Abstract: The binder twine arm arrangement includes two arms having twine dispensing ends. The arms initially remain in a rest position wherein their dispensing ends are near a first end face of a bale to be bound. The arms are moved to a start position wherein the dispensing ends are located centrally between the first end face and a second end face of the bale. The arms are then actuated or controlled such that they first spread apart and then return together about a hinge joint interconnecting the two arms. Upon returning to the start position the arms are returned to the rest position. For this purpose, an actuator is provided between the two arms which becomes active to effect relative motion between the arms as soon as the arms have reached the start position.

Abstract: A strap feed assembly wraps a flexible strap around an item. A drive wheel is connected to a reversible drive motor for feeding and reversing the strap to wrap the strap around the item and to tension the strap once it is wrapped therearound. A controller operates the drive motor to control the speed, acceleration, direction of rotation, and tensioning of the strap. The velocity and acceleration of the drive motor are varied depending on the nearness of completion of the feeding and tensioning. Variable tension is achieved by monitoring the current drawn by the drive motor and comparing same to predetermined values to stop reversal and therefore tensioning.

Abstract: A diamond-mesh polyethylene sponge is obtained from a number of netting tubes stretched over supports, joined and bound together at the center and then released from the supports.

Abstract: Two pieces of material such as paper stock secured about the edges. A pull tab at about a mid-portion of each edge of the paper between pull tab at a mid-portion of each edge of the sealed members and a length of material randomly positioned between the papers or fan folded between the papers for securing a subsequent bundle of newspapers or magazines placed on top of the sheets of papers. The opposing pull tabs are pulled out and a finite length of string or other material is fastened between the two which is used to subsequently tie or tape the bundles of newspapers or magazines.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of removing an idle strapping band in which a band restored and retracted by a reverse rotation roller is wound around the end of a slide table forms a ring of the band in case of no article to be strapped and engaged with the band on a strapping machine body, a rotation reduction detection signal of the reverse rotation roller is not generated before the setting time of a timer is completely elapsed before the band is tightened, a band tightening step is then omitted, shifted to next cutting and fusing steps of the band supplying end, the ring of the band is then recoiled upward by means of elastic force for restoring the ring of the band to a true circle when the end of the slide table is retracted along guide rails and the band is automatically removed out of a band fusing mechanism.

Abstract: Method to bind bundles of rolled, extruded and drawn products or sections, the bundles having a desired, defined geometric section, the binding being obtained with a binding machine comprising at least a twister means (11), a gripper (12) to grip the end of a wire, a shears (13), possible straightening means (14), an assembly (15) to draw the wire and a stationary sector (19) with one or more guide grooves (25), in which method the wire, after being inserted in the guide grooves (25), is tensioned and, leaving the guide grooves (25), is positioned about a plurality of rollers (22-122) borne on a rotary sector (21), the rollers (22-122) being positioned on about 300.degree. of the perimeter of the rotary sector (21), the wire (16) being deposited on the bundle (20) by the rotation of the rotary sector (21) while the assembly (15) to draw the wire takes up the excess wire (16) continuously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for helically-shaped binding of round bales consisting of harvested agricultural crops using two cord strands, which respectively wrap around somewhat more than half of the bale for shortening the binding period, one cord strand being cut off to begin with and the other cord strand being wrapped several times around the previously cut-off strand prior to being cut-off itself. In order to avoid a mutual loosening of the severed cord ends after severing the cord strands upon termination of the binding process.

Abstract: A bundling device (10) is disclosed as having a tie assembly (12) and a receptacle (14). The tie assembly includes a seat member (16), a drawband (18), and a plurality of ties (22) each having one end attached to the seat member and another end slidably attached to the drawband. The receptacle includes a tray (24) having a horizontal bottom (24) to support the seat member and sides (26) extending upwardly from the bottom to maintain the drawband in an open, generally horizontal loop spaced above the seat member. Items, such as newspapers, placed into the bundling device such that they rest upon the seat member, between the ties, and below the drawband, are bound by pulling upwardly on the drawband at two points separated by at least one tie, thereby forming two elongated loops in portions of the drawband and simultaneously and equally tightening the ties about the items, and tying the two elongated loops together.

