Abstract: A device for tensioning and securing the ends of packing straps which are pressed by a pressure plate against a tensioning wheel. The pressure plate is designed to be lifted off of the tension wheel by the operating lever thereby allowing rotation of the tensioning wheel via an actuator element, thus enabling insertion of the strap ends into the tensioning device. This arrangement makes a special release lever unnecessary.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a flexible strap to an article, such as a roll of paper product, in a predetermined position with respect to a surface on the article, such as an end face of a roll, and in proper alignment with the end face to prevent loosening of the strap at a later time. A generally plate-like guide member has a strap guide surface thereon and a strapping head for feeding the strap around the guide surface for engagement with the article to be strapped. The guide member is mounted on linear bearings for translation with respect to a support frame. A spherical bearing is interposed between the linear bearing and the guide member to allow the guide member to be skewed with respect to the linear bearings to align itself with the end face or other surface on the article to be strapped.

Abstract: An apparatus for bundling truss plates includes comprises means for forming a plurality of truss plates and means for forming these truss plates into a unitized bundle that is easily shipped, stored, and handled. The apparatus can include means for orienting each of the plurality of truss plates so that the backing members are substantially parallel to a predetermined plane, aligning means for aligning the oriented truss plates so that the peripheries of their backing members are substantially aligned, stacking means for stacking the oriented and aligned truss plates, and interconnecting means for interconnecting the stacked truss plates into a unitized bundle.

Abstract: A tensioning and sealing apparatus for strapping an object (2) with a plastic band (1) includes a housing (3) having a tensioning unit (4) for retaining two ends (6, 7) of the plastic band (1) which are to be sealed and for tensioning the same and having a sealing unit (5) for connecting the two mutually overlapping ends (6, 7). The tensioning unit (4) has a tensioning shoe (10) and a toothed tensioning wheel (13) which is mounted on a pivotable rocker (11), which can be driven via a tensioning shaft (12), and which is intended for pressing the plastic band (1) against the tensioning shoe (10) and for gripping the same upon rotation. The bearing (15) of the pivotable rocker (11) is arranged on the side of the tensioning shoe (10) and behind the latter in the tensioning direction (14), the rocker axis being located between a bearing surface (16) of the tensioning shoe (10) and a base plate (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for bundling truss plates includes comprises means for forming a plurality of truss plates and means for forming these truss plates into a unitized bundle that is easily shipped, stored, and handled. The apparatus can include means for orienting each of the plurality of truss plates so that the backing members are substantially parallel to a predetermined plane, aligning means for aligning the oriented truss plates so that the peripheries of their backing members are substantially aligned, stacking means for stacking the oriented and aligned truss plates, and interconnecting means for interconnecting the stacked truss plates into a unitized bundle.

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: A strapping machine is disclosed which enables a prolonged life of the driving force supplying means for feeding/tightening a band such as an electric motor to be realized, and which enables maintenance operations such as replacement and adjustment of the parts to be carried out with ease, and whose structure can be rendered simple and inexpensive as a whole, and yet which enables energy saving to be realized. The strapping machine comprising a band feeding/tightening means F adapted to conduct feeding, primary tightening, secondary tightening of a band B to be looped around a periphery of an object to be strapped and the like operation; wherein said band feeding/tightening means F is so constructed as to carry out feeding, primary tightening and secondary tightening of the band B by driving a roller 8 by means of a driving means M2 which is capable of being controlled among rotation, reverse rotation and stopped state.

Abstract: An apparatus for hooping a package is described, in which the band in its end position, applied to the package and tensioned, defines a hooping plane which extends in the conveying direction. A band guide channel in the form of a plane, rectangular frame intersects the hooping plane at an acute angle in an intersection line at right angles to the conveying direction. The otherwise customary binding head has a stationary device for holding fast and joining the band loop ends and for separating the oncoming band, and a pivotable device separate therefrom for the insertion and pulling-back of the band. The pivotable device has a pivot axis substantially coinciding with the intersection line. On the insertion of the band into the band guide channel said pivotable device is situated in the frame plane and is pivoted into the hooping plane before or during the pulling-back of the band.

