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.

Abstract: A floating strapping head is for use in a strapping machine of the type for positioning, tensioning and sealing a strapping material to itself around a load. The strapping machine has a frame and a strap chute. The floating strapping head includes a tensioning module, a separate sealing module and a drive assembly operably connected to the tensioning module and the sealing module. The head includes a guide along which the tensioning and sealing modules move laterally, together and toward and away from one another. When tension is drawn in the strapping material with an end of the strapping material gripped by the sealing head and an opposite portion of the strapping material gripped by the tensioning module, the drive is actuated to move the tensioning and sealing modules away from one another. The tensioning and sealing modules float, moving along the guide, as one, to equalize the tension in the strapping material on either side of the strapping head.

Abstract: A strapping machine feeds strapping material around a load, positions, tensions and seals the material around the load. The machine includes a work surface, a portion of which is upwardly pivotal. A conveyor mounted within the work surface has a friction belt drive. The conveyor roller closest to the strap chute has a middle portion that has a smaller diameter than the end portions. The middle portions are fitted together to rotate as a unitary element. A load compression assembly is mounted at the strap chute. A side squaring assembly aligns the load in the direction transverse to the load direction. A strap guide extends between a pre-feed assembly and the feed assembly and includes a fixed portion and a movable portion forming a guide path that is opened to access the guide path. An interlocked enclosure is mounted to the machine frame below the work surface to access the sealing head and the feed assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for tensioning and sealing tightening straps of plastics for package tightenings, in which the superposed strap ends are received in a strap channel which is essentially open at a longitudinal outer side and the two faces. The strap channel has a strap edge guide at its longitudinal inner side for the inner edges of the tightening strap. A tensioning device is arranged in the front region of the device, and a sealing device is arranged in the rear region. So as to compensate for the forces acting outwardly on the upper strap end due to the irregular deformations of the upper strap end during the tensioning process by the tensioning roller of the tensioning device which is mounted in a floating manner, the strap edge guide is arranged obliquely to the tensioning direction of the tensioning roller and projects further into the strap channel in the vicinity of the strap sealing device than in the region of the tensioning device.

Abstract: A band packing machine includes a body, a transmission unit, a forward-reverse unit and a tension unit. The transmission unit has a rotatable forward-reverse tension cam and a tension cam. The forward-reverse unit includes a forward-reverse motor, a forward-reverse active wheel and a forward-reverse link unit to which a forward-reverse passive wheel is connected. The tension link unit is connected to the tension passive wheel. By controlling the tension cam, the tension passive wheel and the tension active wheel clamp or loosen the bands. The tension unit and the forward-reverse unit are activated by the link units which are activated by cams so that the response time is short. The packing machine is compact and occupies less space in horizontal direction.

Abstract: A small profile strapping tool includes a body defining a cylinder housing, a piston disposed within a cylinder in the cylinder housing, a pneumatic weld motor operably connected to the piston for actuation during a weld cycle, a pneumatic tensioning motor for actuation during a tensioning cycle, and a pneumatic module removably mounted to the cylinder housing. Within the module, a pilot valve controls a flow of gas into the module, a tensioning motor valve controls gas flow to the tensioning motor to draw tension in the strap, a weld cycle valve controls gas flow to the weld motor and piston, a timer and an accumulator are configured to isolate gas flow to the weld motor upon reaching a predetermined pressure in the accumulator following actuation, and a pneumatic signal circuit disposed between the cylinder and a bleed valve includes a signal valve that controls actuation of the bleed valve to route gas to the tension motor to maintain tension in the strap following the weld cycle.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to position a strap material around an associated load when in a feed mode and to tension the strap material and seal the strap material to itself around the load when in a tensioning mode includes an improved winder assembly. The machine includes a flame, a strap material supply and a strapping head. A strap path is defined from the strap material supply to the strapping head. The strapping head includes a feed element for conveying the strap material during the feed mode in a first direction around the load and for conveying the strap material in a second, opposite direction to tension the strap material around the load. The strapping head includes a rotating winder for tensioning the material around the load. The winder has a peripheral strap path and a central strap path.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for applying high tension to strap in an automatic strapping machine. A rotatable frame has a first and a second position. Two driving wheels are mounted on the frame. In the first position of the rotatable frame, strap passes freely through a gap between the two driving wheels to allow feeding of the strap around an object and take-up of excess strap. In the second position of the rotatable frame the strap frictionally engages the periphery of the two driving wheels. Rotation of the two driving wheels when the rotatable frame is in the second position places high tension on the strap.

