Abstract: The invention relates to a work method and apparatus for packing flower bouquets (3), in which large amounts of flower bouquets (3) are transported transversely on a conveyor belt (4) to a lifting conveyor belt (7) to a mounted thereon transversely placed feeding belt (17), which has compartments (20) which constantly contain a flower bouquet (3), which is brought from a horizontal to a vertical position, in which a box-shaped cell space (22) is created and a cross partition turns away and subsequently the flower bouquet (3) falls through a trap door instrument (24) into an already opened cover (25) and is then further processed and brought to a collecting box for shipment.

Abstract: A strap tension retaining device is configured for a use with a bulk unit secured by a strap under tension. Such a bulk unit load has a corner and defines a bulk unit perimeter. The strap tension retaining device includes a fixed base element, fixed relative to the bulk unit load, a floating element movable relative to the fixed base element, a biasing element mounted between the floating element and the fixed base element and a guide element mounting the floating element to the fixed base element to guide movement of the floating element relative to the fixed base element. The strap tension retaining device is positioned at about the corner of the bulk unit load with the strap positioned around the bulk unit perimeter of the bulk unit load, over the strap tension retaining device floating element. When the strap is tensioned a force is exerted by the strap on the floating element to force the biasing element against the bias direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a machine for heat-shrinking sleeves made from a film of heat-shrink plastics material and engaged individually on articles such as bottles. In accordance with the invention, the machine comprises a fixed structure, an article support arranged to move along a vertical central axis between a low position in which articles can be put into place or removed, and a high position in which an article is fully received in a pre-heater chamber surmounting a shrinkage chamber, together with a controller governing parameters of temperature, support travel speed, and time, during the operating sequences of the method. This enables ordinary consumers themselves to cause sleeves to be shrunk onto bottles.

Abstract: Loads on pallets are often wrapped with a plastic film for shipping. The present invention relates to top platen devices used to maintain stability in loads while the load is wrapped for shipping. The top platen device applies a compressive force to the load to stabilize the load while it is being wrapped. The top platen includes a shaft supporting platen pad which is placed on top of the load. The shaft and platen pad are configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the geometric center of the top platen in order to rotate with the load about the load's center of rotation.

Abstract: A method of wrapping an object with wrapping material includes the steps of wrapping a first wrapping film around the object during a first portion of a wrapping cycle; and simultaneously wrapping the first wrapping film and a second wrapping film around the object during a second portion of the wrapping cycle. The simultaneous wrapping includes bringing the second wrapping film into contact with the first wrapping film thereby causing the second wrapping film to adhere to the first wrapping film, wrapping the object with the adhered first and second wrapping films, and severing the second wrapping film, with a severing device, after a predetermined length of the second wrapping film has been wrapped onto the object.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for depositing loose sheet material, in particular papers of value, bank notes, etc., having a transport apparatus (2) for transporting the sheet material (1) and a stacking unit (3) for depositing the bank notes (1) in a deposit device as well as a strapping unit (7). In such deposit apparatuses it is usual to provide special deposit devices for depositing loose and strapped sheet material, said devices consequently not being interchangeable. It is therefore the problem of the invention to state an apparatus and method for providing a flexible possibility of depositing sheet material. This is obtained by using a deposit device which is suitable for optionally depositing loose and/or strapped sheet material (1).

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stretch wrapping a load in an efficient manner so as to tightly and securely wrap the load at a desired tension without rupturing the packaging material. The method and apparatus compensate for variation in demand rate as the load is wrapped so as to apply the wrapping material to a load at a desired force, maintain the desired containment tension on the wrapping material on the load after wrapping, and prevent the wrapping material from rupturing during wrapping. The apparatus combines two systems, power assisted roller stretch (“PRS”) and roller stretch (“RS”) to vary the supply rate of the packaging material as the demand rate varies. The apparatus automatically switches between the two types of prestretch to achieve “high” and “low” wrapping force dependent upon the demand rate. Changes in the demand rate are sensed by monitoring changes in the payoff angle of the packaging material extending between the dispenser and the load.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

Abstract: A wrapping machine has a film dispensing unit (1), which includes first supporting elements (2) and first deflecting elements (51 . . . 510) for a first wrapping film (4) and second supporting elements (6) and a second deflecting element (9) for a second wrapping film (8). The second deflecting element (9) is movable between a first position (I) and a second position (II) by an actuator (10). In the first position (I), the end of the second wrapping film (8) is in contact with the first wrapping film (4) to cause the wrapping films to adhere to each other during the wrapping process. In the second position (II), the second deflecting element (9) is at a distance from the first wrapping film (4) so that the second wrapping film (9) is clear of contact with and adhesion to the first wrapping film (4).

