Binder Tighteners Patents (Class 100/32)
  • Patent number: 11856895
    Abstract: A bale binding mechanism is configured to wrap twine around a bale of severed crop material. The bale binding mechanism broadly includes a baling needle, a twine tensioner, and a sensor. A baler chassis presents a baling chamber in which the bale is formed. The baling needle is shiftable up and down relative to the baling chamber, with the needle being shiftable to advance twine upwardly along an end of the bale. The twine tensioner is configured to maintain tension on a tensioned twine section extending between the twine tensioner and the needle, with the tensioned twine section defining a twine feed axis. The twine tensioner includes a tension device that restricts upward advancement of the tensioned twine section. The twine tensioner also includes a shiftable guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard D. Regier, Dino Rey Valdez, Maynard M. Herron, Patrick Kendrick, Nathan Ensminger
  • Patent number: 11760515
    Abstract: Strapping machine tilting device control mechanism including epicyclic transmission having a main axis and an internal crown, intermediate gears and an external crown, a pulling mechanism connected to intermediate gears to a tilting device tensioning roller to transmit movement of the gears around to the main axis to the tensioning roller, a tensioning wheel centered with the main axis constrained to the inner crown and connected to a strapping machine tensioning assembly to transmit tensioning wheel movement, a locking device connected to the external crown, control device to interact with a strapping machine actuation lever connected to the locking device to transmit actuation lever movement to the locking device defining rest and operating positions, the locking device includes: ring centered with the main axis and integral with the external crown, and torsional spring between the tilting device and control device, centered with the main axis to tighten around the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: ITATOOLS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro Finzo, Flavio Finzo
  • Patent number: 11530059
    Abstract: A strapping device including a tensioner operable to apply a strap tension to a loop of wrapping strap, a friction welder operable to produce a friction weld connection at two areas of the loop of wrapping strap disposed one on top of the other, a motor operable in a first rotational direction to drive the tensioner and in a second opposite rotational direction to drive the friction welder, and a control device. The control device is configured to, in response to receiving a first designated input: (1) operate the motor in the first rotational direction to drive the tensioner until a predetermined strap tension is reached in the loop of wrapping strap; and (2) afterwards, automatically operate the motor in the second different rotational direction to drive the friction welder to produce the friction weld connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventors: Mirco Neeser, Roland Widmer, Flavio Finzo
  • Patent number: 11511893
    Abstract: An externally-powered strapping tool includes a strapping tool assembly configured to perform one or more strapping operations; and an external power source operatively coupled thereto, the external power source being attached to the strapping tool assembly in a substantially immovable manner. According to another aspect, a strapping tool assembly includes one or more strapping tool subassemblies configured to perform one or more strapping operations; a power transfer subassembly operatively coupled to the one or more strapping tool subassemblies, the power transfer subassembly configured to transfer motive power from the external power source to the one or more strapping tool subassemblies; and a coupling member configured to couple the strapping tool assembly to the external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Golden Bear LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Robert Sikora, Stephen William Sikora, Charles Russell Patzer
  • Patent number: 11472583
    Abstract: Strapping device including a frame defining supporting area for placing thereon a strap being processed, tensioning assembly to lock and tension, on command, at least part of the strap and at least one rocker defining main axis and at least one tensioning wheel defining its own tensioning axis, which can be rotated around the tensioning axis and integrally with the rocker around the main axis relative to the frame, a welding assembly for joining, on command, at least two edges of the strap, and at least a first drive member to actuate at least part of the tensioning assembly, and first drive mechanism operatively connected to at least the first drive member and including at least a first drive assembly The first drive assembly moves the tensioning wheel around the tensioning axis even when the tensioning roller is moved around the main axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: ITATOOLS S.r.l.
