Abstract: Wire connections as disclosed and the method and apparatus to secure the ends of an elongated member, such as bale wire and the like, employed to secure bales of material for transport and storage. The bale wire connections include a pair of loops forming interconnecting members, which are interlocked by automated techniques to form a strong coupling of the ends of the bale wires used in securing bulk material.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus has a first operational mode for bundling elongated elements having round cross-sectional profiles, and a second operational mode for stacking elongated elements having shaped flat-sided cross-sectional profiles.

Abstract: A strapping machine having a pair of strap-feeder and tensioning devices and a pair of vertically movable chutes which cooperate with the strap-feeder and tensioning devices for applying straps to a package at spaced points thereof and are adjustable horizontally together with the strap-feeder and tensioning devices for varying the distance between the straps.

Abstract: A parcel tying-up machine which is placed between an input conveyor belt for the parcels to be tied up and an output conveyor belt for the tied-up parcels, comprises a frame and a tying-up unit. The tying-up unit has a guide apparatus for placing a tie round a parcel and a tie-joiner, which is placed under the conveyor path in the tying-up plane and is operative for joining together the loop ends of the tie. The tying-up unit is supported on the frame so that it may be moved backwards and forwards in the direction of transport of the parcels. The movement of the tying-up unit is affected by a driving system which is fixed to the frame. The machine is provided with conveying systems for taking over the parcels to be tied up from the input conveyor belt and for handing over the parcels after being tied up onto the output conveyor belt.

Abstract: A pair of strapping carriages move in one direction from station to station along opposite sides of the bale applying straps simultaneously in different positions from said opposite sides of the bale at each station. The carriages continue to a rest station beyond one end of the bale for removal of the strapped bale and placement of the next bale to be strapped. Then the carriages move in the opposite direction from station to station along said next bale applying pairs of straps in like manner and continue to a rest station beyond the opposite end of the bale. Improved strap guide tracks and strap length adjustment means are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a stacker tyer for stacking newspapers received in a shingled stream from a printing press. A single centrally located stacker mechanism is flanked by a pair of compensators and outside of the compensators is a pair of tyers. Stacks are built in the stacker and moved laterally first to a compensator and then to a tying mechanism. Outside the tying mechanism is located a pair of delivery mechanisms which deliver the tied stack for further processing. The stacker is able to form either short stacks (bundles) or tall stacks (logs). The tyers are able to tie either a single strap around the midline of a stack or a pair of parallel straps offset to opposite sides of the middle of a stack using a single tie head. Moreover, the tyers are able to tie either bundles or logs.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a stacker tyer for stacking newspapers received in a shingled stream from a printing press. A single centrally located stacker mechanism is flanked by a pair of compensators and outside of the compensators is a pair of tyers. Stacks are built in the stacker and moved laterally first to a compensator and then to a tying mechanism. Outside the tying mechanism are located a pair of delivery mechanisms which deliver the tied stack for further processing. The stacker is able to form either short stacks (bundles) or tall stacks (logs). In the case of bundles, the bundles may be either compensated or uncompensated; compensated logs are not built.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a stacker tyer for stacking newspapers received in a shingled stream from a printing press. A single centrally located stacker mechanism is flanked by a pair of compensators and outside of the compensators is a pair of tyers. Stacks are built in the stacker and moved laterally first to a compensator and then to a tying mechanism. A shuttle mechanism is used to move the completed stacks from the stacker to one or the other of the compensators and from there to the adjacent tyer. The shuttle mechanism supports the leading and trailing edges of each stack as it is moved, and the back side and bottom of each stack is supported by fixed bottom supports and back supports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precision cutting a bundle of mill length lumber into a plurality of strapped and trimmed bundles of lumber of desired shorter length(s). The bundle of mill length lumber is placed on an elongated conveyor and moved longitudinally by means of an advancing moveable carriage until the leading edge of the bundle of lumber abuts a surface of a set work carriage positioned downstream of a circular saw which can selectively be advanced across the conveyor path. The ends of the bundle of lumber are then squared by advancing a ram on the moveable carriage. The squared bundle of lumber is banded or strapped by a banding apparatus disposed slightly upstream of the saw and thereafter the leading edge of the bundle of lumber is precision trimmed by advancing the saw across the conveyor path.

