US Patent 7871029 Bale processor having improved shredding roller

A bale processor, having a support surface for supporting a bale of crop material, a shredding roller positioned at one end of the support surface, the shredding roller having an elongate roller body, the roller body configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, and a feed mechanism positioned on the support surface, the feed mechanism configured for urging the bale towards the shredding roller. The shredding roller includes at least one separating section having at least one impacting member that protrudes outwardly from the elongate roller body, the at least one impacting member configured to impact the bale when the roller body rotates so as to separate the crop material therefrom. The shredding roller also includes at least one conveying section configured to engage a portion of the bale and to direct that portion towards the separating section in a longitudinal direction aligned with the axis of rotation of the roller body.