    Inventor: Flavio Finzo
  • Patent number: 11414225
    Abstract: A strapping tool has a tensioner for tightening a strap, a sealer for fixing together ends of the strap, a base, and a drive mounted on the base for operating the tensioner and sealer. The sealer or tensioner is a module removably attached to the base. A transponder is provided on the module and a reader on the base for wirelessly communicating with the transponder. A controller is connected to the reader for operating the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: TITAN UMREIFUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Kay Brettschneider, Nils Horch, Bastian Protzmann, Christian Noelke
  • Patent number: 11064767
    Abstract: A fastening device including a case unit and a spool is provided. The case unit includes a wall forming a receiving space, an upper opening communicated with the receiving space, and a lower opening opposite to the upper opening and communicated with the receiving space. The spool is within the receiving space. The spool is limited by the wall, and the wall prohibits the spool from leaving the receiving space from the upper opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Chin-Chu Chen
  • Patent number: 10945492
    Abstract: A shoelace tightening device includes a main ratchet gear and an auxiliary ratchet gear, which allows a stopper unit to be coupled so as to have a clearance such that the stopper accurately engages with the main ratchet gear. The shoelace tightening device further includes: a lower cover having a receiving recess within a top portion of the lower cover; a reel rotatably inserted into the receiving recess of the lower cover, wherein the reel includes a gear coupling portion provided on a top portion of the reel such that a wire is wound on the reel when the reel is rotated; a housing accommodating the reel inside the housing, wherein a bottom end portion of the housing is fixed to the receiving recess of the lower cover to be integrally fixed to the lower cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Jung-gon Kim
  • Patent number: 10595920
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a lateral projection having a locking surface that defines an elongated cavity. The locking surface is engageable with a longitudinal member to fix the longitudinal member with the first member. A second member includes at least one mating element being engageable with a spinal construct. The first member is axially translatable relative to the second member in a first direction to tension the longitudinal member and in a second direction to release tension from the longitudinal member. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua W. Simpson, Jason M. May
  • Patent number: 10240355
    Abstract: An apparatus for tying a wire 46; 52 around one or more objects such as concrete reinforcing bars 2 is disclosed. It comprises means for passing the wire 46; 52 in a loop around the bars and a rotatable head 4 for twisting the ends of the loop together. The head 4 has at least one gripping means such as a variable force clutch 32 for gripping the wire, the gripping means being adapted to provide a variable gripping force so as to apply a predetermined tension to the wire during at least a first phase of twisting. Also disclosed is pre-feeding the wire between tying operations; conditioning the surface of the wire; and using the electrical conductivity of the reinforcing bars to verify that the bars are present before tying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Construction Tools PC AB
    Inventors: Ian David Coles, Graham Frank Barnes, Paul Anthony Goater, Matthew John Wilson, Roger Frank Duckworth
  • Patent number: 10220971
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tensioning device of a strapping device for strapping packaged material with a strap. The tensioning device includes a tensioning wheel operatively connectable to a drive device to rotate the tensioning wheel about a rotational axis. The tensioning wheel has a circumferential surface configured to engage the strap. The tensioning device also includes a movable spacer provided on the tensioning wheel in the region of the circumferential surface of the tensioning wheel. The spacer is movable between a first position in which part of the spacer is a first distance from the rotational axis and a second position in which the part of the spacer is a second different distance from the rotational axis. The spacer projects beyond the circumferential surface of the tensioning wheel in at least one of the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventors: Dimitrios Takidis, Hans Huber, Michael Meng, Roland Widmer, Christian Benz
  • Patent number: 10028737
    Abstract: A device for treating bone fractures, comprises an actuating mechanism removably coupleable to a clamping mechanism including a clamp defining a cable receiving channel extending therethrough and a compression member coupled to the clamp for movement relative thereto, movement of the compression member relative to the clamp in a first direction moving the clamping mechanism into a clamping configuration in which at least a portion of the clamp is compressed into the channel to fix a cable received therein relative to the clamping mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first member and a second member removably engagable with a clamping mechanism so that, when engaged, relative movement between the first and second members causes relative movement between the clamp and the compression member to move the clamping member between the clamping configuration and a release configuration, the actuating mechanism further including a tensioning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Simon Stucki, Guido Hertig