Abstract: A strapping machine is disclosed which is adapted to be capable of constantly attaining a stable secondary tightening force and thereby capable of preventing a band from coming off the object under strapping, which enables a reduced power consumption cost to be realized, and which can be constructed simply and inexpensively as a whole. The strapping machine comprises a feed/backfeed stepping motor M2 as a source of driving force for a mechanism F including a feed/backfeed roller 8 for conducting feed and backfeed of a band B to be looped around a periphery of an object to be strapped and the like operation; the strapping machine being provided with a reverse rotation preventive means 87, S for timely locking rotation of the feed/backfeed roller 8 in the feed direction D.sub.F of the band B while always permitting rotation of the feed/backfeed roller 8 in the backfeed direction D.sub.B of the band B.

Abstract: A device for forming a stack of printed sheets. The device includes a conveying device for conveying the printed sheets in an imbricated flow vertically downwards and an approximately horizontal stack support disposed below the conveying device and having an entrance end for receiving the printed sheets. The stack support has a working region where stacks of the printed sheets are formed, and, disposed downstream of the working region in a stack formation direction, a pressing region where formed stacks of the printed sheets are compressed.

Abstract: A strapping machine is disclosed which enables the operation cams such as the press cam, the heater cam, the slide cam and the like as well as the cam driving motor to be miniaturized, and which is capable of diminishing damages on the operation cams to realize prolonged lives of the cams and hence optimally eliminating cumbersome maintenance operations such as replacement of the cams, and yet whose structure can be rendered simple and inexpensive as a whole, and which enables energy saving to be realized. The strapping machine comprises a band feeding/tightening means F for feeding/tightening a band B to be looped around a periphery of an object to be strapped and the like operation; a band leading end treating means K including a mechanism for conducting a procedure which includes holding, pressing, fusing, cutting the band B and the like operation by actions of a plurality of cams 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26; and a cam driving stepping motor M2 for driving said cams 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26.

Abstract: A strapping machine having a base plate with a pivoting member pivotably hinged on a front portion of the base plate. A turnbuckle interconnects the pivoting member and the base plate to adjust the position of the pivoting member relative to the base plate. A strap feed and take-up mounting member is adjustably mounted up and down along the pivoting member, and a strap feed and take-up assembly is mounted on a mounting surface of the strap feed and take-up mounting member. A chute having a rectangular frame with a channel for receiving a strap from the strap feed and take-up assembly is coupled to the strap feed and take-up assembly, wherein the chute is pivotably adjustable in relation to the base plate, and wherein the chute is adjustable up and down along the pivoting member. Removable wheel mounting bars are disposed on the front and rearward portions of a bottom surface of the base plate, and each wheel mounting bar includes casters disposed on opposite ends thereof by a shoulder screw.

Abstract: A machine for making bundles (3) of sheets (2), in particular signatures, wrapped by means of a wrapping machine (15), including: a first pusher (7) which moves said bundles (3) in the direction (A) against a stop (10); means (17, 20) suitable to keep the bundle (3) pushed against the stop (10) when the first pusher (7) moves away from the bundle (3) to return in the rear position; and a second pusher (13) which moves the bundle (3) in the direction (B) perpendicular to the groove (16) in which the wrapper of the wrapping machine (15) arranged side by side with the machine is housed.

Abstract: A package banding machine for wrapping each of plural packages with a band. The machine includes a package conveyor for continuously moving successive packages in-line in a machine direction at a set line speed. A series of band transfer heads connected to a transfer head conveyor are provided for transferring separate package bands from a supply source into overlying proximity with each package's obverse face, the transfer head conveyor also moving at the set line speed. A band forming head is cooperatively associated with the band transfer head, the forming head functioning to deform each band around against opposed side faces of a package after the transfer head has positioned the band against the package's obverse face.

