end  1102 . 4  is pivotally coupled to the first platen system  1104 . 
     Generally, the transfer table  1102  is supported on the support structure  1112  and is movable between the first position and the second position by an actuator  1114 . The actuator  1114  has a first end  1114 . 1  coupled to the second surface  1102 . 2  of the transfer table  1102 , and a second end  1114 . 2  coupled to the support structure  1112 . In one example, the actuator  1114  is a hydraulic actuator, which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . For example, the actuator  1114  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the actuator  1114  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler  10  may be in fluid communication with the actuator  1114  and electrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12  and the actuator  1114 . The actuator  1114  is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic system to move the transfer table  1102  between the first position ( FIG. 33A ) and the second position ( FIG. 33C ) and vice versa. 
     The first platen system  1102  includes the first, upper platen  1110 , a second, bottom platen  1116 , a third platen  1118 , a frame  1120 , the banding unit  114  and an actuation system  1122 . The actuation system  1122  is operable to move the upper platen  1110  to recompress the round bale B into a square bale SQ. The first platen system  1102  is supported on the frame  1120 , which may include one or more ground wheels  618 , the plurality of interconnecting frame members  620 , the first frame member  310 , a second frame member  1124  and the one or more interconnecting members  314 . The second frame member  1124  is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. The first frame member  310  has the first end  310 . 1  coupled to the interconnecting frame members  620  and the second end  310 . 2  coupled to the second frame member  1124 . The second frame member  1124  has a first end  1124 . 1  coupled to the interconnecting frame members  620  and the second end  1124 . 2  coupled to the first frame member  310 . The first end  1124 . 1  of the second frame member  1124  is spaced apart from the first end  1124 . 1  of the first frame member  310 . Generally, the second frame member  1124  extends along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support beam  308 . The second frame member  1124  includes the first bracket  324  and the second bracket  330  for coupling the actuation system  1122  to the frame  1120 . The second frame member  1124  also includes a bore  1126 . The bore  1126  is defined through the second frame member  1124  between one of the interconnecting members  314  and the second bracket  330 . The bore  1126  receives a pivot pin  1128  to pivotally couple the upper platen  1110  to the frame  1120 . The interconnecting members  314  couple or connect the first frame member  310  to the second frame member  1124 . 
     Generally, the upper platen  1110  is rotatably coupled to the frame  1120 , and is rotatable by the actuation system  1122  between a first position in which the upper platen  1110  is spaced apart from the bottom platen  1116  to define an opening  1129  for receiving the round bale B from the transfer table  1102 ; and a second position, in which the upper platen  1110  cooperates with the bottom platen  1116  and the transfer table  1102  to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. The bottom platen  1116  and the third platen  1118  remain stationary during the recompression of the round bales B. 
     In one example, the upper platen  1110  includes a first plate member  1132 , the second plate member  628  and the leading edge  1110 . 1 . The first plate member  1132  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. The first plate member  1132  and the second plate member  628  may be integrally formed, or may be discretely formed and coupled together via a suitable technique, such as welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. The first plate member  1132  may include one or more cross-beams  630  and vertical reinforcement beams  632  to provide structural rigidity to the respective first plate member  626 . In one example, the leading edge  1110 . 1  is chamfered. By chamfering the leading edge  1110 . 1 , the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  contacts the surface  1102 . 1  of the transfer table  1102  during the movement of the upper platen  1110  from the first position ( FIG. 33A ) to the second position ( FIG. 33C ). In this example, as the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  contacts the surface  1102 . 1  of the transfer table  1102 , the leading edge  1110 . 1  inhibits crop from hairpinning around the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  as the crop is compressed. 
     The first plate member  1132  is rotatably coupled to the second frame member  1124 . The first plate member  1132  is substantially planar and includes a first plate end  1134  opposite the second plate end  636 . The first plate end  1134  includes a pair of hinge brackets  1136 . One of the hinge brackets  1136  is coupled to a first side  1132 . 1  of the first plate member  1132 , and one of the hinge brackets  1136  is coupled to a second side  1132 . 2  (not shown) of the first plate member  1132 . The pair of hinge brackets  1136  extend from the first plate member  1132  to pivotally couple the first plate member  1132  to the second frame member  1124 . In one example, the pair of hinge brackets  1136  each include a bore  1138 , which is defined along a pivot axis P 8 . The pivot pin  1128  is received through the bores  1126  of the pair of hinge brackets  1136  and the bore  1126  of the second frame member  1124 . The pivot pin  1128  enables the upper platen  1110  to rotate relative to the second frame member  1124 , and thus, the third platen  1118  and the bottom platen  1116 . The first plate member  1132  also includes the plurality of first banding channels  132  (not shown), which are defined through the first plate member  1132  from the first plate end  1134  to the second plate end  636 . The second plate end  636  is coupled to the second plate member  628 . 
     The second plate member  628  cooperates with the bottom platen  612  to secure the bale within the first platen system  602  during recompression. The second plate member  628  includes the leading edge  1110 . 1  that contacts the transfer table  1102  during the recompression of the round bale. While not illustrated herein, the one or more support plates  160  may be coupled to the first plate member  626  and the second plate member  628 , if desired. 
