Abstract: A bale wrapper is provided that comprises a rotating arm holding a film dispenser. The arm rotates around an axis thereby wrapping the film from the film dispenser around the bale. Rotation of the arm is stopped when a sensing arrangement mounted ahead of the arm senses an obstacle. The arm is driven with a first speed sufficiently slow to prevent any risk of injury and the arm and the film dispenser from being damaged by hitting an obstacle detected by the sensing arrangement when an obstacle sensor observing a sensitive range in the environment of the bale wrapper detects an obstacle. The arm rotates at a second speed faster than the first speed when the obstacle sensor detects no obstacle.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is used with a group of bales. The group of bales is gripped with a bale handling apparatus. A flexible strip is positioned around the group of bales. The group of bales is then moved while the group of bales is gripped by the bale handling apparatus and while the flexible strip extends around the group of bales. The flexible strip is positioned relative to the group of bales by a positioning member which is connected with the bale handling apparatus.

Abstract: A wrapper dispensing mechanism for round balers includes a feed roller shiftable generally toward and away from a baling element of a bale forming mechanism so as to be selectively brought into and out of engagement with the baling element. The feed roller is driven by the baling element when the feed roller is in engagement with the baling element, with the feed roller and the baling element cooperatively defining a temporary nip therebetween during engagement. The feed roller is disposed to at least partially vertically support the roll of supply material thereon. A method of dispensing wrapping material from a supply roll includes supporting the supply roll at least partially on a feed roller, shifting the feed roller into engagement with the baling element to create a temporary nip therebetween and drive the feed roller, and driving the baling element while the feed roller is in engagement therewith.

Abstract: An improved net cutting assembly that may be used with an agricultural baler net wrapping system. More particularly, an up-cut net knife for improved cutting of wrapping material (e.g., a net) used to wrap bales of crop material in an agricultural baler. The up-cut net knife assembly improves net cutting performance by providing an up-cut net knife that moves in the same direction as the net whereby the motion of the net helps the knife get into the cut position. Further, embodiments of the up-cut knife assembly move the up-cut knife cutting edge at substantially the same speed and in the same direction as the net to be cut. This motion of the up-cut knife allows the up-cut knife to be lifted up into the net motion using a driver and then to continue on with no relative motion—or at least minimal relative motion of the knife to the net—until the knife gets into the cut position. In the cut position, the knife stops and the net is pulled against the knife blade resulting in cutting the net.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrapping device, which includes a frame, a wrapping ring arranged to move relative to the frame, which in the wrapping position is arranged to travel through the center hole of the piece being wrapped, and which, in the vertical direction, can be at least partly moved away from the wrapping position, in order to change the piece being wrapped, and a wrapping head arranged to rotate around the wrapping ring, in order to wrap the wrapping material around the piece. The wrapping ring can be moved away from inside the center hole of the piece being wrapped, in order to move the wrapping ring in its entirety away from the said wrapping position. In addition, the invention also relates to a method for operating the wrapping device.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is used with a group of bales. The group of bales is gripped with a bale handling apparatus. A flexible strip is positioned around the group of bales. The group of bales is then moved while the group of bales is gripped by the bale handling apparatus and while the flexible strip extends around the group of bales. The flexible strip is positioned relative to the group of bales by a positioning member which is connected with the bale handling apparatus.

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: Packaging tools, which, in various embodiments, are adapted to assist a user in applying material from a roll of packaging material (e.g., packing tape, stretch wrap or shrink wrap) to an item or group of items. The packaging tool is typically adapted to move between: (1) a first orientation in which the packaging tool does not substantially restrict the rotation of the roll of packaging material adjacent the packaging tool; and (2) a second orientation in which the packaging tool does substantially restrict (e.g., prevent) the rotation of the roll of stretch wrap tool adjacent the packaging tool. A user typically maintains the packaging tool in the first orientation as the user wraps the packaging material about an item. The user may then move the packaging tool into the second orientation, which allows the user to pull the packaging material tight and separate the applied length of packaging material from the roll.

