Combined cotton module builder and seed cotton trash extractor

Abstract

A cotton module builder comprising an open-top frame. At the rear end of the frame is a rear door mounted for pivotal movement. When seed cotton has been compressed into a module, it is removed from the open-top frame, while the rear door is opened. While the seed cotton is being compressed by the cotton module builder, the rear door is closed. Secured to the rear end of the frame is a cradle that supports extractor apparatus for removing foreign matter from seed cotton before the seed cotton is deposited into the open-top frame for compression. Pivotally supported by the cradle is a basket and lifting conveyor. Means are provided for raising and lowering the basket and lifting conveyor. Before the rear door of the module builder is opened for the removal of a cotton module from the open-top frame, the basket and the lifting conveyor are raised out of the path of movement of the rear door and the compressed cotton module advancing therethrough. After the rear door is closed for the compacting of seed cotton free of foreign matter into a cotton module in the open-top frame, the basket and the lifting conveyor are moved into a lowered position. Seed cotton is deposited into the basket while in the lowered position and the lifting conveyor advances the seed cotton to the extractor apparatus for removing foreign matter from the seed cotton. The seed cotton free of foreign matter is deposited by the extractor apparatus into the open-top frame structure to be compressed into a cotton module.