Abstract: A method for binding logging waste or small timber material by using an automatic binding device, wherein the material is collected in a continuous bundle of brushwood and fed in the longitudinal direction. The material of the bundle of brushwood is compressed further in the binding device by tensioning the band which is fed in a continuous manner around the bundle of brushwood, and the band is finally locked as a strap which keeps the bundle of brushwood together.

Abstract: A bale press for lose material, especially for paper with a filling space for material that is to be added loose, a press ram, which can be moved through the filling space into the inlet of a pressing channel or some other baling space, and several knotters for tying material, which are disposed next to one another at the inlet of the pressing channel, in which in each case two opposite strands of a tape loop of the binding material, encircling the bale, are brought together at the front, knotted together and cut after the knot, the associated knotter receiving one of the two strands with a supplying arm through openings in the press ram is equipped for the extreme requirements of industrial high performance presses, especially channel bale presses, in such a manner that the openings in the press ram form channels which are adapted to the movement profile of the supplying arms and, at a front surface of the press ram, are open in outlet slots for the tying material.

Abstract: A strapping machine feed system for automatically detecting a strap error or fault, thereby stopping strap retraction or take-up, and refeeding the strap into the strapping head following the error or fault. The feed system includes a pair of tensioning wheels disposed along a strap path proximal a strap supply, and a pair of feed wheels, defining a nip therebetween, disposed along the strap path proximal the strapping head. A feed wheel drive and a tensioning wheel drive are respectively connected to the feed wheels and the tensioning wheels. A sensor disposed along the strap path generates a signal to the feed wheel drive and tensioning wheel drive, indicating movement or lack of movement along the strap path, thus causing the feed wheels or tensioning wheels to rotate in both a forward and reverse direction.

Abstract: An operator interface for a control system for a bulk material baler includes interface means such as a touch screen or keyboard for an operator to enter process parameters into a control system memory. A display shows process parameter fields into which an operator may enter desired control parameters. The display also displays data feedback from baler process sensors. The baler control system then controls baling parameters as the operator directs including: strap feed position, strap feed speed, strap feed torque, strap release tension, tying cylinder position, tying cylinder speed and tying cylinder torque. The operator may also control carriage movement, alarm limits, shut off limits and monitor on the display baler processing data both currently and historically. Other aspects of automated baling may be optionally monitored or controlled through the operator interface of the present invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for threading and feeding a length of wire into a wire-tying track, for withdrawing at least some of the wire from the wire-tying track to tension the wire around one or more objects, and for extracting waste wire from the system. The object of the invention herein being a feed and tension mechanism comprising a feed and tension wheel, an accumulator disk, a primary nip mechanism for frictionally engaging the wire at the contact region between the primary nip and the feed and tension wheel, a drive system having two independently operable motors, and wire guiding devices for directing and routing the wire through the feed and tension mechanism. The present invention may further comprise a supplementary nip mechanism to facilitate the threading of the wire into the mechanism, a wire stripping mechanism for extracting any waste wire from the mechanism, and a series of wire sensing devices in communication with a control system to sequence and control the operational cycles of the system.

Abstract: A strap-guiding device for a strapping packaging apparatus includes a main body provided with a tightening device, a cutting device and a strap-compressing device. A nose-tip shaped base having a lower and an upper propping member is secured on the front wall of the main body, having a strap-inserting groove formed between the upper and the lower propping member. During packaging, a packaging strap has one end inserted through the strap-inserting groove of the nose-tip shaped base and passing through the cutting device and the tightening device, having the other end compressed and fixed by the strap-compressing device, and the nose-tip shaped base has its front end closely pushing against an article to make the packaging strap pulled and moved steadily and smoothly.

