Densification method and apparatus for harvested cotton or other similar

Abstract

A method and apparatus for densification of fibrous material such as harvested cotton, preferably by a movement of the cotton continuously through a compacting zone on the harvester. In one aspect of the invention, the fibers are locked by differential translation of portions of the mass of compacted material to prevent a layer of material from springing back after compression. A continuous mat of compressed material with locked fibers is formed into a uniform, high density bale or module on the harvester. A cotton harvester compacting system includes an air system feeding harvested cotton into an accumulation area and to the compacting zone on the harvester. The cotton is compressed and fed through a shear zone which differentially translates the cotton and locks the cotton fibers into a uniform, compact mat. In one embodiment, the mat of compacted cotton is fed to a round baler on the harvester to form a dense round bale or module. In another embodiment, the mat is layered into a rectangular bale or module on the harvester. An in-line horizontal compaction zone allows any existing voids in the in-feed section or voids resulting from compaction or shearing to be closed. A brake zone can be provided after the shear zone to provide adjustable back pressure for improved locked in compaction and web handling integrity. The brake is adjustable to fine tune the system for various cotton types and for different moisture and trash conditions. The accumulation area allows continued harvester operation during brief compacting interruptions, such as during module unloading.