Abstract: A plastic strap particularly useful for automated strapping machines is formed with an integrated, longitudinally disposed rib for enhancing the stiffness of the strap. The strap is formed with at least one rib extending longitudinally from a first end of the strap to a second end of the strap. The rib preferably extends upwardly from the top surface of the strap and comprises, preferably, a slight arcuate profile. The profile of the rib, the number of ribs, and the location of the ribs on the strap may vary depending upon the desired longitudinal stiffness of the strap and the desired width and thickness of the strap. The ribs may be centered across the width the strap or offset. The strap further comprises side panels that are parallel to the longitudinal plane of the strap and outer edges that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the strap. The geometry of the strap prevents the strap from twisting and permits overlapping sections of the strap to interlock and self-align during sealing.

Abstract: A modular strap dispenser for a strapping machine comprises includes a mount for rotatably mounting a coiled spool of strap and a feeding mechanism for drawing strap directly from the spool, feeding the strap directly to the strapping machine and retracting and tensioning the strap. The feeding mechanism is driven by a variable speed feed motor controlled by a feed motor controller. The feed motor controller is operatively connected to a strapper control system that controls both the feed motor controller and the strapping head of the strapping machine. The dispenser may include a braking system to control the rotation of the spool. The dispenser also may include an accumulator box configured to accept and store take-up strap generated during strap tensioning. The dispenser may further include a strap guide for guiding the strap from the spool to the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A strapping machine includes a supply unit, a guidance frame, a pressing plate, feeder runners, a closure aggregate, a storage unit, a feeder, an insertion device and a guidance structure. The closure aggregate is vertically aligned with the pressing plate and maneuverable, whilst the supply unit is located within close proximity of the strapping area and the pressing plate. The guidance structure includes one canal-like transfer line leading at least to the closure aggregate. The insertion device is accessible from outside, is aligned with the supply unit and is attached to a lower section of an automatically opened guidance canal. The strapping material is fed synchronically to the transfer line with the pressing plate adjustable for height. The insertion mechanism incorporates feeder and runners. The storage unit adjacent to the supply unit is aligned to the exterior of the strapping area.

Abstract: A modular strap dispenser for a strapping machine comprises includes a mount for rotatably mounting a coiled spool of strap and a feeding mechanism for drawing strap directly from the spool, feeding the strap directly to the strapping machine and retracting and tensioning the strap. The feeding mechanism is driven by a variable speed feed motor controlled by a feed motor controller. The feed motor controller is operatively connected to a strapper control system that controls both the feed motor controller and the strapping head of the strapping machine. The dispenser may include a braking system to control the rotation of the spool. The dispenser also may include an accumulator box configured to accept and store take-up strap generated during strap tensioning. The dispenser may further include a strap guide for guiding the strap from the spool to the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A plastic strap particularly useful for automated strapping machines is formed with an integrated, longitudinally disposed rib for enhancing the stiffness of the strap. The strap is formed with at least one rib extending longitudinally from a first end of the strap to a second end of the strap. The rib preferably extends upwardly from the top surface of the strap and comprises, preferably, a slight arcuate profile. The profile of the rib, the number of ribs, and the location of the ribs on the strap may vary depending upon the desired longitudinal stiffness of the strap and the desired width and thickness of the strap. The ribs may be centered across the width the strap or offset. The strap further comprises side panels that are parallel to the longitudinal plane of the strap and outer edges that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the strap. The geometry of the strap prevents the strap from twisting and permits overlapping sections of the strap to interlock and self-align during sealing.

Abstract: A floating strapping head is for use in a strapping machine of the type for positioning, tensioning and sealing a strapping material to itself around a load. The strapping machine has a frame and a strap chute. The floating strapping head includes a tensioning module, a separate sealing module and a drive assembly operably connected to the tensioning module and the sealing module. The head includes a guide along which the tensioning and sealing modules move laterally, together and toward and away from one another. When tension is drawn in the strapping material with an end of the strapping material gripped by the sealing head and an opposite portion of the strapping material gripped by the tensioning module, the drive is actuated to move the tensioning and sealing modules away from one another. The tensioning and sealing modules float, moving along the guide, as one, to equalize the tension in the strapping material on either side of the strapping head.

