Advanced Twine Knotter: Precision Material Handling Tech

Publication ID: 24-11856894_0006_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Twine Knotter: Precision Material Handling Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856894_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856894_0006_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,894.

Background and Problem Solved

The original twine knotter patent (European Patent Application No. 19195962.6) disclosed a device for forming knots in twine, but it had limitations in terms of twine alignment and knot formation. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing a twine disk with at least two pairs of recesses, improving twine alignment and knot formation, and enhancing overall efficiency and safety.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features that improve the original twine knotter's functionality, including the use of recesses on the twine disk, twine clamp, and sensor for detecting twine tension. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, offering improved efficiency, safety, and reliability in baling and material handling applications.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include different twine disk geometries, varying numbers of recesses, and alternative twine clamp designs. Additionally, the invention could be adapted for use in different industries, such as agriculture or construction, or integrated with other material handling systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced twine knotter has significant commercial potential in the baling and material handling industries, where efficiency, safety, and reliability are critical. The invention could be marketed as a standalone product or integrated into existing material handling systems, offering a competitive advantage to manufacturers and end-users alike.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A01	A01F15/145
A	A01	A01F15/12

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Agricultural machinery and baling equipment, specifically twine knotting systems for hay, straw, and agricultural material baling. Requires mechanical engineering expertise in rotational mechanisms, material handling, and precision fastening systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in agricultural equipment design, familiar with rotational disk mechanisms, twine handling techniques, and mechanical fastening systems for material bundling

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications to the source patent's twine knotter design. The additional recesses, tension sensing, and systematic arrangement of components represent standard design optimization techniques within mechanical agricultural equipment engineering. The core functional principles remain consistent with the original patent's core mechanical concept.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Twine disk with multiple pairs of recesses for twine positioning

PTD Variation

Adding a tension sensor to monitor and adjust knot formation based on recess positioning

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating electronic sensing with mechanical positioning is a known technique for improving precision in mechanical systems, representing a predictable application of sensor technology

Source Patent Element

Rotatable twine disk with circumferential recesses

PTD Variation

Modifying recess geometry to optimize twine alignment and knot formation

Obviousness Reasoning

Geometric optimization of mechanical components is an expected design iteration for improving functional performance, representing a standard engineering design choice

Source Patent Element

Single twine knotter mechanism

PTD Variation

Arranging multiple twine knotters in a systematic channel configuration

Obviousness Reasoning

Scaling and multiplying mechanical systems is a standard engineering approach for increasing throughput, representing a predictable system enhancement

Source Patent Element

Twine holding device with bill hook for knot formation

PTD Variation

Implementing alternative recess configurations to improve twine alignment

Obviousness Reasoning

Modifying mechanical positioning elements to enhance precision is a routine engineering optimization technique

Source Patent Element

Rotational twine disk mechanism

PTD Variation

Introducing a tension-responsive control system for dynamic knot adjustment

Obviousness Reasoning

Incorporating feedback mechanisms into mechanical systems is a standard approach for improving performance and reliability

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, with a reasonable expectation of success, based on the teachings of US Patent 11856894. The incremental modifications represent predictable engineering solutions within the established technological framework of agricultural twine knotting systems.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,894
Title	Twine knotter and method of forming a knot in a twine
Assignee(s)	Rasspe Systemtechnik Gmbh