     The bottom platen  1116  includes a plate member  1140 . The plate member  1140  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. The plate member  1140  is substantially planar, and includes a first end  1140 . 1  opposite a second end  1140 . 2 . The first end  1140 . 1  is coupled to the frame  1120  near or adjacent to the first end  620 . 1  of the support structure formed by the interconnecting frame members  620 . The second end  1140 . 2  is coupled to the frame  1120  so as to be adjacent to the bale accumulator  604 . The plate member  1140  also includes the plurality of banding channels  654  (not shown). 
     The third platen  1118  cooperates with the upper platen  1110  to recompress the round bale B. Generally, the third platen  1118  is fixed or stationary, and is coupled to the second frame member  1124  so as to be adjacent to the first end  1140 . 1  of the bottom platen  1116  for recompressing the round bale B. The third platen  1118  includes a plate member  1142  and the one or more cross-beams  662 . The plate member  1142  may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. 
     The plate member  1142  is substantially planar, and includes a first end  1142 . 1  opposite a second end  1142 . 2  and the plurality of banding channels  668  (not shown). The first end  1142 . 1  contacts the first plate end  1134  of the first plate member  1132  when the upper platen  1110  is in the first position, and the second end  1142 . 2  is contacts a surface  1140 . 3  of the plate member  1140 . 
     In this example, the actuation system  1122  includes the linkage  304  and the actuator  306 . The linkage  304  is the scissors linkage, having the first link  320  and the second link  322 . The first end  320 . 1  is pivotally coupled to the first bracket  324  of the second frame member  1124  via the first pin  326 . The second end  320 . 2  is coupled to the second link  322  via the second pin  328 . The second end  322 . 2  is coupled to the first plate member  1132  of the upper platen  1110 . In one example, the first plate member  1132  of the upper platen  1110  has the second bracket  330 , and the second end  322 . 2  is coupled to the second bracket  330  via the third pin  332 . 
     The actuator  306  rotates the upper platen  1110  between the first position and the second position. The actuator  306  is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from the tractor  12  to rotate the upper platen  1110  relative to the bottom platen  1116 . 
     The bale accumulator  604  is coupled to the bottom platen  1116 . The accumulator  604  includes the pusher  202  and the one or more optional bale accumulator wings  506 . In this example, the pusher  202  is integrated into the bottom platen  1116  for moving a formed square bale to either one of the optional bale accumulator wings  506 , or for moving the formed square bale off either side of the plate member  1140 . In one example, the plate member  1140  is coupled to the first rail  750  (not shown), and the second rail  752  (not shown) and the slot  754  (not shown) are coupled to the frame  608 . Generally, first rail  750  is opposite the second rail  752 , and each of the rails  750 ,  752  extend along the plate member  1140  from a first plate side  1140 . 3  to a second plate side  1140 . 4  (not shown). The rails  750 ,  752  guide the pusher  202  as the pusher  202  moves between the first plate side  1140 . 3  and the second plate side  1140 . 4  (not shown). The slot  754  receives a portion of the pusher  202  to drive the pusher  202  between the first plate side  1140 . 3  to the second plate side  1140 . 4  along each of the rails  750 ,  752 . 
     The pusher  202  is coupled to the pusher hydraulic actuator  241 , which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10 . For example, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  may include one or more hydraulic lines that connect the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  with the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor  12 . The pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic system to move the pusher  202  from the first plate side  1140 . 3  to the second plate side  1140 . 4  (not shown) between each of the rails  750 ,  752  and vice versa. Generally, the pusher  202  contacts a square bale recompressed by the upper platen  1110 , bottom platen  1116  and the third platen  1118 , and moves the square bale to the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506  or off the plate member  1140  onto a ground surface. 
     As the assembly of the first platen system  1102  is similar to the assembly of the first platen system  602 , the assembly of the first platen system  1102  will not be discussed in detail herein. Moreover, as the assembly of the actuation system  1122  is similar to the assembly of the actuation system  300 , the assembly of the actuation system  1122  will not be discussed in detail herein. Briefly, with the transfer table  1102  and actuator  1114  assembled and coupled to the support structure  1112 , the support structure  1112 , including the transfer table  1102 , is coupled to the frame  608 . With the bale recompression system  1100  assembled, the respective pivot arms and actuators are coupled to the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and to the support structure  1112 . The respective actuators  241 ,  1114 ,  306  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are each coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10  so as to be fluidly coupled to the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12 . 
     Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber  22  of the baler  10 , the discharge gate  26  moves to the open discharge position to release the formed round bale B. The formed round bale B contacts the transfer table  1102  and the transfer table  1102  is actuated by the actuator  1114  to pivot from the first position ( FIG. 33A ) to the second position ( FIG. 33B ). As the transfer table  1102  moves to the second position, the round bale B is received within the first platen system  1104 . Generally, with reference to  FIG. 33B , the round bale B rolls from the transfer table  1102  onto the plate member  1140  and continues to roll until the round bale B contacts the plate member  1142 . 