Abstract: An arrangement for ordering and binding an elongated object, in particular a cable tree (4), comprises an ordering device (1) for example a laying board with supports for a cable tree, which determines the position of the object. It also comprises a binding device which binds the object with a tape (16). To this end, the binding device has a wrapping guide (2, 3) which wraps the tape around the object (4) and a sealing device (5) with a device (17) for joining the ends of the tape. The sealing device (5) can be moved relative to the ordering device (1) so that it can be placed at the various binding sites (18) in the object (4). According to the invention, at least part of the wrapping guide (2, 3, 20, 30) is arranged on the ordering device (1), i.e., at each of the binding sites (18). The sealing device (5) is therefore not attached to the binding device until it is placed on one of the wrapping guides (2, 3, 20, 30).

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: An automated applicator (120) for forming a welded identification sleeve (34) around an elongate object, such as a conductor (16), includes a base (124, 146, 148) defining a receiving surface (186) for receiving the conductor. A reversible line-feed printer (18) for feeding a weldable material strip (24) is positioned adjacent the receiving surface of the base. The printer is capable of selective operation in an advance mode to advance the leading end portion (22) of the material strip toward a first end of the base and transversely past the conductor, and a reverse mode in which the material strip is retracted away from the first end of the base. The applicator includes a guide member (151) mounted on the base and positionable adjacent the receiving surface for guiding the lead portion of the material strip, when advanced by the printer, around the elongate object. When so advanced, the leading end portion of the material strip overlaps the material strip in order to wrap the conductor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coil (1) of a continuous flexible object (2), such as cable and line, and enveloping the coil to form a parcel (27) for delivery to a user, said object (2) being coiled onto an axially open, cylindrical sleeve (28) to produce said coil. According to the invention the sleeve (28) is provided with two protective rings (29, 30) and is brought to be fixed by a first tool (9) so that the sleeve (28) is firmly clamped between two parallel side supports (10, 11) and centered by centering elements (24) of the side supports, whereby a first rotatable unit (36) is formed. The cable or line (2) is attached to said first unit (36) and the unit (36) is brought to rotate in a coiling machine (3) so that the cable or line is formed to said coil (1).

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus includes transport mechanism (40, 42) for feeding a stack of sheets, such as currency notes, from a position in which the stack is accessible to a user of the apparatus into a secure container. A stack banding device (138) is arranged to form a band around the stack during feeding of the stack from the accessible position into the container. The band comprises two self-adhesive labels which are respectively peeled off two carrier strips (166) wound around two spools (168) included in the stack banding device (138). A printer is arranged to print stack identification data on each band. The stack banding device (138) may be used in an ATM for identifying a stack of currency notes which a customer has failed to collect at an exit port of the ATM and which has been fed into a rejected note container.

Abstract: An improved power strapping machine comprising a strapping device and a soft touch package compression device. The strapping device includes plurality of coils for supplying strapping to a guide apparatus. A chute apparatus for routing strapping around an article or package to be strapped is connected to the guide apparatus. The machine includes sensors and a control circuit adapted to operate the machine continuously without the need to stop production, since when one coil is out of strapping or a misfeed occurs, the machine will automatically load another coil of strapping and continue strapping packages. The soft touch package compression device uses pneumatic-drive chain drive systems for moving soft belts up and down. The soft belts compress the package so that the strapping device can place a tight strap around the package.

Abstract: A welded sleeve applicator (10) and method for forming an identification sleeve (34) around an elongate object (16) is disclosed. A leading end portion (22) of a continuous strip (24) of identification indicia-bearing, ultrasonically weldable material is fed by a printer (18) onto a base (12), passing under an elongate object that is received on the base. The leading end portion of the material strip overlies a flexible wrapping strap (26). A pivot arm (28) wraps the strap and the leading end portion of the material strip around the elongate object. The wrapped leading end portion of the material strip is retained in place over an adjacent second portion (100) of the material strip by a vacuum drawn through a guide (30). The pivot arm and wrapping strap are removed, and an ultrasonic welding horn (32) is lowered to weld the leading end portion and the second portion of the material strip together, forming an indicia-bearing, tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A method of unitizing a cargo of multiple substantially identical high density hay bales into a multiple non-palletized units capable of being handled by a forklift truck or the like and fitted into shipping containers and utility vehicle cargo spaces comprises the steps of selecting a plurality of substantially identical high density bales of hay, arranging the plurality of bales of hay into selected size stacks of at least one layer of multiple horizontal rows, and wrapping multiple layers of an elongated continuous sheet of pre-stretched polymeric film having a memory horizontally around the plurality of bales of hay.

