Patent ID: 7341415

Claim:
A bale processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of belts positioned laterally relative to each other and having spaces therebetween, wherein the plurality of belts are sufficient to hold a round bale of hay thereon; first and second rollers positioned proximate the plurality of belts, wherein the plurality of belts pass around the rollers; means for rotating the plurality of belts while the bale is positioned thereon; and means for tensioning the plurality of belts in first and second positions, wherein the first position permits the plurality of belts to form a cradle between the first and second rollers to restrain the bale while the plurality of belts rotate the bale without ejecting the bale from the apparatus and without otherwise supporting the bale in the cradle, thereby unrolling the bale and ejecting a portion of the bale from the cradle as the bale rotates, and wherein the second position permits the plurality of belts to become sufficiently taut to eject the bale laterally from the apparatus.