     Once the round bale B is received within the first platen system  1104 , the transfer table  1102  cooperates with the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  to retain the round bale B within the first platen system  1102  during recompression. In this regard, the actuator  1114  of the transfer table  1102  may be timed to move from the second position to the first position at a rate that corresponds with a rate of a rotational movement of the upper platen  1110  by the actuator  306  such that contact is maintained between the leading edge  1110 . 1  and the surface  1102 . 1 . This coordinated movement enables the leading edge  1110 . 1  to slide along the surface  1102 . 1  of the transfer table  1102 , while containing the round bale B during recompression. Generally, as the radius of curvature R 1  of the surface  1102 . 1  of the transfer table  1102  is substantially the same as the radius of curvature R 2  of the rotation of the upper platen  1110 , the leading edge  1110 . 1  and the transfer table  1102  cooperate during the recompression of the round bale. Generally, the leading edge  1110 . 1  slides along the surface  1102 . 1  of the transfer table  1102 , the “sliding action” between these two surfaces  1110 . 1  and  1102 . 1 , which are smooth, inhibits crop hair pinning or pinching as the round bale B is reshaped into the square bale B. Thus, the bale recompression system  1100 , with the cooperating surfaces  1110 . 1 ,  1102 . 1  enables the recompression of the round bale B while inhibiting the pinching of crop material between cooperating surfaces of the bale recompression system  1100 . The actuator  1114  and  306  are each actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. 
     With reference to  FIG. 33C , with the upper platen  1110  in the second position, the round bale B is recompressed into a substantially square shape to form the square bale SQ. The banding unit  114  of the first platen system  1104  may be activated to apply wrap material to the square bale SQ. The wrap material  198  passes through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the banding channels  654  and the banding channels  668  to surround the square bale SQ. 
     With the square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  drives the pusher  202  to move the square bale into one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . 
     With the square bale SQ on one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 , the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the actuators  1114  and  306 , which causes the transfer table  1102  to move to the first position, and the upper platen  1110  to move to the first position. With the upper platen  1110  and the transfer table  1102  in the first position, the bale recompression system  1100  is ready to accept another round bale B from the baler  10  for recompression. 
     With the first square bale SQ formed, the discharge gate  26  may move to the open discharge position to release a second round bale. Once the second round bale is received on the transfer table  1102 , the transfer table  1102  is actuated by the actuator  1114  to pivot to the second position. As the transfer table  1102  moves to the second position, the round bale B is received within the first platen system  1104 . Once the round bale B is received within the first platen system  1104 , the transfer table  1102  cooperates with the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  to retain the round bale B within the first platen system  1102  during recompression by the coordinated movement between the upper platen  1110  and the transfer table  1102 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 33C , with the upper platen  1110  in the second position, the round bale B is recompressed into a substantially square shape to form a second square bale SQ. The banding unit  114  of the first platen system  1104  may be activated to apply wrap material to the second square bale SQ. The wrap material  198  passes through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the banding channels  654  and the banding channels  668  to surround the second square bale SQ. 
     With the second square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  drives the pusher  202  to move the square bale into the other one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . 
     With the second square bale SQ on the other one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 , the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the actuators  1114  and  306 , which causes the transfer table  1102  to move to the first position, and the upper platen  1110  to move to the first position. With the upper platen  1110  and the transfer table  1102  in the first position, the bale recompression system  1100  is ready to accept another round bale B from the baler  10  for recompression. 
     Further, with square bales on both of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and the upper platen  1110  of the first platen system  1104  in the first position, the actuators (not shown) associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of these actuators moves the respective pivot arms, and thus, the respective bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  to deposit the square bales on a virtual trip line. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line is known from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al., titled “Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which is incorporated herein by reference, the depositing of the square bales will not be discussed in detail herein. 
     Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are not employed, the pusher  202  may be actuated to eject the square bale from the plate member  1140  of the first platen system  1102 . 
     It should be noted that while the bale recompression system  1100  is described herein as including the transfer table  1102  with the arcuate or curved surface  1102 . 1 , it should be understood that the bale recompression system  1100  may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, with reference to  FIG. 34A , a bale recompression system  1100 ′ is shown. As the bale recompression system  1100 ′ is similar to the bale recompression system  1100  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 33A-33C , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. The bale recompression system  1100 ′ includes a transfer table  1102 ′, the first platen system  1104  and the bale accumulator  604 . 
     The bale recompression system  1100 ′ is coupled to the baler  10  for movement with the baler  10  as the baler  10  is towed by the tractor  12 . As will be discussed, the bale recompression system  1100 ′ receives the round bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate  26 , and recompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, the transfer table  1102 ′ guides the round bale B from the discharge gate  26  of the baler  10  into the first platen system  1104  and cooperates with the first platen system  1104  to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. 
     The transfer table  1102 ′ interconnects the baler  10  and the first platen system  1104 . In various embodiments, the transfer table  1102 ′ is coupled to the baler  10  so as to be in a position for the round bale B to be dropped on a surface  1102 . 1 ′ of the transfer table  1102 ′ when the discharge gate  26  opens. The transfer table  1102 ′, which is pivotable relative to the support structure  1112 , receives the round bale B and when the discharge gate  26  opens, the transfer table  1102 ′ tilts and/or lifts the round bale B in a generally aft direction (indicated by arrow  1108 ) to move the round bale B onto the first platen system  1104 . Thus, the transfer table  1102 ′ is movable between a first position (in which the transfer table  1102 ′ is substantially parallel to a ground surface G) and a second position (in which the transfer table  1102 ′ is pivoted in the aft direction). 
