Abstract: A band packing machine includes a body, a transmission unit, a forward-reverse unit and a tension unit. The transmission unit has a rotatable forward-reverse tension cam and a tension cam. The forward-reverse unit includes a forward-reverse motor, a forward-reverse active wheel and a forward-reverse link unit to which a forward-reverse passive wheel is connected. The tension link unit is connected to the tension passive wheel. By controlling the tension cam, the tension passive wheel and the tension active wheel clamp or loosen the bands. The tension unit and the forward-reverse unit are activated by the link units which are activated by cams so that the response time is short. The packing machine is compact and occupies less space in horizontal direction.

Abstract: A strapping apparatus includes a conveyor for moving the pack to a strapping station containing, a strap guide duct and a tautening and sealing head. The strap guide duct is mounted laterally offset from the direction of conveyance and being curved and twisted toward this conveyance direction in order to subtend a clear inside space for the pack which thereby can be moved unhampered into and out of the strapping station. A guidance element is associated with the strap guide duct to center the strap being released from the strap guide duct on the pack in the strap in the strapping station. The strap guide duct includes corner deflection elements, duct segments which guide the strap always at its outwardly facing side in merely supporting manner, strap twisting segments inserted between the corner deflection elements and guide ducts and imparting a twist to the strap about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Binding apparatus for binding wire around pulp bales are disclosed including a wire magazine, a wire feeder for feeding and stretching the wire, a guide for guiding the wire from the feeder around the pulp bale, a wire cutter and twister for cutting the wire and twisting together the wire ends and a take-up unit for taking up a loop in the wire obtained upon stretching of the wire around the pulp bale, the take-up unit including a take-up space having a pair of walls separated by a distance adapted to accept the wire but insufficient to accept a double strand of the wire, and the short sides of the take-up space separated by a distance adapted to accept a loop of the wire without being folded and the take-up space at one of the short sides including a wire guide space wider than the wire and formed by grooves in at least one of the walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strapper for bank notes and a bank note processing apparatus having such a strapper. Especially reliable and fast strapping is possible if a guide for forming a strap loop around a bank-note bundle to be strapped that is brought into an inside area surrounded by the guide has elements for holding the strap only in its lateral edge areas when it is inserted into the guide, and when the strap is pulled it can be pulled together tightly out of the guide into the inside area around the bank-note bundle located therein.

Abstract: A laterally displaceable guide track for a bale binding apparatus includes a carriage with a guide track portion mounted on it with a hinge. The guide track portion has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position is aligned with at least one other guide track portion to define a bale loop plane, and the disengaged position is out of the bale loop plane. The mount allows the guide track portion to be moved between the engaged position and the disengaged position. The disengaged position allows the carriage to be withdrawn from a baling station for ejection of a finished bale.

Abstract: The lower guide track sections for a bale binder engaged with a down press include a platen portion substantially as long as a platen slot and dimensioned for deployment within the platen slot. Track extensions extend outward from the platen. The first extension has a strap receiving end face that to cooperates with a first strap guide track on a carriage such that the first strap guide track on the first carriage is dimensioned to index laterally beyond a press frame. A second extension having a strap exit end face cooperates with a second strap guide track on a second carriage such that the second strap guide track on the second carriage is dimensioned to index laterally beyond the press frame. First and second guide track sections are mounted on laterally displaceable carriages and each have an exit end face, the end faces operatively cooperate with the receiving end faces of the extensions.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to position a strap material around an associated load when in a feed mode and to tension the strap material and seal the strap material to itself around the load when in a tensioning mode includes an improved winder assembly. The machine includes a flame, a strap material supply and a strapping head. A strap path is defined from the strap material supply to the strapping head. The strapping head includes a feed element for conveying the strap material during the feed mode in a first direction around the load and for conveying the strap material in a second, opposite direction to tension the strap material around the load. The strapping head includes a rotating winder for tensioning the material around the load. The winder has a peripheral strap path and a central strap path.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively driving a pivotable knotter includes a rack, a pinion in driving communication with the rack, a knotter drive gear connected to the knotter and a linear actuator. The linear actuator is connected to the knotter and pivots the knotter about a pivot axis. Upon pivot, the knotter drive gear is engaged with the rack.

