Abstract: There is described a differential pressure sensor made using glass-silicon technology with a diaphragm plate arranged between two carrier plates. To achieve a high resolution at the beginning of the measuring range in conjunction with high overload resistance, the measuring diaphragm plate of the sensor has for a prescribed measuring range within the same measuring chambers a plurality of mutually independent deflectable regions as measuring diaphragms. Each such region acts as a part-sensor with a part-measuring range. The part-measuring ranges of the part-sensors overlap and in total are equal to the prescribed measuring range of the differential pressure sensor. The displacement of the measuring diaphragm of each part-sensor is mechanically limited outside its part-measuring range by the carrier plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a plurality of samples comprises a carousel, means for indexing the movement of the carousel, an environmental chamber, and means for positioning the sample for viewing and measuring the results of the testing. The environmental chamber makes possible testing at elevated or reduced temperatures, and testing in a variety of atmospheres. The sample positioning means and the viewing means are automated.

Abstract: A loop flow-path is formed by providing a partition in the path of flow of a fluid duct. An incoming flow-path and an outgoing flow-path are provided with the fluid duct through connecting ducts, and a gas G flows in the fluid duct. An ultrasonic sensor having two opposing surfaces for transmission and reception is disposed in a part of the loop flow-path so that ultrasonic waves to be transmitted and receive have vector components in the direction of the loop flow-path. The ultrasonic waves outputted from the two opposing surfaces of the ultrasonic sensor travel in opposite directions to each other in the loop flow-path, one ultrasonic wave with the flow of the gas and the other ultrasonic wave against the flow of the gas, and are received on the opposite surfaces of the sensor, respectively.

Abstract: A fiber optic strain gauge based flow rate measurement system includes two measurement regions located an average axial distance &Dgr;X apart along the pipe, the first measurement region having two fiber optic strain gauges located a distance X1 apart, and the second measurement region having two other fiber optic strain gauges located a distance X2 apart, each capable of measuring the unsteady pressure in the pipe 12. Signals from each pair of fiber optic strain gauges are differenced by summers to form spatial wavelength filters. Each spatial filter filters out acoustic pressure disturbances Pacoustic and other long wavelength pressure disturbances in the pipe and passes short-wavelength low-frequency vortical pressure disturbances Pvortical associated with the vortical flow field. The spatial filters provide signals to band pass filters that filter out high frequency signals.

Abstract: A triaxial force pin sensor array for measuring the actual forces generated in the footprint of a tire includes a high density of individual force pin sensors in a modular design that allows for rapid replacement of defective sensor array elements and substantially prevents dirt and contamination from affecting force measurements. The triaxial force pin sensor array further reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) contamination of the sampled data signals. The triaxial force pin sensor array exhibits uniform response in the normal direction. Fz, regardless of contact location with individual triaxial force pins of the sensor array. Further, the triaxial force pin sensor array features mechanical overload protection.

Abstract: A rotational angle detecting apparatus includes targets provided on a rotor to output a signal which repeats periodical increase and decrease in accordance with rotation of the rotor; a first detector for detecting an adjacent part of a target; and a second detector for detecting a part, which is a predetermined angle distant in a circumferential direction of the rotor from the part detected by the first detector, detects the rotational angle of the rotor based on the detected signal outputted from one of the detectors. The memory stores, corresponding to a detected signal value which should be outputted from selected one of the detectors, a detected signal value which should be synchronously outputted from the other detector. Malfunction can be detected by judging whether the detected signal value which is stored in the memory is approximately the same as the detected signal outputted actually.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting glass bottles comprising an elliptical first conveyor having parallel linear front and rear portions. Bottles are displaced sequentially along the linear front portion of the elliptical first conveyor by a first cam and bottles are sequentially displaced along the linear rear portion of the elliptical first conveyor by a second cam. Inspection stations bottles are located along both the front and rear linear portions. A second conveyor delivers bottles to the elliptical conveyor proximate the start of the first cam, and a third conveyor receives bottles from the elliptical conveyor proximate the end of the second cam.