  • Patent number: 9956021
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a tensioning and crimping tool, the tensioning and crimping tool including a housing unit, a crimping section including a housing, a trigger-handle mounted to the housing, a crimping unit, including an inner crimping tube and an outer crimping tube, where the outer crimping tube is mounted around the inner crimping tube and configured to move in an axial direction relative to the inner crimping tube to crimp a crimp onto the cable, a tensioning section including the housing, a collet opener end, and a tensioning unit including a collet, a cone sheath, a tensioning rod, a tensioning nut rotatable on the tensioning rod, an inner spring configured to actuate the collet in a first direction, and an outer spring configured to actuate the tensioning rod in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: This Aebi, Simon M. Bosshard, Rhett A. Rapier
  • Patent number: 9346572
    Abstract: A strapping apparatus for strapping a tensioning strap around a packaging item includes a frictional wheel that operates against a support to tighten the tensioning strap. The frictional wheel is operatively connected to a drive unit and can be lifted from the support by a swiveling lever. The swiveling lever includes an interrupting element to interrupt the path of action between the frictional wheel and the drive unit so as to be able to lift the frictional wheel in an unloaded state from the tensioning strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: FROMM HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Klaus Leppert
  • Patent number: 9051071
    Abstract: A device and method for the manufacturing of a pack including at least one article. The device includes a strapper for strapping a strip around the at least one article. The strapping is strapped around the outside of the article horizontally and/or vertically and/or cross-wise. A device generates a definable tensioning force of the strapping. A detector for the detection of properties of the article(s) is coupled and/or effectively connected to the device for generating a definable tensioning force of the strapping. A regulation and/or control method for a strapping device is also provided. Recorded properties of the articles to be wrapped and/or of the strapping material to be used are used as control values for the tensioning force and/or back tensioning force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Kurt Perl, Michael Hartl, Christian Napravnik
  • Patent number: 8931405
    Abstract: A reverse tension mechanism for a strapping machine includes an active wheel, a supporting arm installed with a passive wheel, a lever, and a spring. The supporting arm can be moved relative to the active wheel, so that a strapping band which passes between the passive wheel and the active wheel is clamped to control retracting and tightening of the strapping band. A first end of the lever is pivotably connected to a section of the supporting arm, and the spring is vertically installed between a second end of the lever and the section of the supporting arm. The first end of the lever can be activated by a cam to press the spring vertically to produce a pushing force to swing the supporting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Chien-Fa Lai
  • Patent number: 8931404
    Abstract: A feeding and reversing mechanism for a strapping machine includes a forward-reverse wheel assembly and a tension wheel assembly which are mounted on a base and arranged in such a way to provide larger contact areas between a strapping band and the two wheel assemblies. The feeding and reversing mechanism further includes first and second spring units. The first spring unit helps to keep a suitable gap between an active wheel and a passive wheel of the tension wheel assembly for the strapping band to pass through. The second spring unit helps to move the passive wheel toward the active wheel of the tension wheel assembly, so that the strapping band can be clamped between the passive wheel and the active wheel tightly to facilitate reversing and tightening of the strapping band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Chien-Fa Lai
  • Patent number: 8887629
    Abstract: A retainer unit for use in a wire binding machine in order to retain and subsequently release a wire during the tightening thereof around one or more objects. The retainer unit comprises: a wire retaining member pivotable, under the action of a press force exerted by a wire, from an advanced wire retaining position to a retracted wire releasing position; a blocking mechanism moveable from a blocking position, in which it prevents the wire retaining member from being pivoted to the wire releasing position, to a non-blocking position, in which it allows the wire retaining member to be pivoted to the wire releasing position. The blocking mechanism is arranged to move to the non-blocking position under the effect of said wire when the wire reaches a given inclination towards a wire contacting part of the wire retaining member. The invention also relates to a wire binding machine comprising several such retainer units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sund Birsta AB
