Abstract: A wire tie assembly and method of tying a wire using the wire tie assembly is provided. Embodiments of the wire tie assembly comprise a gear-train having a main-drive gear continuously driven by a motor, an idler gear having a first and second dwell portions, the idler gear being configured to mesh with the main-drive gear during a portion of the wire-tying cycle and to dwell relative to the main-drive gear during a portion of the wire-tying cycle, and a twister pinion gear having a wire receiving channel and configured to be in mesh with the idler gear during a portion of the wire tying cycle and to dwell relative to the idler gear during a portion of the wire tying cycle. Some embodiments include cam pins coupled to the idler gear and cam followers that engage the cam pins to actuate secondary functions of the wire tying cycle.

Abstract: A system and method of using a combination strapping machine including a wire tying system and a plastic tying system is provided. Embodiments of the strapping machine include a common frame coupled to a wire strapping system, a single wire track, a plastic strapping system, and a single plastic track. Some embodiments of the combination strapping machine include a strapping machine frame having a common track perimeter. Further, the strapping machine includes a plastic tying system configured to apply a plastic strap to a baled material, and a wire tying system configured to apply a wire strap to the baled material. Some embodiments of the strapping machine include a common track for the wire tying system and plastic tying system. Other embodiments of the combination strapping machine are controlled by a common control system that coordinates both plastic and wire strapping according to a predetermined order of strap application.

Abstract: A buckle for use in securing a band around a bale of material includes a socket member having an aperture formed therein and a wedge member having a portion shaped to maximize friction with a band and a rounded portion opposite the portion shaped to maximize friction with a band. The wedge member is initially connected to the socket member by at least one frangible link in an initial orientation having the rounded portion oriented toward the aperture in the socket member and the portion shaped to maximize friction with a band oriented away from the aperture. The buckle is used in a automated method wherein both ends of a band extending around a bale are clamped to the wedge member, the wedge member is rotated to a final position wherein the portion shaped to maximize friction with a band of the—wedge member is oriented toward the aperture and urged into the aperture, thereby capturing, both ends of the band between the portion shaped to maximize friction with a band of the wedge member and the socket member.

Abstract: A wire release mechanism for securing an end of a wire during a wire tying cycle is provided. The wire release mechanism may secure a first end of a wire around a bale of recycled material during knotting of the wire. The wire release mechanism may include a wire release portion having an engaging surface and the wire release portion may be movable between an open and closed position. The wire release mechanism may further include a gripping arm movable between a first position and a second position and having a retractable surface. The engaging surface may disengage the wire based on movement from the closed position to the open position. Further, the retractable surface may engage against the first end of the wire based on movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A wire strapping or tying device (46) is provided having a rotatable pinion-type knotter assembly (56) for twist-knotting of a pair of adjacent wire sections (50a, 50b), together with a shiftable knotter cover (266) movable between a home position for maintaining the sections (50a, 50b) within the assembly (56) and a remote knotter access position allowing ready access to the knotter assembly (56). The cover (266) is supported by arms (268, 270) which are pivotal about an axis spaced from and generally parallel with the cover (266). The cover (266) may be manually shifted to the remote knotter access position through an arc of at least 45°. Also, the knotter assembly (56) includes a primary body (128) supporting a rotatable, slotted knotter pinion (178). The body (128) is pivotally secured to frame plates (68, 70), allowing the body (128) to be pivoted to a convenient position for servicing of pinion (178).

Abstract: A wire strapping or tying device (46) is provided having a rotatable pinion-type knotter assembly (56) for twist-knotting of a pair of adjacent wire sections (50a, 50b), together with a shiftable knotter cover (266) movable between a home position for maintaining the sections (50a, 50b) within the assembly (56) and a remote knotter access position allowing ready access to the knotter assembly (56). The cover (266) is supported by arms (268, 270) which are pivotal about an axis spaced from and generally parallel with the cover (266). The cover (266) may be manually shifted to the remote knotter access position through an arc of at least 45°. Also, the knotter assembly (56) includes a primary body (128) supporting a rotatable, slotted knotter pinion (178). The body (128) is pivotally secured to frame plates (68, 70), allowing the body (128) to be pivoted to a convenient position for servicing of pinion (178).

Abstract: A wire strapping or tying device (46) is provided having a rotatable pinion-type knotter assembly (56) for twist-knotting of a pair of adjacent wire sections (50a, 50b), together with a shiftable knotter cover (266) movable between a home position for maintaining the sections (50a, 50b) within the assembly (56) and a remote knotter access position allowing ready access to the knotter assembly (56). The cover (266) is supported by arms (268, 270) which are pivotal about an axis spaced from and generally parallel with the cover (266). The cover (266) may be manually shifted to the remote knotter access position through an arc of at least 45°. Also, the knotter assembly (56) includes a primary body (128) supporting a rotatable, slotted knotter pinion (178). The body (128) is pivotally secured to frame plates (68, 70), allowing the body (128) to be pivoted to a convenient position for servicing of pinion (178).