Abstract: A method of wrapping cylindrical bales of crop material with twine includes extending and retracting an electrical actuator to cause pivoting movement of a twine arm. When the electrical actuator is extended, the twine arm is moved from a rest position to a twine dispensing position and a feed roller is simultaneously driven to feed twine that is dispensed by the twine arm. Retraction of the electrical actuator moves the twine arm from the twine dispensing position toward a twine cutting position while the feed roller continues to be driven. When the electrical actuator is retracted further, the twine arm is moved into the twine cutting position and a knife is simultaneously actuated to cut the twine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for feeding and tightening a band wherein a touch roller is brought into compressive contact with a reverse rotation driving roller for a predetermined time when a signal for detecting a decrease in the speed of rotation including the stopping of a forward rotation touch roller is developed prior to the development of a signal for detecting the approach of the front end of the fed band to a mechanism for grasping the band front end; whereby the band is restored and the compressive contact of the reverse rotation touch roller is released after passage of the predetermined time so as to restore the band; the band is then restored by means of a tension roller which is rotated at a lower speed and driven at a higher torque as compared with the reverse rotation roller and a touch roller which is brought into compressive contact with and capable of separating from the tension roller; and the band is finally tightened by starting the reverse rotation of the

Abstract: Typing process and apparatus, the articles (5) to be tied being placed on supports (6) subdivided in several planes and movable between several tying stations (3, 4), making it possible to carry out tyings in several planes on the articles (5) resting on the supports (6).The invention is used especially for the tying of meat-based products, for example meat olives.

Abstract: A mobile extra display module for storing, transporting, and displaying a quantity of containers, includes a plastic pallet base and a plurality of alternating layers of tier sheets and containers. The tier sheets have a top surface with an array of top recesses for receiving container bottoms, and a bottom surface with an array of bottom recesses for receiving container tops. The containers in each layer are in contact with adjacent containers. For storage and transportation purposes, the display module is made as a package unit including a rigid lid and a pair of straps extending around the unit, over the lid and under the base and being under a high force of about 100 pounds for holding the display module unit in a very strong and stable arrangement. This invention also includes an improved plastic pallet.

Abstract: An automatic binding apparatus produces a loop of tape and tightens the tape around an object that is inserted through the loop of tape. The apparatus has a bed-plate and a guide member which is swivelable into position on and off the bed-plate. Initially, the tape is guided through the guide member to form a small loop of tape. Thereafter the guide member is retracted and the loop of tape is enlarged by feeding more tape to the loop to accommodate large objects. Insertion of the object through the loop actuates a work detection switch and detection of the object produces an output signal which triggers a process whereby the tape is tightly bound around the object, is cut from the tape supply, and the ends of the tape are overlapped and pressure welded to one another. Removal of the bound object changes the state of the work detection switch and results in the repositioning of the guide member over the bed-plate and in the formation of a fresh loop of tape for a next object to be bound.

Abstract: A bale of goods, particularly textile goods, and method of forming the same includes covering the bale of goods with a cover and then strapping the bale with at least one tensioned strap which encompasses the bale. A restraining tape extends generally transversely over the strap and is affixed (preferably by means of adhesive) to the strap and to portions of the cover laterally adjacent to the strap. The restraining tape thereby positionally and attachably secures the strap to the bale and defines a zone of the strap in which the strap may be severed to minimize outward lashing thereof thereby promoting a greater measure of safety to personnel.

Abstract: A mobile extra display module for storing, transporting, and displaying a quantity of containers, includes a plastic pallet base and a plurality of alternating layers of tier sheets and containers. The tier sheets have a top surface with an array of top recesses for receiving container bottoms, and a bottom surface with an array of bottom recesses for receiving container tops. The containers in each layer are in contact with adjacent containers. For storage and transportation purposes, the display module is made as a package unit including a rigid lid and a pair of straps extending around the unit, over the lid and under the base and being under a high force of about 100 pounds for holding the display module unit in a very strong and stable arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for gripping a strap segment with two gripping members, for moving the gripping members together in a closed path to form a primary loop in the strap around at least one of the gripping members, and for feeding the strap to expand the primary loop to an expanded loop having a larger size for accommodating an article to be bound by the strap.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a bale or the like with a wire or band held together by a tubular seal is described wherein wire is pushed through a metal tube held in readiness, then looped around the bale, and the free end of the wire is again moved through the metal tube. After the wire has been passed twice through the metal tube held in readiness; the wire feed is arrested by means of a limit switch; the portion of the wire end projecting out of the crimping jaws is bent around the metal tube; and tightening around the band is completed. Then the seal is produced by moving the crimping jaws toward each other and simultaneously severing the band from the supply coil. The wrapping operation takes place fully automatically. For this purpose, an apparatus is provided which holds the respectively next needed metal tube exactly into the path of movement of the wire to be extended around the bale.