Abstract: A system for applying an implosion protecting band to a CRT has a worktable which is slidable with respect to a stationary base. The CRT rests on supports which properly position and locate the CRT with respect to the worktable. At least one of these supports includes pads which center the CRT on the worktable. A channel-shaped segmented band guide loops the band around the CRT. The stationary part of the tension device is affixed to the stationary base. The band feed mechanism and the tensioning mechanism are moveable with respect to the worktable so that the worktable does not deflect in response to the tension.

Abstract: An object is deposited at a strapping station on a high-speed, rapidly accelerating conveyor having a high-friction conveying surface. The object is raised off the high-friction surface by spaced tables having low-friction surfaces. Spaced, vertically downwardly extending bars engage opposite halves of opposite sides of the object and simultaneously move those halves transversely so as to rotate the object ninety degrees on the low-friction tables. A first strap is placed around the object before it is rotated; a second strap is placed around the object after it is rotated ninety degrees; then the conveyor accelerates the cross-strapped object rapidly out of the strapping station.

Abstract: An arrangement for covering the guide channel of a strap-applying and tying apparatus. On one side, the apparatus has a bent or curved portion extending into and away from said guide channel for varying the length of the guide channel in conformity with an item about which a strap or band is to be placed. The apparatus also includes channel covers or cover plates arranged on the one side and urged to cover the guided channel by means of springs. The cover plates and the springs therefor are mounted on a flexible member, which, together with the bent portion, is displaceably arranged relative to the guide channel; in this connection, the flexible member is held along a boundary side of the guide channel in a guide. The flexible member is passed at least in part around a wheel or roll for changing its direction of travel.

Abstract: Apparatus for bundling and banding elongated objects such as angle irons. The objects fall between the walls of a U-channel shaped bundler which automatically stacks them. One or more retractable upper band guide structures then move over the bundler to enclose the stack of objects. A band is then fed around the objects against the bundler walls, base and upper guide structure by a banding assembly which also tightens and fastens the band securely around the objects. Rollers disposed on the bundler base and one wall permit the objects to be rolled off the bundler after banding is completed. Air pistons suitably provide all the necessary forces except rotation of the feeder which is electrically driven. The process is suitably controlled by computer or the like.

Abstract: A conveyor in combination with a strapper for strapping objects on the conveyor automatically as the conveyor is automatically stopped in many pre-selected places.

Abstract: An improved strap guide for a package strapping system having an upper movable horizontal strap guide section, integral with or connected to a compression bar having press feet extending on each side of the movable strap guide section toward a package to be strapped and means for moving the upper strap guide and compression bar toward and away from the package to be strapped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a strap looped about an article is tensioned by applying positive pulling forces to both the leading end and feed portions of such strap loop, after which such strap positions are sealed together. In certain embodiments of the invention, a strapping mechanism is supported on a carriage which is movable toward the article which is to be strapped, after which a strap looped about such article is tensioned by applying pulling forces to the leading end and feed portions thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a weldable web or band of synthetic plastic material to a package on a table has a feeding device which advances the web from a source into the channel of a mobile loop forming device loosely surrounding the package. The feeding device is arrested when the web is looped around the package so that the end portions of the resulting loop overlap. The loop forming device is then removed and the web is moved rearwardly so that the loop snugly surrounds the package. In the next step, the web is severed between the outer overlapping portion of the loop and the source, and the severing device is withdrawn so that the sonotrode of an ultrasonic welding unit can bond the outer portion of the loop to the adjacent inner portion all the way to the cut where the outer portion was severed from the source.

Abstract: A package strapping machine for strapping a package to a pallet, which pallet is usually constructed from lumber and is of standard shape or configuration. The pallet comprises generally a supporting platform for the package with longitudinally parallel extending stringers secured to the underside of the supporting platform. The strapping machine is provided with a strapping station where the package is tied to the pallet and is so constructed that a strap is carried beneath the stringers and through a strap ring including an arch around the package if the pallet is facing in one direction, because a pallet position sensing means, such as a ray of light which is provided at one side of the pallet, cannot pass through the solid stringers to a photo-sensitive device located at the other side of the pallet. However, if the pallet is turned 90.degree. so that the voids between the stringers which extend completely through the pallet structure are positioned 90.degree.

Abstract: A strapping machine comprises a return roller having a high friction outer peripheral surface and a feed roller having a low friction outer peripheral surface which are contacted with each other under pressure and the return roller is disposed in free condition during the rotation of the feed roller in one direction and when the feeding resistance of the band is increased, the band is slipped on the outer peripheral surface of the feed roller to prevent the feeding of the band and in order to tighten the band around the package, both of the rollers are reversely rotated at a high speed to tighten the band around an object to be packed and then continuously rotated at a low speed to impart high torque to the band for an attainment of further tightening thereof.

