Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for securing a loop of thermoplastic strap around an article so that two overlapping portions of strap are bonded together. One form of an apparatus in the machine has a strap engaging weld pad with spaced-apart, parallel strap-engaging ribs for effectively making a friction-fusion weld in thin film strap. Another form of the apparatus in the machine includes a rack gear associated with a weld pad and engaged with an arc of teeth on a torsion bar for utilizing the torsional oscillation kinetic energy to reciprocate the weld pad along a linear path of motion. Another form of the apparatus in the machine includes a strap carrier chain for forming the strap in a loop about an article and the chain may include a resilient lug positioned between each pair of adjacent cross pins in the chain.

Abstract: A strap seal joint and method for applying a seal to the overlapping ends of a strap about a bale of resilient material are disclosed. The bale is preferably initially restrained against expansion in a press. The strap is provided with two oppositely facing major side surfaces having predetermined frictional characteristics. The strap is looped around the bale with a predetermined length of an inner end portion of the strap adjacent the bale extending at least partially around a corner of the bale and being overlapped by an outer end portion of the strap. The seal is applied to the overlapping end portions of the strap and deformed to crimp the seal against the outer end portion sufficiently to prevent withdrawal of the strap outer end portion from the closed seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser wherein strap is withdrawn over the side of the reel in a non-tangential direction and pulled outwardly along the axis of the reel. This causes a twist in the strap but this is removed by rotating the reel in a circumferential direction opposite to that which it has been withdrawn to remove the twist in the strap before it is used.

Abstract: A chain strap wrapping and guide assembly including a plurality of crown-shaped rollers that are guided by V-shaped guides. The chain is driven by a motor operated sprocket.

Abstract: Apparatus is provied for forming an abrasion resistant sheet from a sheet of orientable thermoplastic polymer material in one continuous production line apparatus. Apparatus is also provided for treating the surface of an oriented sheet with heated rolls for creating a fused surface layer on each side of the sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a loop of strap about a package in which the strap is initially draped about the package in spaced relationship therefrom. Included is a clamping bar assembly which includes a package engaging member and a pair of spaced catch blocks over which the strap is draped. The catch blocks are rotatably mounted relative to the clamp bar assembly and are operated through the action of rack and pinion assemblies that respond to the movement of the package engaging member. When the package is engaged, the catch blocks release the strap normally guided thereby and when the clamp bar is retracted, the catch blocks are repositioned to guide a subsequent loop of strap.

Abstract: A chain of plastic bags having zipper-locking profiles is packaged in a rectangular carton in successive layers wherein the profiles of the bags of each layer are aligned generally along a straight line that is oblique with respect to a front wall of the carton, the straight lines aligning the profiles of successive layers following a zigzag course, which oscillates between the front wall and a back wall of the carton.

Abstract: A fastener applying tool is disclosed, powered by the gases produced from internal combustion of a fuel and air mixture. A piston connected to a fastener driver is slidably mounted within a cylinder to move reciprocally downwardly and upwardly through a driving and a return stroke. A combustion chamber is formed at the upper end of the cylinder. A compression chamber is formed at the lower end of the cylinder. A spark plug powered by a piezo-electric firing device, is located within the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber features a set of fan blades driven by an electric motor which is continuously in operation when the tool is in use. A main valve mechanism actuated by a set of lifting rods which are moved upwardly and downwardly when the tool is moved toward and away from the workpiece, is used to control the flow of fresh air through the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A fastener applying tool driven by air in a driving stroke and a return stroke featuring noise and recoil reduction and increased efficiency, driving force, and speed of operation. Air directed into the main cylinder to force the main piston through its driving stroke is stored in a chamber to rapidly return the main piston. Air compressed by the main piston at one end of the main cylinder is used to form an air cushion to keep the main piston from striking the bottom of the cylinder. The main piston cycles within a slidably mounted main cylinder. Pressurization of one end of the main cylinder during the driving stroke repositions the main cylinder to close the main valve to shut off high pressure air from the main piston and open a valve to vent the air above the piston to atmosphere. Upward movement of the cylinder and rapid return of the piston significantly reduces the recoil force normally experienced in such a tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling large articles, such as heavy rolls of paper and the like, is disclosed. At least three composite spacer units, each constructed from a plate and a cylindrical spacer member secured thereto, are attached to a shield fastened on the bottom of each article so as to provide a space beneath each article for receiving lifting members inserted under the article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a loop of flexible binding about objects positioned seriatim in an object receiving station. The apparatus includes a chain loop driven around the object receiving station. While a previously bound first object is in the receiving station, the chain is driven in one direction to move carrier rollers on the chain so as to pull the trailing portion of a binding through a major portion of the locus of a closed path around the receiving station while the lead end of the binding is held adjacent the receiving station. Spaced portions of the binding are guided from the interior of the path around the receiving station to maintain the binding in the configuration spaced outwardly of the receiving station. Subsequently, the first bound object is removed from the receiving station and a second object is positioned therein.