Abstract: A system for automating the stacking of bundles onto a pallet, and including a stacker for positioning bundles of sheets into discrete stacks, a strapper for tying the bundles and a lift mechanism for raising the bundles to an elevation. A pallet is positioned onto a pallet holder at the elevation and the bundles are placed onto the elevated pallet. A lift means supports the pallet while bundles are continued to be placed thereon, and the pallet holder is then moved clear so that the pallet can be lowered for additional loading and for ultimate removal, with the removal process taking place while another pallet is placed onto the pallet holder.

Abstract: A band feeding and tightening apparatus for a band strapping machine comprises a main shaft rotatably placed at a lateral position of a serial connection of a motor and a reduction gear device; a high speed revolution transmitting means to transmit a rotational force at the high speed side of the reduction gear device to the main shaft; a low speed revolution transmitting means to transmit a rotational force at the low speed side of the reduction gear to the main shaft through an electromagnetic clutch; a stationary shaft placed in parallel to the main shaft, the stationary shaft rotatably supporting a feed roller and a power transmitting means to transmit a rotational force of the high speed revolution transmitting mean to the feed roller through a friction clutch; and the return roller mounted on the main shaft through a one-way clutch.

Abstract: A feed roller is usually rotated at a high speed; a return roller is fitted to a return shaft rotated at a low speed through a one-way clutch; a rocker roller driven at a high speed is brought into press-contact with the return roller so that the return roller is rotated at a high speed in accordance with the high speed rotation of the rocker roller thereby performing the primary tightening operation for a band; then, the return roller is engaged with the return shaft by the function of the one-way clutch when the rotational speed of the return roller coincides with that of the return shaft, thereby performing the secondary tightening operation with a strong pulling force. The strapping machine having the above mentioned construction provides noiseless and speedy operations for strapping the band around a package.

Abstract: An automatic high speed hooping station for horizontal hooping of diverse packages contains a barrier device to effect entry of packages, one by one, along their direction of travel, followed by a conveyance assembly. The conveyance assembly includes a rolling double transfer belt, followed in turn by a take-up table provided with an optical detector at its extremity. Along the conveyance assembly there moves reciprocally a push- and loading device for being introduced into an upward travel and holding assembly formed by an ascending platform, a holder trapdoor in a hooping position in an arc of a hooping device, and an upper package discharge device operating by lateral disengagement from a pile of the packages onto an exit ramp. The discharge device includes a push arm articulatably mounted around a point actuated by a cam. The assembly may be moved in translation under the surveillance of a detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for wrapping square bales, especially fiber bales, with the aid of strip-shaped baling material, preferably baling wire. It is known to compress fibers, after having been manufactured as raw material, into fiber bales and to hold the latter together with the aid of baling wire. In this process, several baling wires are placed in individual turns around the bale and joined at their ends. This type of wrapping is complicated and is to be simplified.The basic aspect of the invention resides in that the baling wire is placed continuously around the bale and that the wire turns extend, on at least two mutually opposed bale sides, in parallel to one another as well as in parallel to bale edges.

Abstract: A bundle of tubular pipes 1 is assembled by laying a first bed of p pipes on lateral support beams 2, banding it to the beams, placing key blocks 4 between at least the two outermost pipes on each side of the bed, laying a second bed of p pipes on top the first in vertical columns, clamping the ends of the two outermost pipes on each side of the second bed together, laying an upper bed of p-1 pipes on top the second bed in a staggered manner, and strapping the bundle near its ends.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying strap to an item, such as a bundle of sheets, and with two strapping mechanisms being made available to a fixed segment of a strap guide, such that either mechanism can be positioned in the operating position at any one time. Arrangement is made for shifting the two strapping mechanisms laterally into mating position with the fixed strap guide, and with each strapping mechanism carrying a segment of a strap guide for mating with and completing the fixed segment of strap guide. Provision is also made for removing the strapping mechanisms from a fixed strap guide or position, for servicing or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat sealing together layers of strap of thermoplastics material, wherein at least one thin flat electrical heating element is supported under tension and between the layers of strap and the layers of strap are pressed together with a fusing pressure by at least one resilient pressure pad. The heating element, a support for the heating element and the resilient pressure pad form a heating and fusing assembly which is moved in unison relative to the layers of strap so that in use, the heating element moves between the two layers of strap generally in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: Wire connections as disclosed and the method and apparatus to secure the ends of an elongated member, such as bale wire and the like, employed to secure bales of material for transport and storage. The bale wire connections include a pair of loops forming interconnecting members, which are interlocked by automated techniques to form a strong coupling of the ends of the bale wires used in securing bulk material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for collecting and tying logs into bundles. The apparatus comprises: (a) elongated means suitable for extending under the tier of logs floating on the body of water; (b) means connected to means (a) for lifting means (a) and rolling the logs thereby lifted into a bundle of logs; (c) means associated with means (a) for strapping the circumference of the bundle of logs to hold them in bundle shape; and (d) means connected to means (a) for carrying and transporting means (a), (b) and (c) in combination.

