Abstract: A device for binding rod bundles includes a tilting apparatus, a wire stripper, a binding apparatus, and a collection apparatus. The tilting apparatus includes a tilting platform, a hydraulic cylinder, and an articulated base. The wire stripper includes a main body, a first sliding mechanism, a second sliding mechanism, a first slide block, and a second slide block. The binding apparatus includes an electric clamp, a clamping frame, a sliding rail, a rail base, and a drive motor. The collection apparatus is hinged to the tilting apparatus; the wire stripper is disposed below the tilting apparatus; the tilting platform includes a hinge hole for receiving one end of the clamping frame. The collection apparatus includes a shaft hole for receiving one end of the tilting platform. The hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the articulated base and the other end of the tilting platform is hinged to the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for validating a tensioning and locking procedure for a band using a banding tool and for determining at least one characteristic of the banding tool for determining whether a component needs repair or replacement. The systems and methods include receiving data from one or more sensors disposed on a banding tool, validating and releasing one or more components of the tool based on the data meeting one or more thresholds, and/or determining that the one or more components of the tool requires repair or replacement. The systems and methods also provide for predictive maintenance based on the received data.

Abstract: A baling press for baling cotton gin trash and other particulate biomass feedstock. The baling press generally includes an infeed chute assembly, a compression ram assembly, an extrusion chamber assembly, a strapping storage and dispensing assembly, and a strapping insertion assembly. The present invention also relates to methods of producing a bale with the baling press and a bale generated by the baling press and described methods.

Abstract: A system and a protector for protecting pipes is proposed, wherein the protector comprises a bumper portion made out of an elastomer and an engaging portion made out of a polymeric material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a lapper assembly for use to overlap successive sheets of wood veneer or other materials along a conveyor. The lapper assembly may include a stop member configured to be rotatably mounted to a roller such that the stop member is pivotable around the rotational axis of the roller independently of the rotational angle of the roller. The lapper assembly may further include a lever arm coupled to one end of the stop member. An actuator may be pivotably coupled to the lever arm and the conveyor frame, and operated to pivot the stop member between a workpiece engaging position, in which the stop member extends into the path of workpiece flow, and a workpiece disengaging position below the path. Optionally, the lapper assembly roller and other rollers upstream/downstream may be operatively connected to a drive. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a strapping head of a strapping device for strapping packaged goods with a strap. The strapping head includes an advancing apparatus and tensioning apparatus having at most three rollers for transferring an advancing motion, a retracting motion, and a tensioning motion to the strap. A least one of the wheels is operatively connected to a driving apparatus to cause the at least one of the wheels to rotate about a rotational axis for the advancing, retracting, and tensioning motions. The rollers can be brought in contact with the strap in pairs on both sides of the strap in different combinations with each other.

Abstract: Bale strap assemblies for strapping a pressed bale are materials capable of being strapped are discussed herein. The bale strap assemblies account for jumping affects at the weld jaws due to reciprocating motions of the crank on the connecting rod and are adjusted by varying relative positions between the crank and the weld jaws.

Abstract: A device and method for tracking and marking bailed forage material is provided. Predetermined parameters are measured as the forage material enters the intake of a processing machine and prior to the forage material being transferred to a baling chamber of the machine. As the forage material passes through the machine, the locations of discrete portions or flakes of the forage material are linearly tracked so that each portion may receive pre-selected markings indicative of measured parameters of each portion. A plurality of sensor stations is incorporated within the machine to track the locations of the portions of material. After the forage material is baled, a marking station generates markings applied to each bale which corresponds to the measured parameters for the corresponding discrete portions. Observed parameters may include moisture content, volume, density, temperature, nutritional content, an amount and type of conditioning inoculant applied to each flake, among others.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a strapping apparatus of a strapping device for strapping packed goods with a strap. The strapping apparatus includes a strap-advancing apparatus for advancing the strap during the formation of a strap loop, a strap-retracting apparatus for retracting the strap after the strap loop has been formed to bring the strap in contact with the packaged goods, and a tensioning apparatus configured to increase a strap tension of the strap lying against the packed goods. The problem addressed by the present disclosure is improving said strapping apparatus to the effect that the strapping head can be made as compact as possible. This problem is solved in that only one common motor drives the rollers of the strap-advancing apparatus, the strap-retracting apparatus, and the tensioning apparatus.

