Abstract: A bag applicator assist device for a baling system having a discharge mandrel, includes a frame movable longitudinally along the mandrel from a loading position to a bagging position and at least one gripper mounted to the frame. The gripper is movable between a closed position to secure the bag therein and an open position to release the bag from the gripper. A bag is positioned in the gripper at the loading position, the frame is moved longitudinally along the mandrel from the loading position to the bagging position and the bag is released from the gripper when the frame is in the bagging position. A bag configured for use with the applicator assist device includes a polymeric tubular member having a sealed end and an open end. The open end defines four corners. The bag has a gripper receiving region at about each corner.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material includes compressing the bale of compressible material to form a compressed bale having a plurality of grooves in at least one side thereof. The grooves are recessed from an outer surface of the compressed bale. The compressed bale is transferred to a flexible container. The container conforms to a shape of the compressed bale such that at least some portions of the flexible container take the shape of the grooves to define container portions recessed from the outer surface of the compressed bale. A containerized bale made by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressed material without straps or wires in a bag the bale having recessed regions therein, includes receiving the bale of compressed material in a conveyor having a mobile portion and a load carriage. The bag has reinforced regions. The load carriage has multiple tines for supporting the bale of compressed material. The tines engage the bale at at least some of the recessed regions. The bale is transferred into a bagger configured to receive the bale and move the bale from an entrance to a discharge and bagging mandrel. The bale is introduced into the bag such that at least some of the reinforced regions of the bag correspond to the recessed regions of the bale. A reinforced bag for containing a bale of compressed material without straps or wires is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material without straps or wires includes compressing a quantity of compressible material into a bale and introducing the bale of compressed material into a container in the compressed state. The container can be sealed following receipt of the bale. A baler can be used with a press for compressing the material, and a bagging station can facilitate transfer of the bale to the container without straps or wires securing the bale following compression.

Abstract: A bag applicator assist device for a baling system having a discharge mandrel, includes a frame movable longitudinally along the mandrel from a loading position to a bagging position and at least one gripper mounted to the frame. The gripper is movable between a closed position to secure the bag therein and an open position to release the bag from the gripper. A bag is positioned in the gripper at the loading position, the frame is moved longitudinally along the mandrel from the loading position to the bagging position and the bag is released from the gripper when the frame is in the bagging position. A bag configured for use with the applicator assist device includes a polymeric tubular member having a sealed end and an open end. The open end defines four corners. The bag has a gripper receiving region at about each corner.

Abstract: A system for transferring and containing a bale of compressible material includes a conveyor, a transfer device to transfer the bale of compressible material from the conveyor and a bagger. The bagger includes an entrance, a discharge station and a bag mandrel. The bale is received in the entrance from the transfer device and is discharged from the bagger by the discharge station into a bag positioned on the mandrel. The mandrel has a plurality of walls, at least one of the walls having a crowned profile.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressed material without straps or wires in a bag the bale having recessed regions therein, includes receiving the bale of compressed material in a conveyor having a mobile portion and a load carriage. The bag has reinforced regions. The load carriage has multiple tines for supporting the bale of compressed material. The tines engage the bale at at least some of the recessed regions. The bale is transferred into a bagger configured to receive the bale and move the bale from an entrance to a discharge and bagging mandrel. The bale is introduced into the bag such that at least some of the reinforced regions of the bag correspond to the recessed regions of the bale. A reinforced bag for containing a bale of compressed material without straps or wires is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material includes compressing the bale of compressible material to form a compressed bale having a plurality of grooves in at least one side thereof. The grooves are recessed from an outer surface of the compressed bale. The compressed bale is transferred to a flexible container. The container conforms to a shape of the compressed bale such that at least some portions of the flexible container take the shape of the grooves to define container portions recessed from the outer surface of the compressed bale. A containerized bale made by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A strap loading assembly for a strapping machine provides a feed path for the strap material. The loading assembly includes a first rail and a second rail movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The second rail, when in the deployed position, confronts the first rail and defines a strap guide with the first rail. The second rail, when in the stowed position opens the strap guide. A link operably connects the first and second rails. Strap material in the strap guide, when in tension, exerts a force on the first rail to move the link which moves the second rail from the deployed position to the stowed position. A strapping machine with a strap loading assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material without straps or wires includes compressing a quantity of compressible material into a bale and introducing the bale of compressed material into a container in the compressed state. The container can be sealed following receipt of the bale. A baler can be used with a press for compressing the material, and a bagging station can facilitate transfer of the bale to the container without straps or wires securing the bale following compression.

Abstract: A strap loading assembly for a strapping machine provides a feed path for the strap material. The loading assembly includes a first rail and a second rail movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The second rail, when in the deployed position, confronts the first rail and defines a strap guide with the first rail. The second rail, when in the stowed position opens the strap guide. A link operably connects the first and second rails. Strap material in the strap guide, when in tension, exerts a force on the first rail to move the link which moves the second rail from the deployed position to the stowed position. A strapping machine with a strap loading assembly is also disclosed.