Abstract: In a bulk material bate binder, the bulk material bale binder having a stand adjacent a baling station and being installed to bind bales compressed by an up press having a moving lower platen, the lower platen having insertion slots for guide tracks, a guide track removal and insertion apparatus including a guide track removal frame, the frame being hingedly mounted on the stand such that the guide track removal frame may rotate to and from an engaged position and a removed position; a guide track mount, pivotably mounted on the guide track removal frame, the guide track mount having an insertion position and a retracted position; a guide track section attached to the guide track mount, the guide track section having an insertion portion; and a linkage, the linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end being operatively engaged with the stand and the second end being operatively engaged with the guide track mount, such that during insertion and removal of the insertion portion of the guide track,

Abstract: A strapping installation, which serves in particular for longitudinally strapping stacks of printed products such as newspapers or periodicals with a strap (6), includes a strapping position with a bearing surface (2) and a device for positioning the objects to be strapped (1) in the strapping position and a device for discharging the strapped objects. The strapping position includes a fastening region (3), situated below the bearing surface (2) and equipped for feeding the strap (6) into a loop channel (4), securing one end of the strap loop (7), retracting the strap (6) from the loop channel (4), and fastening and severing a completed strapping. The installation also includes a loop guide (10), which is stationary during strapping, which rises from the bearing surface (2) inside of the loop channel (4) and beside the strapping position, and which arches across or towards the strapping position.

Abstract: A method for binding logging waste or small timber material by using an automatic binding device, wherein the material is collected in a continuous bundle of brushwood and fed in the longitudinal direction. The material of the bundle of brushwood is compressed further in the binding device by tensioning the band which is fed in a continuous manner around the bundle of brushwood, and the band is finally locked as a strap which keeps the bundle of brushwood together.

Abstract: Apparatus for hooping packing units that includes a working table (1), on which a packing unit (3) can be placed during hooping, and a band application frame (5), disposed so as to be fixed and eccentric and running obliquely to the working surface of the working table (1), for applying a band loop (9) from a band section of a hooping band. At least one band-feeding element (14; 15; 19; 19?) is disposed on the band application frame. The band-feeding element traverses the band loop roughly into the middle of the working table for subsequently hooping the packing unit in the direction of conveyance (4).

Abstract: An expand-and-constrict type band-guiding device for a strapping machine includes an expand-and-constrict unit, an elastic coiled rod, a receiving member, a roller unit, a motor and a clamp device. The clamp device clamps the end of a strap band, and the motor drives the roller unit for moving the elastic coiled rod to push outward an elongate shift member. Then the strap band with its end pushed to extend by the shift member and then released by the clamp device in due time, with the end of the strap band pushed to the other side from under a storage board for an operator of the strapping machine to catch the strap band.

Abstract: A reentry gate assembly is for use with a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly, a chute and a strapping head. The reentry gate assembly directs returning strapping material into the strapping head and releases the strapping material therefrom to prevent the strap from becoming caught as it is pulled from the chute. The reentry gate assembly includes a body having a strap path surface and first and second pivotable gates movable between a closed position in which the gates overly the strap path surface and define a strap pathway, and an open position in which the gates are pivoted away from the strap path surface. A link operably connects the first and second gates. When strapping material present in the strap pathway with the gates closed is urged outwardly of the strap pathway, contact of the strapping material with either the first or second gate moves the link to open the other of the first or second gate, so that both gates open together.