Abstract: A package pacer is configured for use with an automatic strapping machine having a strap chute through which strap material is fed and from which strap material is tensioned onto a package. The strapping machine has an in-feed conveyor defining a plane and is configured to automatically move a package into a packaging region bounded by the chute. The pacer includes a frame that is mountable to the strapping machine. A plurality of rollers are mounted to the frame in a stationary plane about coplanar with the in-feed conveyor plane. The rollers extend forwardly of the strapping machine and permit conveyance of the package therealong and onto the in-feed conveyor. A pacing element is movable between a stop position in which the pacer element is out of the in-feed conveyor plane and interferes with movement of the package onto the in-feed conveyor and a feed position in which the pacing element resides about coplanar with the planar stationary rollers and the in-feed conveyor.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to position a strap material around an associated load when in a feed mode and to tension the strap material and seal the strap material to itself around the load when in a tensioning mode includes an improved winder assembly. The machine includes a flame, a strap material supply and a strapping head. A strap path is defined from the strap material supply to the strapping head. The strapping head includes a feed element for conveying the strap material during the feed mode in a first direction around the load and for conveying the strap material in a second, opposite direction to tension the strap material around the load. The strapping head includes a rotating winder for tensioning the material around the load. The winder has a peripheral strap path and a central strap path.

Abstract: A flexible strap guide for an overhead strapper having a feed head for feeding the strapping material from a supply to a strapping head being mounted to a movable platen. The guide includes an elongated flexible spine formed from a plurality of hinged elements. Each of the elements is hingedly connected to and independently movable relative to each adjacent element. The elements define a central channel therein defined by a contiguous inner periphery. A hollow tubular element is positioned within the flexible spine and is flexible with the spine. The tubular element defines a pathway for movement of the strapping material therethrough between feed head and the strapping head. The guide is flexible at points between the feed head and the strapping head and is configured to permit movement of the strapping head upward and downward and to retain the hollow tubular element in an unobstructed condition as the strapping head moves upward and downward.

Abstract: A vibrator assembly is for use on a strapping head for a strapping machine configured to position, tension and seal strapping material around a load. The strapping head includes a body, an anvil, and a welding motor having a rotating output shaft. The vibrator assembly includes an eccentric element operably mounted to the welding motor output shaft for rotation therewith. A bearing is disposed about the eccentric element, A housing is houses the eccentric element and bearing at least in part within the housing. The housing defines a cup-shaped well having a first axis length and a second axis length. The first axis length is longer than the second axis length. The first axis length is in a transverse direction, and the second axis length is in an oscillating direction. The bearing is restrained in the oscillating direction. A weld pad is operably connected to the housing by a link.

Abstract: A reentry gate assembly is for use with a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly, a chute and a strapping head. The reentry gate assembly directs returning strapping material into the strapping head and releases the strapping material therefrom to prevent the strap from becoming caught as it is pulled from the chute. The reentry gate assembly includes a body having a strap path surface and first and second pivotable gates movable between a closed position in which the gates overly the strap path surface and define a strap pathway, and an open position in which the gates are pivoted away from the strap path surface. A link operably connects the first and second gates. When strapping material present in the strap pathway with the gates closed is urged outwardly of the strap pathway, contact of the strapping material with either the first or second gate moves the link to open the other of the first or second gate, so that both gates open together.

Abstract: A strapping machine feed system for automatically detecting a strap error or fault, thereby stopping strap retraction or take-up, and refeeding the strap into the strapping head following the error or fault. The feed system includes a pair of tensioning wheels disposed along a strap path proximal a strap supply, and a pair of feed wheels, defining a nip therebetween, disposed along the strap path proximal the strapping head. A feed wheel drive and a tensioning wheel drive are respectively connected to the feed wheels and the tensioning wheels. A sensor disposed along the strap path generates a signal to the feed wheel drive and tensioning wheel drive, indicating movement or lack of movement along the strap path, thus causing the feed wheels or tensioning wheels to rotate in both a forward and reverse direction.

