Abstract: A lever for binding items with a strap may not be attached to the item and function to tension a strap around the item. The strap may engage the lever by bending an end of the strap to secure the strap through a plurality of apertures in the lever, by friction, by pressure, by any combination of the foregoing, or other suitable manner. A lever may lock in a closed position using a locking device, such as an over-center mechanism, a retaining clip, or a strap engaging portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for strapping an article by means of a flat tape includes least one tape guide frame having a flat tape guide passage, and a tape drive for feeding the tape into the tape guide passage, wherein arranged at the tape guide frame is an opening device which opens a narrow side of the tape guide passage, and a method of strapping an article with such an apparatus. The opening device may include at least one cover element which is movably secured to the tape guide frame and which is movable from a closed position in which it covers the narrow side of the tape guide passage into an open position in which it opens the narrow side of the tape guide passage. In that way a fresh tape loop can be introduced into the tape guide passage before the welding operation is concluded.

Abstract: A void board is configured for placement between adjacent horizontal layers of bricks to maintain an opening in a lower of the layers. The void board includes a relatively thin base element having first and second opposing sides and a plurality of ribs extending along a length of the base element. The ribs extend from the first and second sides, generally transverse to the base element. The ribs are positioned such that the ribs that extend from the first side of the base element are offset from the ribs extending from the second side of the base element. The base element has a longitudinally extending central region, between a closest pair of ribs, that is devoid of ribs. A bundled load of objects have the void board positioned therein and a method of bundling a load of objects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling bale forming operations is disclosed. The system and method includes a monitoring system for visually imaging a portion of a bale and providing a warning to an operator if the bale is wrapped or shaped incorrectly.

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

Abstract: A system for applying a tin-tie, from a supply of tin-ties releaseably adhered along the length of a liner, with the tin-tie length generally aligned along a length of packaging moving in a first direction includes a tamp applicator for extending and retracting along a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction. The tamp applicator includes a magnet for carrying the tin-tie after it is released from the liner by a peeler, an air assist for aid in releasing and positioning the tin-tie, and a recess and edge for positioning the tin-tie. Part of the tamp applicator carrying the released tin-tie is also moveable in the same first direction, allowing travel in the same first direction as the moving packaging material when putting the tin-tie on the moving packaging material. A spring biases the part to return in a third direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A spool of banding material orbits a product to be banded, with the banding material unwinding from the orbiting spool and about the product to form a band about the product As the spool unwinds banding material, the shaft or other structure supporting the spool continuously urges the spool in the rewinding direction, thereby enhancing the tension on the unwinding banding material When initiating a band, gripping fingers grasp an end of the unspooled banding material and hold it adjacent the object being banded as the spool orbits the object and wraps the object and the fingers The fingers then slip out from between the object and the forming band, preferably with the assistance of a blast of pressurized air, and grasp the unspooling banding material between the spool and the banded object The length of banding material extending to the object is cut.

Abstract: A bale wrapping mechanism for feeding bale surface wrapping material to an inlet of a baling chamber containing a bale to be wrapped includes a support arrangement for supporting a plurality of wrapping material supply rolls disposed with their adjacent ends either overlapping each other or disposed in axially aligned or end-to-end relationship with each other. In the case of overlapping ends, the adjacent runs of material respectively emanating from the plurality of supply rolls overlap each other and are applied to the circumference of a bale being wrapped in an overlapped arrangement. In the case of axially aligned supply rolls and when the wrapping material is a spreadable net material, a material spreading arrangement is located between the supply rolls and an inlet to the baling chamber and acts to spread the net so that adjacent runs of wrapping material respectively emanating from the plurality of material supply rolls overlap each other and remain overlapped as they are applied to the bale.

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: A binding apparatus for binding a wire around one or more objects, the binding apparatus is adapted to bind the wire such that a predetermined tension in the wire is achieved. A method of binding a wire around one or more objects so as to achieve a desired tension of the wire in the binding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying stack size are disclosed wherein measured length and width dimensions of a stack of paperboard sheets are compared with length and width values of a label associated with the stack. The dimensions are typically measured as the stack travels along a conveyor. A no-match indicator is produced if there is not a match between the dimensions and values, and may include an alarm or a display on a video screen. The stack may be diverted to allow application of a correct label whereby the stack will be shipped to the correct customer.