     The transfer table  1102 ′ includes the surface  1102 . 1 ′, which is opposite a second surface  1102 . 2 ′. The transfer table  1102 ′ also includes the first end  1102 . 3  opposite the second end  1102 . 4 . The transfer table  1102 ′ is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. In this example, the transfer table  1102 ′ is generally flat or planar between the first end  1102 . 3  and the second end  1102 . 4 . The surface  1102 . 1 ′ cooperates with the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  as the upper platen  1110  moves from a first position ( FIG. 34A ) to a second position ( FIG. 34C ). As discussed previously, the leading edge  1110 . 1  is chamfered. By chamfering the leading edge  1110 . 1 , the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  contacts the surface  1102 . 1 ′ of the transfer table  1102 ′ during the movement of the upper platen  1110  from the first position ( FIG. 34A ) to the second position ( FIG. 34C ). In this example, as the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  contacts the surface  1102 . 1 ′ of the transfer table  1102 ′, the leading edge  1110 . 1  inhibits crop from hairpinning around the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  as the crop is compressed. 
     The transfer table  1102 ′ is supported on the support structure  1112  and is movable between the first position and the second position by the actuator  1114 . The actuator  1114  is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic system to move the transfer table  1102  between the first position ( FIG. 34A ) and the second position ( FIG. 34C ) and vice versa. 
     As the assembly of the bale recompression system  1100 ′ is similar to the assembly of the recompression system  1100 , the assembly of the bale recompression system  1100 ′ will not be discussed in detail herein. Briefly, with the transfer table  1102 ′ and actuator  1114  assembled and coupled to the support structure  1112 , the support structure  1112 , including the transfer table  1102 ′, is coupled to the frame  608 . With the bale recompression system  1100 ′ assembled, the respective pivot arms and actuators are coupled to the respective one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and to the support structure  1112 . The respective actuators  241 ,  1114 ,  306  and actuators associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are each coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler  10  so as to be fluidly coupled to the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12 . 
     Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber  22  of the baler  10 , the discharge gate  26  moves to the open discharge position to release the formed round bale B. The formed round bale B contacts the transfer table  1102 ′ and the transfer table  1102  is actuated by the actuator  1114  to pivot from the first position ( FIG. 34A ) to the second position ( FIG. 34B ). As the transfer table  1102 ′ moves to the second position, the round bale B is received within the first platen system  1104 . Generally, with reference to  FIG. 34B , the round bale B rolls from the transfer table  1102 ′ onto the plate member  1140  and continues to roll until the round bale B contacts the plate member  1142 . 
     Once the round bale B is received within the first platen system  1104 , the transfer table  1102 ′ cooperates with the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  to retain the round bale B within the first platen system  1104  during recompression. In this regard, the actuator  1114  of the transfer table  1102 ′ may be timed to move from the second position to the first position at a rate that corresponds with a rate of a rotational movement of the upper platen  1110  by the actuator  306  such that contact is maintained between the leading edge  1110 . 1  and the surface  1102 . 1 ′. This coordinated movement enables the leading edge  1110 . 1  to slide along the surface  1102 . 1 ′ of the transfer table  1102 ′, while containing the round bale B during recompression. Generally, the leading edge  1110 . 1  slides along the surface  1102 . 1 ′ of the transfer table  1102 ′, the “sliding action” between these two surfaces  1110 . 1  and  1102 . 1 ′, which are smooth, inhibits crop hair pinning or pinching as the round bale B is reshaped into the square bale B. Thus, the bale recompression system  1100 ′, with the cooperating surfaces  1110 . 1 ,  1102 . 1 ′ enables the recompression of the round bale B while inhibiting the pinching of crop material between cooperating surfaces of the bale recompression system  1100 ′. The actuator  1114  and  306  are each actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. 
     With reference to  FIG. 34C , with the upper platen  1110  in the second position, the round bale B is recompressed into a substantially square shape to form the square bale SQ. The banding unit  114  of the first platen system  1104  may be activated to apply wrap material to the square bale SQ. The wrap material  198  passes through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the banding channels  654  and the banding channels  668  to surround the square bale SQ. 
     With the square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  drives the pusher  202  to move the square bale into one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . 
     With the square bale SQ on one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 , the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the actuators  1114  and  306 , which causes the transfer table  1102 ′ to move to the first position, and the upper platen  1110  to move to the first position. With the upper platen  1110  and the transfer table  1102 ′ in the first position, the bale recompression system  1100  is ready to accept another round bale B from the baler  10  for recompression. 
     With the first square bale SQ formed, the discharge gate  26  may move to the open discharge position to release a second round bale. Once the second round bale is received on the transfer table  1102 ′, the transfer table  1102 ′ is actuated by the actuator  1114  to pivot to the second position. As the transfer table  1102 ′ moves to the second position, the round bale B is received within the first platen system  1104 . Once the round bale B is received within the first platen system  1104 , the transfer table  1102 ′ cooperates with the leading edge  1110 . 1  of the upper platen  1110  to retain the round bale B within the first platen system  1104  during recompression by the coordinated movement between the upper platen  1110  and the transfer table  1102 ′. 