Abstract: Systems and processes for packaging a product. In one implementation a process involves transporting the product in a first direction, printing information on a film by use of a first printer prior to the film being applied to the product, the film having a width that is less than a width of the product and shrinkable only in a longitudinal direction. In one implementation the film is then applied to the product to produce at least a partial film sleeve around at least a first portion of the product as the product is advanced in the first direction. In one implementation heat is then conveyed to at least a section of the film applied to the product to cause the film to shrink in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a transportable container for bulk goods. A bag is placed through a former opening of a slip frame former which surrounds a portion of the bag. The bag receives the bulk goods from a feed source. A stretch wrap is disposed radially about a bottom support and a portion of the slip frame former to initially form the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. During filling, the slip frame former is maintained at a position surrounding the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. As the fill level increases in the bag, previously disposed portions of stretch wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the bag and lock together the bulk goods as additional portions of stretch wrap are disposed around the slip frame former.

Abstract: A manually operated bale wrapping apparatus for a round baler having a wrapping apparatus position indicator device which is visually observable by an operator that enables the operator to manually monitor and manipulate the wrapping apparatus, thereby reducing the need for an electronic control system on the baler to manage the operations of the bale wrapping process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pack, which includes at least two PET containers combined with each other, which are held together by a strip-like or ribbon-like strap, the strap being spun about an outer surface of the PET containers in a horizontal manner, wherein an inner surface of the strap, which lies at the outer surfaces of the PET containers, is fixed at least at one junction with one of the PET containers. The strap is fixed at the junction by a material integrated bond in the form of at least one welded joint.

Abstract: Food service set assembly systems and methods include delivery of one or more utensils and a napkin to a receiving cradle where they are grasped by two fingers attached to a rotatable shaft and wound to a desired tension. Utensils are delivered to the receiving cradle is a uniform alignment via a gravity driven system. Sterilization of the utensils can also be provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing wrapped bales. Bales (3) is in a first wrappingstage moved past wrapping means (6) while said wrapping means (6) provided with dispenser means (4) are rotated around said bale (3) along a circular path in a first plane of rotation. In a further optional second stage of wrapping said bale (3) is rotated by rotating means in a second plane of rotation substantially normal to said first plane of rotation. Between said stages the surface of the wrapping material web is turned about 90° such that said surface of said web is always substantially normal to said planes of rotation in both stages. The first wrapping stage includes using of a tunnel means (9), which makes it possible to produce both unbound wrapped bales and bound wrapped bales.

Abstract: The process for wrapping loads, in particular palletised loads, comprises the following phases: providing a rotating platform that is suitable for receiving a load to be wrapped and which has advancement means for advancing the load in an advancing direction, and a movement machine for moving a wrapping head along a substantially vertical direction for co-operating with the rotating platform to wrap the load with a covering sheet, the wrapping head having cutting means for cutting the covering sheet to form a cut end, and joining means for connecting the cut end to the load; placing the load to be wrapped on the rotating platform; wrapping the load on the rotating platform with the covering sheet to define a stabilising wrap; turning the rotating platform so the advancing direction is towards the wrapping head; advancing the wrapped load on the rotating platform in the direction approaching the wrapping head until located in proximity to the head itself; and then cutting the covering sheet to form a cut en

Abstract: Waste-processing and transportation systems and methods are described. An exemplary waste processing and transportation system (10) comprises a receiving area (20) where loose waste (28) is delivered, a baler (22) for processing the loose waste (28) into waste bales (34), and a loading area (26) where the waste bales (34) are loaded onto a transport vehicle (e.g., a barge 36). A loader (32a) may operate in the receiving area (20) to load the loose waste (28) into the baler (22). At least one material handler (42a) may be configured to move the waste bales (34) onto the transport vehicle (36) for transport to a waste transfer facility (14). The waste bales (34) are configured such that the waste bales are unloaded from the transport vehicle (36) at the waste transfer facility (14) and loaded onto other transport vehicles (e.g., railcars 38) without further processing of the waste bales (34).

Abstract: A large bale transporter and an accompanying bale wrapper create a system for wrapping plastic around large bales retrieved by the transporter. The transporter has a loading apparatus that deposits large bales onto the load bed of the transporter until filled. The transporter is then manipulated to connect to a bale wrapper physically and operatively so that the bales can be moved into the wrapping apparatus. The frame of the transporter is pivotally connected to the axle to allow the rear end of the frame to be lowered to the ground to engage the bale wrapper and/or retrieve previously wrapped bales. The wrapping apparatus is powered by the drive mechanism of the transporter and is automatically disengaged when a pusher member placed at the end of the bales being discharged engages the drive coupler. An endless chain drive is drivable in opposite directions to move the bales on the transporter.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is directed to a method of transporting and packaging a plurality of preformed flower pot covers.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Abstract: A box wrapping assembly and method incorporates a framework having a special top hold-down platen that functions with a cooperating fixture that is affixed to a rotatable turntable. Using this assembly and method, the operator can place four sidewall panels in a self-positioning fixture and panel-capturing platen prior to wrapping. Stretch film is connected to the fixture by a hook device and the stretch film is automatically pre-stretched to a rope of stretched film for particular application where the box contents are intended to be contained within the box under pressure.