Abstract: A baling press for baling cotton gin trash and other particulate biomass feedstock. The baling press includes an infeed chute assembly, a compression ram assembly, an extrusion chamber assembly, a strapping storage and dispensing assembly, and a strapping insertion assembly. Methods of producing a bale with the baling press and a bale generated by the baling press are also described.

Abstract: A packing machine core and a strap cutting and ironing adhering method, including: a control mechanism, a packing strap ironing adhering and strap catting mechanism, an ironing adhering sliding plate mechanism, and a machine core bracket, where the control mechanism includes a machine core mainshaft and a mainshaft motor. Multiple control cams are mounted on the machine core mainshaft and include multiple cams for controlling the ironing adhering and strap cutting mechanism and a first cam for controlling a swinging arm of the ironing adhering sliding plate mechanism. The mainshaft motor drives, by a speed reducing mechanism, the machine core mainshaft to rotate, and the multiple cams for controlling the ironing adhering and strap cutting mechanism include a left cutter cam, a middle cutter earn, a right cutter cam, and a second cam for controlling a swinging arm of an ironing head to work.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mobile strapping device for strapping packaged products using a loop of wrapping strap. The strapping device includes a tensioning device for applying tension to the strap and a connecting device for connecting two overlapping portions of the strap. The tensioning device includes a rotatable tensioning wheel and a tensioning plate. The tensioning wheel is supported by a rocker that is pivotable to change a distance separating the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate. The mobile strapping device includes a motor that is operably connectable to the rocker or the tensioning wheel such that the motor causes pivoting of the rocker or rotation of the tensioning wheel when operating in a first direction of rotation. In various embodiments, gearing, including a plurality of planetary gear sets, is used to operatively connect the motor to the rocker and the tensioning wheel.

Abstract: In certain configurations and applications, fuel cell stacks can be subject to damage arising from resonance. For instance, the natural frequency of lengthy automotive fuel cell stacks can be low enough to be problematic. Incorporating appropriate support bars between the compression straps holding such stacks together and the fuel cells in the stack can suitably increase the natural frequency in a relatively compact manner.

Abstract: A method for removing a plug of crop material stuck in a feeder duct of a baler including a bale chamber; a feeder duct communicating with a bale chamber feeder operable within the feeder duct to accumulate a charge of crop material therein and then stuff that accumulated charge into the bale chamber; and crop holding fingers provided at an upper end of the feeder duct to hold back the crop material while the charge of crop material is being accumulated. The method includes steps of in case of a plug of crop material being stuck in the feeder duct with the crop holding fingers in their crop holding position, moving the crop holding fingers in their withdrawn position and causing the feeder to operate in the feeder duct with the crop holding fingers in their withdrawn position.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for handling narrow rolls in a warehouse is described. The warehouse includes at least one rack row, at least one isle, and at least one carriage arranged to move the narrow rolls into a rack and from the rack and carry the narrow rolls along the isle. A distance is arranged between the narrow rolls and the distance is maintained between the narrow rolls when the narrow rolls are in the racks of the warehouse.

Abstract: A system of attachment surface structures that find their best use in the form of repeatedly removable straps and bands for securing one object to another. The surfaces are preferably constructed of narrow sheets of flexible polymer plastic materials having generally high tensile strength. A first embodiment includes shaped parallel ridges on one surface that interlock with mating parallel ridges on an opposing surface. These parallel ridges may be double sided (interlocking on both sides of each shaped ridge with the next shaped ridge on either side) or single sided (interlocking with a single ridge oriented 180 degrees from the first). Further embodiments include an array of shaped posts of various regular geometric shapes that interlock with an opposing array of identical posts.