     With reference to  FIG. 33C , with the upper platen  1110  in the second position, the round bale B is recompressed into a substantially square shape to form a second square bale SQ. The banding unit  114  of the first platen system  1104  may be activated to apply wrap material to the second square bale SQ. The wrap material  198  passes through the first banding channels  132 , the second banding channels  154 , the banding channels  654  and the banding channels  668  to surround the second square bale SQ. 
     With the second square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator  241  drives the pusher  202  to move the square bale into the other one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 . 
     With the second square bale SQ on the other one of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2 , the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the actuators  1114  and  306 , which causes the transfer table  1102 ′ to move to the first position, and the upper platen  1110  to move to the first position. With the upper platen  1110  and the transfer table  1102 ′ in the first position, the bale recompression system  1100  is ready to accept another round bale B from the baler  10  for recompression. 
     Further, with square bales on both of the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and the upper platen  1110  of the first platen system  1104  in the first position, the actuators (not shown) associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of these actuators moves the respective pivot arms, and thus, the respective bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  to deposit the square bales on a virtual trip line. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line is known from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al., titled “Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which is incorporated herein by reference, the depositing of the square bales will not be discussed in detail herein. 
     Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are not employed, the pusher  202  may be actuated to eject the square bale from the plate member  1140  of the first platen system  1104 . Moreover, it will be noted that while the transfer tables  1102 ,  1102 ′ are illustrated herein as comprising a single elongated transfer table  1102 ,  1102 ′, it will be understood that the transfer tables  1102 ,  1102 ′ may comprise a plurality of table members coupled together, or may comprise a shorter transfer table, if desired, based on a position and range of motion of the discharge gate  26  of the baler  10 . Further, the leading edge  1110 . 1  may include a polymeric member, coating or covering to reduce friction as the leading edge  1110 . 1  moves along the respective surface  1102 . 1 ,  1102 . 1 ′. In addition, while the leading edge  1110 . 1  is shown and described herein as being chamfered, the leading edge  1110 . 1  need not include a chamfer, or may include an additional member that cooperates with the respective surface  1102 . 1 ,  1102 . 1 ′ to recompress the round bale B via sliding action. Alternatively or in addition, the surface  1102 . 1 ,  1102 . 1 ′ may include a coating, which reduces friction on the surface  1102 . 1 ,  1102 . 1 ′. Further, it should be noted that any one of the actuation systems  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  616 ,  1122  may be employed with any one of the bale recompression systems  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″,  100 ′″,  500 ,  600 ,  1100 ,  1100 ′ described herein. Moreover, the position of the banding unit  114  illustrated herein is merely an example, as the banding unit  114  may be positioned at any selected location in proximity to the respective upper platen  110 ,  610 ,  1110  and bottom platen  112 ,  612 ,  1116  to dispense wrap material  198  about a formed square bale. Thus, generally, the bottom platen  112 ,  612 ,  1116  and the upper platen  110 ,  610 ,  1110  have a plurality of banding channels, and the banding unit  114  is coupled in proximity to at least one of the bottom platen  112 ,  612 ,  1116  and the upper platen  110 ,  610 ,  1110  to dispense a plurality of banding straps around the square bale. 
     Further, it should be understood that while in certain embodiments, the upper platen  110 ,  610 ,  1110  is described herein as rotating relative to the bottom platen  112 ,  612 ,  1116 , the upper platen  110 ,  610 ,  1110  may translate linearly relative to the bottom platen  112 ,  612 ,  1116 , if desired, to recompress a round bale into a square bale. Thus, generally, a system for recompressing a round bale into a square bale comprises a bottom platen to receive the round bale, and an upper platen coupled to the bottom platen, the upper platen being movable between a first position to receive the round bale between the bottom platen and the upper platen, and a second position in which the upper platen cooperates with the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into the square bale. 
     Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the bale recompression system  1100  may have additional features or refinements. For example, with reference to  FIGS. 35 and 36A-36B , a bale recompression system  1100 ″ is shown. As the bale recompression system  1100 ″ is similar to the bale recompression system  1100  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 33A-33C , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. The bale recompression system  1100 ″ includes a transfer table  1102 ″, a first platen system  1104 ″ and the bale accumulator  604 . 
     The bale recompression system  1100 ″ is coupled to the baler  10  for movement with the baler  10  as the baler  10  is towed by the tractor. As will be discussed, the bale recompression system  1100 ″ receives the round bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate  26 , and recompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, the transfer table  1102 ″ guides the round bale B from the discharge gate  26  of the baler  10  into the first platen system  1104 ″ and cooperates with the first platen system  1104 ″ to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. 
     The transfer table  1102 ″ interconnects the baler  10  and the first platen system  1104 ″. In various embodiments, the transfer table  1102 ″ is coupled to the baler  10  to be in a position for the round bale B to be dropped on a surface  1102 . 1 ″ of the transfer table  1102 ″ when the discharge gate  26  opens. The transfer table  1102 ″ receives the round bale B and when the discharge gate  26  opens, the transfer table  1102 ″ tilts and/or lifts the round bale B in a generally aft direction to move the round bale B onto the first platen system  1104 ″. Thus, the transfer table  1102 ″ is movable between a first position (in which the transfer table  1102 ″ is substantially parallel to a ground surface) and a second position (in which the transfer table  1102 ″ is pivoted in the aft direction). 