Abstract: Wire connections as disclosed and the method and apparatus to secure the ends of an elongated member, such as bale wire and the like, employed to secure bales of material for transport and storage. The bale wire connections include a pair of loops forming interconnecting members, which are interlocked by automated techniques to form a strong coupling of the ends of the bale wires used in securing bulk material.

Abstract: A pair of strapping carriages move in one direction from station to station along opposite sides of the bale applying straps simultaneously in different positions from said opposite sides of the bale at each station. The carriages continue to a rest station beyond one end of the bale for removal of the strapped bale and placement of the next bale to be strapped. Then the carriages move in the opposite direction from station to station along said next bale applying pairs of straps in like manner and continue to a rest station beyond the opposite end of the bale. Improved strap guide tracks and strap length adjustment means are provided.

Abstract: In a method of forming bundles of brushwood, brushwood is fed to a bundle rmer of a bundling machine. The various items are oriented by the machine in a manner such that the thick ends of the items lie on the outside of a finished bundle while the thin ends extend in towards the center of the bundle, and such that the thick ends of the various items of brushwood are displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction of the bundle. The method is continuous, and hence a bundle is constantly formed in the bundle former. As the bundle leaves the bundle former, the bundle is bound with straps or like securing elements, and cut into lengths of the desired size.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a loop of flexible binding about objects positioned seriatim in an object receiving station. The apparatus includes a chain loop driven around the object receiving station. While a previously bound first object is in the receiving station, the chain is driven in one direction to move carrier rollers on the chain so as to pull the trailing portion of a binding through a major portion of the locus of a closed path around the receiving station while the lead end of the binding is held adjacent the receiving station. Spaced portions of the binding are guided from the interior of the path around the receiving station to maintain the binding in the configuration spaced outwardly of the receiving station. Subsequently, the first bound object is removed from the receiving station and a second object is positioned therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a strap loop and securing it about an article. The strap free end is pressed against a guide surface and moved in a path to form a primary strap loop while permitting the primary strap loop to twist off of the guide surface. With the free end of the strap held against further movement, the trailing portion of the strap is fed to expand the loop to a predetermined larger size. The article is inserted in the loop and the trailing portion of the strap is withdrawn to tighten the loop about the package. The trailing portion of the strap is severed from the tightened strap loop and the overlapping portions of the strap are sealed by a friction-fusion weld.

Abstract: An apparatus for bundling short lengths of cylindrical items, such as firewood, the apparatus being formed of a frame for resting on the earth, with a semi-circular bottom rack rotatably supported by the frame about its horizontal axis and normally retained in an upper open position, a semi-circular top rack of the same internal dimensions removably attachable to the bottom rack to form, when the two parts are attached, a circular area in which firewood may be stacked and retained so that a band may be secured around the stacked wood, after which the semi-circular top rack may be removed, and means for rotating the bottom rack about its horizontal axis so that the banded cylindrical bundle of firewood can be removed from the rack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a strap looped about an article is tensioned by applying positive pulling forces to both the leading end and feed portions of such strap loop, after which such strap positions are sealed together. In certain embodiments of the invention, a strapping mechanism is supported on a carriage which is movable toward the article which is to be strapped, after which a strap looped about such article is tensioned by applying pulling forces to the leading end and feed portions thereof.

Abstract: A pack comprising a plurality of superposed layers of unit loads and at least one strap encircling said plurality of superposed layers. The bottom layer of the pack has formed therein at least one elongated free space or channel extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the loop of said at least one strap and capable of accommodating the arms of the fork of a lift truck. The strap or straps have a low tension, but when the arms of the lift truck fork are upwardly engaged into the free spaces, the straps are tightened and firmly hold the load which can therefore be handled safely. The straps slacken when the pack is deposited on top of another pack, thereby allowing the upper pack to chocke itself onto the lower pack and thereby allowing to form columns of stacked packs with a greater number of packs and a higher degree of safety than with hitherto known packs.