Abstract: The invention is directed to industrial diagnostic gauges that are utilized in industrial applications. Examples include pressure and temperature gauges utilized in petrochemical plants. The industrial diagnostic gauges include luminescent materials and reflective materials to facilitate accurate reading of the industrial diagnostic gauges in low and no light conditions from distances greater than 4 feet. Broadly, the industrial diagnostic gauges include a housing, a diagnostic member, a face having at least one marking, at least one hand operatively associated with the diagnostic member, a clear window and a retaining ring. The face preferably includes at least one luminescent material and the at least one marking and the at least one hand each include at least one reflective material. Methods of reading industrial diagnostic gauges and methods of manufacturing industrial diagnostic gauges are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling a vehicle is provided for correcting a lowered value of the torque of an output shaft in the gear shifting and suppressing a revolution speed of an input shaft on the basis of the lowered torque correction. The torque of the input shaft is adjusted at the termination of the gear shifting on the basis of the lowered torque correction.

Abstract: A shift-assisting device for a transmission, equipped with an electric motor for operating a shifting mechanism in the same direction as the direction of shifting operation of a speed-change lever. The shifting mechanism is coupled to the speed-change lever to actuate the synchronizing mechanism of the transmission. The electric power for driving the electric motor is determined depending on a shift stroke position detected by a shift stroke sensor and on a shifting force detected by a shifting force sensor.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configuring an input device. The input device includes a first housing, and a moveable member disposed within the first housing and extending a predetermined distance from the housing. A shaft is disposed in part within the first housing and is coupled with the moveable member. The shaft has a first portion extending a distance from the first housing, and the shaft moves as a function of movement of the moveable member. An interchangeable performance pack is coupled with the first housing and with the first portion of the shaft. The interchangeable performance pack includes a second housing and exerts one of several influences on the shaft.

Abstract: A shift switch-actuating mechanism for a dual mode shift lever unit is provided, including a shift lever pivotally connected to a pivot shaft supported by a lever housing and a cable block pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft outside the lever housing, the lever housing having an opening on its wall facing the cable block such that the shift lever and the cable block interact with each other, wherein the shift switch-actuating mechanism is mounted on an upper wall of the shift lever housing below an indicator panel so as to be operated in a manual mode and includes a base plate having an indented portion for receiving the shift lever, an up shift switch mounted on the base plate for detecting up shift manipulations of the shift lever, a down shift switch oppositely mounted on the base plate for detecting down shift manipulations of the shift lever, a manual mode switch mounted inside the indented portion of the base plate for detecting manual mode conversion of the shift lever, and a switch actuator for mount

Abstract: A foot pedal apparatus is provided with a stationary support structure and a shaft supported by the support structure. A bracket and an actuator are attachable to each other for synchronous rotation about an axis of the shaft. A rotational connector is moveable to selectively connect and disconnect the bracket and actuator to allow coordinated rotation about the axis or independent rotation about the axis, respectively. The structure of the foot pedal apparatus allows the “at rest” position of the foot pedal to be easily adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grab handle for vehicle interiors, having a u-shaped holding strap (10) which has a tubular, essentially rectilinear central part (12) and two bent end parts (14.1, 14.2) each having a twist and plug-in securing means, the twist and plug-in securing means being plugged from opposite end sides of the central part (12) into the central part (12) and being held there.

Abstract: A manual adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative position of a component in a vehicle including a control device for actuating the mechanism. The manual adjustment mechanism includes an input shaft coupled to the control device and an output shaft operatively coupled to the input shaft. A support bracket axially supports the input shaft and the output shaft. A drum shaped housing having a cylindrical inner surface is fixedly secured to the support bracket and rotatably received the input shaft. A coupler is mounted to the input shaft and rotatably disposed within the housing. The coupler includes a pair of spaced apart tube walls planar with and spaced from the inner surface of the housing and a pair of circumferentially opposite tabs projecting between the tube walls. A coiled spring is disposed between the housing and the coupler and compressed against the inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering wheel is provided which reduces a vehicle occupant's injury in a collision. The energy absorbing steering wheel includes an armature, an inner foam member, a first plurality of exterior layers, and optionally a second plurality of exterior layers. The armature is mounted onto a steering column and is operative to provide a rigid steering wheel structure. The inner foam member surrounds the armature and has a first side and a second side. The first plurality of exterior layers is disposed on the first side of the inner foam member. The second plurality of exterior layers disposed on the second side of the inner foam member. The second plurality of exterior layers may be slidably engaged to the first plurality of exterior layers. Moreover, the first and second plurality of exterior layers define a plurality of apertures for disengaging the exterior layers upon impact with a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Device adapted for the automatic securement of a cyclist's shoe on a bicycle pedal, particularly for an all terrain bicycle includes on the one hand a chock (4) secured to a shoe sole (5) and disposed in a hollow of the sole having lateral edges extending on opposite sides of the chock (4), and on the other hand a front fixed claw and a rear movable claw (6) disposed on the pedal and adapted to secure the chock to the pedal. Each claw is adapted to coact with a female configuration disposed respectively at the front and the rear of the chock. The rear movable chock (6) is disposed between two fixed projecting members (22, 23) forming simultaneously a non-rearward return abutment and a lateral slope (26, 27) adapted to coact with the side edge (28, 29) of the hollow (7) of the sole (5) for the lateral disengagement of the shoe by lateral pivoting of the shoe.