Abstract: A film wrapping machine comprises a pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies which are used to individually and sequentially dispense their wrapping films. Accordingly, if depletion or breakage occurs within the wrapping film being dispensed by a first one of the pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, the second film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly can effectively be activated so as to dispense its wrapping film whereby the film wrapping operation can continue with a minimum amount of stoppage or downtime. The switch-over or change-over between the first and second film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies can be achieved in accordance with automatic and semi-automatic modes of operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to means for providing a film having perforating lines wherein the perforation lines establish a length of film needed to wrap said article, means for sensing where the perforation line is located or where to make the perforation and means for separating the film at the perforation line, and means for film wrapping an article with the perforated film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of transporting and packaging a plurality of preformed flower pot covers. Each preformed flower pot cover is formed from a flexible sheet of material which is of a shape and size to receive a flower pot. Each preformed flower pot cover has a base with a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot and further having a decorative skirt extending angularly upwardly and outwardly from the upper end of the base. The method of the present invention includes the step of providing a portable platform configured to stabilize, receive, support and protect a plurality of stacked preformed flower pot covers. The platform with the preformed flower pot covers can then be wrapped to further stabilize the stacks of preformed flower pot covers so that the platform can be transported to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may have one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is used with a group of bales. The group of bales is gripped with a bale handling apparatus. A flexible strip is positioned around the group of bales. The group of bales is then moved while the group of bales is gripped by the bale handling apparatus and while the flexible strip extends around the group of bales. The flexible strip is positioned relative to the group of bales by a positioning member which is connected with the bale handling apparatus.

Abstract: A wrapping means tensioning device is provided for a round baler and comprises an idler assembly and an application assembly. Wrapping means, like net, when drawn during a wrapping cycle acts onto the idler assembly, which in turn will press an application element of the application assembly against a roll, on which wrapping means is stored. This provides for proper tension during a wrapping cycle without the need for springs or the like, the force of which would need to be overcome, when a wrapping device is brought into a non-operative loading mode.

Abstract: A method for applying a heat-shrink patch to a carton for forming a shape of the carton. The carton includes a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel extending between the top panel and the bottom panel and a movable section that is movable between a first position and a second position. The method includes providing a heat-shrink patch in a pre-shrunk configuration. The heat-shrink patch is coupled in the pre-shrunk configuration to at least a portion of an interior surface of a blank of sheet material including at least a portion of the movable section. The carton is formed from the blank of sheet material. The movable section is moved from the first position to the second position to form the shape of the carton by heating the heat-shrink patch to shrink the heat-shrink patch to a shrunk configuration.

Abstract: A stretch wrap machine for wrapping a product comprising a base, a turn table on the base for rotating the product, a source of stretch wrap connected to the base, and a wrapping assembly configured to bring an end of the stretch wrap above the product, cut the stretch wrap at a position above the product after the product has been wrapped and/or hold an end of the stretch wrap at a position above the product as the turntable begins rotating the product.

Abstract: To provide a sheet processing apparatus and an electromagnetic locking method of a stacking device for unlocking a stacking device cover when a door of the sheet processing apparatus is closed, shortening the power supply time of an electromagnetic lock, suppressing power consumption, and displaying permission of access to the stacking device. When a condition of unlocking a stacking portion and opening of the door is detected, the electromagnetic lock is held in an unlocking state and a cover opening-closing permission display lamp is turned on. After end of an operation by an operator, if the closing of the door is detected by a door detection device, the electromagnetic lock of the stacking device is turned off and the lamp is turned off. As a result, an unlocking condition is held when no power is supplied to a solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A packaging material dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring may include a pulley that connects to the band, such that the rotating ring is driven by the drive belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum packaging material use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched packaging material that is between approximately 90% and approximately 120% of load girth. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a ratio of rotating ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e.

