Abstract: A center-folded film splicer is disclosed. The splicer comprises a splicer assembly that is adjustably mounted to a wrapping device such that it can be moved between a storage position and an operating (or splicing) position. The splicer assembly comprises a pair of heat bars, an upper heat bar and a lower heat bar, connected with a synchronized hinge and a back-up pad bar disposed therebetween. In this manner, the upper and lower layers (or “legs”) of the films from a depleted film roll and a fresh film roll can be simultaneously sealed to each other to create a continuous film that does not need to be rethreaded through the wrapping device when replacing film rolls.

Abstract: A case erector system comprises a track, a mounting assembly slidably affixed to the track, a picker and erector assembly removably and reversibly affixed to the mounting assembly, an erector arm in the picker and erector assembly configured to engage a first side of a case, and a picker arm in the picker and erector assembly configured to engage a second side of the case, wherein the erector arm is configured to move to a position generally transverse to the picker arm while both the picker arm and erector arm engage the case unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a pallet load having a rotary swing arm carrying two upright towers, each tower having a film carriage mounted to and movable along the upright tower for holding a roll of flexible stretchable film and a roll of relatively unstretchable banner film, a programmable control logic controls the wrapping machine to wrap the pallet load with the flexible stretchable film, then over-wrap with the relatively unstretchable banner film over the wrapped flexible stretchable film, and then continue to over-wrap the wrapped relative unstretchable banner film with the flexible stretchable film.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises an apparatus and method for wrapping a pallet with flexible stretch film and then over-wrapping with relatively unstretchable unstretched banner film and then over-wrapping the banner film with the flexible film. The wrapping apparatus is controlled to wrap the load with a flexible film and once the load has been wrapped discontinuing the flexible film wrapping by commencing the less flexible banner film over-wrapping by wrapping the banner film over the wrapped flexible film. Applying the relatively unstretchable unstretched banner film as a film sheet in which the banner film remains at full width. This is accomplished in one rotation of the swing arm. The banner applicator attaches the tail of the banner film to the load. The banner applicator also cuts the attached part from the supply source. The wrapping cycle then continues to over-wrap the banner film with the flexible stretch film.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an expandable mandrel actuator apparatus for manually handling a heavy cylindrical roll of rolled material wherein said expandable mandrel actuator apparatus comprises an expandable mandrel and is inserted within said heavy cylindrical roll to form a single package. The instant invention also relates to a method for manually handling a heavy cylindrical roll of rolled material wherein an actuator apparatus comprising an expandable mandrel inserted within the inner roll of said rolled material forms a single package of said expandable mandrel and said cylindrical roll as a means for an individual to easily engage, maneuver, and lift said single package into position on a roll material dispensing machine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a movable, heated U-bar sealing device for a shrink wrap apparatus and a method for rapidly and continuously shrink wrapping a load with a flexible material such as a film. The movable, heated U-bar moves with the load as it seals the corners of the load with a film without creating multiple layers of film on the corners of the load.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises an apparatus and method for wrapping a load under tension with a web of stretch wrap flexible material and then binding the wrapping material to the load by compressing the end of the flexible material into a rope-like configuration. The rope formed is wound around the load at least one turn. A second turn of the rope around the load is then bound to the first rope with a mechanical twisting tie around the two ropes to prevent unwrapping of the load during transit and storage. A hot wire cutting mechanism cuts the rope and the bound two ropes snap back into position against the wrapped load from the force of the stretch wrap tension.