Abstract: A strapping machine feed system for automatically detecting a strap error or fault, thereby stopping strap retraction or take-up, and refeeding the strap into the strapping head following the error or fault. The feed system includes a pair of tensioning wheels disposed along a strap path proximal a strap supply, and a pair of feed wheels, defining a nip therebetween, disposed along the strap path proximal the strapping head. A feed wheel drive and a tensioning wheel drive are respectively connected to the feed wheels and the tensioning wheels. A sensor disposed along the strap path generates a signal to the feed wheel drive and tensioning wheel drive, indicating movement or lack of movement along the strap path, thus causing the feed wheels or tensioning wheels to rotate in both a forward and reverse direction.

Abstract: A clearing and reloading assembly is configured for use with a strapping machine of the type having an infeed arrangement at about a strap material inlet to the machine, a feed assembly and a chute, the strapping machine defining a strap material holding region between the infeed arrangement and the feed assembly. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The clearing and reloading assembly includes a body, a driven wheel and a bearing element opposite of the driven wheel. The bearing element and the driven wheel define a strap path therebetween. A strap cutter is disposed for movement into and out of the strap path. A first peripheral portion of the driven wheel is configured to define a gap between the first portion and the bearing element such that the strap material can slip therebetween.

Abstract: Systems and methods for threading and feeding a length of wire into a wire-tying track, for withdrawing at least some of the wire from the wire-tying track to tension the wire around one or more objects, and for extracting waste wire from the system. The object of the invention herein being a feed and tension mechanism comprising a feed and tension wheel, an accumulator disk, a primary nip mechanism for frictionally engaging the wire at the contact region between the primary nip and the feed and tension wheel, a drive system having two independently operable motors, and wire guiding devices for directing and routing the wire through the feed and tension mechanism. The present invention may further comprise a supplementary nip mechanism to facilitate the threading of the wire into the mechanism, a wire stripping mechanism for extracting any waste wire from the mechanism, and a series of wire sensing devices in communication with a control system to sequence and control the operational cycles of the system.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes a chute opening system to open a lower portion of the strap chute upon upwardly pivoting a portion of the work surface. Such a machine includes a machine frame, a work surface for supporting the load in the strapping machine, at least a portion of which is upwardly pivotal. A strap chute carries the strapping material around the load and releases the strapping material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a strap path along the chute. The chute is movable between an operating position in which the strapping material is conveyed along the chute and a release position in which the strap chute is moved longitudinally to release the strapping material from the chute for positioning around the load. A weld head seals the strapping material onto itself. At least a portion of the weld head is disposed along the strap path below the work surface.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes hinged, readily removable in-feed and out-feed work surfaces with integral conveyors. The strapping machine includes a machine frame, the in-feed and out-feed work surfaces mounted to the frame and a strap chute mounted to the frame for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute. A feed assembly and a weld head are disposed below the work surfaces. The in-feed and out-feed surfaces are on opposite sides of the strap chute and are separated from one another by a lower portion of the chute. Integral conveyors for in-feeding the load into the strapping machine and for out-feeding the load from the strapping machine are formed in the work surfaces. The work surfaces are hingedly mounted for pivoting upwardly and outwardly for maintenance of the machine and for removing the surfaces and conveyors from the machine.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, the strapping machine including a strap chute for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a longitudinal axis transverse to the chute. The strap chute is formed having a chute frame and an inner wall defining a track for conveying the strap through the strap chute. The inner wall is movable relative to the chute frame, parallel to the longitudinal axis between an operating position and a release position to release the strap from the strap chute. A drive assembly is operably connected to the inner wall for moving the inner wall between the operating and release positions. The drive assembly includes driven elements mounted to the inner wall for longitudinal movement therewith. The driven elements constrain movement of the inner wall in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A banding machine and method for banding bundles of material using a thermal and moisture activated adhesive baleband. In one embodiment the banding machine includes a sealing station that guides and tightens the baleband around a bale such that a portion of the baleband is overlapped. The sealing station also connects or seals the overlapped end portions of the band after tightening the band about a bale and cuts the band as overlapped end portions are connected. The overlapped end portions are adhesively connected or sealed using a steam or hot water applicator mechanism and associated actuator controller for applying pressurized steam or hot water to the overlapped end portions of the baleband.