Abstract: The cutting plate for a drill bit is press-formed from a powdery starting material. In the process, the cutting plate is arranged horizontally in the press die and the relative movement of top punch and bottom punch with respect to the die is effected parallel to the flank or flanks of the lateral supporting edge or edges. The novel method enables a variety of special design configurations of the cutting plates.

Abstract: An intelligent cork screw device which determines the temperature of the bottle and informs the consumer as to what type of wine is suitable for that temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the cork screw provides a temperature readout. Alternative embodiments include temperature gauges which are marked to indicate the wines which are appropriate for that temperature. Other alternative embodiments provide entertainment features such as voice or other audio indications related to the temperature. Still other embodiments include visual indication such as lamps which indicate what type of wine would be proper for the temperature of the bottle being measured. The cork screw can use thermal measurement of the exterior of the wine bottle, or alternatively, the actual screw which penetrates the wine cork can be used as a temperature probe.

Abstract: Boxes containing banknotes are secured by a mechanism utilizing a latch plate that can be removed and replaced automatically by a device of which the parts include a top slide equipped with a pivoting arm and a pusher designed to hold the latch plate steady and in tension from two points of contact; the device is also equipped with a bottom slide carrying a gripper of which the two jaws operate in concert one with another and with the pusher and the arm to release the latch plate from the position in which it secures the box.

Abstract: A tool comprised of two or more components each composed of differing materials with one component being less dense and the other component having working surface characteristics. The first component may be made of a titanium alloy.

Abstract: A bolt and stud removal tool as well as a set thereof includes a body member with a throughbore having a stud engaging end and a shard receiving end. A plurality of uniformly and substantially identical teeth are defined on the inside of the throughbore at the stud engaging end, each tooth defined by converging walls to define a truncated, converging profile.

Abstract: A low-profile wrench. An elongate, axially asymmetric housing encloses two turning members have axes of rotation that are angled with respect to one another. One of the turning members, whose axis is oriented in the elongate dimension of the housing, receives a turning force and transmits the turning force to the other turning member. The second turning member is adapted to be coupled to a fastener, for turning the fastener.

Abstract: A tool for loosening or tightening vehicle wheels nuts using a multiplying torque. At one end of the main body there is a rotating shaft the other end sits on the ground to create a resistance platform. The rotating shaft has a nut socket on its end, which engages onto one of the wheel nuts. There is a lever arm parallel to the main body, connected perpendicular with a one directional ratchet system to the rotating shaft. The lever arms opposite end connects to a pry bar which rotates on a pin connected to the main body. When this pry bar is moved back and forth in a winching motion it causes the lever arm to go back and forth. This action in combination with the lever arm ratchet system will turn the rotating shaft in one direction creating multiplying torque on the wheel nut.

Abstract: A compound machining center is provided which includes at least one work driving unit, including a chuck, mounted on a bed and adapted to rotate a work to be worked in a state in which the chuck grasps a first end of the work. At least one tail stock center is mounted on the bed and adapted to support a second end of the work so as to support the work on a working axial line between the tail stock center and the chuck of the work driving unit. At least one working unit is disposed on the bed to be movable in an X-axis direction parallel to the working axis line and a Y-axis direction normal to the X-axis direction. And at least one tool is mountable to the working unit to be linearly movable in a tangential direction of the work.

