Abstract: A rotary apparatus, such as a pneumatic motor, is disclosed. The rotary apparatus comprises an end plate having a race cavity, a main rotor with a stub shaft extending from one end, and a bearing, which includes an outer race seated in the race cavity and an inner race having a central bore. The stub shaft is fitted into the central bore with a frictional fit. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded shank of a screw is threaded into a threaded socket in the stub shaft so as to draw the stub shaft into the central bore with a washer bearing against the screw head, against the stub shaft, and against the inner race, whereby a controlled gap is provided between an outer surface of the main rotor and an inner surface of the end plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an oriented plastic strap having a predetermined desired thickness for use in connection with the strapping of packages or the like. Heating is provided in connection with the surface of the sheet workpiece which is exposed to the ambient air prior to entry of the workpiece into the nip defined between the pair of rollers such that both surfaces will have similar temperature levels so as to exhibit similar density properties, and still further, the edge portions of the sheet workpiece are also heated so as to advantageously control the degree of flatness of the sheet material or workpiece across the width thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing highly-oriented polyester sheet comprises a two-stage drawing process. The first drawing stage is performed within a zero-gap milling and stretching roller assembly comprising a pair of opposed rollers defining a nip therebetween and wherein the rollers are rotated in opposite directions at different lineal surface velocities such that a predetermined draw ratio is defined therebetween. Amorphous polyester sheet is conducted through the nip of the opposed rollers, and as a result of the simultaneous milling and stretching of the polyester sheet, the amorphous polyester is transformed into crystalline polyester as a result of orientation-induced crystallization. The crystalline polyester sheet is heated above the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) immediately downstream of the nip defined between the pair of opposed rollers, and an exit bridle assembly is disposed downstream of the pair of opposed rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an oriented plastic strap having a predetermined desired thickness for use in connection with the strapping of packages or the like, is disclosed. A sheet workpiece is conducted into a nip defined between a pair of milling and stretching rollers wherein one of the rollers is rotated at a lineal surface velocity which is greater than the lineal surface velocity of the other roller, and the rollers are rotated in opposite directions. One of the rollers effectively brakes or retards one of the surfaces of the sheet workpiece while the other one of the rollers effectively accelerates the other one of the surfaces of the sheet workpiece as the workpiece passes through the nip defined between the rollers whereby the workpiece is simultaneously milled and stretched.

Abstract: In a machine for strapping a sheet metal coil, two rollers support such a coil with its axis extending transversely. A carriage mounted upon a fixed base is longitudinally movable toward and away from the rollers. A strapping head cradle mounted upon the carriage is movable with the carriage and is pivotable about a transverse axis. Two strap-guiding arms mounted upon the cradle, extend forwardly, and are movable with the cradle, pivotable with the cradle, and pivotable on the cradle between a closed position defining a closed path for a strap and an opened position enabling the strap-guiding arms to clear the supported coil when the cradle is moved with the carriage. A coil-sensing arm extending over the strap-guiding arms is mounted upon the carriage, movable with the carriage, and pivotable about a transverse axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an oriented plastic strap having a predetermined desired thickness for use in connection with the strapping of packages or the like, is disclosed. A sheet workpiece is conducted into a nip defined between a pair of milling and stretching rollers wherein one of the rollers is rotated at a lineal surface velocity which is greater than the lineal surface velocity of the other roller, and the rollers are rotated in opposite directions. One of the rollers effectively brakes or retards one of the surfaces of the sheet workpiece while the other one of the rollers effectively accelerates the other one of the surfaces of the sheet workpiece as the workpiece passes through the nip defined between the rollers whereby the workpiece is simultaneously milled and stretched.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus, such as a pneumatic motor, is disclosed. The rotary apparatus comprises an end plate having a race cavity, a main rotor with a stub shaft extending from one end, and a bearing, which includes an outer race seated in the race cavity and an inner race having a central bore. The stub shaft is fitted into the central bore with a frictional fit. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded shank of a screw is threaded into a threaded socket in the stub shaft so as to draw the stub shaft into the central bore with a washer bearing against the screw head, against the stub shaft, and against the inner race, whereby a controlled gap is provided between an outer surface of the main rotor and an inner surface of the end plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an oriented plastic strap having a predetermined desired thickness for use in strapping packages and the like is passed between a pair of cylinders or rollers placed closely together at a desired nip for reducing the thickness of the sheet. One roller is rotated at a faster lineal rate of speed than the other, and the rollers rotate in opposite directions. This apparatus and method achieves milling and stretching of the material substantially simultaneously at the nip of the rollers.

Abstract: In a machine for strapping a skid and a supported load by the use of a strap passing through aligned openings in the skid runners, a conveyor is provided for conveying the skid through a feeding zone. A turntable including powered rollers is provided for receiving the skid and the supported load from the conveyor, for positioning same within a strapping zone, and for rotating same within. A vertical scanner comprising a vertical array of photoelectric transmitters spaced from one another, on one side of the feeding zone, and a vertical array of photoelectric receivers spaced from one another, on the other side of the feeding zone, is provided for scanning the skid being conveyed. Two horizontal scanners, each comprising a single photoelectric transmitter and a single photoelectric receiver on each side of the strapping zone, are provided for scanning the skid being conveyed after it has been scanned by the vertical arrays.

Abstract: A strapping tool is disclosed as being of the type used to apply a steel strap in a tensioned loop around a package and to join the strap by a series of interlocking joints comprising interlockable shoulders punched into overlapped ends of the strap. A base of the strapping tool extends longitudinally and defines a pair of recesses. A frame upstanding from the base is integrally mounted upon the base.