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 s 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: A method for manufacturing a pro label book includes printing static indicia on a web of label material, applying an adhesive to each portion of the web of label material that will become a label page in a pro label book that is not the portion of the web of label material that will become a top page of a label book to be formed if the adhesive is applied to a top surface of the web of label material or a bottom page of a label book to be formed if the adhesive is applied to the bottom surface of the web of label material, printing variable information on the web of label material, sheeting the web of label material to form label pages, and batching the label pages together utilizing the applied adhesive. Certain embodiments include attaching one of a backer or a cover to the web of label material following the printing static indicia step.

Abstract: A load equalizing pallet apparatus for transporting a concentrated load and for use with load binders is disclosed and comprises a load equalizing base and a plurality of shoes. The base is constructed substantially out of wood, has a periphery and, in use, receives said load. The shoes are metal and, in use, are arranged about the periphery of the base and rigidly engaged thereto. Each shoe has a plurality of lugs, the lugs, in use, being engaged by said load binders to couple said load to said pallet.

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 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 method and apparatus for automatically calibrating a bale size indicator by using inputs from existing bale wrapper material monitors to determine the linear amount of wrapping material necessary to encircle the bale one time. Balers with wrapping mechanisms may include a sensor for measuring the linear amount of wrapper dispensed as a means to alert the operator when the supply of wrapper material is low. Such balers may also have additional sensors for verifying that wrapping material completely encircles the bale prior to allowing the bale to be ejected from the baler. Using inputs from each of these sensors, a control system on the baler can determine the amount of wrapping material necessary to cover one revolution of the bale, also an indication of the bale circumference, and use the measurement to calibrate the display of bale diameter also generated from the control system.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved wickets, wicketting machines and methods for the binding of packaging bags. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for binding packaging bags. The apparatus includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The apparatus further includes a first bracket plate defining a first opening for receiving the first tubular member and a second opening for receiving the second tubular member. The apparatus further includes a second bracket plate defining a first opening for receiving the first tubular member and a second opening for receiving the second tubular member. The second bracket plate includes a first engagement feature for engagement with the first tubular member and a second engagement feature for engagement with the second tubular member, the first and second engagement features being configured to resist movement of the second bracket plate with respect to the first bracket plate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tying machine (100) for forming bundles from a plurality of propellant sticks (4). Such bun-files may be used to form a propellant charge for use in, for example, heavy artillery. The tying machine tends to comprise an aperture (6) and a work surface (8) such that the plurality of sticks may rest on the work surface and occupy a portion of the aperture. Further, a drum (10) holding one end of a length of twine surrounds the aperture and can be rotated to wind the twine around the sticks. The twine can be secured once the sticks are bound.

Abstract: A strapping machine applies a strap diagonally across a load. The machine draws a drape of strap material at a lower edge on the front of the load to an upper edge on a rear of the load, tensions the strap material and seals abutting courses of the material to one another around the load and forms a subsequent drape of strapping material. A carriage is movable longitudinally relative to the load. Opposing reciprocating sealing heads are mounted to the carriage and move toward and away from one another. The heads are movable vertically between a position above the upper edge of the load and a position at about the upper edge of the load. A strap supply and a strap lifter is associated with each of the sealing heads. The lifters lower the drape of strap material to the lower edge of the load, and raise the drape of strap material as the carriage moves relative to the load, such that the drape of strap material is drawn toward the upper edge of the opposite side of the load.

Abstract: A method of retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct, the method includes removing at least one retaining strap from extending longitudinally about a flexible container retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct having a first end and a second end within the flexible container, the retaining strap extending about a first end and a second end of the flexible container. The method further includes securing choker about a circumference transverse to the longitudinally compressed flexible duct and the flexible container to circumferentially compress a portion of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct at a position intermediate of the first end and the second end of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct.

Abstract: An accumulator device (1) for the tying wire of a tying machine used in pulp production has a drive (3) at the inlet to the accumulator device and another drive (7) at the outlet from the accumulator device. By means of the accumulator device (1) according to the invention and the two drives (3, 7), it is possible to store the entire length of wire required for one tying cycle temporarily and then to remove the wire from the accumulator for the tying cycle. In this way, a dynamic accumulator volume is created for the tying wire in the accumulator device (1).

