Abstract: Apparatus and methods for heat sealing thermoplastics strap material comprising a portable tool adapted to receive two sections of strap material which are to be welded together and having a heating element, means for moving the heating element between the straps and a battery source for supplying heating current to the heating element. A control circuit detects the battery voltage on load, and a drive circuit controls the movement of the heating element between the straps, to control the speed of the heating element in dependence on the detected voltage level, to compensate for decreasing battery voltage. The battery source is mounted in or on the tool housing for portability.The heating element is mounted on a carriage assembly mounted for reciprocal motion between the two straps and driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat sealing together layers of strap of thermoplastics material, wherein at least one thin flat electrical heating element is supported under tension and between the layers of strap and the layers of strap are pressed together with a fusing pressure by at least one resilient pressure pad. The heating element, a support for the heating element and the resilient pressure pad form a heating and fusing assembly which is moved in unison relative to the layers of strap so that in use, the heating element moves between the two layers of strap generally in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: In a package strapping tool of the pusher bar type a strap foot restrainer 59 pivoted at 49 to a frame 25 carrying a strap foot 47 is swung clockwise by double-acting auxiliary piston and cylinder assembly 63 from an open position, allowing strapping to be inserted laterally between a rotary dog 50 and strap foot 47, to a closed position (FIG. 4) in which a part 60 of the restrainer 59 engages the underside 61 of the strap foot 47 to support the strap foot 47 against the pressure of the rotary dog 50. In the closed position the restrainer 59 bears against a peg 68 on a carrier, also pivoted at 49 the frame 25, for the rotary dog 50 driven by an air motor 51 and urges the dog 50 against strapping overlying the strap foot 50.

Abstract: A package strapping tool of the fluid pressure operating type embodying tensioning means for tightening a loop of strapping around a package and joining means for securing together overlapped portions of the loop. The tensioning means and the joining means are operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means wherein the initiation of the joining operation is controlled through a time delay device the timing cycle of which is started by the application of fluid pressure to the tensioning means. The time delay device is preferably of a pneumatic or hydraulic type which uses for its own operation the fluid which is suppled under pressure to operate the tool. The time delay device is preferably adjustable whereby the cycle of the tool may be varied dependent upon circumstances and the timing cycle may be started by the supply of fluid pressure to the tensioning means.

Abstract: For use with banding apparatus for putting bands, especially those of plastics banding, around a pallet and its load, a band feed guide for threading banding through the voids between the deck and runners of the pallet. The band feed guide is made up of tapering channel chute sections comprising primary chute sections which telescope with secondary chute sections and are extended axially into the voids when the pallet is at the apparatus to form with the secondary chute sections a continuous band feed guide below the deck of the pallet. In the telescoping condition the chute sections can be swung down below the level of the runners while the pallet is moved.