Abstract: A strapping machine of the type configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load includes a weld head having a readily removable and serviceable weld blade. The head includes a body, a blade arm biasedly mounted to the body and a carrier receivable in the blade arm and movable between an operating position and a service position. The carrier is securable in the blade arm, without tools, in the operating position and the service position. The weld blade is fixedly mounted to the carrier.

Abstract: A banding packing machine capable of inexpensively detecting the end of a band reel, thereby contributing to a reduction in cost. In a banding packing machine having a back pool box in a packing machine body and serving to feed an unused band (B) stored in the back pool box and a band from a band reel, the rotating speed of a touch roller is detected when a required amount of band is being pulled out of the band reel wherein the band is not left in the band reel if the rotating speed is not changed but the rotation is carried out at an almost constant speed, and the tip portion of the band does not arrive at the predetermined position of a band guide arch. Then, the driving operation of a normal rotating roller is stopped based on the decision signal.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load, the strapping machine includes a strap path formed from opposing, movable elements. The machine includes a frame, a slack box, and a first portion of a strap path from the slack box. The first portion of the strap path is formed by a pair of opposing path forming elements moveable toward and away from each other between an open path position and a closed path position. The path forming elements further define a path entrance and a path exit, The closed path position defines the first portion of the strap path. A strapping head is mounted to the frame and is configured to convey the strap material in a first direction to position the strap material around the load and to convey the strap material in a second direction to tension the strap material around the load.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying reinforcing strapping to bulk boxes. The machine includes a plurality of strapping head assemblies arranged in series, with each adapted to apply a strap in encircling relationship to a box at a predetermined location on the box. As the box advances through successive strapping head assemblies, straps are applied in predetermined spaced relationship on the box, until the desired number of straps have been applied. The number, spacing and tension of the straps may be quickly and easily adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, the strapping head assemblies are arranged in pairs in individual modules. A recovery strapping head assembly is provided just prior to exit from the machine to apply any strapping missed by a preceding strapping head assembly.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load has an improved strap chute release system. Such a machine includes a frame, a strapping head mounted to the frame including at least a pair of wheels for feeding strap material and for retracting strap material and configured to seal a first course of strap material onto an overlying second course of strap material, and a strap chute mounted to the frame and configured for receiving the strap material from the strapping head and positioning the strap material around the load. The strap chute is configured to release the strap therefrom as the strap material is pulled to the load. The strap chute has an inner wall and a transverse wall defining a strap track from which the strap material is released. The inner wall is moveable away from the transverse wall for releasing the strap.

Abstract: A control system for a weld motor for a strapping machine is based upon the number of rotations of the weld motor. The system is used in a strapping machine of the type having a body, an anvil mounted to and movable relative to the body, a sealing member disposed for oscillating movement relative to the anvil and a motor operably connected to the sealing member to provide oscillating movement to the sealing member. Movement of the sealing member seals overlying courses of strapping material to one another. The control system includes a sensed element located on a rotating portion of the motor, a sensor for generating a signal at each instance of sensing the sensed element, a counter operably connected to the sensor for counting the instances of the sensed element and a controller for controlling operation of the motor based upon the counting of the instances of the sensed element. A method for controlling a motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes a work surface table height adjusting assembly. Such a strapping machine has a machine frame, a work surface for supporting a load mounted to the frame a strap chute for carrying the strap around the load, a feed assembly for feeding and retracting strap and a weld head for sealing the strap to itself. The machine frame is mounted to leg assemblies by first and second height adjustment assemblies. Each height adjustment assembly is configured to raise and lower a portion of the work surface relative to a fixed portion of the leg assemblies. The assemblies each include a pair of adjusting rods lying along a respective side of the frame, at adjacent corners of the work surface. The adjusting rods operably connect the work surface and the leg assemblies.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load includes a frame, a strapping head mounted to the frame, a strap chute mounted to the frame that is configured to position the strap material around the load and release the strap therefrom to pull the strap material to the load and a work surface mounted to the frame at about a bottom of the strap chute. A control system is included. A panel carries at least a portion of the control system. The panel formed as a door for an enclosure. The panel is removable from the enclosure.