Abstract: A method for making a cutting insert for use in an ID rotary cutter includes obtaining the profile of a convex surface portion of a finished part to be milled with the cutter, translating the profile a minimum distance away from a reference axis for the convex surface portion, and generating a reference contour by rotating the translated profile about the reference axis. A reference profile for a cutting edge of the cutting insert is obtained as the intersection of the reference contour with a reference plane that is disposed at a predetermined helix angle relative to the reference axis.

Abstract: A device for continuous chipless separation of single identical rings from a tubular workpiece, includes at least two cutting rollers which are placed about the tubular workpiece, and which operate in a same direction and are interconnected by a positive engagement. Each cutting roller includes a basic body having opposite axial ends defining an entry zone and an exit zone, respectively. The basic body has a slip bevel at the entry zone, a calibrating section at the exit zone, and a cutting screw disposed between the slip bevel and the calibrating section and including a helical main thread portion with a conical entry part and a substantially cylindrical primary part in succession of the entry part, whereby the cutting screw has at least one additional thread which is disposed between threads of the main thread portion of the cutting screw.

Abstract: The spinning system according to the present invention performs spinning properly, by driving a working tool in revolution, on an unrotatably supported member to be machined, and also performs other work such as cutting, etc. after the spinning.

Abstract: A pipe beveling tool with improved operation and structure with reduced chatter due to its anti-backlash design. This tool allows for quick changing of cutter heads and tool bits. It also incorporates a quieter pneumatic motor muffler system and has a reduced overall length due to a double action feed system.

Abstract: A complex machining machine tool is capable of executing a plurality of kinds of machining operations on a workpiece by selectively indexing and using an insert installed on a complex tool. The complex tool is registered in a tool data file as a plurality of virtual tools capable of executing corresponding machining operations. The virtual tools include a turning tool and a milling tool. In the tool data, the angle in a B-axis direction at which the tool is positioned when the virtual tool is used is stored as a B-axis angle for each virtual tool. The tool data of the corresponding virtual tool is read out from the tool file on the basis of the programmed machining instructions, and the B-axis angle is set on the basis of the tool data so as to execute machining.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for rotating loose laminations in a loose lamination die, a strip is fed through the die to a rotatable blanking chamber of a blanking station. There, a punch engages with a die ring to punch a lamination free from the strip. The rotatable blanking chamber is biased in an upwardly direction. When the punch is not engaging with the die ring, the rotatable chamber is in an upward position wherein a gap develops between laminations retained at a bottom of the rotatable chamber, and those laminations lying directly below the rotatable chamber. The rotatable chamber can then be rotated without damage to the laminations at the gap because of the presence of the gap. Thereafter, a succeeding lamination can be punched after the rotation has occurred. As the punch engages the strip on top of the die ring, the rotatable chamber is pushed downwardly so that the gap at the bottom of the rotatable chamber disappears.

Abstract: A cutting machine for trimming three sides of printed products includes blades that are moved up and down in a first cutting station for trimming the front, and in a second cutting station for trimming the top and bottom of the printed products. A transport mechanism is provided for positioning the printed products at adjustable rear stops. The conveying path formed between adjustable stops associated with the cutting stations and the cutting region specified for top and bottom trimming along the conveying path of the printed products are variable.

Abstract: A slitter cutting element for slitting a sheet of web material has an axially displaceable blade member arranged on a blade carrier. The axially displaceable blade member is biased by an elastomeric biasing member that provides a continuous and uniform contact force with a face of the blade member. The elastomeric biasing member is restrained from axial expansion by being bonded to the blade carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: High speed disk saws are used in forestry applications as part of a harvesting head to fell trees. These saws have a saw disk which often becomes dull or damaged through use, so is commonly provided with replaceable teeth and holders. One aspect of the present invention provides a replaceable tooth and holder arrangement with recessed fasteners attaching the holder to the saw disk and the tooth to the holder. Another aspect of the present invention provides a replaceable tooth and holder arrangement with a reversible holder.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a packing made of a three-dimensional net-like structure which constitutes an internal structure of device which performs material transfer, heat exchange or mixing between gases, liquids or gas and liquid, the internal structure being divided in a plurality of chambers or channels connected to one another is provided. The three-dimensional net-like structure is made of a plurality of unit structures which are arranged continuously in vertical and horizontal directions of the three-dimensional net-like structure. Each of the unit structures is formed by conversion and dispersion of three or four line elements. The method comprises a step of forming a conversion section of the unit structure where the three or four line elements converge by twisting the three or four line elements together.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-recoil devices for guns and martars. The anti-recoil device has a brake with a principal cabity which houses a principal piston pierced with holes. The small chamber of the brake is connected by an opening to a subisdiary chamber closed by a fluid-tight piston. The principal cavity and the subsidiary chamber are filled with a liquid whilst a gas under pressure, located on the other side of the fluid-tight piston with respect to the subsidiary chamber, tends to push back the subsidiary piston. A valve partially obturtes the holes of the principal piston, during the return to firing position, in order to brake that return.