Abstract: A clamping and cut-off apparatus for a banding strap around an object, including a convex shaped knife and a concave shaped cutting member operable to cut an arcuate shape in a banding strap which has been initially fed intermediate the edges of the concave shaped cutting member and the convex shaped knife and thence around an object. Crimping members are reciprocally and pivotally mounted in the housing adjacent the clamping member to seal together overlapping portions of the strap just prior to the cutting operation. The bottom portion of the housing is slidably removed from between the sealed and cut strap and the external banded object.

Abstract: A tool which is adapted to removably engage a rolled semi-rigid, plastic label, retaining the label in an open orientation to facilitate placement of the label on a pipe. In the preferred embodiment, the tool includes an elongated handle connected to and extending outwardly from the bottom side of a base plate. A plurality of support posts attach to and extend outwardly from the top side of the base plate, and support a pair of label racks proximate the free ends of the support posts. Each of the label racks has at least one label engaging flange disposed on one side thereof. The label racks are disposed apart from one another on the support posts in an opposed, inwardly facing manner. The label engaging flanges are thus disposed in an opposed, inwardly facing surface to releasably engage opposite edges of a rolled plastic label and releaseably retain the rolled plastic label in an opened configuration for placement on the pipe.

Abstract: A leaf paper bundling apparatus winds a tape around the periphery of a stack of leaf papers. A stacking device stacks and aligns a predetermined number of leaf papers in an upright position in a direction parallel to the short edges of the leaf papers. Left and right holding fingers are employed to hold the stacked leaf papers and transfer the stacked leaf papers to a bundling position, maintaining the upright position of the stacked leaf papers. A tape fed by a tape supply is wound around the stacked leaf papers by a tape winding device. The tape is tightened about the stacked leaf papers, and a pair of clamping members clamp the stacked leaf papers therebetween. The clamping members each have spaced contact edges straddling the tape. The stacked leaf papers can then be tightly held together without interfering with the winding of the tape about the stacked leaf papers.

Abstract: The apparatus (4) manually operable with a tightening lever (16) has a cutting station (8), a tightening station (10) and a clamping station (12). The latter has a clamping arm (18) mounted on an eccentric shaft (20) and having a clamping shoe (40) through which the strip end (3) inserted in the strip channel (5) is clamped. The clamping shoe (40) is laterallly displaced with respect to the axis of the eccentric shaft (20) in the direction of the strip end (3) in the vicinity of a clamping nose (35) supported on the supporting face (36) of the apparatus casing (15). On lowering the clamping shoe (18) into the clamping positioning an additional clamping force on the clamping shoe (40) is exerted by the clamping nose (35) guided on the supporting surface (36).

Abstract: A thermoplastic tape is wrapped around a package and is tightened by the disclosed strapping or banding apparatus. The ends of the plastic tape can be welded together by a combined strapping and sealing apparatus or even with a separate sealing apparatus. The strapping apparatus includes a positioning system which ensures that a slotted wheel intended for tightening the plastic tape, once the operating cycle is complete, always assumes an optimum position for the re-insertion of the plastic tape. The use of the strapping apparatus is thereby substantially facilitated, since the operator normally does not have any hands free to adjust the slotted wheel that would otherwise be necessary for tape insertion.

Abstract: At least one binder means (40,42) for tying together projecting parts (T,W) of the plants (p) each held in a retainer (30) and at least one cutter means (44,46) for shortening projecting parts (T,W) of the plants (P) are arranged beside a conveyor (12) which comprises retainers (30) for a plant (P) each. Each retainer (30) includes at least one upwardly open fork (26,28) into which a plant (P) can be put and at least one bow (64) to press down the plant (P). Each bow (64) is pivotable about a transverse axis, is biased by a spring (73) in the sense of an opening movement, and is adapted to be locked in various closing positions by a ratchet mechanism (66,68). In a starting range of the conveyor (12) there is an actuating member (74) which acts on a control member (72) at each bow (64) so as to pivot it in closing direction. In a final range of the conveyor (12) there is a control member (80) for release of the ratchet mechanism (66,68).