    Inventors: Lennart Nilsson, Thomas Biberg
  • Publication number: 20140311363
    Abstract: A strapping apparatus for strapping a tensioning strap around a packaging item includes a frictional wheel that operates against a support to tighten the tensioning strap. The frictional wheel is operatively connected to a drive unit and can be lifted from the support by a swiveling lever. The swiveling lever includes an interrupting element to interrupt the path of action between the frictional wheel and the drive unit so as to be able to lift the frictional wheel in an unloaded state from the tensioning strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Klaus LEPPERT
  • Patent number: 8707863
    Abstract: A machine for wrapping a strap in one or two loops around a package has a support frame and first and second upright generally annular strap-guiding channels. The channels each have confronting ends defining a respective gap that are immediately adjacent each other, and the package is engageable within the annular channels. A single-loop guide fittable in the gap of the first channel has a guide groove extending in a single-loop mode between the ends of the first channel. A double-loop guide fittable in a dual-loop mode in the gaps of the first and second channels has first and second crossing guide grooves that extend between one of the ends of the first channel and one of the ends of the second channel and the second guide groove extending between the other of the ends of the first channel and the other of the ends of the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Titan Umreifungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Zitzmann
  • Patent number: 8701555
    Abstract: A self-actuating tension head for a strapping machine includes a body defining a strap path, a drive wheel, a tension wheel a fixed distance from the drive wheel and a pinch wheel. The strap path extends between the tension and pinch wheels. A first link operably connects the drive and tension wheels and defines a first pivot arm that is pivotable about the drive wheel axis of rotation. A second link operably connects the tension and pinch wheels and defines a second pivot arm that is pivotable about the pinch wheel axis and movable along the second pivot arm to move the tension wheel into and out of engagement with the pinch wheel. The first and second pivot arms define an energizing angle therebetween that decreases as the tension wheel is moved into engagement with the pinch wheel and increases as the tension wheel is moved out of engagement with the pinch wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Lemuel J. Bell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8689684
    Abstract: A strap loading assembly for a strapping machine provides a feed path for the strap material. The loading assembly includes a first rail and a second rail movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The second rail, when in the deployed position, confronts the first rail and defines a strap guide with the first rail. The second rail, when in the stowed position opens the strap guide. A link operably connects the first and second rails. Strap material in the strap guide, when in tension, exerts a force on the first rail to move the link which moves the second rail from the deployed position to the stowed position. A strapping machine with a strap loading assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Haberstroh, Andrew J. Nyckowski
  • Patent number: 8671834
    Abstract: A plurality of twine tensioner arms are mounted at evenly spaced locations across the baling chamber of a large square baler for pivoting vertically, against a yieldable bias, between upper and lower extreme positions. Each tensioner arm carries a tensioned twine strand associated with a double-knot tying device. A rotary potentiometer is coupled, by a follower arm, for sensing pivotal movement of each tensioner arm and sends out a corresponding electrical signal to an electronic controller which processes the sensed arm position together with other stored information and sends out a signal for energizing a display showing the relative positions of the arms and/or for energizing a warning device for apprising an operator that a mistie has occurred, is about to occur or that a twine tensioner setting has to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David V. Rotole, Eric R. Lang
  • Publication number: 20140060345