Abstract: Hydraulic cylinder for telescopic arms, especially crane arms, consisting of a sleeve (1) closed by means of end covers (2) and (3); an internal piston (4) delimiting expansion (5) and retraction (6) chambers, a tubular shank (16) associated to the piston which protrudes through the cover (3) and which is closed by a head (17) which is provided with a pilot piston (21). Inside the tubular shank (16) runs a tube (18) which may be partially moved by the action of the piston (21). The inlet mouth of the cover (2) has a conduit (11) with a bushing (14), which moves when pushed by the tube (18). The conduit (11) and the tube (18) have orifices (13′) in their wall.

Abstract: In a free piston machine, initial collisions of the piston with structures at the end of the cylinder are detected and generate a change in the magnitude of a perturbation signal, which is applied to the summing junction of a closed loop feedback control system controlling a piston force. The change is applied in a direction to reduce piston amplitude. In embodiments in which maximization of piston amplitude is desirable, the magnitude of the perturbation signal is also varied in the opposite direction in the absence of collisions to increase piston amplitude of oscillation so that operation then hunts between initial nondestructive collisions and a non-colliding maximum amplitude of piston oscillation.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder having a cylinder tube with at least one open end coupled to an end cap to close the open end. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston reciprocally movable in the cylinder and the piston has a first seal to create a substantially fluid-tight seal with the internal surface of the cylinder tube. The piston has a piston spear at the end portion thereof for cooperating with a piston spear receiving space in the end cap. A second seal is provided in the piston spear receiving space for creating a substantially fluid-tight seal between the piston spear and the piston spear receiving space thereby creating a volume chamber between the first and second seals. The volume chamber provides a compressible volume of volume which acts as an air cushion at the end of the piston stroke.

Abstract: A damper valve (70) located between a control valve (18) and a power steering motor (22) in a hydraulic power-assisted steering system (10). The damper valve (70) comprises a housing (72) having axially opposite first and second end portions (76 and 78) and an intermediate portion (80) interposed between the first and second end portions (76 and 78). The first end portion (76) is for fluid communication with the control valve (18) and the second end portion (78) is for fluid communication with the power steering motor (22). A flow restricting element (114) is located within the housing (72) and is movable through portions of the housing (72) including the intermediate portion (80) by fluid flow through the housing (72). The damper valve (70) further includes a biasing element (106) for restraining movement of the flow restricting element (114) toward the first end portion (76) of the housing (72).

Abstract: A spring brake actuator having a flange case and a head is provided. The flange case and the head each have a radially outwardly extending annular flange having a plurality of radially spaced apart axial holes passing therethrough which correspond to and align with each other. A diaphragm is clamped in a fluid tight manner between the annular flange of the head and the annular flange of the flange case. A plurality of disassembleable fastening members pass through the holes in the annular flange of the head and the holes in the annular flange of the flange case in order to undetachably secure the head on the flange case.

Abstract: An arrangement for a piston-and-cylinder unit is disclosed. The arrangement includes a cylinder member and a piston member movable therein, to which a piston rod is connected. The cylinder member includes a barrel pipe and closure portions at each end of the cylinder member, with the closure portion at one end exhibiting a bush. The bush is provided with a through bore for the piston rod and is enclosed by an end portion of the barrel pipe. The end portion is bent radially inwards, towards the piston rod and over a first circumferential surface of the bush. The bush is provided with a collar portion exhibiting an external second circumferential surface of the bush, enclosing the circumference of the piston rod and extending axially beyond the inwardly bent portion. The inwardly bent portion of the barrel pipe terminates in a circumferential edge located adjacent to a positive corner of the bush formed between the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface.

