Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for wrapping a round bale pressed in a round bale press at least about its cylindrical surface area with an at least unilaterally adhesive film (12). With the inventive method, the film (12) is pulled off by means of a pulling-off device (6, 7) from a film roll (11) in its entire width. During a predetermined space o time of said pulling-off operation, a film rope (13) is formed from the film (12). Said film rope (13) is introduced into the gap between the round bales (3) to be wrapped and a device forming the circumferential press chamber wall (2). By setting the round bale (3) into rotation, the film rope (13) present in the gap is carried along. The round bale (3) is so long rotated until the desired number of film layers has formed on the surface area of the round bale.

Abstract: A system for packaging multiple containers wherein a carrier is moved through an applicating machine, the carrier constructed of flexible plastic having a plurality of elongated apertures aligned in transverse ranks, which elongated apertures are oriented in a longitudinal direction of the carrier and have a longitudinal pitch between a center of each adjacent elongated aperture, the longitudinal pitch having a first length. A plurality of containers are also moved through the applicating machine, each container of the plurality of containers spaced apart from an adjacent container by the applicating machine. The carrier is subsequently positioned over the plurality of containers whereby each elongated aperture engages with one of the containers to form a package having a container pitch between a center of adjacent containers with a second length shorter then the first length.

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 a 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 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: An apparatus for making a tubular length (1) of stretch film is applicable to machines or lines (3) for making packages (C) containing groups of products wrapped with stretch film and comprises at least the following: a feed table (4), extending in a defined direction (D), on which the groups of products presenting a front face (5) are formed; a station (6) for making the packages (C), located on the feed table (4) and equipped with means (7) for unwinding the stretch film and forming the length (1) of the film around means (8) for preforming the package (C), the means (7) for unwinding and forming the length (1) of film comprising at least one roll (9) of stretch film located close to the preforming means (8); means (10) for cutting a length of the film unwound from the roll (9); means (11) for gripping the film and moving along a substantially ring-shaped path (P) in such a way as to wind the film around the package (C) preforming means (8) and place the leading and trailing ends (1a, 1b) of the length (1)

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: A fruit protection and transportation system providing various apparatus and methods to absorb impact and compression forces to reduce damage to fruit (3). Particular embodiments of the invention comprise a fruit protector blank (1) of resiliently compressible force absorption material having a substantially planar surface (2) that can be conformed to a portion of the exterior surface of various kinds of fruit (3). Other embodiments of the invention provide a molded force absorption cover (21) of resiliently compressible foam material that elastically conforms to a portion of the exterior surface of a fruit (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the automated wrapping of a bundle with a resilient stretchable film. The method comprises the steps of (i) unrolling a desired length of the film from a roll. The film has a first panel overlapping a second panel. The panels are interconnected at a sealed first end. (ii) Sealing a second end of the panels to bond them together by a second seal at the desired length. (iii) Cutting the film along the second seal to form a tube. (iv) Separating the first panel of the tube from the second panel by grasping film edges of each of the panels, whereby the tube may be opened. (v) Loading the tube in an opened position on an expandable frame, whereby at least a portion of the tube is accumulated in a folded condition on the expandable frame. (vi) Stretching the tube by expanding the expandable frame.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a packaging method and a packaging device in which a loading work and an unloading work for a packaged item performed by an operator can be reduced, a longitudinal length of the device can be made short and it can be manufactured in less-expensive manner.

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: A palletizing mechanism (PP, WB, HB1-1, HB-2) supplies a pallet and a length of wrapping paper for receiving successive rows of bags until a full pallet load is prepared. The palletizing apparatus can be mated to the bagger apparatus, and operated synchronously therewith under the management of a common programmable controller. The palletizer apparatus receives each stick of can ends in a predetermined orientation, and maintains the orientation vis-a-vis all sticks in a pallet load. The sticks are placed sequentially into a row of predetermined number of sticks, then that row is loaded onto the top of a layer of wrapping, the first row being supported on a suitable empty pallet, then the wrap is passed over the last placed row. This operation proceeds with the wrap supply following a to-and-fromotion until the desired number of rows is automatically built up on a pallet.

