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: 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.