Abstract: A multi-positional closure fastener includes a plurality of receivers that orient at different relative angles and elevations. The receivers include tapered sidewalls that enable rotational motion between adjacent receivers. This multi-positional disposition of adjacent receivers facilitates the reception by the receivers of zip tie-styled straps from multiple angles, elevations, and directions. This is because there are greater possibilities of proximity between the straps and the receivers due to the multiple possible orientations and flexible movement of the receivers. This proximal positioning creates a more aligned, linear connection between corresponding receivers and straps; thus resulting in reduced stress on the straps. Each receiver comprises a housing having an opening. The openings are where the insertion tab from the straps are inserted and fastened into place. A fastening mechanism in the opening of the housing locks with an insertion tab from the strap to form the fastened closure.

Abstract: A method for fastening a paper product roll entity to a pallet by continuous plastic foil. The pallet has a cross direction and a longitudinal direction. A first sequence is repeated at least once. The first sequence includes wrapping the paper product roll entity such that a first continuous foil unwound from a foil head travels over the paper product roll entity and under the pallet, and moving in a cross direction a head of the foil or the pallet having the paper product roll entity on its substantially horizontal plane. After the first sequence, a second sequence is repeated at least once. The second sequence includes wrapping a second continuous foil spirally around the paper product roll entity.

Abstract: Agricultural square baler wherein the pivotable member is mechanically linked to the drive shaft by a linkage of the baler provided for mechanically pivoting the pivotable member in relation to the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A strap feed assembly for a strapping machine reduces wear on the pinch and drive wheels of feed head components by creating a gap between the pinch and drive wheels while using a cam and an engagement surface to grip the strap during a cut-and-seal phase of a strapping cycle. In the strap feed assembly, a rocker arm has an engagement surface and a pivot axis parallel to both the axis of rotation of the pinch wheel and the axis of rotation of the drive wheel. An eccentric cam, driven by a cam motor, is engageable with the engagement surface of the rocker to move the pinch wheel into and out of engagement with the drive wheel. Thus, the pinch and drive wheels are configured to grip the strap during a strap feed phase, while the cam and the engagement surface grip the strap during the cut-and-seal phase.

Abstract: A strapping head for a strapping machine includes a containment frame for housing at least a strap launch/rewind path defined by a launch/tensioning assembly including a plurality of driving wheels of the strap, a welding assembly and a gripping and cutting device the driving wheels of the launch/tensioning assembly being brought into rotation by a first actuation motor, wherein all of the launch/tensioning assembly, welding assembly and gripping and cutting device have driving members driven into movement through a single linear cam apt to move alternately in the longitudinal direction through a second actuation motor and having cam profiles both on an horizontal plane and on a vertical plane, and the linear cam is actuated by the second driving motor being integral in rotation with screwed spindle transmission elements mutually cooperating with screw nut elements integral with the linear cam.

Abstract: A mobile strapping device for strapping packaged goods with wrap-around strap including a tensioner for applying a strap tension to a loop of a wrapping strap, and a friction welder for producing a friction weld connection by way of a friction welding element at two areas of the loop of the wrapping strap disposed one on top of the other, and a chargeable energy storage means for storing electrical energy that can be released as drive energy for motorized drive motions at least for the friction welder for producing a friction weld connection. For a strapping device with high functional reliability and ease of handling, despite the possibility of automated production of wrapped straps, at least to a large extent, the strapping device to includes a planetary gear system for transferring and changing the rotational speed of a drive motion provided by an electrical drive of the friction welder.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a knotter assembly for use in a wire-tieing system, and method for removing a twist-module sub-assembly in a knotter assembly on a material baling apparatus. Embodiments of the knotter assembly include a slidably removable twist module assembly, a ratcheted cover arm assembly, and a torque tube assembly having two operating arms that carry all of the operating components for actuating various elements of the knotter assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a binder for horticultural use, which is to be used to tie stems and branches to pros or guiding strings such that garden or agricultural products can be properly grown up. The binder for horticultural use that, instead of a stapler for supplying staples, includes: a taper frame having a holder groove disposed at one side thereof; a binding heating cable unit having a binding heating cable therein for receiving an electric current from a power supply unit; and a holder to which the binding heating cable unit is detachably attached, the holder being inserted into the holder groove, so that the binder can bind both ends of a tape together by partially melting the tape made of synthetic resin material by heat without using the staples.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention contemplates a strapping station that integrates with a machine for wrapping and clamping a strap around a load, particularly a palletized load. The strapping station includes a transfer conveyor and a compression conveyor that is supported to be lowered onto the upper surface of a load to apply pressure to or compress the load during the strapping operation. The compression conveyor is maintained in that position, continuously applying pressure to the load, even as the load is moved for the application of straps at different locations.