Abstract: A freight protection apparatus is disclosed which includes an enclosure for protecting freight shaped in the from of an open box, having an opening, first, second, third, and fourth sides, and a top portion, which enclose a chamber. The enclosure may have attached to it first and second straps which can be used to securely attach the enclosure to freight or to a collection of freight. The first and second straps each may have a first end which is in the form of a loop and a second end which is attached to an attachment device. The first and second straps can be connected together to attach the enclosure to the freight. First and second metal plates may be provided to further prevent the enclosure from being separated from the collection of freight. Locks with unique serial numbers may be provided for locking the first and second straps together. A method is disclosed comprising placing such an enclosure over a collection freight, and securing said enclosure to said freight.

Abstract: A pneumatic strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap includes a piston, a weld motor operably connected to the piston and a vibrating weld element operably connected to the piston for contacting the strap and adhering the strap onto itself. A tensioning motor is configured for unidirectional rotation. A feed wheel is operably connected to the tensioning motor by a drive assembly to tension the strap prior to adhering the strap onto itself. A transmission cooperates with the drive assembly and is switchable between a first state in which the transmission engages the drive assembly to permit only one-way rotation of the drive assembly and a second state in which the transmission permits two-way rotation of the drive assembly. The strapping tool includes a self-contained pneumatic module that is removably mounted to a cylinder housing.

Abstract: An overpack carton for packing a primary shipping case includes a packing strap having interconnected side panels and a latching panel, one or more cushion strips secured to the side panels, and latching elements for latching the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case. A method for packing a primary shipping case includes steps of providing a cushioned packing strap having latching elements, wrapping the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case and interengaging the latching elements.

Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.

Abstract: A strapping device (1) for strapping an object (14) with a strapping tape (5). The strapping device (1) includes a guide (3) for guiding a strapping tape (5), which serves for the purpose of forming a loop of strapping tape (5) in a waiting position. The formation of the loop takes place independently of the position of the object to be strapped (14). The strapping device (1) furthermore comprises a device for moving the loop (4). This device serves to position the loop of strapping tape (5) formed by the guide (3) from the waiting position into a stacking position around an object (14) to be strapped, after this object has been positioned on a work surface (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corners of a load with cornerboards prior to wrapping the load is provided. The method may include providing a load on a load transport surface, removing a cornerboard from within a magazine by a gripper, and transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper. Relative rotation may be provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and the load. If the cornerboard is not pre-formed, it is folded prior to transport to the load. The cornerboard is secured to the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, four magazines and four grippers are provided, such that four cornerboards can be carried to the load at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a top and bottom of a load with packaging material is provided. The apparatus includes at least one non-driven packaging material guide is provided for use in combination with a powered conveying surface. The non-powered packaging material guide includes at least one row of non-driven wheels attached to a rail. The force applied by the packaging material as it is wrapped around the guide is supported by both the rail and the at least one row of non-driven wheels. The rail also serves to bridge any gaps between the non-driven wheels, thereby preventing capture of packaging material between the non-driven wheels. Preferably, the packaging material guide includes two rows of non-driven wheels, one on each side of the rail. Further, it is preferable that the rail connect the two rows of wheels such that the two rows of wheels form an angle of 60 degrees between them.

Abstract: A stacking aid for stacking goods on a loading aid, such as a pallet, has wall parts surrounding the goods stacked on the loading aid. It is possible to alter the height of at least one of the wall parts and to remove the stacking aid from the loading aid after completion of the stacking procedure. A method for stacking goods on a loading aid, such as a pallet, with the aid of the stacking aid entails (a) obtaining a stacking aid which surrounds a stack of goods on the loading aid, (b) loading the loading aid with goods by using the stacking aid, and (c) lifting the loading aid relative to the stacking. The stack of goods lifted out of the stacking aid are wrapped for stabilization. The invention makes it possible to efficiently secure the stack of goods on the pallet during the commissioning through the removable stacking aid and during the subsequent transportation of the goods by the stabilizing the goods, for instance with a film.

