Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling conveyor systems including providing status information for each of a plurality of conveyors, providing control information for each of the conveyors based solely upon the status information from that conveyor and from adjacent conveyors, and controlling each of the conveyors by communicating the control information between the adjacent conveyors.

Abstract: A means for binding wire around an object. The means comprises a feeding unit (2) with a feeding wheel (11) for feeding and stretching the wire (3). The measuring of fed wire length normally takes place in that the feeding wheel (11) rotates through a predetermined number of revolutions. Sliding between the wire (3) and feeding wheel (11), however, implies that the position of the wire cannot be determined accurately. As a solution of this problem a separate measuring means (5) is provided for continuously measuring the fed wire length (3), where the measuring is carried out without the measuring means (5) feeding the wire (3).

Abstract: Conveyor systems are disclosed including a chain conveyor for carrying a predetermined load, a frame for the chain conveyor, a track, wheels for supporting the frame for movement along the track from a predetermined reference position, the chain conveyor being movably supported on the frame for movement from the predetermined reference position, and sensors for detecting the position of the conveyor along the track with respect to the first predetermined reference position without direct contact, or for detecting the position of the chain conveyor with respect to the second predetermined reference position without direct contact, the sensors delivering a train of pulses corresponding to a predetermined distance of movement of the conveyor along the track or of movement of the chain conveyor with respect to the frame, whereby the position of the conveyor along the track or of the chain carrier can be determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping bales of pulp are disclosed, the method comprising transporting the bales between upper and lower conveyors, applying a first wrapping sheet to the lower surface of the bale, applying a second wrapping sheet to the upper surface of the bale, measuring the height of the bale prior to transporting it between the upper and lower conveyors, and adjusting the distance between the upper and lower conveyors based upon the measured height of the bale such that both of the wrapping sheets are uniformly disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the bale. The apparatus includes an upper conveyor, a lower conveyor juxtaposed with the upper conveyor, such that the bales may be transported between the upper and lower conveyors, a transmitter for measuring the height of the bales upstream of the upper and lower conveyors, and a positioner for adjusting the distance between the upper and lower conveyors based on the measured height of the bales.