Abstract: In order, in the case of a strapping apparatus for strapping articles with a strapping band, having a base plate which is provided with a base surface for arranging on an article, having a tensioning device with which a band tension can be applied to the strapping band, the tensioning device being provided for this purpose with an actuable tensioning tool which can be brought into and out of contact with the band, having a sealing device with which, by contact with the band, two band layers can be permanently connected to each other by forming a seal between the two band layers, the sealing device being provided in this case with a counter-holder surface for bearing against one side of the band and a sealing head for bearing against another side of the band while a seal is produced, and being provided with means for clamping the band in the strapping apparatus, to enable the strapping band to be able to be removed more easily from the strapping apparatus after strapping is produced, means of the strapping app

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and retaining goods such as Christmas trees on a pallet includes a conveyor moving pallets from one end of the conveyor to an opposite end of the conveyor. The conveyor has a stacking section, a clamping section, and an unload section. The stacking section has a stacking bin receiving trees on a pallet positioned within the stacking section, and the clamping section is positioned between the stacking section and the unload section of the conveyor. The clamping sections provides stabilizers for placing a case about the trees and banding reels for wrapping a band about a pallet of trees within the case. The unload section of the conveyor extends from the clamping section and positions a completely stacked and banded pallet of trees thereon while a different pallet is in the clamping section and yet another pallet is in the stacking section.

Abstract: A sealing head for a strapping machine welds steel strapping material to itself in an end-to-end weld. The sealing head includes a body, a drive, an end grip at the inlet to the body, a cutter, a grip clamp and a loop grip downstream of the end grip. The loop grip is carried on a carriage that is movable in a direction along the strap path. A leading end of strap is secured by the end grip and a loop portion of the strap is gripped by the loop grip and severed by the cutter to form a loop end. The loop end is secured by the grip clamp. The loop grip carriage moves the loop end toward the leading end as current is passed though the loop end and the leading end to weld the ends to one another in an end-to-end weld.

Abstract: A wrapping system for plant material utilizes a first wrapping material dispenser disposed along a first upper periphery of a compacting chamber, and a second wrapping material dispenser opposite the first dispenser, for automatically dispensing sheets of wrapping material in overlapping relation over the chamber and plant material therein. The system includes apparatus for joining the overlapping sheets together. The system is automatically operable to dispense sheets of the material in overlapping relation over the chamber and join them for receiving a flow of the plant material thereon. Before or while the plant material is received, the sheets are further dispensed to move downwardly in the chamber to receive and wrap about the plant material. The system then dispenses opposite ends of the sheets in overlapping relation over the material and joins the ends to complete the wrapper.