    Abstract: A tensioner for strap includes a housing, a battery, a motor, a tension head having a tension wheel operably connected to the motor and a nosepiece having a pinch element. The nosepiece is mounted to the tension head for movement relative thereto. An actuator handle is mounted to the nosepiece to move the pinch element toward and away from the tension wheel. A strap sensor is operably connected to a controller and senses the presence or absence of strap between the tension wheel and the pinch element. A home position switch senses pinch wheel proximity to the tension wheel. The nosepiece is moved away from the tension head to introduce strap to the tool and the home position switch changes state to signal the controller to permit actuation of the motor when the strap sensor senses the presence of strap between the pinch element and the tension wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Janusz Figiel, Michael J. Kaufman, Jason R. Nasiatka, Joseph J. Gardner, Walter L. Boss
  • Patent number: 8640612
    Abstract: A pneumatic packaging apparatus includes a fixed base provided thereon with a pressure cylinder unit connected with a chuck unit. The fixed base is further mounted with a valve seat combined thereon with a driving unit and a control unit. The control unit is able to receive external high pressure gas and control the high pressure gas to flow to the driving unit and to the pressure cylinder unit to let the driving unit and the pressure cylinder unit driven by air pressure to automatically pull tight the packaging strap and firmly squeeze the packaging fastener for fixing the packaging strap in place. Thus, the pneumatic packaging apparatus of this invention can assist users to complete packaging work with quickness, able to elevate efficiency of the packaging work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20130284033
    Abstract: A self-actuating tension head for a strapping machine includes a body defining a strap path, a drive wheel, a tension wheel a fixed distance from the drive wheel and a pinch wheel. The strap path extends between the tension and pinch wheels. A first link operably connects the drive and tension wheels and defines a first pivot arm that is pivotable about the drive wheel axis of rotation. A second link operably connects the tension and pinch wheels and defines a second pivot arm that is pivotable about the pinch wheel axis and movable along the second pivot arm to move the tension wheel into and out of engagement with the pinch wheel. The first and second pivot arms define an energizing angle therebetween that decreases as the tension wheel is moved into engagement with the pinch wheel and increases as the tension wheel is moved out of engagement with the pinch wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Lemuel J. Bell, JR.
  • Patent number: 8561531
    Abstract: A battery powered banding tool is adapted with a punch for use in tightening and securing center punch type band clamps. A hand-held electrically powered drill is configured for rotationally driving a band tensioner mounted thereto. The band tensioner includes a gear box, and a mount including a generally U-shaped rigid strap which engages the rear of the driving tool to secure the gear box. The gear box contains a worm gear axially coupled to the chuck for powered driven rotation thereby. The worm gear is in intermeshing relation with a winder gear disposed within the gear box and configured for rotation about an axis disposed generally perpendicular to the worm gear axis. A winder, defining a band-receiving slot, is affixed to the winder gear and rotationally driven thereby. A punch assembly, defining a band-receiving slot, is disposed in forwardly spaced aligned relation with the winder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Craig Joseph Rooth
  • Patent number: 8495956
    Abstract: A twine tensioning system for a baler in which adjacent lengths of upper and lower twine lengths are knotted and passed around a bale that is being compressed in a baler. Knots are formed to connect twine at the forward and rearward end of the bales. A slack arm maintains tension during the process of knotting and severing the twines and a stop bar is removably positioned to provide a lower stop for the slack arm when the bales are being passed through the system to minimize wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Carl F. Demulder, Alan Lugert
  • Publication number: 20130186287
    Abstract: Described are tensioning devices comprising: a base housing comprising a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and comprising a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle. Methods of tensioning straps via such tensioning devices are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: SOUTHERN BRACING SYSTEMS ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: SOUTHERN BRACING SYSTEMS ENTERPRISES, LLC
  • Patent number: 8387523
    Abstract: A rocker assembly of a strapping machine has a rocker having a seat, a positioning panel mounted on the seat and being able to swing, and two teeth panels slidably mounted on the positioning panel. When a fixed end and a tightening end of a wrapping strap are mounted between the rocker assembly and a tensioning wheel, the teeth panels slide and the positioning panel swings to adjust engaging surfaces and engaging forces between the teeth panels and the wrapping strap according to thickness of the wrapping strap. Thus the wrapping strap is able to securely wrap around the goods and is not scratched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Pantech International Inc.