Abstract: A mechanism for rotating an object having a flat bottom surface on a conveyor system is described. Four circular disk segments whose rotational axes lie on a plane and are offset 90 degrees from each other are pressed against the bottom surface by a linear drive and subsequently rotated. The top surface of each disk segment lies against the bottom surface in the direction of a tangent of a circle around the rotational axis of the object. The recessed segments do not touch the bottom surface of the object. As the circular disk segments rotate, their outer circumferences rest against the bottom surface and rotate the object. This rotating mechanism is used in strapping machines and provides a method of rotation.

Abstract: A binding device for binding pulp bales with wire drawn from a wire magazine is disclosed including a feed for feeding and tightening the wire, a guide for guiding the wire around the bale during forward feeding thereof, a processor for cutting the tightened wire and twisting together the ends thereof, and a take-up unit for taking up the slack loop of wire arising from the tightening of the wire. A spring-loaded device adjacent to the feed means dampens the jerk which occurs when the slack loop of wire runs out and wire begins to be drawn from the magazine.

Abstract: A method and control system for a strapping machine restarts the strapping machine at a point of interruption of the strapping machine cycle. The system and method determines the presence of a foreign object proximal the strapping machine during the strapping cycle, interrupts the strapping cycle upon determining the presence of the foreign object proximal the strapping machine during the strapping cycle, determines a point of interruption of the strapping cycle and restarts the strapping cycle at the point of interruption through the use of retained program timers.

Abstract: A self-cleaning limit switch is for use in a strapping machine of the type configured to convey strapping material around a load, receive first and second courses of the strapping material, position, tension and seal the strapping material around a load. The strapping machine includes a strapping head having internal and external limit switch channels formed therein. The limit switch includes a sliding element having internal and external sliding portions rigidly connected to one another. The internal sliding portion is positioned in the strapping head internal limit switch channel and the external portion is positioned in the strapping head external limit switch channel. The internal and external sliding portions include an inclined surface at a rearward end thereof and upstanding walls at a forward end thereof. The internal sliding portion has a lip for engaging the second course of strapping material. The external sliding portion includes a position indicating element thereon.

Abstract: A strap path access guide is configured for use in a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly a chute and a strapping head disposed between the feed assembly and the chute. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The strap path access guide is disposed along the feed assembly between a pair of tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The strap path access guide includes a fixed lower guide portion extending between the tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The fixed lower guide portion defines a lower surface of the strap path. A pivotable upper guide portion is pivotable about a pivot that is spaced from and rearwardly beyond the tensioning wheels. The upper guide portion is pivotable between a closed position in which the upper and lower guide portions cooperate with one another to define the strap path and an open position in which the strap path is fully accessible.

Abstract: A bale binding machine utilizes controlled pins to guide the path of a wire (or strap) around a bale such that strength-reducing bending is not introduced to the wire. The bale binding machine binds bales of fibrous bulk materials such as cotton and nylon.