     The transfer table  1102 ″ includes the surface  1102 . 1 ″, which is opposite a second surface  1102 . 2 ″ and includes the first end  1102 . 3 ″ opposite the second end  1102 . 4 ″. The transfer table  1102 ″ is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. In this example, the transfer table  1102 ″ is mounted fixedly to the support structure  1112 ″ at the second surface  1102 . 2 ″ such that the transfer table  1102 ″, with its support structure  1112 ″, is a structural assembly capable of taking on loads from the first platen system  1104 ″. The transfer table assembly thus includes the relatively thin plate or sheet transfer table  1102 ″ structure defining the surfaces  1102 . 1 ″ and  1102 . 2 ″ as well as the support structure  1112 ″, which in the illustrated example includes structural braces  1112 . 1 ″. In the illustrated example, there are four braces  1112 . 1 ″ spaced apart from one another across the width of the transfer table  1102 ″. The braces  1112 . 1 ″ may be any suitable supporting structure of any suitable cross-section (e.g., various rib, plate or beam configurations), and the braces  1112 . 1 ″ may be mounted separately or tied together by one or more cross-members  1112 . 2 ″, as shown. In this example, the transfer table  1102 ″ is arcuate, and the braces  1112 . 1 ″ have a similar arcuate contour. As noted above, the transfer table  1102 ″ may take other configurations (e.g., flat) in which case the braces  1112 . 1 ″ may be shaped accordingly (e.g., straight). The transfer table assembly (i.e., the transfer table  1102 ″ and support structure  1112 ″) is pivotally coupled to first platen system  1104 ″. In the illustrated example, the end  1102 . 4 ″ of the transfer table  1102 ″ is hinged to the end  1140 . 2  of the bottom plate member  1140 . Opposite ends of one or more actuators  1114 ″ mount to the frame  1120  and to the transfer table assembly, for example, at one or more of the braces  1112 . 2 ″, to pivot the transfer table assembly about the hinge line. The actuator(s)  1114 ″ are responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic system to move the transfer table assembly between the position in  FIGS. 36A and 36B . 
     Furthermore, in one or more additional or alternative embodiments, the surface  1102 . 1 ″ of the transfer table  1102 ″ does not cooperate with the leading edge  1110 . 1 ″ of the upper platen  1110 ″ directly as the upper platen  1110 ″. Rather, a bearing member  1110 . 2 ″ is mounted to the upper platen  1110 ″ to transfer loads from the upper platen  1110 ″ to the transfer table assembly. Like other embodiments, the leading edge  1110 . 1 ″ of the upper platen  1110 ″ is chamfered. By chamfering the leading edge  1110 . 1 ″, the bearing member  1110 . 2 ″ may be a flat bearing member or skid pad mounted to the leading edge  1110 . 1 ″ to contact the surface  1102 . 1 ″ of the transfer table  1102 ″ to ease sliding friction during the movement of the upper platen  1110 ″ between the positions shown in  FIGS. 36A and 36B . In the illustrated example, however, the bearing member  1110 . 2 ″ is one or more rollers mounted to the leading edge  1110 . 1 ″ of the upper platen  1110 ″ to engage the surface  1102 . 1 ″ of the transfer table  1102 ″ in rolling contact. In this way, load is transferred with even less friction through rolling contact rather than sliding contact. The bearing member  1110 . 2 ″ and chamfered leading edge  1110 . 1 ″ together inhibit crop from hairpinning around the upper platen  1110 ″ as the crop is compressed. After the round bale B is received within the first platen system  1104 ″, the transfer table  1102 ″ cooperates with the roller bearing member  1110 . 2 ″ at the leading edge  1110 . 1 ″ of the upper platen  1110  to retain the round bale B within the first platen system  1104 ″ and to share in and thereby support the load acting on the upper platen  1110 ″ during recompression. The actuator  1114 ″ may be controlled to move from the second position to the first position at a rate that corresponds with a rate of a rotational movement of the upper platen  1110 ″ by the actuator  306  such that contact is maintained between the roller bearing member  1110 . 2 ″ and the surface  1102 . 1 ″. This coordinated movement enables the roller bearing member  1110 . 2 ″ to roll along the surface  1102 . 1 ″ of the transfer table  1102 ″, while containing the round bale B during recompression. Thus, the bale recompression system  1100 ″ enables the recompression of the round bale B while lessening the loading acting on the upper platen  1110 ″ during recompression. This reduces localized stress concentrations in the upper platen  1110 ″, thereby reducing fatigue or failure and allowing for reduced structure (and thereby weight) requirements of the upper platen  1110 ″ and the first platen system  1104 ″ overall. 
     In still other additional or alternate embodiments, the first platen system  1104 ″ may include one or more blocking features or crop shields  1150  at the joint between the upper platen  1110 ″ and the middle (or third) platen  1118 ″. While the crop shields  1150  are shown and described herein with respect to the bale recompression system  1100 ″, they could be used with any of previously described (and other) such systems. Referring also to  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the crop shields  1150  are configured and arranged in the first platen system  1104 ″ so as to allow for full functional movement of the upper platen  1110 ″ for bale recompression as well as to block the passage of compressed crop from entering and being pinched in the joint between the third platen  1118 ″ and the upper platen  1110 ″ during recompression, which may otherwise block or interfere with the band strap or straps placed around the recompressed bale. 