Abstract: A strapping system includes a strap exchanger that is capable of delivering one or more straps to a component of the strapping system. The strap exchanger feeds a strap to a downstream component of the strapping system. A track assembly receives the strap and uses that strap to bundle product. The strap exchanger is capable of repeatedly delivering straps to the strapping system to reduce, limit, or substantially eliminate downtime associated with manually loading straps into the strapping system.

Abstract: A mobile strapping device (1) for strapping packaged goods with wrap-around strap, comprising a tensioner (6) for applying a strap tension to a loop of a wrapping strap, and a connector (10) for producing a connection in two areas of the loop of the wrapping strap disposed one on top of the other, and a chargeable energy storage means (15) for storing energy that can be released as drive energy for motorized drive motions at least for the connector and/or for the tensioner, is intended to have high functional reliability and ease of handling despite the possibility of automated production of wrapped straps, at least to a large extent. In order to accomplish this, it is proposed that the strapping device be provided with a brushless DC motor as a drive for the tensioner and/or the connector.

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: One embodiment is a combine having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, a grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a transverse crop residue baler disposed at the rear of said combine and moving integrally with said combine. The transverse crop residue baler also can be towed by the combine and is connected to the combine by two widely spaced-apart joints that permit only movement in the pitch axis. The combine can be devoid of an on-board grain bin and comprise a forward unit; the transverse crop residue baler disposed at the rear of and carried by the forward unit; and the combine includes a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward unit and having, steerable and powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin, and a grain off-loading assembly.

Abstract: A combine having an integral crop residue round baler includes an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, a grain bin, and a grain off-loading assembly. The towed crop residue round baler is located at the rear of the combine and moves integrally therewith for forming a crop residue bale. The towed crop residue round baler can be connected to the combine by a pair of widely spaced apart joint assemblies that permit the towed crop residue round baler to move only in the pitch axis. A tractor assembly for baling crop material, is fitted with a quick hitch assembly for towing a towed crop residue round baler connected to the tractor by said quick hitch assembly configured such that only movement in the pitch axis is permitted and such that tractor carries a portion of weight of the towed rear unit.

Abstract: Bale strap assemblies for strapping a pressed bale are discussed herein. The bale strap assemblies may include a strap positioning assembly having a plurality of strap assemblies and a return chute assembly having a plurality of return chutes for returning straps to the strap assemblies for strapping the pressed bale. The strap position assembly and return chute assembly incorporate cylinders to move between different positions during a strapping cycle. Exemplary embodiments include provisions for accommodating a press turntable of a down packer and registration means for providing a greater number of straps to strap a bale than a corresponding number of strap assemblies.

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 apparatus for strapping an article by means of a flat tape includes least one tape guide frame having a flat tape guide passage, and a tape drive for feeding the tape into the tape guide passage, wherein arranged at the tape guide frame is an opening device which opens a narrow side of the tape guide passage, and a method of strapping an article with such an apparatus. The opening device may include at least one cover element which is movably secured to the tape guide frame and which is movable from a closed position in which it covers the narrow side of the tape guide passage into an open position in which it opens the narrow side of the tape guide passage. In that way a fresh tape loop can be introduced into the tape guide passage before the welding operation is concluded.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the wrapping of a bale. The arrangement has a drive for the introduction of a wrapping material into a baling chamber, a sensor for the detection of a physical size of a bale developing in a baling chamber, and a control arrangement connected with the drive and the sensor, to activate the drive based on the signals from the sensor. It is proposed that the control arrangement be operated to activate the drive looking ahead, based upon the detected growth rate in the size of the bale and the time delay between the activation of the drive and the exact time in which the wrapping material reaches the baling chamber, so that the wrapping material reaches the baling chamber when the size of the bale is equal to the desired size of the bale.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus designed to effectively twist and cut baling wire during the baling process. The apparatus includes a twister assembly that has a plurality of gear-driven twister heads. During the baling process the twister assembly extends from a slide housing so that the twister heads engage and twist adjacent strands of baling wire. The twister assembly then retracts back into the slide housing so that the twisted portion of the baling wire is cut by a cutting assembly attached to the slide housing.