    Inventor: Ming-Shih Yang
  • Publication number: 20130014654
    Abstract: A reverse tension mechanism for a strapping machine includes an active wheel, a supporting arm installed with a passive wheel, a lever, and a spring. The supporting arm can be moved relative to the active wheel so that a strapping band which passes through between the passive wheel and the active wheel is clamped to control retracting and tightening of the strapping band. A first end of the lever is pivotably connected to a section of the supporting arm, and the spring is vertically installed between a second end of the lever and the section of the supporting arm. The first end of the lever can be activated by a cam to press the spring vertically to produce pushing force to swing the supporting arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Chien-Fa Lai
  • Publication number: 20130014653
    Abstract: A feeding and reversing mechanism for a strapping machine includes a forward-reverse wheel assembly and a tension wheel assembly which are mounted on a base and arranged in such a way to provide larger contact areas between a strapping band and the two wheel assemblies. The feeding and reversing mechanism further includes first and second spring units. The first spring unit helps to keep a suitable gap between an active wheel and a passive wheel of the tension wheel assembly for the strapping band to pass through. The second spring unit helps to move the passive wheel toward the active wheel of the tension wheel assembly, so that the strapping band can be clamped between the passive wheel and the active wheel tightly to facilitate reversing and tightening of the strapping band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Chien-Fa Lai
  • Patent number: 8287672
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable strapping device to strap packaged goods using a strapping band, the device comprising a tightening mechanism for applying tension to a loop of a strapping band, a frictional welding element (5) to generate a friction weld connection of two overlapping strapping-loop segments, and a rechargeable energy-storing device (10) for storing energy, in particular mechanical, elastic or potential energy that may be released as drive energy applied to a frictional welding system (5) to produce a frictional weld connection. One objective of the invention is to attain applicability, in the absence of an electric storage battery, at the highest possible efficiency, to such an above described portable strapping device. This objective is attained in that the energy storage (10) may be loaded using a manually triggered drive component and in that, when energy stored in the storage is released, the energy storage carries out a displacement devoid of any reversal of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mirco Neeser, Flavio Finzo
  • Patent number: 8281711
    Abstract: A feed head for a strapping machine includes a frame, a feed wheel, a tension wheel, and a feed and take-up motor mounted to the frame and operably connected to the feed wheel. The feed and take-up motor operates in forward and reverse directions to feed strapping material through the strapping machine, and to take up strapping material from the strapping machine. A tension motor is operably connected to the tension wheel and operates in a reverse direction to tension the strapping material around the load. The tension wheel is movable toward and away from the feed wheel and engages the feed wheel during strap tension and disengages from the feed wheel during strap feed. A pivot assembly operably mounts the tension motor and tension wheel to the frame to move the tension wheel toward and into engagement with, and out of engagement with the feed wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Haberstroh, Timothy B. Pearson, Jeffrey D. Termanas
  • Publication number: 20120060703
    Abstract: A system for protecting tubes in a heat recovery system is provided. Such tubes are often protected by shielding that is attached thereto the tubes by a plurality of band clamps. Each band clamp is associated with a guard that protects the same from the hot gases traveling through the field of tubes. In addition, an automated tool is provided for tensioning the bands about the shields. The automated tool allows the band clamps to be properly interconnected to the shields in a preferred manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: BAND-IT-IDEX, INC.