     In the illustrated example, the crop shields  1150  are a series of individual flaps or panels  1150 . 1  connected to the upper platen  1110 ″ and having a length sufficient to bridge the open gap between the platens  1110 ″,  1118 ″. The crop shields  1150  may instead be mounted to the third platen  1118 ″ in certain embodiments, and a single, full-width flap or panel may be used instead, however, multiple panels allow for open spacing to accommodate passage of band straps onto the recompressed bale. As illustrated, each of the crop shield panels  1150 . 1  is hinged to the upper platen  1110 ″ along a common hinge line. The hinges  1150 . 2  may be free rotating and a free edge  1150 . 3  of the panel may slide along in contact with the third platen  1118 ″ during movement of the upper platen  1110 ″ during bale recompression being biased by the crop. In other embodiments, the hinge may be biased by a biasing member (e.g., spring) to keep the crop shields  1150  orientated across the open gap between the platens  1110 ″,  1118 ″. Also, in the illustrated example, the panels  1150 . 1  are rigid to withstand the force acting on them by the crop during recompression without bending. However, in other embodiments, the panels  1150 . 1  may be flexible members. Moreover, the panels  1150 . 1  may have two ends coupled to the platens  1110 ″,  1118 ″, rather than one end being free or uncoupled. Unjointed, rigid panels, for example, could have one end connected to one of the platens  1110 ″,  1118 ″ at a movable hinged or slotted connection to allow the range of pivotal motion required of the upper platen  1110 ″ during recompression. Flexible panels, or jointed, rigid panels, may have both ends fixed relative to the associate platen  1110 ″,  1118 ″. 
     In various other embodiments, with square bales on both bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  and the upper platen  1110  of the first platen system  1104  in the first position, the actuators (not shown) associated with the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor  12  through the hydraulic system of the baler  10 , for example. The actuation of these actuators moves the respective pivot arms, and thus, the respective bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  to deposit the square bales on a virtual trip line. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line is known from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al., titled “Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which is incorporated herein by reference, the depositing of the square bales will not be discussed in detail herein. 
     Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings  506 . 1 ,  506 . 2  are not employed, the pusher  202  may be actuated to eject the square bale from the plate member  1140  of the first platen system  1104 . Moreover, it will be noted that while the transfer tables  1102 ,  1102 ′,  1102 ″ are illustrated herein as comprising a single elongated transfer table  1102 ,  1102 ′, it will be understood that the transfer tables  1102 ,  1102 ′,  1102 ″ may comprise a plurality of table members coupled together, or may comprise a shorter transfer table, if desired, based on a position and range of motion of the discharge gate  26  of the baler  10 . Further, the leading edge  1110 . 1  may include a polymeric member, coating or covering to reduce friction as the leading edge  1110 . 1  moves along the respective surface  1102 . 1 ,  1102 . 1 ′. Similarly, bearing members (skid pads, rollers, etc.) may be mounted to the surface  1102 . 01 ″ to facilitate the load transfer to the transfer table assembly via rolling friction. In addition, while the leading edge  1110 . 1  is shown and described herein as being chamfered. Alternatively, or in addition, the surface  1102 . 1 ,  1102 . 1 ′,  1102 . 1 ″ may include a coating, which reduces friction on the surface  1102 . 1 ,  1102 . 1 ′,  1102 . 1 ″. Further, it should be noted that any one of the actuation systems  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  616 ,  1122  may be employed with any one of the bale recompression systems  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″,  100 ′″,  500 ,  600 ,  1100 ,  1100 ′ described herein. Moreover, the position of the banding unit  114  illustrated herein is merely an example, as the banding unit  114  may be positioned at any selected location in proximity to the respective upper platen  110 ,  610 ,  1110  and bottom platen  112 ,  612 ,  1116  to dispense wrap material  198  about a formed square bale. Thus, generally, the bottom platen  112 ,  612 ,  1116  and the upper platen  110 ,  610 ,  1110  have a plurality of banding channels, and the banding unit  114  is coupled in proximity to at least one of the bottom platen  112 ,  612 ,  1116  and the upper platen  110 ,  610 ,  1110  to dispense a plurality of banding straps around the square bale. 
     Further, it should be understood that while in certain embodiments, the upper platen is described herein as rotating relative to the bottom platen, the upper platen may translate linearly relative to the bottom platen, if desired, to recompress a round bale into a square bale. Thus, generally, a system for recompressing a round bale into a square bale comprises a bottom platen to receive the round bale, and an upper platen coupled to the bottom platen, the upper platen being movable between a first position to receive the round bale between the bottom platen and the upper platen, and a second position in which the upper platen cooperates with the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into the square bale. 
     In various embodiments, a round baler equipped with a pickup, bale formation chamber and bale binding system is provided. A formed round bale is bound and the bale forming chamber is opened and the formed bound bale is transferred to a bale recompression chamber located in-line and behind said round bale forming chamber. The bale recompression chamber comprises four sides and two movable platens. The first side of the chamber is stationary, and the first platen comprises the second and third sides of the chamber. The second and third sides are generally or substantially perpendicular to each other and at least a portion of the first platen moves toward the first side thereby reshaping and partially compressing the formerly formed round bale. The second platen comprises the fourth side of the chamber and the fourth side moves toward one side of the first platen further reshaping and compressing the formerly formed round bale and the recompression chamber is equipped with a binding system to bind the reshaped bale and the reshaped bale is ejected out the side of the recompression chamber. In various embodiments, the reshaped bales are placed on at least one carriage located adjacent to the bale recompression chamber. 