Abstract: A method of and a device for applying an enlacing tape around an object, in hich the tape is taken along its path around the object to be enlaced by an endless conveyor belt by its being held urged against said belt and at the same time is fed by a tape feeding device at the speed of the belt during the full period of its movement around the object.

Abstract: A hold-down beam is provided on a rapid acceleration conveyor to hold articles, such as an unstable stack of newspapers, tightly against the conveyor for providing frictional engagement between the stack and the conveyor and move the upper part of the stack with the conveyor so that the stack will not topple. The hold-down bar is unpowered, that is, it is mounted for reciprocation in low-friction bearings so that its own frictional engagement with the top of the stack carries it along with the top of the stack until the stack is brought up to the desired velocity. A unique cable system for lowering both ends of a hold-down bar synchronously through an infinite number of positions and does not interfere with operation of a strapping machine.

Abstract: A hold-down beam is provided on a rapid acceleration conveyor to hold articles, such as an unstable stack of newspapers, tightly against the conveyor for providing frictional engagement between the stack and the conveyor and allow the upper part of the stack to move with the conveyor so that the stack will not topple. Compression blocks are provided at adjustably spaced locations on the bar for pressing bowed stacks.

Abstract: In a package strapping machine an improved means for tightening the strap extending from a strap supply about a package to be strapped including feed means, retract means, linearly reciprocating tension means and a secondary gripper in which the tension means is outside of the path of the strap between the feed means and the retract means and in which the tension means reciprocates in a direction approximately normal to the usual path of the strap traveling through the tension means.

Abstract: In a wire twisting machine in which the ends of the tie wire are clamped while these ends are being twisted together to complete the tying of the product, there is proposed improved clamps which, unlike prior art clamps that have clamping strokes of a prescribed dimension, are actuated by pressure air in such manner that the clamping strokes thereof are terminated only when the clamping rods actually abut against their cooperating anvil or wire holding surfaces. Thus, wear or looseness of fit which may subsequently occur in the components of the machine do not adversely affect the clamping service or function of the clamping rods.

Abstract: An improved strapping machine has a barrier for stopping travel of the strap at a precise location, a sensor which is activated by contact of the strap with the barrier so as to terminate operation of the strap feed means and a guide means for preventing buckling of the strap within the sealing assembly portion of the machine. In another aspect of the invention the clamping device has a first gripper located in fixed position during feeding and clamping, and a second gripper which is pivotable from a guide position to a clamping position. In a preferred form, one end of the second gripper bar serves as a shear anvil which co-acts with the blade to sever the strap. The shear anvil is adjustable so that the gap between the blade and anvil may be regulated to compensate for wear.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided on a strapping machine frame adjacent a strap chute and adjacent a strap end gripping and sealing assembly and has a pivotably mounted strap guide arm and gripper for guiding the strap during feeding in a first, upper position and for gripping the strap when the arm moves downwardly away from the first position. A single, reversible, rotating drive motor is mounted for movement with the guide arm and powers a gear drive assembly which is engaged with the motor and movable therewith for (1) rotating feedwheels to feed the strap to form a loop when the motor is rotating in a first direction, (2) rotating the feedwheels to withdraw the strap to pretension the loop with a first predetermined tension when the motor is rotating in a second direction, and (3) rotating a high tension pinion gear when both (a) the motor is rotating in the second direction and (b) the tension in the strap exceeds the predetermined, first tension.

Abstract: A binding lace for a novel automatic binder developed by the present inventors is disclosed. The binding lace is continuously thrusted from only one side of the binding lace into a lace guide positioned around an object to be bound and then travels while sliding along the lace guide without buckling to form loops of several turns overlapping each other. During travelling, the binding lace is sent in the lace guide without standing still, due to the properties of an outer portion and a core portion of the binding lace, while the binding lace always expands elastically outwardly in radial direction of the lace guide due to the larger rigidity and tensile stress of the core portion to hold a looped configuration with the loops having substantially the same diameter as the lace guide. After travelling stops, the binding lace is capable of holding the same diameter of the loops and a tip portion of the binding lace is held in the neighborhood of the overlap of the loops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for binding an article with strap. A strap is encircled about the article to form a loop with the leading end segment of the strap overlapping an adjacent segment of the strap. The leading end is gripped to prevent further feeding and to subsequently restrain it against movement relative to the article while the trailing portion of the strap is retracted to draw the loop tight around the article. While holding the leading end segment of the strap and an adjacent overlapped segment against relative movement and under tension, either (1) a joint is first formed in the overlapping segments and the tension is then gradually released in the trailing portion of the strap to avoid shock loading of the joint and the machine or (2) the tension is first released only in the trailing portion of strap and the joint is then formed with tension in at least the overlapped segment adjacent the strap free end.

