Abstract: A dual mode strapper for strapping an article is illustrated with a strap-forming mechanism capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strap-forming mechanism defines an opening in which the article is received. The dual mode strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around the opening.

Abstract: A dual mode strapper for strapping an article with a strap-forming mechanism is capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around an opening in which the article is received. When the strapper is operating in the first mode, the pre-formed strap holding area receives the pre-formed strap and maintains it in spaced-apart relation from the article before dispensing it from the holding area onto the article to be strapped.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for binding a bundle using an elongate flat strap having a heat sensitive adhesive thereon. The apparatus includes mechanism for driving the strap in a loop around the bundle, a gripper for gripping an end of the strap, mechanism for drawing the strap taut about the bundle, and heated press elements for clamping adjacent overlapping portions of the strap together to reactivate adhesive in the strap to bond the overlapping sections together. A cutter severs remainder portions of the strap.

Abstract: A bale binding machine for waste material has a bale encircling guide track for a band to bind the bale wherein the bottom portion of the guide track under the bale is provided with a pair of deflectors to intercept contaminating liquids and solids falling from the bale and prevent contamination of the guide track.

Abstract: In the illustrated embodiments, with a bale of material compressed between upper and lower press platens an end binder moves toward one end of the bale and a back track moves toward the opposite end to apply a loop of strap around the top, bottom and ends of the bale. Two side binders move from station to station along opposite sides of the bale to apply loops of strap around the top, bottom and sides of the bale at two strap positions at each station. Each side binder has a strapping section movable toward and away from the adjacent side of the bale. Strap guide tracks on the press platens are provided with covers which confine the straps during their feed movements and prevent premature release from the tracks.