Abstract: A transfer for elongated articles such as angles, flats, channels or rounds includes an optionally deployable rolling restraint to maintain rounds such as bars or tubes properly on the transfer during operation thereof. More particularly, the transfer is in the form of a relatively thin stacking carriage which elevates to pick up a single layer of predetermined width of such articles to transfer the same to the top of a stack being formed. The relatively thin stacking carriage pivots downwardly adjacent the top of the stack and then retracts with adjustable uprights on the stacking cradle causing the layer to be wiped off onto the top of the stack. During such retraction, the top surface of the stacking carriage must be free of obstructions to permit the layer properly to be wiped therefrom. Accordingly, a rolling restraint is provided for the stacking carriage which will move from an ambush position to a position projecting slightly above the top surface of the carriage as it elevates to lift the layer.

Abstract: A bundle compactor for elongated elements includes a plurality of aligned compacting units adapted to be used in conjunction with automatic stacking and strapping machines, each bundle compactor unit having a pair of coaxially pivotally mounted arms which are moved by a single piston-cylinder assembly from an open to a closed position through a crank and toggle links which lock the arms in closed position. A chain cinch trained over the distal ends of the arms completely encircles the bundle when the arms are closed and another piston-cylinder assembly tightens the cinch by moving a crank which includes rolls around which the cinch is trained, such rolls being thus moved away from a fixed anchor and fixed rolls for the cinch to tighten the cinch uniformly from each arm. At least one arm is bifurcated so that the other may move between the forked end of the one substantially completely to encircle the bundle with the cinch, the cinch also being bifurcated accordingly.