Abstract: A hand strapping tool for applying a strap to an article is provided wherein the hand strapping tool comprises a tensioning feedwheel assembly, a vibrating welding assembly, and a pneumatic circuit pneumatically connectable to a source of pressurized fluid for energizing the circuit. The circuit comprises a portion for automatically tensioning the strap around an article and a circuit portion for automatically welding the strap. The circuit also includes a portion for automatically determining tensioning of the strap around the article operatively associated with the circuit portion for automatically tensioning the strap. A circuit portion for automatically delaying welding of the strap is operatively connected to the circuit portion for automatically welding the strap. A circuit portion for automatically determining duration of welding of the strap is operatively associated with the circuit portion for automatically welding the strap.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for feeding and tensioning a strap in a power strapping machine. The apparatus includes a strap feeding mechanism, a strap tensioning mechanism, and a pivoting roller carriage pivoted by a feeding and tensioning cam. The pivoting roller carriage first actuates the strap feeding mechanism to engage a portion of a strap and feed the strap toward a strap application assembly where the strap is formed in a loop about an object or group of objects. The strap feeding and tensioning mechanism actuates a first gripper that secures an end of the strap in the strap application assembly. The pivoting roller carriage then actuates the strap tensioning mechanism to engage a portion of the strap and apply a tension to the looped strap. The strap feeding and tensioning apparatus also actuates a second gripper that secures the tensioned strap in a closed loop about the package so that the strap application assembly may form a strap joint sealing the strap in the closed loop.

Abstract: A strap-guiding mechanism is disclosed for guiding a strap through aligned openings in spaced stringers of a shipping pallet. A supporting beam defines a longitudinal track, along which a carriage is arranged to be longitudinally moved. An elongate channel is supported by the carriage, from the proximal end of the channel, as a cantilever. The channel has a base and two upstanding sides. Each side has an upper, generally tubular portion defining an axis. Two tensioning members are employed, preferably steel bars. Each member extends through the generally tubular portion of the upper side of the channel and is tensioned so as to impart axial compression to the generally tubular portion thereof, and so to counteract tendencies of the distal end of the channel to be downwardly deflected by gravity when the channel is supported as a cantilever. A motor is arranged to drive the carriage along the track via a chain and sprocket drive. Two longitudinal series of strap gates in side-by-side relation are employed.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for converting oscillatory rotation of an input shaft to unidirectional rotation of an output shaft. An input shaft journalled to a frame is rotatable about an input axis, over a range of rotational positions, between a forward limit and a reverse limit. An output shaft journalled to the frame is rotatable about an output axis, which is normal to the input axis. Three bevel gears are employed, namely a first gear coupled to the input shaft, a second gear coupled to the input shaft and spaced axially from the first gear, and a third gear coupled to the output shaft.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus are provided for making an improved welded joint between overlapping lengths of thermoplastic strap. The welded joint includes a central region and an adjacent peripheral region. The pressure on the strap joint during formation is released first in the peripheral region and subsequently in the central region. An embodiment of the apparatus for making such a joint includes an anvil, a central strap-engaging member, a peripheral strap engaging member, and a mechanism for moving the anvil sequentially to three positions. At a first position the overlapping strap lengths are pressed between the anvil and both the central and peripheral strap-engaging members. In the second position of the anvil the peripheral strap-engaging member does not press against the strap lengths while the central strap-engaging member continues to press the strap lengths against the anvil.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus are provided for making an improved welded joint between overlapping lengths of thermoplastic strap. The welded joint includes a central region and an adjacent peripheral region. The pressure on the strap joint during formation is released first in the peripheral region and subsequently in the central region. An embodiment of tile apparatus for making such a joint includes an anvil, a central strap-engaging member, a peripheral strap engaging member, and a mechanism for moving the anvil subsequently to three positions. At a first position the overlapping strap lengths are pressed between the anvil and both the central and peripheral strap-engaging members. In the second position of the anvil the peripheral strap-engaging member does not press against the strap lengths while the central strap-engaging member continues to press the strap lengths against the anvil.

Abstract: An improved power strapping machine comprising a strapping device and a soft touch package compression device. The strapping device includes plurality of coils for supplying strapping to a guide apparatus. A chute apparatus for routing strapping around an article or package to be strapped is connected to the guide apparatus. The machine includes sensors and a control circuit adapted to operate the machine continuously without the need to stop production, since when one coil is out of strapping or a misfeed occurs, the machine will automatically load another coil of strapping and continue strapping packages. The soft touch package compression device uses pneumatic-drive chain drive systems for moving soft belts up and down. The soft belts compress the package so that the strapping device can place a tight strap around the package.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus are provided for making an improved welded joint between overlapping lengths of thermoplastic strap. The welded joint includes a central region and an adjacent peripheral region. The pressure on the strap joint during formation is released first in the peripheral region and subsequently in the central region. An embodiment of the apparatus for making such a joint includes an anvil, a central strap-engaging member, a peripheral strap engaging member, and a mechanism for moving the anvil sequentially to three positions. At a first position the overlapping strap lengths are pressed between the anvil and both the central and peripheral strap-engaging members. In the second position of the anvil the peripheral strap-engaging member does not press against the strap lengths while the central strap-engaging member continues to press the strap lengths against the anvil.

Abstract: In a straps machine comprising strap-advancing rollers, a sensor for sensing whether a leading end of an advancing strap has reached a predetermined location within a predetermined time, and strap-retracting rollers, a severing and ejecting mechanism comprises a die and an anvil for severing the strap into a leading portion including the leading end and a trailing portion if the sensor has not sensed that the leading end has reached the predetermined location within the predetermined time. The mechanism also comprises a drivable roller, a motor for driving it, and two idle rollers on a pivotable yoke. The drivable roller and one of the idle rollers are operative for ejecting the leading portion after the strap has been severed. The drivable roller and the other idle roller are operative for feeding the trailing portion through the mechanism after the leading portion has been ejected.