Abstract: A device for preparing beverages of the type having a closed compartment, an open compartment, an ascension pipe connecting the two compartments and a location for a filtering device between the ascension pipe and the open compartment. The closed compartment has a bottom that has at least a first and a second area which are at different levels and has a member for separating the two areas. The first area is larger than the second area, is heated, and is at a higher level than the second level and than the end of the ascension pipe. The second, smaller area is unheated and is located near the ascension pipe, but at a level that is below the end of the ascension pipe. In one embodiment the separating member is a rim and in a second embodiment the separating member is an inclined bottom.

Abstract: The invention provides a coffee machine for brewing coffee powder pre-packed in a cartridge, whereby the bottom of the brewing chamber receiving the cartridge is provided with perforator members to perforate the cartridge bottom upon closing the brewing chamber. A brewing chamber housing contains an upper and a lower brewing chamber portion together delimiting the brewing chamber and axially movable relative to each other. The upper brewing chamber portion is biased by a spring to move away from the lower brewing chamber portion and provided with a protection member that bars access to the perforator members if the upper brewing chamber member is in its upper rest position. The upper brewing chamber member is moved, together with the protection member, from an upper into a lower operating position in which the perforator member provide the bottom of the cartridge with elongate slots.

Abstract: An electric cooking appliance, such as a fryer, having a receptacle provided to receive a cooking liquid, the receptacle being disposed at least partially in a casing having a lateral wall, and an electric connector mounted in an opening of the lateral wall of the casing, the electric connector being provided to cooperate with a mating electric connector connected at the end of a power supply cord. The lateral wall of the casing has an outer rim disposed above the opening, creating a conduit, or trough, that is arranged to keep any liquid that is flowing along the lateral wall of the casing at a distance from the electric connector mounted in the casing.

Abstract: Enclosed rotisserie including a rear mounted heating element and a power rotated dual rod spit assembly. The spit assembly may also be mounted at various distances from the heating element to decrease cooking times. The open front of the enclosure is from time to time covered by an inclined glass panel door which may be opened in various ways to facilitate food insertion into and removal from the enclosure, and which may be easily removed for cleaning or other purposes.

Abstract: A combination juicer and shaver includes a juicer portion removably receivable in juxtaposition to a shaver portion. The juicer portion includes a juicer for extracting juice from a food item. The shaver portion includes a chamber and a shaver in the chamber for producing shavings of a food item disposed in the chamber. A drive selectively produces operating movement of the shaver means and the juicer, and a coupling communicates the operating movement between the shaver and the juicer.

Abstract: An automatic bale strapping device is mounted on a baling press and is configured to present overlapping lengths of flexible thermoplastic strapping for welding in a region corresponding to either the top or bottom of a compressed bale. Baling straps are precut to a predetermined length and preloaded into the device while the press ram is still operating. Articulated strap tying assemblies are mounted to either side of the press and include locks which grip opposing ends of the precut baling strap. The strap tying assemblies rotate around the compressed bale so as to direct the baling strap circumferentially around the bale and articulate to bring the opposite ends of the baling strap into an overlapping relationship for welding while the press is still forming the bale. The straps are gripped tightly within the locks in order to wrap the strap tightly around a bale, but a short welding portion of each strap is free-floating in order to allow sufficient movement for friction welding.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a device for wrapping a bale formed in the baling chamber of the baler with a web of plastic sheeting or net wrapping medium. A supply roll of the wrapping medium is located in a box mounted forward of the baling chamber for movement along a fore-and-aft extending guide rail between a standby position, wherein a free end of the wrapping medium is supported by a guide surface at a location spaced forward of the baling chamber, and a wrapping position, wherein the free end of the wrapping medium is located for being grabbed by rotating rollers and/or the formed bale so that a length of the wrapping medium is pulled from the supply roll as it is wrapped about the bale. A power operated brake operates on the supply roll so as to provide a constant tension in the wrapping medium during wrapping operation.