Abstract: A tensioning and sealing apparatus, for tensioning and sealing a strap made of a plastic passed around a packaged item, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a clamping device for securing a lower starting section of a plastic strap. The apparatus of the invention further includes a tensioning device for both tensioning the strap and for acting upon an upper section thereof. Upstream from the tensioning device, a friction welding device is provided which preferably includes two welding dies, which are movable relative to one another, for joining mutually overlapping regions of the strap. A cutting member is further provided, preferably arranged between the friction welding device and the tensioning device, for cutting through the upper section of the strap after the strap has been welded.

Abstract: Strapper with a mechanism that has a tensioning wheel and tensions a section or steel strap obtained from a supply role and wrapped around a package and with a mechanism that has a stationary lower jaw and an upper jaw that executes a punching motion, fastening together the overlapping ends of the strap with at least two pairs of angled cuts positioned along the strap. The upper jaw that executes the punching motion is mounted and operated such that, as it executes its intended punching motion, one of the pairs of angled cuts begins to be introduced before the other pair does. To introduce the pairs of angled cuts, the operating surface of the upper jaw, the surface, that is, that faces the lower jaw, executes an essentially roller motion over the operating surface of the lower jaw combined with a motion that approaches the upper jaw to the lower jaw, so that the motion that introduces the first pair of angled cuts to begin terminates before the next pair of cuts to begin.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing slide fasteners as they arrive in a longitudinal transport direction one after the other at a predetermined travel speed from a production facility has a speedup conveyor receiving the arriving slide fasteners and operating at a speed substantially higher than the travel speed thereof and a separating conveyor running transversely of the speedup conveyor and having an upstream end receiving the fasteners from the speedup conveyor and a downstream end transversely offset therefrom. A collection trough having a floor inclined to the horizontal, upper and lower ends, and a plate blocking the lower end is positioned underneath the separating conveyor to receive the fasteners therefrom and a downstream trough is aligned longitudinally with and has an upstream end separated by a space from the collection trough, a floor formed with a throughgoing aperture, and a downstream end. A collection vessel is provided underneath the downstream end of the downstream trough.

Abstract: Printed products arriving in an imbricated formation are wound-up into a product or package roll about which there is placed a wrapper or envelope which retains together the package roll. For easier handling of the product or package roll such is provided with an endless carrying loop. This endless carrying loop is formed by a carrying element, such as a knotted cord, rope, string or the like which extends through an internal opening or hollow interior of the product or package roll and to the outer side or surface of such product or package roll.

Abstract: The apparatus has a strip support (12) which can be advanced in relation to gripping members (14) in order to pre-tension strip sections (6,8) against the clamping members. The clamping members feed, tension and weld the strip sections superimposed on the strip support (12). To improve feeding and tensioning and to avoid damage to the strip parts, the gripping members (14) are fixed to a link conveyor (48) which is guided over two guide wheels and from which at least one clamping member projects at the corresponding strip section (6).

Abstract: A package strapping machine draws a thermoplastic strap off of a reel, loops the strap around a package, clamps a leading end of the strap, and then tightens the strap around the package with a strap tightening mechanism. A trailing end of the strap is cut underneath the leading end, and then both these ends are automatically welded together. When the strap is tightened, a portion of the strap is fed back towards the reel. The reel is provided with a device for rewinding this portion of the strap. A spiral spring stores energy from the rotation of the reel when the strap is drawn off, and when the strap is fed back the spiral spring causes the reel to rotate so as to rewind the strap. Because the strap is fed back towards the reel faster than the reel can rewind the strap, a loose strap portion accumulates between the reel and the strap tightening mechanism.