Abstract: An improved tensioning method, for tensioning the tying medium of a package tying machine, results from mounting a novel tensioning device on the tying machine's rotatable twine arm. The tensioning device utilizes a funneling structure to gather the tying medium, whether twine or tape or other material, into a prescribed volume while tensioning the same, thereby allowing a relatively high uniform tension value to be maintained in the tying medium throughout the package tying cycle.

Abstract: The specification discloses an article and method for banding objects. A clip is releasably secured to a common closed loop rubber band, thereby enabling one to wrap the band around objects to be banded together and slip the loop over the clip to hold it in place around the object. Alternative unique clips are disclosed.

Abstract: A CRT (cathode-ray tube) in combination with a notch-sealed band tensioned around the tube characterized in that the inner overlapping end portion of the band is folded at least twice upon itself and is positioned between the tube and the band. In the method, one end of the band is folded at least twice upon itself. The band is positioned around the tube with the end portions overlapping, the folded portion toward the tube and a sheathlike metal clip around the overlapping end portions of the band and against the inside of the end fold of the folded end of the band. Then, the clip is pushed against the end fold, and the outer end portion of the band is pulled until the desired maximum tensile force is applied, at which point the clip and overlapping end portions of the band are notched together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for binding an article with strap. A strap is encircled about the article to form a loop with the leading end segment of the strap overlapping an adjacent segment of the strap. The leading end is gripped to prevent further feeding and to subsequently restrain it against movement relative to the article while the trailing portion of the strap is retracted to draw the loop tight around the article. While holding the leading end segment of the strap and an adjacent overlapped segment against relative movement and under tension, either (1) a joint is first formed in the overlapping segments and the tension is then gradually released in the trailing portion of the strap to avoid shock loading of the joint and the machine or (2) the tension is first released only in the trailing portion of strap and the joint is then formed with tension in at least the overlapped segment adjacent the strap free end.

Abstract: A bundler and stacker for newspapers, magazines, books and the like characterized by economy in manufacture, collapsibility for shipping, ease and simplicity in use and automatic stacking of the bundles without lifting the bundles. The device is essentially an open-ended sleeve, rectangular in plan, and having divider means separating the sleeve into a lower portion which functions as a collar or support on a small starter bundle and on each succeeding bundle, and an upper portion functioning as a hopper or aligner for the newspapers as they are added and tied into bundles, the divider means being preferably flat members extending into and across the sleeve and being relied on to hold the sleeve in position while the hopper portion is being filled. The sleeve has means to hold bundle tying string or the like in the hopper while the same is being filled.

Abstract: A threader device designed to simplify the threading of strapping tapes around and under a load to be strapped to a pallet or other load supporting device having a pair of apertures extending substantially horizontally through its base, with the threader device involving a framework having a pair of substantially parallel, elongate threader bars extending outwardly from its base for a distance sufficient to pass through the load supporting device. The threader bars are disposed slightly above ground level and spaced apart a distance consistent with the spacing of the apertures of the load supporting device. Tape dispensing means are carried on the framework, and arranged to dispense a pair of strapping tapes. The threader bars each have tape securing means on their outer ends, such that the ends of a pair of strapping tapes from the tape dispensing means can be removably secured to respective ones of the tape securing means.

Abstract: A bale tying device whereby a wire is secured by knots around a bale of material, the device comprising means for receiving the distal portions of the wire in spaced, parallel relationship with the wire ends extending past each other in the opposite directions, means for bending each other in the opposite directions, means for bending each wire distal portion in the direction of the other distal portion at an angle so that each distal end passes through the vertical plane of those portions of the wire which are not bent and means for folding the distal ends about each unbent portion of the wire to form an open rectangular link or knot in which portion of each wire is looped around the other wire and then angles downwardly and in engagement with the bale.

Abstract: In a baling operation that uses a continuously reciprocating plunger, if the next charge to be stuffed into the chamber has not yet reached the desired size and density by the time the stuffing fork is ready to begin its next operating cycle, the fork is temporarily deactivated, without affecting the plunger, until the charge reaches full size and density. Thereupon, the fork stuffs the entire charge into the baling chamber in a single cycle of operation for compaction by the plunger. The baler is loaded from the bottom of the baling chamber through an upwardly curved duct that serves both as an accumulating chamber and as a precompression area into which the charge is progressively packed by a rotating, retractable finger drum at the lower end of the duct. A backstop for precompression purposes may be presented at the top of the duct in a number of alternative ways, i.e.