Abstract: A support member, such as a fence post, and method for making the same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the support member includes an elongated body having at least one substantially flat side, and at least one longitudinal groove at least partially disposed within the substantially flat side.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive removable adhesive is applied on ribbons used for wrapping the counted bundles of currency notes. The wrapping is in a way that a portion on the sides of the stack of notes will face enough amount of adhesive, to adhere each leave of the note with the ribbon strap, so that pulling out a note from a packed bundle will become difficult. Trie tape will have tear lines made of perforation or cuts so that it will disintegrate if opened. The adhesive can have chemical and/or colour coding for further security.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of an elongate piece of first material having flexible qualities with a flexible strip of second, more rigid, and bendable material enclosed within the first material. The apparatus may be twist-tied around equipment for relatively easy transport.

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

Abstract: A banding system for piled products with a machine frame, a band feed mechanism disposed on the machine frame for feeding band material from a supply roll, means for forming a loop with said band material around the products to be banded, welding means to close said loop, and cutting means for cutting said band material, said means for forming the loop comprising transporting means for transporting the band material around the product to be banded and vacuum means connected to the transporting means. Said means for forming the loop are movable with respect to machine frame between an operating position where the means for forming the loop are in contact with the band feed mechanism to perform the banding operation and an open position where the means for forming the loop are displaced away from the band feed mechanism to create an opening therebetween allowing a transfer of products to be banded between the band feed mechanism and the means for forming the loop.

Abstract: A wrapper dispensing mechanism for round balers includes a feed roller shiftable generally toward and away from a baling element of a bale forming mechanism so as to be selectively brought into and out of engagement with the baling element. The feed roller is driven by the baling element when the feed roller is in engagement with the baling element, with the feed roller and the baling element cooperatively defining a temporary nip therebetween during engagement. The feed roller is disposed to at least partially vertically support the roll of supply material thereon. A method of dispensing wrapping material from a supply roll includes supporting the supply roll at least partially on a feed roller, shifting the feed roller into engagement with the baling element to create a temporary nip therebetween and drive the feed roller, and driving the baling element while the feed roller is in engagement therewith.

Abstract: A transport unit comprises a load carrier, a load which comprises at least one coil of a web; the web being wound on a reel, a load distributing element, and a tightening strap, the load being carried by said load carrier in such a manner that the reel of said at least one coil is arranged perpendicular to the load carrier, the load having an upper surface facing said load distributing element, the load distributing element being arranged on the upper surface of the load, and the tightening strap enclosing a force-absorbing structure formed of the load carrier, the reel and the load distributing element and adapted to secure the load to the load carrier. The load carrier has a flat load surface, and the web comprises interconnected container blanks, the load having a lower surface which rests on the load surface and comprises an end face of the reel of the at least one coil and a bottom surface formed of a bottom edge of the web of interconnected container blanks.

Abstract: A strapping machine includes a supply unit, a guidance frame, a pressing plate, feeder runners, a closure aggregate, a storage unit, a feeder, an insertion device and a guidance structure. The closure aggregate is vertically aligned with the pressing plate and maneuverable, whilst the supply unit is located within close proximity of the strapping area and the pressing plate. The guidance structure includes one canal-like transfer line leading at least to the closure aggregate. The insertion device is accessible from outside, is aligned with the supply unit and is attached to a lower section of an automatically opened guidance canal. The strapping material is fed synchronically to the transfer line with the pressing plate adjustable for height. The insertion mechanism incorporates feeder and runners. The storage unit adjacent to the supply unit is aligned to the exterior of the strapping area.

Abstract: A method for applying a heat shrinkable film to a carton for forming a shape of the carton is provided. The carton includes a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel extending between the top panel and the bottom panel, and a movable section that is movable between a first position and a second position. The method includes providing a heat-shrinkable but unshrunken film, wrapping the film in an unheated condition around at least a portion of the carton including at least a portion of the movable section of the carton, and moving the movable section from the first position to the second position to form a shape of the carton by heating the heat-shrinkable film to shrink the heat-shrinkable film into contact with at least a portion of the movable section.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method for applying to a palletized load protective corner elements having first and second sides designed to protect contiguous sides of at least one corner of the load. The apparatus comprises a transfer system for conveying at least one corner element from an initial position to a position where the sides of the corner element are close to the corresponding edges of the corner to be protected, this transfer system comprising an actuating system for transferring the corner element by a rotational movement through predetermined angles ? and ? from the initial position to a position where at least a first side of the corner element is substantially aligned with a first side of the corner of the load.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a preparation station for preparing a sleeve from a stretchable plastic film wound flat around a storage reel, and a gripper device for taking hold of the sleeve and transferring it to the depositing station for enveloping the load. According to the invention, the gripper device comprises at least one set of grippers which is equipped with notched bars to create differential stretch with the formulation of a lunula. Each bar is given a translational and/or rotational movement so that the bar can be extracted and the sleeve disengaged at the end of the depositing cycle.