Abstract: The apparatus is a rear extension on a conventional round baler that already produces round bales partially wrapped with plastic around only their cylindrical surface. The additional structure includes a table to receive the bale and rotate the bale so that the unwrapped surfaces face forward and back, after which pivoting arms aligned with the sides of the baler clamp the bale, lift it off the table, and rotate it end over end to continue the wrapping process around the previously uncovered ends. When the bale is completely wrapped, the baler's knife cuts the plastic sheet, and the arms continue pivoting rearward before releasing the bale onto the ground.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises an apparatus and method for wrapping a load under tension with a web of stretch wrap flexible material and then binding the wrapping material to the load by compressing the end of the flexible material into a rope-like configuration. The rope formed is wound around the load at least one turn. A second turn of the rope around the load is then bound to the first rope with a mechanical twisting tie around the two ropes to prevent unwrapping of the load during transit and storage. A hot wire cutting mechanism cuts the rope and the bound two ropes snap back into position against the wrapped load from the force of the stretch wrap tension.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for wrapping a straw fodder bale with plastic. In the wrapping operation, to wrap the corner between the envelope surface and the end surface of the bale, the axis of rotation of the plastic roll is turned from an upright position into a substantially horizontal position and the bale is rotated so that the plastic film being stretched on the bale from the plastic roll (16) is caused to bend over the corner of the bale partly onto the envelope surface and partly onto the end surface of the bale.

Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is grasped in a packaging material holder while a load is wrapped. Packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material holder may be positioned on the rotating surface of a turntable but isolated from any electrical or fluid power source of a rotatable surface of the turntable. During the wrapping cycle, the packaging material holder moves downstream along the turntable, automatically releasing the leading end of the packaging material and automatically grasping a trailing end of the packaging material. The packaging material is weakened and then severed between the packaging material holder and the load. The packaging material holder is mounted to permit it to move upstream due to force exerted by the packaging material held in the holder.

Abstract: A band refeeding method in a banding packing machine is disclosed which can prevent the tip portion of a band from being excessively pulled back even if the band is not supplied correctly but is automatically pulled back, and can stay the band in a predetermined position and can successively supply the band to the band guide arch side. A length of a band to be pulled back to an original position by band pull back means is previously detected based on the number of rotations of a touch roller constituting band supply means. In addition, the number of rotations of the touch roller before reaching a predetected set value is detected when the tip portion of the band is pulled back. Then, a rotating speed of a roller of the band pull back means is reduced when the number of rotations is detected. Therefore, the roller of the band pull back means is subsequently rotated at the low speed, thereby pulling back the tip of the band to a predetermined position.

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

Abstract: A binding apparatus for packaging and paper recycling comprises of four separate holding trays, four legs connected to the trays, and several frames connecting the legs. Each of the trays holds a corner to a quarter of the area of the papers or materials which need to be bound. The four trays work together to hold papers or any materials that needs to be bound but there is a clearance between any two pairs of the trays. Given the clearance between the trays and the clearance between the frames and trays, human hands, ropes, or binding tools can go through to bind the papers without touching any one of the trays and without moving the objects which needs to be bound. The ropes are placed in the clearances between trays. Once the binding is finished, a stack of bound papers or materials can be removed directly from the top of the binding apparatus without moving the apparatus. The apparatus can be used for paper recycling, as magazine rack, or as furniture for decoration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated system and method of banding (bandoliering) a plurality of syringes. The system includes a feed device for receiving the plurality of syringe barrels and positioning the plurality of syringes according to a predetermined orientation and an indexed device for transferring the plurality of syringes in the predetermined orientation to a transport device that includes individual pockets for receiving and holding the syringes in a spaced relationship as the syringes are advanced due to movement of the transport device.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a wrapping web to a wrapping station, where a product is to be wrapped with the wrapping web, includes a backstand for holding a supply roll of the wrapping web and for unwinding and rewinding the wrapping web. The wrapping web falls under gravity on a conveyor which transports the wrapping web to the wrapping station without using bend rollers. The unwinding or rewinding speed of the backstand is controllably adjustable. An unused length of the wrapping web after wrapping is rewound onto the supply roll, leaving a portion dangling loosely from the supply roll and above the conveyor. Thus, the wrapping web can be automatically fed on demand to the wrapping station without human intervention and without the need of pre-feeding the wrapping web into the wrapping station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work method and apparatus for packing flower bouquets (3), in which large amounts of flower bouquets (3) are transported transversely on a conveyor belt (4) to a lifting conveyor belt (7) to a mounted thereon transversely placed feeding belt (17), which has compartments (20) which constantly contain a flower bouquet (3), which is brought from a horizontal to a vertical position, in which a box-shaped cell space (22) is created and a cross partition turns away and subsequently the flower bouquet (3) falls through a trap door instrument (24) into an already opened cover (25) and is then further processed and brought to a collecting box for shipment.