Abstract: A twist tie feed device is provided for twisting together the ends of a tie ribbon which encircles a product including a base plate. A twist head assembly can be mounted on a base plate and receives a first end of a tie ribbon which encircles the product and a second end of the encircling tie ribbon and will rotate about itself to twist the tie ribbon about the product. Positive drive wheels and idler working in conjuction feed the ribbon in one of a first direction towards the twist head assembly and a second direction away from the twist head assembly. The positive drive wheels can contact the ribbon at one side and the idler can contact the ribbon on the other side to apply a positive drive force to the drive the ribbon as it passes between the drive wheels and idler. The ribbon can be fed in the second direction away from the twist head assembly, thereby tightening the ribbon about the product.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes a chute opening system to open a lower portion of the strap chute upon upwardly pivoting a portion of the work surface. Such a machine includes a machine frame, a work surface for supporting the load in the strapping machine, at least a portion of which is upwardly pivotal. A strap chute carries the strapping material around the load and releases the strapping material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a strap path along the chute. The chute is movable between an operating position in which the strapping material is conveyed along the chute and a release position in which the strap chute is moved longitudinally to release the strapping material from the chute for positioning around the load. A weld head seals the strapping material onto itself. At least a portion of the weld head is disposed along the strap path below the work surface.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, the strapping machine including a strap chute for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a longitudinal axis transverse to the chute. The strap chute is formed having a chute frame and an inner wall defining a track for conveying the strap through the strap chute. The inner wall is movable relative to the chute frame, parallel to the longitudinal axis between an operating position and a release position to release the strap from the strap chute. A drive assembly is operably connected to the inner wall for moving the inner wall between the operating and release positions. The drive assembly includes driven elements mounted to the inner wall for longitudinal movement therewith. The driven elements constrain movement of the inner wall in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes hinged, readily removable in-feed and out-feed work surfaces with integral conveyors. The strapping machine includes a machine frame, the in-feed and out-feed work surfaces mounted to the frame and a strap chute mounted to the frame for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute. A feed assembly and a weld head are disposed below the work surfaces. The in-feed and out-feed surfaces are on opposite sides of the strap chute and are separated from one another by a lower portion of the chute. Integral conveyors for in-feeding the load into the strapping machine and for out-feeding the load from the strapping machine are formed in the work surfaces. The work surfaces are hingedly mounted for pivoting upwardly and outwardly for maintenance of the machine and for removing the surfaces and conveyors from the machine.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load has an improved strap chute release system. Such a machine includes a frame, a strapping head mounted to the frame including at least a pair of wheels for feeding strap material and for retracting strap material and configured to seal a first course of strap material onto an overlying second course of strap material, and a strap chute mounted to the frame and configured for receiving the strap material from the strapping head and positioning the strap material around the load. The strap chute is configured to release the strap therefrom as the strap material is pulled to the load. The strap chute has an inner wall and a transverse wall defining a strap track from which the strap material is released. The inner wall is moveable away from the transverse wall for releasing the strap.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load, the strapping machine includes a strap path formed from opposing, movable elements. The machine includes a frame, a slack box, and a first portion of a strap path from the slack box. The first portion of the strap path is formed by a pair of opposing path forming elements moveable toward and away from each other between an open path position and a closed path position. The path forming elements further define a path entrance and a path exit, The closed path position defines the first portion of the strap path. A strapping head is mounted to the frame and is configured to convey the strap material in a first direction to position the strap material around the load and to convey the strap material in a second direction to tension the strap material around the load.

Abstract: The invention is a baling machine with an articulated guide track disposed in three operationally distinct sections. One section of the articulated guide track, representing approximately one-half of the track perimeter, is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the large section completes a guide track perimeter. In the second position, the large section pivots away from tying heads of the baling machine to permit ejection of the bale from the machine.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to position a strap material around an associated load when in a feed mode and to tension the strap material and seal the strap material to itself around the load when in a tensioning mode includes an improved winder assembly. The machine includes a flame, a strap material supply and a strapping head. A strap path is defined from the strap material supply to the strapping head. The strapping head includes a feed element for conveying the strap material during the feed mode in a first direction around the load and for conveying the strap material in a second, opposite direction to tension the strap material around the load. The strapping head includes a rotating winder for tensioning the material around the load. The winder has a peripheral strap path and a central strap path.