Abstract: Banding machine in which logs of sheet material are fed by a conveyor belt to a banding device that is adapted to band the logs with a banding web to form a tubular wrapper around the logs. The banding device includes a pusher operated by an actuator, which pushes the log into a channel, in which a packaging sheet is arranged, stretched in front of the log, as an obstacle. The conveyor belt and the packaging apparatus are arranged at different heights, respectively at a first and a second height (H1 and H2). A pusher is be provided, operated by a piston at the first height (H1), in addition to a pusher provided at the second height (H2), independent from each other. Further, a lifting member is provided, which receives the log from the first pusher and moves from the first height (H1) to the second height (H2).

Abstract: A method for strapping a package with a strapping machine that includes a motor drive having a drive shaft that rotates 360° within a strapping cycle and controls work components including at least one clamping device for the strap to be strapped. The clamping of the leading strap end, fed in in a strap guide frame, for the strap to be strapped in the subsequent strapping cycle occurs in the current strapping cycle in the time between the beginning of the removal of the package already strapped in the current strapping cycle and the end of the addition of a new package to be strapped, whereupon the drive stops. After the conclusion of the tensioning process for the fed-in strap about the package, for performing the strapping process, the drive rotates continuously 360° without an intermediate stop in the new strapping cycle until the new leading strap end has been clamped.

Abstract: An erosion control log and method for packing and handling erosion control logs. In one aspect, the erosion control logs are formed, stacked, compressed and prepared for delivery while retaining maximum decompressibility.

Abstract: A film wrapping machine comprises a pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, mounted upon a rotary ring member, for simultaneously dispensing wrapping film. A vertically movable frame member, upon which the rotary ring member is rotatably mounted, is effectively moved at a speed of ascent or descent that is approximately twice the speed as that of a vertically movable frame member incorporated within a conventional film wrapping machine so as to permit the dual film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies to dispense the wrapping or packaging film within a time frame that is approximately twice as fast as that of the conventional film wrapping machine and yet in a slightly overlapped mode as desired for packaging purposes.

Abstract: A horizontal banding machine comprising, an elastic band supply mechanism for providing an elastic band in a gravity assisted fashion; at least two band holding devices for, receiving the elastic band from the elastic band supply mechanism, stretching the elastic band for providing a band opening surrounded by the elastic band for accommodating a plurality of objects for banding therein; and, disengaging the elastic band from the holding devices for deploying the elastic band onto the plurality of objects, and an actuator coupled to the band holding devices for moving the band holding devices between a first position for receiving the elastic band and a second position for disengaging the elastic band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set. Thus, for each revolution of the rotating ring and dispenser, a predetermined fixed amount of film is dispensed and wrapped around the load.

Abstract: A film roping assembly comprises a roping pulley which is disposed upon the wrapping film dispensing carriage assembly. The roping pulley is vertically reciprocable so as to be movable transversely, across the width of the wrapping film, with respect to the direction in which the wrapping film is being dispensed. The roping pulley is initially disposed at its uppermost position and engages the upper edge portion of the film. As the roping pulley is moved vertically downwardly, the film is condensed or gathered so as to form a roped section of the wrapping film. The process may be repeated throughout a single wrapping operation so as to provide the wrapped film with both roped and non-roped sections.

Abstract: Machine for applying elastic bands onto objects comprising at least two band holding devices for receiving the elastic band from the elastic band supply mechanism; stretching the elastic band for providing a band opening surrounded by the elastic band for accommodating a plurality of objects for banding therein; and, disengaging the elastic band from the holding devices for deploying the elastic band onto the plurality of objects; an actuator coupled to the band holding devices for moving the band holding devices between a first position for receiving the elastic band and a second position for disengaging the elastic band; and, a flip mechanism having the band holding devices and the actuator mounted thereto for moving the band holding devices from a band receiving position, where the elastic band is disposed in a plane oriented substantially horizontal, to a band disengaging position, where the elastic band is disposed in a plane oriented substantially vertical, wherein in the disengaging position the band h