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 ratcheting clip includes a center section, a male end and a female end, the female end having a top half and a bottom half. The male end is configured to be inserted into the female end between the top and bottom half so that opposing sets of teeth hold the male end and female end together. To prevent inadvertent disengagement of the opposing sets of teeth, the male end includes a retaining surface that is configured to interface with a track disposed in the top half of the female end. Once the male end is inserted into the female end, the interface between the retaining surface and the track prevents lateral forces from causing one end to move in a lateral direction with respect to the other end. The interface between the retaining surface and the track further prevents the top half from being lifted upward away from the male end.

Abstract: A flexible strap guide for an overhead strapper of the type for feed a strapping material around a load, positioning, tensioning and sealing the strapping material around the load, the overhead strapper having a feed head for feeding the strapping material from a supply to a strapping head, the feed head being stationary and spaced from a strapping head, the strapping head being mounted to a movable platen, the extends between the feed head and the strapping head. 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.

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 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 comers of the work surface. The adjusting rods operably connect the work surface and the leg assemblies.

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 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 manoeuvrable, 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 strap tensioning apparatus for a strapping machine comprises a large pulley which is power rotated during strap feeding by powered rollers pulling strap off of a feed strap coil. Tension is maintained on the end of the strap being pulled from the feed strap coil by inertial movement of the large pulley and other rotating elements after power to the rollers is stopped.