Abstract: For tying wire material around a bale, a pair of end portions of the loop is held in a substantially mutually parallel orientation. An engaged section of at least one of the end portions is moved about a longitudinal axis of the other end portion of that pair, such that the pair of end portions is twisted into a wire twist between an engagement area and a portion of the loop extending about the bale. During twisting, wire material of at least one of the end portions slips through the engagement area towards the portion of the loop extending about the bale. An implement and twisters for use in such a method are also described.

Abstract: A device and related method for storing and bundling papers, magazines and/or cardboard, for easy disposal and recycling comprised of a storage unit comprising four side walls and a bottom surface wherein a top area is open and permits stacking of papers on said bottom service; and a single source of twine in a pre-arranged pattern within said storage unit for easy bundling of the papers, magazines and/or cardboard.

Abstract: A simplified mechanism for feeding a plurality of individual twine strands into a bale forming chamber for wrapping a bale that allows user-selectable adjustment of twine strand spacing along the bale length so that an optimal number of circumferential twine wraps around the bale necessary to secure the bale after discharge from the bale forming chamber may be selected. The simplified thus enables the spacing between twine strands to be optimized for various crop materials that are being baled.

Abstract: A wire reel is detachably provided in a housing chamber of a binding machine body which binds a reinforcing bar. The wire reel includes a cylindrical hub portion which winds a wire, and a pair of parallel flanges overhanging outward from both external peripheral ends of the hub portions. A side wall inside the hub portion is formed of light-transmitting portions which allow the light from a transmissive photosensor provided in the binding machine body to be transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for applying a flexible, expandable sleeving over an elongated structure includes a first area for receiving the member and an elongated hollow conduit that receives the elongated structure within a hollow interior space thereof. The expandable sleeving is compressed and bunched and held in compression along an outer surface of the conduit. The apparatus also includes a second area that includes a pair of rollers that are disposed about one end of the conduit and are configured so that they contact the sleeving as it is paid out onto an outside of the elongated structure and prevent the compressed sleeving from suddenly releasing its stored energy and self-ejecting off of the conduit as the sleeving and bundle are mated and are moved away from the rollers.

Abstract: A device for bundling newspapers for recycling, the device having a cylindrical handle member having two spaced apart apertures perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, the cylinder further having two axial slits formed in the ends thereof, the handle member cooperative with a length of cordage passing through one of the apertures in the handle member such that the cordage is of equal length from both sides of the aperture of the handle member, the cordage lengths arranged in an X configuration such that a bundle of newspapers is angularly positioned on the cordage so positioned, the handle member then drawn up over one corner of the bundle to approximately the center of the top of the bundle of newspapers, the opposing two ends of the cordage are then inserted through the second aperture in the handle member, drawn taut, and then wrapped about the opposing slits formed in the end of the handle member.

Abstract: A method for the formation of containers and device for the performance of the method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a single ram baler having a preflap assembly and a shear blade assembly. More specifically, the single ram baler of the present invention comprises a preflap assembly operable to pre-compact recycled material of smaller size in a compaction chamber of the baler to improve density properties of the bales produced therewith and to increase the efficiency of the baler. The baler is also operable with recycled material of large dimensions by operating the shear blades assembly without using the preflap assembly.

Abstract: Bale strap assemblies for strapping a pressed bale are discussed herein. The bale strap assemblies may include a strap positioning assembly having a plurality of strap assemblies and a return chute assembly having a plurality of return chutes for returning straps to the strap assemblies for strapping the pressed bale. The strap position assembly and return chute assembly incorporate cylinders to move between different positions during a strapping cycle. Exemplary embodiments include provisions for accommodating a press turntable of a down packer and registration means for providing a greater number of straps to strap a bale than a corresponding number of strap assemblies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making and winding bags is disclosed. The film approaches the infeed nip on the surface of a roller and on a film guide recessed in the roller for an arc of at least 10, 45, 60 or 90 degrees. The film is preferably guided to one of two alternative film paths. An over speed nip may be provided between the infeed nip and the alternative film paths to separate rolls or to separate all bags. An overlapper can be included. Rods that travel in an elliptical orbit, and/or air nozzles can be part of the overlapper. Air nozzles or a rotating brush can direct the film to the appropriate alternative path. Banders can be used, and can include a conveyor for providing tape to the spindle and two sources of air.