Abstract: A clearing and reloading assembly is configured for use with a strapping machine of the type having an infeed arrangement at about a strap material inlet to the machine, a feed assembly and a chute, the strapping machine defining a strap material holding region between the infeed arrangement and the feed assembly. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The clearing and reloading assembly includes a body, a driven wheel and a bearing element opposite of the driven wheel. The bearing element and the driven wheel define a strap path therebetween. A strap cutter is disposed for movement into and out of the strap path. A first peripheral portion of the driven wheel is configured to define a gap between the first portion and the bearing element such that the strap material can slip therebetween.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes hinged, readily removable in-feed and out-feed work surfaces with integral conveyors. The strapping machine includes a machine frame, the in-feed and out-feed work surfaces mounted to the frame and a strap chute mounted to the frame for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute. A feed assembly and a weld head are disposed below the work surfaces. The in-feed and out-feed surfaces are on opposite sides of the strap chute and are separated from one another by a lower portion of the chute. Integral conveyors for in-feeding the load into the strapping machine and for out-feeding the load from the strapping machine are formed in the work surfaces. The work surfaces are hingedly mounted for pivoting upwardly and outwardly for maintenance of the machine and for removing the surfaces and conveyors from the machine.

Abstract: A strapping machine of the type configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load includes a weld head having a readily removable and serviceable weld blade. The head includes a body, a blade arm biasedly mounted to the body and a carrier receivable in the blade arm and movable between an operating position and a service position. The carrier is securable in the blade arm, without tools, in the operating position and the service position. The weld blade is fixedly mounted to the carrier.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a strapping head for a strapping machine includes a body having a generally rectangular cross-section and defining a cavity therein having an end wall. The body has a gripping pad on an exterior portion thereof. The body further includes pin openings in opposing walls. A single spring stack is disposed in the cavity. An end of the spring stack abuts the inner end wall of the body. A follower block is positioned in the cavity. The follower block has a base and a roller support portion. The roller support portion has pin openings therein. A roller is positioned in the roller support portion. The roller has a passage therethrough. A retaining pin is disposed through the body pin openings, the follower block pin openings and the roller passage. The retaining pin is disposed to maintain the follower block within the body cavity with the roller secured thereto and to maintain the spring stack captured within the body cavity.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load, the strapping machine includes a strap path formed from opposing, movable elements. The machine includes a frame, a slack box, and a first portion of a strap path from the slack box. The first portion of the strap path is formed by a pair of opposing path forming elements moveable toward and away from each other between an open path position and a closed path position. The path forming elements further define a path entrance and a path exit, The closed path position defines the first portion of the strap path. A strapping head is mounted to the frame and is configured to convey the strap material in a first direction to position the strap material around the load and to convey the strap material in a second direction to tension the strap material around the load.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes a work surface table height adjusting assembly. Such a strapping machine has a machine frame, a work surface for supporting a load mounted to the frame a strap chute for carrying the strap around the load, a feed assembly for feeding and retracting strap and a weld head for sealing the strap to itself. The machine frame is mounted to leg assemblies by first and second height adjustment assemblies. Each height adjustment assembly is configured to raise and lower a portion of the work surface relative to a fixed portion of the leg assemblies. The assemblies each include a pair of adjusting rods lying along a respective side of the frame, at adjacent corners of the work surface. The adjusting rods operably connect the work surface and the leg assemblies.

Abstract: A self-cleaning limit switch is for use in a strapping machine of the type configured to convey strapping material around a load, receive first and second courses of the strapping material, position, tension and seal the strapping material around a load. The strapping machine includes a strapping head having internal and external limit switch channels formed therein. The limit switch includes a sliding element having internal and external sliding portions rigidly connected to one another. The internal sliding portion is positioned in the strapping head internal limit switch channel and the external portion is positioned in the strapping head external limit switch channel. The internal and external sliding portions include an inclined surface at a rearward end thereof and upstanding walls at a forward end thereof. The internal sliding portion has a lip for engaging the second course of strapping material. The external sliding portion includes a position indicating element thereon.

Abstract: A strap path access guide is configured for use in a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly a chute and a strapping head disposed between the feed assembly and the chute. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The strap path access guide is disposed along the feed assembly between a pair of tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The strap path access guide includes a fixed lower guide portion extending between the tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The fixed lower guide portion defines a lower surface of the strap path. A pivotable upper guide portion is pivotable about a pivot that is spaced from and rearwardly beyond the tensioning wheels. The upper guide portion is pivotable between a closed position in which the upper and lower guide portions cooperate with one another to define the strap path and an open position in which the strap path is fully accessible.