Abstract: An air-powered driving tool for returning the working piston to its driving position by way of an auxiliary piston and valve arrangement. After the fastener is driven, the auxiliary piston is operated to engage the working piston to move it to its driving position after which the auxiliary piston is moved to an inoperative position. A valve is operated to direct high-pressure air to the auxiliary piston to move it to a working piston engaging position and then the air is released to allow it to return to its inoperative position. Thus, there is no force opposing the working piston when the driving tool is operated to drive a fastener into a workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a strap loop and securing it about an article. The strap free end is pressed against a guide surface and moved in a path to form a primary strap loop while permitting the primary strap loop to twist off of the guide surface. With the free end of the strap held against further movement, the trailing portion of the strap is fed to expand the loop to a predetermined larger size. The article is inserted in the loop and the trailing portion of the strap is withdrawn to tighten the loop about the package. The trailing portion of the strap is severed from the tightened strap loop and the overlapping portions of the strap are sealed by a friction-fusion weld.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener applying tool featuring a self-cycling control valve with one moving port. A trigger actuated valve sets the cycling valve in motion. The cycling valve alternatively pressurizes and vents the working piston of the fastener tool. A valve stem is positioned by an integral reciprocating piston. The position of the reciprocating piston is determined by the balance of forces between a biasing spring tending to vent the working piston and a pressure-force tending to pressurize the working piston. Two flow paths, internal to the valve stem, determine the pressure applied to the reciprocating piston. One path pressurizes the reciprocating piston. Another path vents the reciprocating piston. Positive feedback of air pressure from the working cylinder positions the reciprocating piston and valve stem so as to vent the reciprocating piston when the working piston is vented and to pressurize the reciprocating piston when the working piston is pressurized.

Abstract: An adhered strip of nails that are held together, including a filament disposed under compression between the nail shanks to maintain the spacing between the shanks. The nails are also adhered by at least one adhesive tape extending across the shanks of the nail, which tape covers the filament and leaves an open area between the nail shanks other than the tape and said filament.

Abstract: A novel, high-speed, efficient, versatile, automatic machine is provided for the marking of parts. A wheeled platform is driven in a reciprocating cycle by a slotted arm and a revolving roller. The platform carries a rotatably mounted mandrel to couple the part to be marked to the reciprocating platform. The platform forces the part across a stationary marking die. Accessories are provided to automatically feed parts onto the platform and to automatically eject marked parts from the platform. Provisions are made to hold the platform stationary while a part is coupled to the mandrel and to guide and stabilize the unmarked part until it is coupled to the mandrel. Components and accessories are positioned for easy access for alignment and set-up.

Abstract: A tool is provided for constricting a loop of thermoplastic strap that encircles an article and has overlapping strap segments and for sealing the segments with a friction fusion weld. A multiple drive shaft assembly is driven by a motor which can be rotated in a first direction and then in a second, opposite direction. The drive shaft assembly is engaged to a tension wheel in the first direction of rotation to constrict and tension the loop. A sensing and control means senses a predetermined loop tension level and reverses rotation of one of the drive shafts to the second direction. A mechanism responsive to the rotation of the shaft in the second direction is provided for pressing the overlapping strap segments together and for moving one of the segments relative to the other segment to effect the friction fusion weld.

Abstract: A strapping tool for tensioning a strap loop around an article and for crimping or notching a push-type seal around the overlapping strap portions is provided with a frame, an arm pivotally mounted on the frame for pivoting movement in a first direction and in a second, opposite direction, an abutment nose on the arm for engaging the seal during tensioning, a spring biasing the arm in the first direction during tensioning, a motor-driven tension wheel for pulling one of the overlapping strap portions through the seal to tension the loop whereby the tension reaction urges the abutment nose against the seal and, at a predetermined tension level, causes the arm to overcome the spring and pivot relative to the frame in the second direction. A jaw assembly is provided for crimping or notching the seal and a control means is provided for actuating the jaw assembly in response to the movement of the arm in the second direction at the predetermined tension level.

Abstract: A strapping tool of the type which crimps or notches a seal around overlapping strap ends extending in opposite directions in a tensioned strap loop around an article being tied. The tool has a frame, a sealer jaw assembly mounted for at least opening and closing movement about the seal and an actuator therefor. The actuator includes a member adapted to be rotated about an axis in a first direction to a predetermined angle to fully close the jaw assembly and adapted to be rotated about the axis in a second, opposite direction to open the jaw assembly. A pawl is mounted on the frame for pivoting in the first and second directions and is biased against rotation in both directions to an initial, unengaged position when the jaw assembly is both fully closed and fully opened.

Abstract: An automatic strapping apparatus is disclosed which forms a small primary loop from strap; expands the primary loop to a larger predetermined diameter loop which can be placed about a package to be strapped; and tensions, friction fuses, and severs the strap. The small primary strap loop is formed by feeding a free end of a length of strap into a circular cup through a slot in the cup sidewall so that the free end is guided by the inner periphery of the cup to form a loop with the strap free end overlapping a portion of the loop. The cup is moveable from an upper position around the formed primary loop to a position out of contact with, and below, the loop. A cylindrical gripper is provided inside the loop and a smooth-surfaced anvil is provided on the exterior of the loop for engaging the overlapped portion of the loop therebetween so that the strap free end is restrained by the gripper while the overlapped portion of the loop can be continued to be fed to expand the loop to a larger predetermined diameter.