Abstract: A method and packaging apparatus for packaging products starting from a continuous packaging web which moves uninterruptedly and wherein the web is formed into a package tube and, by the application of cross seals, is divided in separate packaged products. Prior to its folding, the film web is then stretched for obtaining, after application of the cross seals, a shrinkback effect. Due to this shrinkback effect, a tight-fitting package is obtained. The invention particularly relates to the manner in which the stretching of the film web is controlled, so that a good reproducible shrinking effect is obtained without the film web being subjected to undesired loads.

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: The invention relates to a method for wrapping unit loads or packaged goods (2) using a section of elastic film (8) that is at least approximately hood-shaped, whereby the section of film is gathered and pulled over the unit load or packaged goods. The invention aims to provide a significantly faster packaging method of this type, which can be used in branches of industry with high production figures, e.g. white goods (dishwashers, refrigerators etc.). To achieve this, the section of film is gathered by a gathering device (3), then taken by a covering device (6) that can be displaced separately and subsequently pulled over the unit load or packaged goods, in particular being stretched beforehand. Another section of film can be gathered by the gathering device, while the previous section of film is still being pulled over the unit load or packaged goods.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for shrinking a heat-shrink foil wrapped in particular about a palleted object stack. in order to improve on such an apparatus so that shrinking of the foil part projectingg past upper and/or lower face is pmproved and produces an optimal fold-free shrinkage, an apparatus for shrining a heat-shrink foil wrapped in particular about a palleted object stack comprises at least one shrink device movable vertically up and down on a frame to heat and shrink the heat-shrink foil, the heat-shrink foil projecting past the upper and/or lower edge of the object stack to form an upper and/or lower shrink formation, the apparatus further comprising at least one nozzle connected to a compressed air source and aimed centrally above and/or below the object stack and generally vertically directed thereat, each nozzle having outlet openings that extend at an angle not coinciding with the flow direction inside the nozzle and that are in an annular array.

Abstract: The machine is provided with means (6, 8, 9, 11″, 13) for the controlled feeding of the plastics film to the forming head (17) which forms with the said film a continuous and descending tubular winding, in which are inserted the products to be packaged by means of a hopper (18). A heat-sealing unit (22) performs a longitudinal and continuous sealing (Z) upon the longitudinal and reciprocally superimposed edges of the said tubular winding and downstream of the forming device (17) sealing and transversal cutting means (23) perform upon the same tubular winding at least a double transversal continuous tight-sealing, for the head-closing of the filled bag and for the sealing of the bottom of the following bag, while a cut between the two sealing, separates the consecutive bags between them. These means can also comprise an incision device to facilitate the following tear-opening of the bag.

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: 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 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 plurality of trimmed products 5, pressed-finished products 6, sub-component products 7 or the like which are pre-coating stages of sheet metal parts are put on top of each other as semi-finished products and collectively packed by a rust-preventive sheet 12 to provide a collective style of packing for collective storage 10. This collective packing style for collective storage 10 is stored as one packing unit. Operation timing of the collective storage is when the forecasted number of demand reaches a predetermined number, for example, when cubic volume of a metal die coincides with cubic volume for storing all quantity of the semi-finished products to be stocked. At this point, all quantity of the semi-finished products of which the demand is forecasted are collectively manufactured and stored as a stock, wherein the metal die is scrapped.

Abstract: A method for wrapping groups of products with stretch film comprises the following steps: forming groups of products having a front and a longitudinal dimension following a line of feed; winding a stretch film unrolled from a first roll around a plurality of stretching rods positioned inside a film wrapping area and along the product group line of feed; forming a first tubular portion of stretch film; stretching the portion of film by moving the plurality of stretching rods to create an access area, whose transversal dimension is larger than the front, for a single group of products moving along the feed line; releasing the film portion to allow the portion to shrink and thus wrap over the group of products and thus wrapping it; expelling the wrapped package thus obtained onto the feed line.

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 simple operation winds film around, and thereby wraps therewith, a loadable object over its entire (six) surfaces. Film is wound spirally around the loadable object by revolving film feeders along a circular path about a horizontal axis while advancing the object through the circular path and along a path of the horizontal axis in one direction. After the loadable object is so spirally wrapped, it is rotated in a horizontal or vertical plane by an angle of 90 degrees. The loadable object is then advanced in the reverse direction again through the circular path while the film feeders are revolved as before to cause another film from the film feeders to be wound spirally around the loadable object. One film feeder may furnish a continuous strip of film, and another film feeder may furnish a continuous string of film formed by compression of such a strip of film.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method for producing a load of packages supported by a disposable/recyclable pallet. The system may comprise at least one palletizing station for producing a plurality of unwrapped palletized tiers of packages, a horizontal wrapping station for producing at least one horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages, a stacking station for stacking the unwrapped palletized tiers of packages on the horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages, and a base applicator for fixedly applying a base to a bottom surface of the horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages.

