Abstract: An apparatus for producing an improved friction-fused welded joint is provided for use with overlapping thermoplastic strap portions. In an embodiment, the gripper is caused to swing back and force with a sufficiently large stroke and with a sufficiently fast stroke to cause sufficient reciprocation to rapidly heat the thermoplastic so that the two straps are welded together while reducing the depth of the area that is melted compared to traditional methods. Also, in an embodiment, a method is provided for stopping the relative motion of the two portions of straps with the portions of the plastic straps oriented in the same aligned relative positions at the end of the welding operation as at the beginning is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an improved friction-fused welded joint is provided for use with overlapping thermoplastic strap portions. In an embodiment, the gripper is caused to swing back and force with a sufficiently large stroke and with a sufficiently fast stroke to cause sufficient reciprocation to rapidly heat the thermoplastic so that the two straps are welded together while reducing the depth of the area that is melted compared to traditional methods. Also, in an embodiment, a method is provided for stopping the relative motion of the two portions of straps with the portions of the plastic straps oriented in the same aligned relative positions at the end of the welding operation as at the beginning is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an improved friction-fused welded joint is provided for use with overlapping thermoplastic strap portions. In an embodiment, the gripper is caused to swing back and force with a sufficiently large stroke and with a sufficiently fast stroke to cause sufficient reciprocation to rapidly heat the thermoplastic so that the two straps are welded together while reducing the depth of the area that is melted compared to traditional methods. Also, in an embodiment, a method is provided for stopping the relative motion of the two portions of straps with the portions of the plastic straps oriented in the same relative positions at the end of the welding operation as at the beginning is disclosed.

Abstract: A crimping device for securing a seal member onto overlapped end portions of a strap material includes at least a tool head, operating and stationary handles, two rows of crimping elements having at least a pair of shears and oppositely situated pair of jaws extended between the pair of shears. The crimping elements may be disposed in the tool head and connected with the handles so that at least one row of crimping elements crimps a seal while at least one row is idle when the handles move away from each other. In an embodiment, the handles can make an inward stroke only when a full jaw-closing outward crimping stroke is completed. At least one row of crimping elements crimps the seal with an inward movement of the handles while at least one previously actuated row of crimping elements is not involved in closing the seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for making a buckle joint at the ends of a flexible strap that is wrapped around a round, irregularly shaped, or small object. The method may include loading the end of the strap in a buckle, inserting a rigid insert between a pair of legs of the buckle that prevents one side of the buckle from collapsing, tensioning a strap by a tensioning device and removing the rigid insert after the required tension is achieved. In one embodiment of the method, the rigid insert being pivotably mounted on the lever, which is pivotally mounted in the front of the tensioning apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus may be constructed so that there is a zone on the frame for pressing the frame against the buckle, cutting mechanism for cutting strap after tensioning and the windlass actuated by a tension handle.

Abstract: A crimping device for securing a seal member onto overlapped end portions of a strap material includes at least a tool head, operating and stationary handles, two rows of crimping elements having at least a pair of shears and oppositely situated pair of jaws extended between the pair of shears. The crimping elements may be disposed in the tool head and connected with the handles so that at least one row of crimping elements crimps a seal while at least one row is idle when the handles move away from each other. In an embodiment, the handles can make an inward stroke only when a full jaw-closing outward crimping stroke is completed. At least one row of crimping elements crimps the seal with an inward movement of the handles while at least one previously actuated row of crimping elements is not involved in closing the seal.

Abstract: A crimping device constructed with a plurality of shares bent in a middle section with offset pairs of jaws mounted thereon. The bent shape of the shares allows offsetting the opposing rows of jaws so that they overlap without interference. This means that each of the jaws can be identical in conformation. When closed on a seal, the crimping device creates a staggered pattern of multiple crimps so that a maximum interior surface area of the seal is pressed into the band being sealed. The working surface of the shares is shaped as an arch so that when used in conjunction with the uniquely shaped working surfaces of the jaws, the device causes the seal to be arched upward during the crimping operation. This arching further increases the rigidity and holding strength of the seal to be formed.

Abstract: A tightening apparatus for strapping an object with a plastic band includes a holding mechanism with an eccentric shaft, a stationary gripper plate, and a moving gripper plate mounted on a shaft that moves within a slot on the frame of the device. The fact that the shaft moves within the slot allows the apparatus to function with the teeth of the moving gripper plate never touching the teeth of the stationary gripper plate in any position, thereby greatly increasing the useful life of the device. When a band is inserted into the device, only the rearmost rows of teeth on the moving gripper plate contact the band. The other teeth of the moving gripper plate are bought into contact with the band as the tightening force is applied. A return mechanism returns a windlass to an optimal loading position following each tightening operation.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for applying a tension force to a strapping band, and then securing the band with a seal, in order to secure a plurality of goods together, or to secure a package for shipping. The apparatus allows the user to feed the strapping band through the machine so that both ends of the band are secured in a rotating windlass. The windlass is then rotated to apply an equalized tension force to the band. The tension force is divided by the apparatus pulling both ends of the band simultaneously, the resultant forward force on the apparatus therefore being zero. After each banding operation, a return mechanism automatically positions the windlass in an optimum orientation for inserting the band for a successive banding operation.