Abstract: A device for baling crop, for example, grass, hay or the like, comprising a compression chamber and a driven plunger reciprocating in said chamber as well as a binding means adapted to bind a bale still located in the compression chamber; the compression chamber and the plunger are each provided with at least one channel opening towards the compression space so that in the extreme pressing position of the plunger the channel of the compression chamber and that of the plunger constitute an uninterrupted, annular conduit for passing a length of binder, whilst a mechanism is provided for interconnecting the two ends of the length of binder.

Abstract: A compactor-strapper comprising spaced forward and rearward fixed jaws, forward and rearward moveable jaws, hingedly attached independent actuators for said forward and rearward jaws, said jaws having removeable and replaceable insert members providing cavities forming a work reception chamber, and a strapping machine having a strap applying portion arranged around a strapping space defined by said cavities and between said forward and rearward jaws, and pneumatic circuitry with automatic cycling, controlling said jaws, said strapper, and a bundle ejector, resultant from a single manual control motion.

Abstract: A combination jam-clearing and torque sensing traction wheel assembly and strap feed stopping mechanism is disclosed for use in a strapping machine which feeds strap in a chute about an article to form a loop and subsequently tensions the loop tightly about the article. The strap is fed into the chute by a rotating traction wheel which is driven through a torque sensing assembly comprising a driven plate, a spring-biased driver plate, and drive motor. Feeding of the strap is intermittently stopped and started as the driver plate is forced out of engagement with the driven plate when the torque increases beyond a predetermined amount in response to increased strap feed resistance resulting from an obstruction in the chute. In one embodiment, the strap feed stopping mechanism includes a permanent strap end abutment member located just past the strap overlap region in the strapping machine.

Abstract: A strapping machine and method for applying flexible, heat sealable straps around objects in which the supply coil of strap and the feed rollers for a strap accumulating compartment are driven by a common rotatable drive for synchronous feeding. A strap feeding unit for feeding flexible strap in which a feed and pinch roller extend through opposed slots which intersect a strap carrying groove which totally confines the strap.A strap tensioning mechanism in which rough tensioning and final tensioning are achieved by the movement of a single mechanical plate. A cutting and sealing head in which feeding of a new strap around the object can occur simultaneously with the sealing of the previous strap. A track opening mechanism which is operated by components of the sealing and cutting head.

Abstract: The operations of the palletizer are automatically controlled by a prerecorded control program. The palletizer includes a vertical shaft, a retractable draw plate located above the shaft and a drive mechanism for moving a hoist along the shaft. After a tier of cartons is formed on the unretracted draw plate, a tier sheet inserter extracts a single tier sheet from a stack and places the sheet on top of the tier. The draw plate is then retracted, placing the tier on the hoist and the hoist is lowered until the tier is aligned with the banding mechanism, which is located within the shaft. The banding mechanism places a strap around the tier, tensions the strap and fastens same. The hoist is then repositioned to accept the next tier as same is deposited thereon by the draw plate.

Abstract: A baling machine for particulate material such as wood chips and bark includes a vertically elongated compression chamber provided at its upper end with an inclined inlet feed chute, a downwardly facing vertically movable compression ram in the chamber, an upwardly facing vertically movable gate ram forming the lower end of the chamber during compression, and a bale-strapping assembly associated with the lower end portion of the chamber. A horizontally movable door operating between open and closed positions at the inner end of the feed chute forms part of the wall of the chamber when closed. The leading edge of the door is specially shaped to penetrate the material in the chute and to cooperate with anvil surfaces at the end of its travel to prevent jamming of the door as it closes.

