Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems for compressing and strapping loads with press-type strapping machines having improved platen control. The system includes first and second strapping machines each configured to compress and strap a load. The first strapping machine applies a compressive force to the load until a target compressive force is reached and then straps the load. The second strapping machine compresses the load until the height of the load is substantially the same as the height of the load when the first strapping machine strapped the load. The second strapping machine then straps the load. The system ensures the height of the load is substantially the same during each strapping operation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping machine that includes a plurality of compact strap dispensers that collectively take up less space adjacent to the frame of the strapping machine and thus provide a strapping machine with an overall reduced footprint. In certain embodiments, the strap dispensers include a static dispenser frame and a coil carriage that supports a strap coil and that is movable relative to the dispenser frame between a strap-dispensing position and an extended position. In the strap-dispensing position, the strap dispenser can dispense strap from the strap coil. In the extended position, the strap coil is positioned clear of the dispenser frame and any adjacent dispensers to enable easy strap-coil replacement. In various embodiments, the strap dispensers include a quick-release retainer that retains the strap coil in place on the coil carriage while being quickly and easily removable for coil changes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a press-type strapping machine with a platen-locking system, that, when in a locked configuration, prevents the platen from descending regardless of its vertical position. The strapping machine includes a machine frame; a load supporter configured to support and move the load; a platen configured to compress the load against the load supporter; and a platen-locking system including a ratchet wheel, a locking arm, and an actuator operably connected to the locking arm and configured to move the locking arm relative to the ratchet wheel from a locked position to an unlocked position. When the locking arm is in the locked position, the locking arm engages the ratchet wheel in a manner that prevents the platen from descending. When the locking arm is in the unlocked position, the locking arm is disengaged from the ratchet wheel such that the platen can descend.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a press-type strapping machine with compression sensors that enable the strapping machine to determine the applied compressive force the strapping machine applies to the load. The strapping machine includes a machine frame, a load supporter configured to support and move the load, a platen configured to compress the load against the load supporter, multiple compression sensors configured to sense compressive force, a strapping head configured to strap the load, and a controller configured to control the various components of the strapping machine. The compression sensors are mounted between the machine frame and the load supporter and are configured to send feedback representing detected compressive force to the controller. The controller is configured to use this feedback from the compression sensors to determine the compressive force the platen applies to the load.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device configured carry out a sealing cycle to form a strap joint by welding two overlapping portions of strap together based at least in part on a weld parameter. A weld imager of the strapping device is configured to image the strap joint and generate image data based on the imaged strap joint. A controller of the strapping device is configured to receive the image data; determine, based on the image data, whether a weld-adjustment condition is met; and responsive to determining that the weld-adjustment condition is met, automatically adjust the weld parameter for a later sealing cycle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device configured carry out a sealing cycle to form a strap joint by welding two overlapping portions of strap together based at least in part on a weld parameter. A weld imager of the strapping device is configured to image the strap joint and generate image data based on the imaged strap joint. A controller of the strapping device is configured to receive the image data; determine, based on the image data, whether a weld-adjustment condition is met; and responsive to determining that the weld-adjustment condition is met, automatically adjust the weld parameter for a later sealing cycle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device with a force-measurement system, that, responsive to determining that a strap on a load is under tensioned causes subsequent tensioning of straps to be increased, and responsive to determining that a strap on a load is over tensioned causes subsequent tensioning of straps to be decreased.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a case-handling system including a passive minor-flap-suppressing device and a passive major flap-closing device.