Bale accumulator with automatic control

Abstract

A bale accumulator and optional caboose are controlled by a microprocessor-based control circuit associated with and controlling the baler which pulls the bale accumulator. The control circuit monitors bale switches actuated by the presence of bales on four tables, two switches indicating the position of a bale push bar, and three table switches indicating when individual ones of three of the tables are latched or released for dumping bales therefrom. An operator's panel provides a visual display of the status of the bale accumulator and includes switches which may be actuated by the operator. In response to the switches on the bale accumulator the control circuit controls the push bar to move bales from a center table onto a left or right table at the sides of the center table, or inhibits movement of the push bar so that a succeeding bale ejected from the baler pushes a bale on the center table onto a trailing fourth table. In response to actuation of a dump switch the control circuit determines which tables should be unlatched to dump a bale therefrom, and energizes a motor or motors to unlatch the tables as determined by the control circuit. All operations of the bale accumulator are automatic except for operator actuation of the dump switches.