Abstract: A bale ejection sequence for ejecting a bale from a baler is initiated from an operator command based upon monitored bale ejection factors. A controller implements a timing sequence that is based on a calibration of a cycle timing of a tailgate of the baler. The timing sequence relates to movement of the tractor, a position of the tailgate, and a hydraulic flow rate of fluid to a hydraulic system connected to the tailgate to move the tailgate between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A twine brake device is so controlled that during an initial period in which the bale chamber is not filled with harvested material, the average tension in the twine, wire or cord is higher than during a second period in which the bale chamber is completely filled with harvested material.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a knotter assembly for use in a wire-tieing system. The knotter assembly includes a slidably removable twist module assembly, a ratcheted cover arm assembly, and a torque tube assembly having two operating arms that carry all of the operating components for actuating various elements of the knotter assembly.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatuses and methods for applying straps around a bundle of objects by applying a variable force to tension the strap around the bundle of objects and then actuating a series of cams to control the sealing of the strap around the bundle of objects. The apparatus includes a track assembly extending substantially about a strapping station. The track assembly is adapted to receive a strap and to release the strap during a tensioning operation. An accumulator delivers strap to the track assembly. The accumulator has a strap conveyor system that defines a strap path and an accumulator container adjacent to the strap path. Strap can be accumulated in the accumulator container and subsequently delivered to the track assembly.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping a strap in one or two loops around a package has a support frame and first and second upright generally annular strap-guiding channels. The channels each have confronting ends defining a respective gap that are immediately adjacent each other, and the package is engageable within the annular channels. A single-loop guide fittable in the gap of the first channel has a guide groove extending in a single-loop mode between the ends of the first channel. A double-loop guide fittable in a dual-loop mode in the gaps of the first and second channels has first and second crossing guide grooves that extend between one of the ends of the first channel and one of the ends of the second channel and the second guide groove extending between the other of the ends of the first channel and the other of the ends of the second channel.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured for and method for actuating the belt drive mechanism of a strapping machine during a loss of band carrying out the following steps: polling the detector as to a proper shooting of the strapping band in the shooting direction up until the end of the shooting trajectory, and for an improper shooting of the strapping band, activating the shooting and retrieval unit to retrieve the strapping band with a definite retrieval speed for a defined retrieval time so that the strapping band emerges from the shooting and retrieval unit opposite the shooting direction, and actuating the drive of the back-tensioning unit so that the back-tensioning unit transports the strapping band back into the shooting and retrieval unit in the shooting direction.

Abstract: A strapping station and to a method for strapping groups, bundles, packaged goods, and/or grouped articles or grouped packaged goods, having at least one strapping band, which is placed and/or tensioned approximately horizontally and/or vertically and/or diagonally around the exterior of the bundles, packaged goods, or groups of articles, or groups of packaged goods, said strapping band forming either an open or a closed ring, which is tensioned to form a firm assembly of the bundles, packaged goods, etc. A magazine feeds the strapping band to at least one application head for applying the strapping respectively to a group, to a bundle, to at least one packaged good, and/or to the grouped articles or grouped packaged goods. In addition, the strapping band extends and is conveyed largely without being guided and/or in a free-floating manner, at least within an operating range of the application head.

Abstract: A track system, for use in connection with bundling one or more objects positioned within a bundling station, includes guiding a length of wire through a track guide assembly. The track guide assembly includes a plurality of straight and corner track segments coupled to each other and to a carrier plate subassembly, the track guide assembly substantially enclosing a wire guide path to guide the length of wire about the one or more objects. The track system further includes a pneumatic system configured to reduce a pressure to release the plurality of straight and corner track segments to free the length of wire during a tension cycle and to increase the pressure to fix the plurality of straight and corner track segments during a feed cycle. Related systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A twister assembly for use in connection with bundling one or more objects with a length of wire may cut, grip, eject, and twist the length of wire. The twister assembly includes a main shaft driven by a main shaft motor and a twister shaft driven by a twister motor. The main shaft may be operatively coupled to a gripping mechanism, which is operable between an open and a closed position, a cutting mechanism, and an ejector mechanism. The twister shaft may be operatively coupled to a twisting mechanism, where the twisting mechanism includes a plurality of gears configured to rotate a twister pinion. The twister pinion is further configured to engage the length of wire and twist a portion of the length of wire to form a knot. Related twister assemblies and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the fraction of hay at various moisture levels during an agricultural baling process. A moisture sensor array is provided on an agricultural baler to sense the moisture content of incoming crop material as the baling process progresses. The moisture sensor array is connected to an ECU that is programrned to determine the ratios of incoming crop material that are at or above particular moisture content levels. An indication is given to the operator by way of an operator output device regarding the moisture content ratio.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatuses and methods for applying straps around a bundle of objects by applying a variable force to tension the strap around the bundle of objects and then actuating a series of cams to control the sealing of the strap around the bundle of objects. The apparatus includes a track assembly extending substantially about a strapping station. The track assembly is adapted to receive a strap and to release the strap during a tensioning operation. An accumulator delivers strap to the track assembly. The accumulator has a strap conveyor system that defines a strap path and an accumulator container adjacent to the strap path. Strap can be accumulated in the accumulator container and subsequently delivered to the track assembly.