     In various embodiments, a system for reshaping a round bale is provided. The system includes a first platen to receive the bale and at least a second platen coupled to the first platen. At least one of the first or second platens are movable between a first position to receive the round bale between the first platen and the second platen, and a second position in which the second platen cooperates with the first platen to reshape the round bale. 
     Also, the following examples are provided, which are numbered for easier reference: 
     1. An accumulator system for a bale recompression system that recompresses a round bale into a square bale, the accumulator system comprising: a bottom platen to receive the round bale; a movable platen translatable relative to the bottom platen; a source of a bale diameter that indicates a diameter of the round bale to be received; and a controller, having a processor, configured to: receive as input the bale diameter; and output one or more control signals to move the movable platen based on the bale diameter. 
     2. The accumulator system of example 1, wherein the processor is configured to query a platen position datastore and retrieve a platen position for the movable platen based on the bale diameter. 
     3. The accumulator system of example 1, wherein the movable platen is movable from a first position relative to the bottom platen, and the processor is configured to move the movable platen from the first position toward a second position based on the bale diameter. 
     4. The accumulator system of example 3, further comprising a pusher coupled to the bottom platen and at least one bale accumulator wing coupled to the bottom platen, wherein the processor is configured to output a command to move the pusher to move the round bale onto the at least one bale accumulator wing. 
     5. The accumulator system of example 4, wherein the processor is configured to receive a reset command based on a position of the pusher, and based on the reset command, the processor is configured to output one or more control signals to move the movable platen to the first position. 
     6. The accumulator system of example 1, further comprising a round baler having a baling chamber for forming the round bale, the round baler coupled to the bale recompression system, the round baler including a bale diameter sensor that observes a current diameter of the round bale within the baling chamber and generates sensor signals based on the observation, and the source of the bale diameter is the bale diameter sensor; and wherein the processor is configured to receive and process the sensor signals, to output a command to the round baler to wrap and discharge the round bale based on the sensor signals, and to output the one or more control signals to move the movable platen based on the current diameter of the round bale. 
     7. The accumulator system of example 6, wherein the processor is configured to receive a selected bale diameter as input from an operator interface associated with a tractor coupled to the bale recompression system, the processor is configured to compare the selected bale diameter to the current diameter of the round bale, and the processor is configured to output the one or more control signals to move the movable platen based on the comparison. 
     8. The accumulator system of example 1, further comprising a position sensor that observes a position of the movable platen and generates position sensor signals based on the observation, and the processor is configured to receive and process the position sensor signals and output the one or more control signals to move the movable platen based on the position sensor signals. 
     9. A method for accumulating round bales on a bale recompression system that recompresses a round bale into a square bale, the method comprising: receiving the round bale on a bottom platen; receiving, by a processor, a bale diameter that indicates a diameter of the round bale to be received on the bottom platen; and outputting, by the processor, one or more control signals to move a movable platen relative to the bottom platen based on the bale diameter. 
     10. The method of example 9, further comprising: querying, by the processor, a platen position datastore; and retrieving, by the processor, a platen position for the movable platen from the platen position datastore based on the bale diameter. 
     11. The method of example 9, wherein the movable platen is movable from a first position relative to the bottom platen, and the method further comprises: outputting, by the processor, the one or more control signals to move the movable platen from the first position toward a second position based on the bale diameter. 
     12. The method of example 11, further comprising: outputting, by the processor, a command to move a pusher coupled to the bottom platen to move the round bale onto at least one bale accumulator wing coupled to the bottom platen. 
     13. The method of example 12, further comprising: receiving, by the processor, a reset command based on a position of the pusher; and outputting, by the processor, one or more control signals to move the movable platen to the first position based on the reset command. 
     14. The method of example 9, further comprising: receiving, by the processor, position sensor signals that indicate a position of the movable platen; and outputting, by the processor, the one or more control signals to move the movable platen based on the position sensor signals. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be embodied as a method, system (e.g., a work vehicle control system included in a work vehicle), or computer program product. Accordingly, certain embodiments can be implemented entirely as hardware, entirely as software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or as a combination of software and hardware (and other) aspects. Furthermore, certain embodiments can take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium. 
     Any suitable computer usable or computer readable medium can be utilized. The computer usable medium can be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer-usable, or computer-readable, storage medium (including a storage device associated with a computing device or client electronic device) can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device. In the context of this document, a computer-usable, or computer-readable, storage medium can be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     A computer readable signal medium can include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal can take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium can be non-transitory and can be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     Aspects of certain embodiments are described herein can be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of any such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     Any flowchart and block diagrams in the figures, or similar discussion above, can illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block (or otherwise described herein) can occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession (or two operations described in succession) can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks (or operations) can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of any block diagram and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in any block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” could be used to refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”, “outboard”, and “inboard” could be used to describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
     The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Explicitly referenced embodiments herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure and recognize many alternatives, modifications, and variations on the described example(s). Accordingly, various embodiments and implementations other than those explicitly described are within the scope of the following claims.