Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for a two speed strap take up usable in a strapping machine. The two speed strap take up apparatus generally comprises a high speed roller assembly driven by a high speed drive shaft, a low speed roller assembly driven by a low speed drive shaft, a shaft rotation reduction assembly interconnecting the high speed drive shaft and the low speed drive shaft, and a roller clutch assembly interconnecting the shaft rotation reduction assembly and the low speed drive shaft. An input clutch assembly may interconnect the high speed drive shaft and an input drive means. In operation, a strap is disposed between and frictionally engaged by a high speed roller of the high speed roller assembly and a low speed roller of the low speed roller assembly. The low speed roller is then driven in rotation by the high speed roller.

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: 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 The article is inserted in the loop and the trailing portion of the strap is withdrawn to tighten the loop about the package.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.