US Patent 7967231 Bale processing apparatus

A bale processing apparatus for receiving and shredding a bale of material is disclosed. The bale processing apparatus comprises a hopper having a top and a bottom, a top opening through which a bale is received into the hopper and a bottom opening through which the material of the bale is dispersed. The bottom opening is at least partially positioned below the top opening. The apparatus further includes a bale shredding assembly for removing material from a bale received in the hopper. The bale shredding assembly is located in the interior of the hopper below the top opening and above the bottom opening.