Abstract: An extruded strap is produced of a material containing renewable raw materials and the ends of which strap can be welded together. A method for producing the extruded strap and a method for strapping an article using the extruded strap are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a tag into a bale of agricultural material is disclosed. The tag is inserted into the bale material, during bale production, such that the tag is within the bale material, but within reading distance of an outer surface of the final bale. In square bales, the tag is placed in either the first or last slice of the bale. In round bales, the tag is place in the outer circumferential layer of the bale as it is formed. The tag may be gravity fed or forcibly fed into the stream of crop material as it passes from the baling apparatus pick-up to the baling chamber. A system for identifying and tracking an individual bale is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-component binding-strap fastener for binding volumetric objects with a strap tension a strap around the volumetric objects is described. The strap may engage the binding-strap fastener by bending an end of the strap to secure the strap through a plurality of apertures in the binding-strap fastener, by friction, by pressure, by any combination of the foregoing, or other suitable manner. A binding-strap fastener may lock in a closed position using a locking device, such as an over-center mechanism, a retaining clip, or a strap-engaging portion. The A binding-strap fastener has a hinge located thereon between a first end of the binding-strap fastener and a second end of the binding-strap fastener, where the axis of rotation is coincident with the hinge and the axis of rotation is located above the volumetric object.

Abstract: A band tensioning tool is provided that includes an easily replaceable blade and knife. More specifically, a banding apparatus is provided that does not require that a maintenance cover be removed to gain access to a knife, a front gripper, and a blade. This feature reduces tool head height, and the blade is interconnected to the tool head as opposed to being contained within the tool head and supported in a cantilevered manner.

Abstract: Described are tensioning devices comprising: a base housing comprising a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and comprising a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle. Methods of tensioning straps via such tensioning devices are also described.

Abstract: A wrapping system for plant material utilizes a first wrapping material dispenser disposed along a first upper periphery of a compacting chamber, and a second wrapping material dispenser opposite the first dispenser, for automatically dispensing sheets of wrapping material in overlapping relation over the chamber and plant material therein. The system includes apparatus for joining the overlapping sheets together. The system is automatically operable to dispense sheets of the material in overlapping relation over the chamber and join them for receiving a flow of the plant material thereon. Before or while the plant material is received, the sheets are further dispensed to move downwardly in the chamber to receive and wrap about the plant material. The system then dispenses opposite ends of the sheets in overlapping relation over the material and joins the ends to complete the wrapper.

Abstract: A method of electronically sensing the fill of material in a stuffer chute and tripping a stuffer of a baler.

Abstract: A method for producing a bale of crimped tow band may include providing a tow band having about 10 denier per filament or greater and about 20,000 total denier or less, the tow band comprising a plurality of cellulose acetate filaments; crimping the tow band thereby yielding a crimped tow band; conditioning the crimped tow band; and baling the crimped tow band to form a bale.

Abstract: A binding apparatus for a baling machine includes means (4a,4b) for dispensing at least two strips of binding film (2a,2b) and guiding the strips of film simultaneously onto the surface of a rotating bale (6). The dispensing mechanism lays the strips of film side-by-side on the bale surface to form a combined strip (16) having a width greater than the width H of each individual strip of binding film.

Abstract: A strapping machine that includes a strap chute defining an arch through which loads are conveyed, the arch having an entrance and an exit, infeed and outfeed conveyors positioned at the arch entrance and exit, respectively, the conveyors defining a work surface, and a strapping head disposed at about the arch for conveying the strap around the loads, tensioning the strap, and securing the strap. The machine further includes a sensor disposed above the work surface and a controller. During operation in a back-to-back mode, the infeed and outfeed conveyors are actuated to move a first, strapped load, and a second, to be strapped load, through the arch, wherein the outfeed conveyor is driven at a faster speed than the infeed conveyor to create a gap between the first and second loads.