Abstract: A thermoplastic tape is wrapped around a package and is tightened by the disclosed strapping or banding apparatus. The ends of the plastic tape can be welded together by a combined strapping and sealing apparatus or even with a separate sealing apparatus. The strapping apparatus includes a positioning system which ensures that a slotted wheel intended for tightening the plastic tape, once the operating cycle is complete, always assumes an optimum position for the re-insertion of the plastic tape. The use of the strapping apparatus is thereby substantially facilitated, since the operator normally does not have any hands free to adjust the slotted wheel that would otherwise be necessary for tape insertion.

Abstract: Apparatus for banding a stack of envelopes includes an elevator mechanism which moves the stack in a path between a first lowermost position to a second uppermost position; first and second tensioning units for applying a tensioning force to a first banding strap positioned across the path at a first location between the first and second positions and extending in a first longitudinal direction; first and second sealing and separating units for wrapping, sealing and separating opposite ends of the first elastic banding strap about the stack of envelopes when the elevator mechanism has moved the stack of envelopes past the first location; third and fourth tensioning units for applying a tensioning force to a second elastic banding strap positioned across the path at a second location between the first and second positions and extending in a second widthwise direction substantially transverse to said first longitudinal direction; third and fourth sealing and separating units for wrapping, sealing and separating

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for a group of containers includes a tray-shaped bottom including a planar bottom wall and circumferential walls extending substantially normal to the plane of the bottom wall to form a rim which initially confines the containers in their positions during the formation of the packaging arrangement. The packaging arrangement further includes a strap-shaped typing member that encircles the containers and ultimately confines them in their positions and that carries a handle by which the packaging arrangement and the containers accommodated therein can be held. A separate cover to be joined to the tray-shaped bottom and surrounding the containers and the strap-shaped typing member encircling the same completes the packaging arrangement and has an opening for the passage of the handle from the interior to the exterior of the cover.

Abstract: A package strapping machine is capable of strapping a package with an adjusted, gentle force by welding ends of a thermoplastic strap. The machine is provided with a strap-elevating member in proximity to a strap-receiving element mounted on a pivotal member. Overlapping ends of a thermoplastic strap are looped around the strap-receiving element and the package, and are then welded under the strap-receiving element. The strap-receiving element is then withdrawn from between an under surface of the package and the welded portion of the strap. The strap-elevating member elevates the welded portion of the strap, slackened due to gentle tightening, from a point below to a point above the height of the strap-receiving element, with the result that the slackened, welded portion of the strap is held above the strap-receiving element as it returns to its original position. The strap thus does not impede the movement of the strap-receiving element.

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

Abstract: Printed products arriving in an imbricated formation are wound-up into a product or package roll about which there is placed a wrapper or envelope which retains together the package roll. For easier handling of the product or package roll such is provided with an endless carrying loop. This endless carrying loop is formed by a carrying element, such as a knotted cord, rope, string or the like which extends through an internal opening or hollow interior of the product or package roll and to the outer side or surface of such product or package roll.