Abstract: A method for packaging food, which comprises packaging food in an at least eight-layer co-extruded, adhesive free and EVOH-free thermoformable film comprised of polyamide, polyolefin, and/or copolymers based on olefins, wherein the film has a first outer layer comprised of polyamide, a second outer layer comprised of a polyolefin or olefin copolymer and the film does not delaminate at temperatures between 50° C. and 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wrapping device for welding a stretch film to a tray, and particularly a wrapping device that can provide a good appearance after the wrapping, and can suppress disadvantages in a transporting operation. A wrapping device 1 covers a top opening of a tray T with a stretch film Fm, welds the stretch film to the tray T, and thermally cuts it. The wrapping device 1 includes a stretch mechanism 9, a control portion and a film winding portion 53. The stretch mechanism 9 stretches the stretch film Fm. The control portion controls the stretch mechanism 9 to stretch the stretch film Fm at least before welding the stretch film Fm to the tray T. The film winding portion 53 winds up the stretch film Fm after the thermal cutting.

Abstract: The invention provides a wrapping system for stretch-wrap plastic film. Plastic film (25) is partially pre-stretched by a selected amount and then relaxed prior to winding on a core (14). The film (25) is subsequently further stretched as it is drawn from the core (14) immediately prior to wrapping a load on a pallet, for example. The partial pre-stretching is preferably carried out in a number of steps by leading film (25) from a roll (10) over three rollers (15, 16, 17) in turn. These rollers (15, 16, 17) are driven at different speeds, the third roller (17) having a greater speed than the second roller (16) which in turn has a greater speed than the first roller (15). Thus, the film (25) is stretched in three steps prior to relaxing the film (25) and winding the relaxed film (25) on a core (14). The core (14) can be mounted on a hand-held dispenser which applies the final stretch to the film (25).

Abstract: A packaging machine is described. A plurality of working stations is arranged between the input side and output side of the machine. A conveyor moves packages carrying a product along a path from the input side to the output side through the working stations. A device feeds a cover film onto the packages. The cover film has two layers bonded together with a limited bonding strength. A first layer has a portion protruding beyond said second layer. Another device separates the first layer from the second layer in a defined region extending across the cover film transversely to the conveyor path. The separator seals the defined region of the cover film and supplies a pressurized fluid to said defined region. The defined region includes at least part of the protruding portion of the first layer. A method of using the packaging machine to package product also is described along with the package that is made.

Abstract: A fuselage of an aircraft or other portion of a motive craft is sealed with a heat shrinkable film section. After the film section is emplaced, a double-sided adhesive strip or adhesive transfer is wrapped therearound. Then, adjoining sections of film are adhered to the tape or adhesive to form an overlap. When heat is applied to the film an airtight seal is formed. The adhesive film may be used to adhere together adjacent other sections of heat shrinkable sheets assembled in similar overlapping fashion. The heat shrinkable material may be pre-formed to loosely conform to the sections of the craft to which it is to be adhered. A plurality of such loosely conformable sections can be pre-packaged in a kit form having the adhesive medium disposed at the outer or free edges thereof. The heat shrinkable material may be a multi-layered material having a shrinkable first layer and a cushioning second layer.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved package wrapping machine which produces a wrapped product having a good seal and a favorable appearance for packages of varying sizes and shapes. More particularly, these improvements are obtained by utilizing a novel film gripper having sections that are separately disengageable to release tension on lateral sections of the film web during the wrapping of smaller than average packages, thereby preventing unwanted stretching of the film so as to promote a good seal for the packaged goods and avoid the formation of unsightly film tails. Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel package pusher is utilized to convey the package to be wrapped from a package infeed location to a registration position on the package wrapping elevator.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for enclosing a head portion of a stethoscope in a barrier material. The packaging apparatus includes a housing having an interior with an opening for allowing the insertion of a head portion of a stethoscope into the interior. A sensor assembly detects the insertion of the head portion of the stethoscope. A door assembly selectively closes the opening. The door assembly comprises a door member and a door actuator. The door member is movable between an open position and a closed position. A vacuum assembly evacuates air from the interior. A table member supports a section of a roll of barrier material comprising individual plastic sleeves. A feed assembly positions the barrier material. A handling assembly manipulates an open end of the sleeves. The handling assembly includes an upper attachment member and a lower attachment member for releasably attaching to top and bottom sides of the open end of the sleeve respectively.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrap feeding mechanism mounted to the rear and bottom of the bale discharge gate. The feeding mechanism includes upper and lower feed rolls, with the lower roll being located closer to the discharge gate than the lower roll and, the pair of rolls thus being arranged to deliver wrapping material against an upright run of bale forming belts, the latter acting to carry the net to a pinch point formed between the belts, where they pass around a lower rear belt support roll, and a guide pan of a net material guide assembly that extends beneath and adjacent a lower run of the belts. A net wrap material cut-off device includes a fixed knife blade located forwardly of and extending parallel to the lower feed roll. The cut-off device further includes a pair of transversely spaced cut-off arms between which extend and to which are fixed an anvil.