Abstract: Bales of hay and the like which were bundled or baled in the field are recompressed to about one-half their original length by using a high-pressure ram on the bales after their wires have been cut and removed, over-compressing the bales and then after relaxing the over-compression, restrapping the recompacted bale through a set of strap guides which are automatically adjusted in the direction of the press stroke to guide the strap around the recompacted bale regardless of the amount of over-compression of the bale.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming, tensioning and sealing a strap loop about a package and then severing the sealed loop from the trailing length of strap. A length of strap is fed in one direction and the strap free end is guided or moved to form a small primary strap loop with the strap free end overlapping a portion of the loop. The strap free end is then restrained while the standing part of the loop is continued to be fed to expand the loop to a larger predetermined diameter. The expanded loop and/or package is then moved so that the package is encircled by the loop, after which the loop is tensioned tight about the package. A joint connection or seal is next made in the loop and the trailing length of strap is severed from the loop.

Abstract: A wire or band strapping machine comprises a driven roll pair for feeding a wire or band towards a guide loop about an object to be strapped as well as a driven roll pair for reversing the direction of movement of the wire or band to draw the same out of the guide and about the object, said pairs of driven rolls being placed at a distance above each other with the wire or band approaching the loop along a vertical U-shaped path with the feeding and reversing roll pairs operating on the upper and lower horizontal legs of that path. The motor drives the feeding roll pair by an endless member while the reversing roll pair is driven by the endless member between the two roll pairs.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for tensioning of a formed strap loop about a package and joining of the overlapping portions of the loop in a manner that improves the residual tension of the loop. The strap loop, in the region of the overlap, is twisted so that the sides of the strap in that region are displaced from the package surface and so that one of the edges of that region remains adjacent the package surface whereby the tensioned loop can be joined by friction fusion, formation of interlocking slits, or application of an independent seal without having to insert an anvil or bearing member between the package and the loop and thus increasing the residual tension. After the strap is restrained in the region where the strap free end overlaps a portion of the formed strap loop to prevent relative movement between the free end and overlapped portion, the package is encircled by the loop so that the strap is twisted in the balance of the loop relative to the restrained region.

Abstract: Strap guide apparatus for use in a strapping machine for applying plastic strap in a loop around an object is adapted for guiding the strap to a sealing region both from a strap supply and from the loop about the object to provide overlapping strap portions in the sealing region to be sealed together. The guide apparatus includes a plastic feed track member and first and second plastic guide members which are located adjacent to the sealing region. The first guide member provides a strap channel which is covered by the second guide member to provide a strap passage from an inner track surface of the feed track member to the sealing region. The second guide member has an outer guide surface which cooperates with an outer track surface on the feed track member to guide the leading end of the strap from the loop back to the sealing region in spaced-apart overlapping relationship with the supply portion of the strap.

Abstract: An automatic strapping machine is disclosed wherein strap is fed at a high rate of speed about a package so as to form a loop which is then tensioned and sealed. The loop is formed so that the leading end of the strap is overlapped by a trailing end of the strap and the resulting overlapped strap portions are joined together so as to form a seal which is not susceptible to snagging. The distal end of the overlapping strap end portion is urged against and is moved back and forth relative to an underlying strap portion in tension at a high rate of speed so as to generate heat therebetween and to form a friction-fused joint. During joint formation the strap loop about the package is in tension, but the strap end portion overlapping the loop is relaxed, i.e., not in tension.

Abstract: An automatic banding machine for providing a smooth supply of packing band for banding around a package being banded, even to a big-sized arch. The machine has a base housing therein a packing band supplying device. An arch is provided on the machine base having a band running channel on the inside thereof. A band holding means is provided around the whole periphery on the inside of the arch, the band holding means being movable over the channel to form a chamber for the running band and covering the channel as the band advances and uncovering the channel when the band recedes. An auxiliary band feeder is provided midway of the arch and having a driving roll extending inwardly from the arch channel and rotating parallel to the direction of the movement of the band. A press roll is provided on the band holding means which contacts the driving roll when the band holding means advances.

Abstract: A machine for compacting and tying coils comprises a compacting unit mounted for movement in the direction of a tying unit, which itself includes a supply of tying wire. The tying wire is supplied to wire guide channels adapted to close around the compacting coil in order to make ties. The tying unit also has twisting heads for tying two ends of each tie after the corresponding wire has been pulled. Each guide channel is associated with at least two retractable rollers disposed on the movable compacting unit adjacent its support surface bearing against the coil and on each side of the latter, for the purpose of supporting the tying wire while it is being pulled.