Abstract: A clearing and reloading assembly is configured for use with a strapping machine of the type having an infeed arrangement at about a strap material inlet to the machine, a feed assembly and a chute, the strapping machine defining a strap material holding region between the infeed arrangement and the feed assembly. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The clearing and reloading assembly includes a body, a driven wheel and a bearing element opposite of the driven wheel. The bearing element and the driven wheel define a strap path therebetween. A strap cutter is disposed for movement into and out of the strap path. A first peripheral portion of the driven wheel is configured to define a gap between the first portion and the bearing element such that the strap material can slip therebetween.

Abstract: A method and control system for a strapping machine restarts the strapping machine at a point of interruption of the strapping machine cycle. The system and method determines the presence of a foreign object proximal the strapping machine during the strapping cycle, interrupts the strapping cycle upon determining the presence of the foreign object proximal the strapping machine during the strapping cycle, determines a point of interruption of the strapping cycle and restarts the strapping cycle at the point of interruption through the use of retained program timers.

Abstract: A self-cleaning limit switch is for use in a strapping machine of the type configured to convey strapping material around a load, receive first and second courses of the strapping material, position, tension and seal the strapping material around a load. The strapping machine includes a strapping head having internal and external limit switch channels formed therein. The limit switch includes a sliding element having internal and external sliding portions rigidly connected to one another. The internal sliding portion is positioned in the strapping head internal limit switch channel and the external portion is positioned in the strapping head external limit switch channel. The internal and external sliding portions include an inclined surface at a rearward end thereof and upstanding walls at a forward end thereof. The internal sliding portion has a lip for engaging the second course of strapping material. The external sliding portion includes a position indicating element thereon.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a strapping head for a strapping machine includes a body having a generally rectangular cross-section and defining a cavity therein having an end wall. The body has a gripping pad on an exterior portion thereof. The body further includes pin openings in opposing walls. A single spring stack is disposed in the cavity. An end of the spring stack abuts the inner end wall of the body. A follower block is positioned in the cavity. The follower block has a base and a roller support portion. The roller support portion has pin openings therein. A roller is positioned in the roller support portion. The roller has a passage therethrough. A retaining pin is disposed through the body pin openings, the follower block pin openings and the roller passage. The retaining pin is disposed to maintain the follower block within the body cavity with the roller secured thereto and to maintain the spring stack captured within the body cavity.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for a strapping machine of the type having a frame supporting a feed assembly, a chute and a strap supply provides ready accessibility and ease of loading or reloading a coil of strap material in the machine. A strapping machine includes a strapping head disposed between the feed assembly and the chute. The machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The strap material is provided on a coil having a axis of rotation about which the coil rotates to dispense the strap material. The dispenser assembly includes a support panel hingedly mounted to the frame that is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The support panel includes a central hub defining an axis for carrying the coil of strap material.

Abstract: A bundling assembly for use with a strapping machine that is configured to position a strap material around a load and tension the strap material around the load includes first and second moving belts positioned at the strapping machine entrance in opposing relation to one another. The belts each have a paddle mounted thereto and define a pathway through the bundling assembly. A movable stop is positioned at the exit of the strapping machine and is movable between a stop position and a convey position. The moving belts rotate to contact the paddles with the load, urging the load into the entrance of the strapping machine and into an area under the chute. The belts stop rotation, thus stopping movement of the load upon contact of the load with the stop. The movable stop then moves to the convey position and the moving belts rotate such that the paddles move the load out of the exit of the strapping machine. A stabilizing assembly applies a slight pressure on the load during the strapping cycle.

Abstract: Described is a device for strapping packages having a tape supply for a tape-like strapping means, a tape guide channel for passage of the strapping means and a sealing unit for sealing the loop formed by the strapping means and surrounding the package, the tape guide channel being arranged on a frame that consists of two curved frame parts, which are movable out of a rest position below a supporting surface for the packages into a closed position above the supporting surface and back. Such an arrangement simplifies the drive and the guide for the frame parts. This is achieved since each of the two frame parts is guided moveably along its curved centerline below the supporting surface by at least one guiding device.