    Inventors: Stevan P. Stiefvater, Grant H. Shafer
  • Patent number: 8051881
    Abstract: A tool that installs a metal tie is disclosed. The tool includes a tension mechanism and a tension control system. The tension mechanism tensions the metal tie wrapped around a bundle. The tension control system measures the applied tie tension. The tension control system includes a load cell and a worm cushion that dampens the tension applied to the load cell. The tension mechanism includes a gear train with a worm gear and a worm that distribute the applied tension to the load cell. Once the desired tension has been achieved, the tension mechanism is de-energized and a ball set and cut-off mechanism is activated to set the ball in the metal tie head and to shear a portion of the tensioned metal tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Roger D Segroves
  • Patent number: 8042460
    Abstract: A head unit for coil packaging is disclosed to transfer and fasten band for fixing a packaging material to a coil. The head unit for coil packaging, including: a band transfer unit that transfers a front end of a band supplied for coil packaging to a position at which a robot for winding the band to a coil can grip the front end of the band, and transfers the front end of the band such that it overlaps with the band as the robot provides the front end of the band wound on the coil; and a band fastening unit that fastens the front end of the band to the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Posco M-Tech
    Inventor: Seung Yong Song
  • Publication number: 20100132827
    Abstract: A steel strapping tool with a pressing strap structure is provided. The steel strapping tool includes a base which has a pivot block extending from a front side thereof. A cutting unit is disposed on the base. The cutting unit includes a fixing seat which has an accommodating trough therein, a top engaging rod unit disposed in the accommodating trough, a cutting assembly having one end coupled to the top engaging rod unit and received in the accommodating trough. The cutting assembly includes a cutting body and a connecting member which extends frontward from one side of the cutting body and passes through the fixing seat. The connecting member is pivotally connected with the pivot block of the base. Between the cutting body and the base defines an included angle. Thereby, the front end of the cutting body holds against a steel strap which is inserted in the steel strapping tool, and then the cutting body is to press the steel strap entirely so as to achieve a firm pressing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man YU CHEN
  • Patent number: 7677168
    Abstract: An easy-maintenance strap guide system of a strapping machine includes a board, a driving set, a first rod, a second rod, a first matching portion, a second matching portion, and an engaging element. The driving set includes an advance roller portion and a retreat roller portion for conveying a strap. When the engaging element disengages with the first rod, the first rod rotates and makes the second rod, the first matching and the second matching portion moving. Hence, a maintenance space is formed. Thus, the maintenance work can be done quickly without the use of tools. It saves the detaching and assembling time. Plus, it can release automatically due to the gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignees: Tekpak Corporation, Transpak Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Chin-Chang Liu, Chi-Jan Su
  • Patent number: 7669526
    Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a band, in particular a strapping device, includes a drive unit (10) which, in the operated state, drives a band winding unit (12) selectively in opposite directions of rotation. As a result of the band (18), which can be inserted into the apparatus, being releasably locked in predefinable positions by an operating device (14) actuated by a control device (16) of the band winding unit (12), functional positioning of the band winding unit is started to fix the band. The band can be inserted into the apparatus, in the tensioned or tautened state to then be able to insert the band tensioning apparatus for a new strapping operation after the band is severed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Greiner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Adolf Fay
  • Publication number: 20090188398
    Abstract: A strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap, includes a body having a foot on which the strap is disposed during a strapping cycle. The body housing and/or forming a part of a tensioning element and including a welding element. One or more pneumatic motors tension the strap and drive the welding element. A pneumatic module is mounted to the body. The module has a compressed gas inlet to the module and is configured for controlling the flow of compressed gas to the one or more motors. A handle is mounted to the body and operably connected to the pneumatic module. The handle is configured for manipulating the tool and includes an actuator for permitting and isolating the flow of compressed gas to the pneumatic module. The handle is orientable so as to allow a user to select a desired handle orientation for operation of the strapping tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jason R. Nasiatka, Janusz Figiel, Ka Kuen Leung
  • Patent number: 7562620
    Abstract: A strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap, includes a body having a foot on which the strap is disposed during a strapping cycle. The body housing and/or forming a part of a tensioning element and including a welding element. One or more pneumatic motors tension the strap and drive the welding element. A pneumatic module is mounted to the body. The module has a compressed gas inlet to the module and is configured for controlling the flow of compressed gas to the one or more motors. A handle is mounted to the body and operably connected to the pneumatic module. The handle is configured for manipulating the tool and includes an actuator for permitting and isolating the flow of compressed gas to the pneumatic module. The handle is orientable so as to allow a user to select a desired handle orientation for operation of the strapping tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason R. Nasiatka, Janusz Figiel, Ka Kuen Leung