Abstract: A stack of sheet-type objects are bundled while supported on a support plate. A banding strip is guided in a channel formed in the plate. The support plate can be pushed through a shaft that is formed by a pair of spaced sidewalls. A tongue is displaceable between an extended position, in which it separates the channel from the surface of the supporting plate, and a withdrawn position in which the channel is placed in an open position with respect to the surface of the supporting plate. A spring is used to hold the banding strip in contact with an underside of the stack of sheet-type objects.

Abstract: An automated container production line for automatically removing, orienting, filling, sealing and providing a label and applying a straw to the outside of the labeled container is provided which utilizes a novel orienting conveyor for receiving unoriented containers from a supply bin and orienting the containers for a plurality of novel short production lines having a positioning screw conveyor which intermittently starts and stops the advancement of the containers as groups of containers in which various groups of containers are simultaneously filled, sealed, inspected and then subsequently transported to a sleeving device for adding labels, a heat shrink tunnel for fastening the sleeve to the container and then to a novel straw applicator for subsequently attaching a straw to the outside of the container.

Abstract: The distal end of a band remains held after a band-holding step. A band-tightening step is performed by operating a manual tightening switch, thereby driving a drive motor and hence rotating a drive roller under manual control. A band-sealing step and a band-feeding step are automatically and sequentially performed after a tightening stop switch is operated, generating a manual-tightening end signal. It is desirable to use a mode-changing switch for switching an operating mode of the apparatus between an automatic mode and a manual mode. The manual tightening switch and the tightening step are effective in the manual mode and are ineffective in the automatic mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a large round bale wrapped with a protective covering for permitting it to be stored outside. The covering is constructed of one or more layers of semi-permeable material. It is possible for an additional layer to be added to a region of the baler to be placed on the ground during storage, this additional layer resulting in the covering becoming essentially non-permeable in the region of the additional layer. A baler for applying the covering to a bale is disclosed together with a device for placing a visual marker on the bale so as to aid a person handling a discharged bale in knowing where the region covered with the additional layer of material is located so that this region may be manipulated into ground contact for storage.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stretch wrapping a load in an efficient manner so as to tightly and securely wrap the load at a desired tension without rupturing the packaging material. The method and apparatus compensate for variation in demand rate as the load is wrapped so as to apply the wrapping material to a load at a desired force, maintain the desired containment tension on the wrapping material on the load after wrapping, and prevent the wrapping material from rupturing during wrapping. The apparatus combines two systems, power assisted roller stretch (“PRS”) and roller stretch (“RS”) to vary the supply rate of the packaging material as the demand rate varies. The apparatus automatically switches between the two types of prestretch to achieve “high” and “low” wrapping force dependent upon the demand rate.

Abstract: A wrapping machine and a method for wrapping a plastic foil web (F) around an object. A gripping and cutting device (11) is connected to a lifting frame (3) supporting a circular guide track of a foil dispenser (6) so as to be vertically movable with the lifting frame. In the method, the wrapping action is started from a freely chosen point relative to the vertical direction of the object and ended correspondingly at a freely chosen point relative to the vertical direction of the object.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatus 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 strap is bonded together by the insertion of a heating element between the strap ends to activate the adhesive thereon. The strapping machine for accomplishing the above method is configured with a feed and tension unit configured to provide a simplified “V-shaped” strap path that reduces bending of the strap, reduces friction on the strap, and minimizes other strap feeding difficulties. The machine is further comprised of a track assembly configured with a track channel having a plurality of biased covers. The covers are biased in a closed position until tension is applied to the strap, which forces the covers to pivot open and release the strap around the bundle of objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and cutting film (1) comprises a unit (6) for gripping and tearing the film (1), located outside the profile of the platform (2) and designed to enable a portion of film of width (L1) between a stack (3) of products on the platform (2) and a film feed reel (4) to be intercepted after the stack (3) has been wrapped and to subsequently tear the portion of film (1) thus intercepted, acting in conjunction with a partial rotation of the platform (2).