Abstract: Apparatus for packing a pack of boards, eg plaster board, for wrapping and then delivery to a site is disclosed. The apparatus 1 comprises broadly about 30 to 40 board storage units or bins 2, 3 arranged in two sets. Each bin 2, 3 stores a different size and specification of plasterboard. The apparatus 1 also includes a conveyor 4 onto which the boards are tipped from the bin 2, 3 and which conveys the boards from the bins 2, 3 to a packing point. The apparatus 1 also includes a stacker 5 at the packing point for stacking the boards and also attaching for tying the boards together to form a single pack suitable for transport to the site.

Abstract: A new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine has incorporated therein a new and improved mechanism or system for implementing the downward folding of outwardly projecting edge or tab portions of slip sheets interposed between successive tiers, levels, or layers of articles or goods forming a palletized load. The folding mechanism or system comprises a plurality of vertically oriented posts which are initially disposed above the outwardly projecting tab portions, subsequently independently aligned with outer edge portions of the outwardly projecting tab portions of the slip sheets, and thereafter lowered so as engage the tab portions of the slip sheets and fold the same vertically downwardly against the vertical sides of the palletized load such that the downwardly folded tab portions can now be enveloped within the wrapping or packaging film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a group of rolls of at least two rolls of paper, board or cellulosic material web, said method comprising the steps of separating apart from each other the rolls (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) of a roll set received from said slitter-winder (1), and combining desired rolls (3, 4, 5) of the roll set into a multi-roll pack. At least one of the desired rolls (3, 4, 5) to be included in the multi-roll pack is taken apart from the other rolls (6, 7) of the roll set resting on a conveyor (8, 9) and is moved to a waiting station (10) and is then moved back from the waiting station (10) onto the conveyor (9) in a manner allowing the desired rolls (3, 4, 5) of the multi-roll pack to be sorted into a desired order having the adjacent ends of the rolls facing each other.

Abstract: A new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine has incorporated therein a new and improved mechanism or system for implementing the downward folding of outwardly projecting edge or tab portions of slip sheets interposed between successive tiers, levels, or layers of articles or goods forming a palletized load. The folding mechanism or system comprises a plurality of vertically oriented posts which are initially disposed above the outwardly projecting tab portions, subsequently independently aligned with outer edge portions of the outwardly projecting tab portions of the slip sheets, and thereafter lowered so as engage the tab portions of the slip sheets and fold the same vertically downwardly against the vertical sides of the palletized load such that the downwardly folded tab portions can now be enveloped within the wrapping or packaging film.

Abstract: A connector is attached to one end of plastic wrapping film as it is deployed from a roll. A connector firmly holds one end of the plastic wrap material as it is bunched together. An operator, once having connected the plastic to the connector, then attaches the connector to a package to be wrapped. The plastic is then deployed (either manually or automatically) from the roll around the package.