Abstract: A dual function binding machine for making journal notebooks at home includes a hole punching mechanism and a binding mechanism. A punch die includes a plurality of rectangular punch teeth in a graduated configuration to minimize the amount of force required to penetrate through the journal book materials. A guide provides different positions for punching through covers, inner pages and continuous punching of both. This allows the perfect alignment and fit of the outside covers with the inside pages. A spring biased lever operates the punch die in a horizontal direction. The binding mechanism included in the same machine has a vertical outer vise wall that is horizontally movable to compress the binding material to the pages and covers of the journal notebook.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatuses and methods for applying straps around a 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. Strap can be fed through the track assembly without damaging the strap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for preparing a grand bale (10) of pulp sheet or similar. The grand bale (10) of pulp sheet contains two or more pulp-sheet bales (12), each of which pulp-sheet bales (12) is bound by wrapping a web-like wrapping band (16) around the bale to bind the bale. The wrapping band (16) has a start (18) lying against the pulp-sheet bale (12) and an end (20) remaining on the surface of the wrapping band (16). 1.5 or more rounds of wrapping band (16) are wrapped around the pulp-sheet bale (12). The pulp-sheet bales (12) are placed on top of each other, in such a way that gravity forms a bond between the rounds of wrapping band (16) when they remain between two of the pulp-sheet bales (12) on top of each other in the grand bale (10). The invention also relates to a corresponding grand bale (10) of pulp sheet.

Abstract: A reinforcement binding machine (1), comprising a wire reel storage part (3) having a rotation detection lever (8) and a photo sensor (7). When a wire reel is rotated in starting binding, the rotation detection lever is turned on and off by a projected part formed on the side face of the wire reel to detect the rotation, and the photo sensor detects a reflection mark on the wire reel to discriminate the type of the wire by a mark number so as to control torsional torque, etc. Since wire information is detected in binding operation when the wire reel is rotated at a high speed not in initialization operation (in setting the wire) when the wire reel is rotated at a low speed, the swing amount of the rotation detection lever is large and, accordingly, the wire information can be securely detected.

Abstract: A bale wrapping control system that enables several custom bale wrapping patterns which more effectively wrap and maintain the integrity of bales formed in a round baler. The bale wrapping control system controls operation of a dispensing arm which dispenses twine or other bale wrapping material. The dispensing arm is moveable between a start position where an end of the dispensing arm is closest to the bale, a left edge position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a left edge of the bale, a right edge position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a right edge of the bale, and a cutoff or home position where the end of the dispensing arm passes a cutting mechanism. The bale wrapping control system includes a baler controller for controlling movement of the dispensing arm and a user interface for receiving operating instructions from an operator of the baler and for controlling certain functions of the baler controller in response to the operating instructions.

Abstract: Tires are packaged in a stack by positioning the tires on a packaging device having a set of parallel alignment rollers such that the rollers contact the treads of the tires to orient the tires as a stable stack, with the respective center axes of the tires being substantially parallel to the axes of the rollers. At least one of the rollers is rotated to rotate all of the tires in the stack about their respective center axes to align the center axes of all of the tires with a longitudinal axis of a cylinder defined by the stack. After stopping the rotation, the stack is compressed in the axial direction while the alignment of the tire axes with the cylinder axis is maintained. One or more bands are then wrapped around the stack while maintaining the compression. Then the compression is released to release the stack which remains restrained by the bands.

Abstract: In a method and a device for compressing square large bales for stalk material on large baling presses by using twines that engage across longitudinal sides and end faces of bales and are tied together, wherein compressed large bales can be formed by a number of adjacently positioned, individually compressed and tied small bales, a first tying unit and a second tying unit at a pressing channel of a large baling press are provided, wherein the first and second tying units have knotters. The first tying unit for tying individual small bales can be activated. Alternatively, the first and second tying units can be activated individually together for simultaneously tying several small bales to form a large bale, wherein the first and second tying units interact with the same knotters.

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.