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping groups of products with plastic film comprises: a platform that rotates about a vertical axis and supports a group of products which, as the platform rotates, are wrapped with the film to form a package; a reel, from which the film is unwound, which rotates about a vertical axis and which can move up and down in such a way as to wrap the group in height as the platform rotates; a unit for gripping and tearing the film mounted outside the profile of the platform and designed to intercept and grip at least one portion of the film located between the group and the reel (4) once the group has been wrapped, in such a way that, acting in conjunction with a partial rotation of the platform, it tears the film at that portion to form an end or trailing free edge of film torn off by the gripping and tearing unit.

Abstract: A packing tool for packing large articles such as image forming. apparatuses has a palette to place the article, and an article-fixing member to secure the article to the palette. The article-fixing member is accommodated in an accommodating section in the palette. When securing the article to the palette, the article-fixing member is pulled out and wound around the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an initial tail of film to a load while wrapping the load with packaging material are provided. The method includes holding a leading end of packaging material while providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap film around the load. A portion of the leading end of film is secured to a fixed wrapping structure while the leading end of the film is held. After the leading end is secured to the fixed wrapping structure, the leading end of the film is released. The released leading end of the film is then secured to the load. The apparatus includes means for holding a leading end of packaging material and means for providing relative rotation between the load and a dispenser to dispense packaging material. The apparatus also includes means for securing a held leading end of packaging material and means for securing a released leading end of packaging material between two layers of packaging material.

Abstract: A method of making a roofing product such as a shingle is provided. One such method includes creating a mixture having at least a polymer and a filler, forming a sheet from the mixture, cooling the sheet, embossing the sheet, forming multiple roofing products from the sheet and bundling at least some of the roofing products together. This method is performed using an automated procedure. Another method of the present invention involves creating a composite roofing product using mold cavities, using a robot to transfer some of the roofing products from some of the mold cavities to a conveying system, and stacking together at least two of the roofing products that have different colors of different surface configurations.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

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

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having a tapered base and a decorative skirt therein and securing the sleeve about a pot via a bonding material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping loads of goods and materials in a wrapping material such as a plastics film, including placing at least two battens in a spaced substantially parallel orientation on one surface of the load using a pick and place unit, partially wrapping the load with the wrapping material by rotating the load relative to a dispenser for the wrapping material and/or rotating the dispenser around the load, at a first wrapping station, to envelop the battens in the wrapping material and to hold the battens in place on the surface of the load, the battens being spaced apart to support the load and being adapted to receive therebetween the forks of a fork-lift truck for transporting the load. Preferably, the wrapping material overlaps the ends of the battens to hold the battens in position. The load is then turned through about 90° from the first wrapping station to a second wrapping station where the wrapping is completed.

Abstract: A means for binding wire around an object. The means comprises a feeding unit (2) with a feeding wheel (11) for feeding and stretching the wire (3). The measuring of fed wire length normally takes place in that the feeding wheel (11) rotates through a predetermined number of revolutions. Sliding between the wire (3) and feeding wheel (11), however, implies that the position of the wire cannot be determined accurately. As a solution of this problem a separate measuring means (5) is provided for continuously measuring the fed wire length (3), where the measuring is carried out without the measuring means (5) feeding the wire (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved polyolefin stretch wrap films having superior cling force, load retention, tear resistance and puncture resistance properties and for the methods of using those stretch wrap films. The stretch wrap films generally have a thickness of from about 0.4 to about 3 mils, a cling force onto itself of at least 140 g/inch, an F-50 dart drop strength of at least about 150 g/mil. The stretch wrap films are constructed in a multilayer fashion having at least one outside cling polyethylene copolymer layer containing a polyethylene resin preferably produced through metallocene catalyst technology.