Abstract: A container package assembly which comprises a first support member and a second support member, a plurality of containers, a top pad, and a membrane. The first support member having a first side, the second support member having a second side. The first support member and the second support member being arranged along a common plane wherein the first edge is immediately adjacent to the second edge. Each of the support members constructed and arranged to receive a predetermined number of containers thereon. A top pad positioned on top of the containers, the top pad dimensioned to extend over at least a portion of each of the support members. The support members, the predetermined number of containers and the top pad comprising an assembly, the assembly at least partially encapsulated by the membrane.

Abstract: A method of packaging by wrapping and a wrapping machine (20), in which method a top film (64) is cut into a top film sheet (65) and pulled on top of a top film carrier (54) turned upside down, to a position above the object being packaged (31). After this the carrier and the top film held in place by means of suction nozzles (55) are turned around and pressed with the help of the pressing device (53) onto the object being packaged. During the first stage of wrapping, the edges of the top film sheet are held up by means of the suction nozzles of the carrier and plastic film web is wrapped around the article being packaged from bottom to top. After this, the edges of the top film sheet are pressed down by means of blow nozzles, and plastic film web is also wrapped on top of the edges of the plastic film sheet.

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 process for pallet packaging includes steps of maintaining the pallet stationary, and subjecting a spool supplying the packing film to a movement around the pallet of rectangular trajectory, whereby in each cycle or turn of the spool four segments of rectilinear displacement are defined therefor related one to another through orthogonal inflections, and whereby the pressure of the film is maintained constant throughout the wrapping, avoiding risks of the same being torn. The spool is mounted on a headstock in association directly or indirectly with the free extremity of the multiple articulated arm of a robot, with an operating program developed for the aforementioned movements.

Abstract: A wipe-down implement system, for performing a wipe-down operation upon a trailing end portion of a wrapping film wrapped around a palletized load, comprises a support arm pivotally mounted upon a vertical standard between a first position remote from the palletized load and a second position adjacent to the load, and a wipe-down implement pivotally mounted upon the support arm between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A process of applying a polymeric film sleeve to a product by a stretch sleeving process is provided. In one aspect the product has a tapered cuboidal shape having four converging sides with which the polymeric film sleeve maintains contact. In another aspect two polymeric film sleeves are applied perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A film roll changer for a stretch film wrapping device provides rolls of film on a turntable. The changer moves into position beneath a roller carriage assembly, lifts a carrier plate to remove a spent roll, rotates a new roll into place, inserts the film into the roller carriage, pulls out an end of the film. The changer then closes the carriage assembly and transfers the film end to the wrapping device.

Abstract: A system and method for severing a portion of a wrapping film for facilitating the detachment and attachment of trailing and leading end portions of the wrapping film from and onto loads disposed at a wrapping station in conjunction with film wrapping operations being performed upon loads being wrapped at a wrapping station comprises an actuating arm movable between retracted and extended positions and upon which a fixed clamping member and a movable clamping member are mounted such that the movable clamping member can move toward and away from the fixed clamping member so as to define therewith CLOSED and OPENED positions. Upon termination of a wrapping operation, the actuating arm is moved from its retracted position to its extended position, the clamping members are moved to their CLOSED position so as to clamp a portion of the wrapping film therebetween, and a hot-wire cutter is energized so as to sever a portion of the clamped film.

Abstract: A method for making aerated concrete blocks includes dispensing materials for making aerated concrete into a mold and allowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body. The body may be divided into an array of blocks which are then cured. At least one passageway may be formed in each block, such as by drilling. The drilling may include drilling a plurality of spaced apart passageways through each block, and each passageway may have a circular cylindrical shape. The passageways permit easier grasping by the mason, reduce the weight without significantly compromising strength, and facilitate positioning of blocks during construction of a wall to facilitate the placement of vertical reinforcing members in aligned passageways. The positioning of the passageways in each of the blocks may assist alignment of adjacent passageways, especially at wall corners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a package comprising a roll of asphaltic roofing or siding material wrapped with a stressed polymeric membrane having an elasticity of at least 4%.

Abstract: A multilayer stretch film comprises a first layer having cling properties and comprising an homogeneously-branched copolymer of ethylene and a C4-8 &agr;-olefin, the copolymer having a density in the range 0.850 to 0.890 g/cm3, and a second layer having substantially no cling properties and comprising at least 80 wt. % of a low density polyethylene having a density in the range 0.915 to 0.940 g/cm3. Optionally, the film may comprise at least one core layer between the first and second layers. Films of this type are particularly suited to palletisation of loads.