Abstract: Apparatus for collating and stacking building components, for example tiles, has pairs of conveyors with shelves for supporting edges of tiles. The tiles are fed to the shelves by a conveyor and the pairs of conveyors move upwardly in timed relation to locate tiles on the shelves. When all the shelves are full, the pairs of conveyors move downwards and apart to deposit the tiles in a stack on to a support. The timing of this avoids shock loads on the tiles. The stack of components is then banded and removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: There is described a tube magazine on a device for sealing steel wrapping bands around filled packages in which to seal the steel wrapping bands the steel band is initially conveyed twice through a first smooth oval sheet metal tube contained in the tube magazine wih corresponding steel band lead-in openings provided in the tube magazine. To improve its functioning, the tube magazine is carried on a stationary axle that is parallel to the direction of conveyance of the steel band, which housing can swivel in limited manner such that in the first end position the first tube stored in the tube magazine is disposed coaxially opposite and in correct position to the steel band to be conveyed, while in the other end position the tube magazine is outside the steel band which is guided sideways, and in the outside of the tube magzine, which is turned toward the second magzine end position and runs parallel to the direction of conveyance of the steel band, there is a recess that is at least the size of a tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for bunching flowers and similar produce including a rotating endless belt defining a plurality of flower bunching locations on the surface thereof, at least one, and preferably a plurality of sorting tables adapted to be arranged adjacent the endless belt, stem trimming apparatus mounted adjacent the endless belt downstream of the sorting tables, stem cleaning apparatus mounted adjacent the endless belt downstream of the stem trimming apparatus, and tying means mounted adjacent the endless belt downstream of the leaf removing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and a device for placing edge protecting means (7) at objects in connection with band strapping. The inventive method is distinguished in that blanks for edge protecting means (7) are fed as a continuous band (7a) which when advanced is preliminary bent around a longitudinal line, that the fed-out portion of the band (7a) is cut to form an edge protecting means (7) in correct position, and that the edge protecting means (7) is finally bent in connection with cutting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for formation of a spirally-wound, heat-shrinkable tube from which a great multiplicity of tamper-evident bands can be cut for subsequent heat-shrinkable application to containers. A strip of strinkable material oriented primarily in the direction of its length is spirally-wound to form the tube from which the bands are severed, with heat-shrinkability of the tube and bands being primarily in a radial direction. The radial heat-shrinkability of the tube and bands assures proper heat-shrink fitment of the bands to associated containers for tamper indication, with the spirally-wound formation of the tube facilitating very economical fabrication of the tamper-evident bands.

Abstract: An automatic wrapping machine including a guiding device for guiding a wrapping band from a supply, a loop forming device for looping the wrapping band around an object and a tensioning and fastening appartus for the wrapping band. The tensioning and fastening apparatus includes a driving assembly, a tensioning assembly, a pair of wrapping band holders, an electrode plunger, and a movable plate assembly. The movable plate assembly preferably includes an upper plate and a lower plate which are slidable relative to one another so as to expose a counter electrode mounted on the lower plate when fastening or welding of the looped band is desired. The movable plate assembly is also preferably mounted for reciprocal movement relative to the frame of the apparatus to enable removal of the welded band loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding and tensioning strap in a strapping machine is provided. The apparatus includes a rotatable feed wheel and means for rotating the feed wheel, a first pinch roll associated with the feed wheel, and a first strap pressing means for moving the pinch roll between a strap engaging position and a position wherein the strap is not engaged. Also provided is a rotatable take-up wheel and means for rotating the take-up wheel in a direction opposite to the feed wheel rotation. A second pinch roll is provided adjacent the take-up wheel and is movable between a first position for engaging the strap and a second position wherein the strap not engaged. A high tension member is mounted for rotation between the feed wheel and take-up wheel. The high tension member defines a slot for accommodating the strap and defines a strap engaging surface on the periphery of the high tension member at an end of the slot.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for producing folded ceramic fiber modules from an elongated web that are used as insulation units. The apparatus includes a feed mechanism and a surface defining mechanism operating cooperatively with a chute to produce a folded web which is then cut longitudinally to create two streams of separate folded units. A module may be produced by securing together a plurality of the folded units with bands, for example.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for heat sealing thermoplastics strap material comprising a portable tool adapted to receive two sections of strap material which are to be welded together and having a heating element, means for moving the heating element between the straps and a battery source for supplying heating current to the heating element. A control circuit detects the battery voltage on load, and a drive circuit controls the movement of the heating element between the straps, to control the speed of the heating element in dependence on the detected voltage level, to compensate for decreasing battery voltage. The battery source is mounted in or on the tool housing for portability.The heating element is mounted on a carriage assembly mounted for reciprocal motion between the two straps and driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning an edge protector to the edge of a package to be looped with strapping is provided. The apparatus includes a guide rail extending generally normal to the exposed package edge and an edge protector positioning apparatus mounted on the rail. The edge protector positioning apparatus has an edge protector application station adjacent the edge to be protected and is provided with an angularly oriented magazine which stores a stack of nested edge protectors each with its concave face foremost. Edge protectors are delivered to the application station from the magazine by means of a fluid motor operated pushing means which acts normal to the magazine to individually remove each edge protector therefrom. From the pushing means depend extended fingers having an edge protector support surface.