Abstract: A band clamping device for a machine wrapping or strapping a band, strip or the like about piece goods, such as boxes, containers, packages, crates and so forth, especially a plastic band or strip, comprising a stationary clamping jaw and a movable clamping jaw guided for movement towards and away from the stationary clamping jaw. The movable clamping jaw is articulated at an end hinge of a first element of a toggle lever, a second element of which can be pivoted by means of a drive about a further end hinge. Both clamping jaws possess essentially flat clamping surfaces intended to engage at the band and to hold such against the action of a tension or traction force. The connection line between the hinge points of the toggle lever together with the clamping surface of the clamping jaws enclose an acute angle open in the direction of the tension or traction force and the guide of the movable clamping jaw is elastically resilient in such direction.

Abstract: A machine for compressing and wrapping a coil of wire material is provided which includes a press for compressing the wire coil and wrapping means for wrapping the compressed wire coil with binding wire. The press includes first and second press means movable relative to each other with the first press means including pressing surfaces and the second press means including a pressing plate wherein the pressing plate cooperates with the pressing surfaces for compressing the wire coil. The first press means further includes wrapping means for wrapping the compressed wire coil with a binding wire and includes a substantially horizontal mandrel for receiving the wire coil and four press arms concentrically arranged about the mandrel and being relatively movable therewith to enclose the wire coil. Each of the press arms includes the pressing surfaces and first guide bars for guiding the binding wire.

Abstract: A strapping machine for palletized loads wherein probes are positioned and held against movement at the upper edges of the load. The strap which secures the load to the pallet is snubbed around the probes as the strap is tautened. After the strap has been tautened and clamped, the probes are removed so that the tautened strap engages the upper edges of the load.

Abstract: A strap feeding and tensioning machine is disclosed wherein strap is fed at a high rate of speed about a package so as to form a loop which is then tensioned and subsequently can be sealed. The loop is formed so that the leading end of the strap is overlapped by a trailing end of the strap and the resulting overlapped strap portions are joined together by means of an external seal, by friction fusion, or in any other convenient manner. The feeding and tensioning mechanism comprises a rotatable winder drum equipped with a pair of arcuate feed guide means, a feed wheel rotatably mounted on the winder drum, and reversible driving means for the winder drum and the feed wheel.

Abstract: Automatic band strapping apparatus with a table for supporting an article during banding. An arch frame extends in the form of an upright loop from one side to another of the table. The arch frame has an elongated side wall also in the form of an upright loop in a plane substantially normal to the table. An elongated U-sectioned arch guide made of flexible plastics material such as ultra-high molecular polyethylene has a loop shape following the contour of the arch frame side wall, and one edge surface facing that side wall is opened by means of a groove. Springs press the grooved edge surface of the arch guide against the arch frame side wall thereby defining a band passage through the arch guide which is normally closed. The arch guide is locally separable from the side wall against the urgence of the springs, progressively around the length of the arch frame, providing a moderate draw-out resistance to enable release and withdrawal of band progressively and continuously from the band passage.

Abstract: A strapping machine for applying a tensioned strap loop horizontally about the girth of an object in which a yoke for lacing a strap about an object and means for tensioning and securing such strap are together adjustable as a unit, first into a desired projected position vertically of the object which is to be strapped, and then into a horizontal projected position in which the strap tensioning and securing means are directly adjacent to such object immediately prior to performing their respective functions.

Abstract: An improved closed chamber baler includes a hopper into which is fed waste paper or other compressible materials to be baled. The material to be baled is forced into a bale chamber by means of a piston operated ram. Means are provided for sequentially guiding a strapping wire about the outside periphery of the compressed material at a plurality of vertically spaced intervals along the compressed material. The strapping wire is tensioned and then twisted or knotted together to form a continuous strap about the compressed material, thereby forming a bale. When the bale has been completely strapped, the compression ram is retracted and an output gate is opened. The bale is then ejected from the bale chamber by an automatic bale ejector. While the invention is disclosed in connection with baling waste paper, the closed chamber baler is capable of other uses, e.g.

Abstract: A strapping apparatus which includes a yoke for directing a strap about a package which is to be strapped, and means for delivering and positioning a package reinforcing or protective plate along a portion of such package which is located in the area at which the applied strap is to be sealed. The yoke of this apparatus includes a retractable section which provides for greater flexibility in the placement of packages in strapping position and, also, facilitates the strapping of a variety of packages of different shapes, such as annular packages or packages of coiled materials.