Abstract: If the next charge to be stuffed into the baling chamber has not yet reached the desired size and density by the time the stuffing fork and compacting plunger are ready to begin their next operating cycles, the plunger and the fork are temporarily deactivated until the charge reaches full size and density. Thereupon, the fork stuffs the entire charge into the baling chamber in a single cycle of operation for compaction by the plunger. The baler is loaded from the bottom of the baling chamber through an upwardly curved duct that serves both as an accumulating chamber and as a pre-compression area into which the charge is progressively packed by a rotating, retractable finger drum at the lower end of the duct. The plunger closes the top of the duct during such accumulation and pre-compression, and in order to provide ample time for the plunger to retract from the duct when the stuffing cycle commences, the fork moves slowly at first but then quite rapidly once the plunger has retracted.

Abstract: A bundle for shipping and the storage of a plurality of elongated pipe lengths of a common size arranged in tiers is disclosed in which the longitudinal axes of the pipes in the bundle are disposed parallel to an elongated base formed of spaced-apart transverse sleepers. The pipes in each tier are separated by divider blocks standing on the sleepers and separating overlying sleepers from those there-below a distance substantially equal to or greater than the pipe diameter. Strapping encircles the sleepers and the dividers and the pipe therebetween to secure the bundle in a flexible manner throughout its length to accommodate the rigors of hoisting and transporting its storage in multiple bundles and on uneven supporting surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping tape around the end of a stator coil. The apparatus advances tape from a spool to a position near the coil end, where it is clamped by clamping members and cut, and a section of the tape adjacent the leading end is pressed against one side of the coil end. The trailing end of the tape is then pushed around the opposite side of the coil end where it is received by the clamping members. The trailing end is moved by the clamping members toward the leading end to draw the trailing end tightly around the coil and press it to the leading end.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming, tensioning and sealing a strap loop about a package and then severing the sealed loop from the trailing length of strap. A length of strap is fed in one direction and the strap free end is guided or moved to form a small primary strap loop with the strap free end overlapping a portion of the loop. The strap free end is then restrained while the standing part of the loop is continued to be fed to expand the loop to a larger predetermined diameter. The expanded loop and/or package is then moved so that the package is encircled by the loop, after which the loop is tensioned tight about the package. A joint connection or seal is next made in the loop and the trailing length of strap is severed from the loop.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for tensioning of a formed strap loop about a package and joining of the overlapping portions of the loop in a manner that improves the residual tension of the loop. The strap loop, in the region of the overlap, is twisted so that the sides of the strap in that region are displaced from the package surface and so that one of the edges of that region remains adjacent the package surface whereby the tensioned loop can be joined by friction fusion, formation of interlocking slits, or application of an independent seal without having to insert an anvil or bearing member between the package and the loop and thus increasing the residual tension. After the strap is restrained in the region where the strap free end overlaps a portion of the formed strap loop to prevent relative movement between the free end and overlapped portion, the package is encircled by the loop so that the strap is twisted in the balance of the loop relative to the restrained region.

Abstract: An automatic strapping machine is disclosed wherein strap is fed at a high rate of speed about a package so as to form a loop which is then tensioned and sealed. The loop is formed so that the leading end of the strap is overlapped by a trailing end of the strap and the resulting overlapped strap portions are joined together so as to form a seal which is not susceptible to snagging. The distal end of the overlapping strap end portion is urged against and is moved back and forth relative to an underlying strap portion in tension at a high rate of speed so as to generate heat therebetween and to form a friction-fused joint. During joint formation the strap loop about the package is in tension, but the strap end portion overlapping the loop is relaxed, i.e., not in tension.

Abstract: A bundle for shipping and the storage of a plurality of elongated pipe lengths of a common size arranged in tiers is disclosed in which the longitudinal axes of the pipes in the bundle are disposed parallel to an elongated base formed of spaced-apart transverse sleepers. The pipes in each tier are separated by divider blocks standing on the sleepers and separating overlying sleepers from those there-below a distance substantially equal to or greater than the pipe diameter. Strapping encircles the sleepers and the dividers and the pipe therebetween to secure the bundle in a flexible manner throughout its length to accommodate the rigors of hoisting and transporting its storage in multiple bundles and on uneven supporting surfaces.