  • Publication number: 20090158942
    Abstract: A tightening apparatus for strapping an object with a plastic band includes a stationary cutter with a cutting slot, a pivoting cutter mounted inside the stationary cutter, and a resilient element. The resilient element is situated so as to push a cutting edge of the pivoting cutter away from a cutting edge of the stationary cutter when a cutting operation is not being performed. When a band is present between the pivoting and stationary cutters and the cutting operation is actuated, a pivoting force caused by an applied cutting force moves the pivoting cutter against the resilient element and engages the cutting edges of both cutters so as to cut the band. The fact that the cutting edges are engaged only when a band is inserted between the cutters greatly improves the life of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Pavlo Barlosov, Volodymyr Domin
  • Patent number: 7533606
    Abstract: A tool for compressing a run flat device is provided. The tool contains a spool and a belt. The belt is wrapped around spool and the run flat device, and when the spool rotates, an effective length of the belt decreases to compress the run flat device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne W. Wright
  • Publication number: 20090071350
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for tensioning a bond, in particular a tripping device, comprising a drive unit (10) which, in the operated state, drives a band winding unit (12) with opposite directions of rotation in one direction in each case. As a result of the band (18), which can be inserted into the apparatus, being releasably locked in predefinable positions by means of an operating device (14) which can be actuated by a control device (16) of the band winding unit (12), functional positioning of the band winding unit is started in order to fix the band, which can be inserted into the apparatus, in the tensioned or tautened state, in order to then be able to insert the band tensioning apparatus for a new strapping operation after the band is severed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Adolf Fay
  • Patent number: 7493853
    Abstract: A baler, comprising a compacting mechanism and a binding mechanism is provided. The compacting mechanism comprises a bearing plane against which cardboard is compressed. This baler includes a compacting mechanism and rope tightening mechanism. In using the baler of the invention, a cardboard compacting platform is pulled up towards the compacting bearing plane along a channel in a frame. The compacting platform is pulled up by mechanical force and dragged downwards by its weight. A rope clamp placed on each side of the rack combine with the rope retracting ratchet gear and other elements from a rope tightening mechanism to tie up the compacting cardboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Guanghui Xue
  • Patent number: 7454877
    Abstract: A strapping machine is provided to feed a strap around a load, position, tension and seal the strap around the load. The strapping machine includes a surface to support the load in the strapping machine; a strap chute to carry a strap around the load and release the strap from the strap chute; a motor assembly to convey the strap around the strap chute, retract the strap material around the load, and tension the strap around the load; and an adjustable speed drive capable of receiving a first reference signal and a second reference signal, and configured to actuate the motor assembly to apply a first amount of torque to the strap when receiving the first reference signal and to apply a second amount of torque to the strap when receiving the second reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Arland Morrison
  • Patent number: 7428867
    Abstract: A self-energizing gripper is configured for use in a strapping machine that includes a rigid surface along which a strapping material traverses and against which the strapping material is clamped. The self-energizing gripper includes first and second links mounted at respective first ends to the strapping machine for pivotal movement and a gripping element pivotally mounted to respective second ends of each the first and second links. The gripping element includes a substantially planar gripping element surface. The first and second links are mounted to the gripping element for pivotal movement of the gripping element along an arcuate path toward and away from the rigid surface and the gripping element surface remains parallel as the gripping element moves along the arc between an open gripper position and a closed gripper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Lemuel J. Bell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7412815
    Abstract: A welding head for a strap binding machine includes a strap guide element that can be moved into and out of a strap guide path, a welding device that can be moved into and out of the strap guide path and that is for fusing strap segments of overlapping strap ends that are to be welded, and a pressing device for pressing the fused strap segments against a pressure part, the strap guide element and the welding device being pivotably borne and both being directly or indirectly motion-coupled to the longitudinally movable pressing device such that they can be moved into and out of the strap guide path depending on the movement of the pressing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Helmut Schmetzer
  • Patent number: 7380495
    Abstract: A strap feeding and withdrawing structure for a packing machine includes a driving member and a strapping member pivotally assembled on a main body of a conveying device and respectively driven by an electromagnetic switch unit and a pull member to carry out strap feeding, strap withdrawing and strap strapping work. The separable strap feeding and withdrawing structure of this invention can be disassembled quickly, facilitating maintenance and removal of disorder. In addition, the strapping member is disposed thereon with a strap withdrawal detecting member able to accurately control data of strap withdrawing and tightness of strapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Jangzin Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hermes Wang