Abstract: A strapping machine has a housing carrying a mount attachable to an overhead balancer line, tensioning and sealing devices in the housing, and an elongated pivotal handle. An inner handle end is formed with an annular inlet passage and a radially throughgoing inlet port opening into the inlet passage. The handle also is formed with axially extending passages extending from the inlet passage to an outer handle end. A pneumatic motor in the outer handle end drives a transmission in the inner end of the handle in turn drives the devices in the housing. An inlet fitting on the housing is connectable to a compressed-air supply line. A conduit has one end communicating with the inlet fitting and an opposite end opening radially inward into the inlet port of the handle. The outer handle end is formed with an outlet opening for venting air from the motor.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a strapping head for a strapping machine includes a body having a generally rectangular cross-section and defining a cavity therein having an end wall. The body has a gripping pad on an exterior portion thereof. The body further includes pin openings in opposing walls. A single spring stack is disposed in the cavity. An end of the spring stack abuts the inner end wall of the body. A follower block is positioned in the cavity. The follower block has a base and a roller support portion. The roller support portion has pin openings therein. A roller is positioned in the roller support portion. The roller has a passage therethrough. A retaining pin is disposed through the body pin openings, the follower block pin openings and the roller passage. The retaining pin is disposed to maintain the follower block within the body cavity with the roller secured thereto and to maintain the spring stack captured within the body cavity.

Abstract: A strapping machine automatically adjusting the strap tension includes a sensor to interact with two sense members fixed on a subordinate wheel of an advance and retreat device, which consists of a main wheel and the subordinate wheel. The sensor and the sense members sense the advanced and the retreated rounds of the subordinate wheel when a strap is moved through a gap between the main wheel and the subordinate wheel. Then sensor sends a signal of the length practically needed to bind the strap around an object to a signal processor, which calculates and records and sends the difference cardinality to a controller. Then the controller controls operation and stopping of the motor of a strap tension device according to the signal so that the strap machine can automatically adjust the strap tension for binding the strap.

Abstract: A banding packing machine capable of inexpensively detecting the end of a band reel, thereby contributing to a reduction in cost. In a banding packing machine having a back pool box in a packing machine body and serving to feed an unused band (B) stored in the back pool box and a band from a band reel, the rotating speed of a touch roller is detected when a required amount of band is being pulled out of the band reel wherein the band is not left in the band reel if the rotating speed is not changed but the rotation is carried out at an almost constant speed, and the tip portion of the band does not arrive at the predetermined position of a band guide arch. Then, the driving operation of a normal rotating roller is stopped based on the decision signal.

Abstract: A control system for a weld motor for a strapping machine is based upon the number of rotations of the weld motor. The system is used in a strapping machine of the type having a body, an anvil mounted to and movable relative to the body, a sealing member disposed for oscillating movement relative to the anvil and a motor operably connected to the sealing member to provide oscillating movement to the sealing member. Movement of the sealing member seals overlying courses of strapping material to one another. The control system includes a sensed element located on a rotating portion of the motor, a sensor for generating a signal at each instance of sensing the sensed element, a counter operably connected to the sensor for counting the instances of the sensed element and a controller for controlling operation of the motor based upon the counting of the instances of the sensed element. A method for controlling a motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A binding device for binding pulp bales with wire drawn from a wire magazine is disclosed including a feed for feeding and tightening the wire, a guide for guiding the wire around the bale during forward feeding thereof, a processor for cutting the tightened wire and twisting together the ends thereof, and a take-up unit for taking up the slack loop of wire arising from the tightening of the wire. A spring-loaded device adjacent to the feed means dampens the jerk which occurs when the slack loop of wire runs out and wire begins to be drawn from the magazine.

Abstract: A strap path access guide is configured for use in a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly a chute and a strapping head disposed between the feed assembly and the chute. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The strap path access guide is disposed along the feed assembly between a pair of tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The strap path access guide includes a fixed lower guide portion extending between the tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The fixed lower guide portion defines a lower surface of the strap path. A pivotable upper guide portion is pivotable about a pivot that is spaced from and rearwardly beyond the tensioning wheels. The upper guide portion is pivotable between a closed position in which the upper and lower guide portions cooperate with one another to define the strap path and an open position in which the strap path is fully accessible.

Abstract: A twist tie feed device is provided for twisting together the ends of a tie ribbon which encircles a product including a base plate. A twist head assembly can be mounted on a base plate and receives a first end of a tie ribbon which encircles the product and a second end of the encircling tie ribbon and will rotate about itself to twist the tie ribbon about the product. Positive drive wheels and idler working in conjuction feed the ribbon in one of a first direction towards the twist head assembly and a second direction away from the twist head assembly. The positive drive wheels can contact the ribbon at one side and the idler can contact the ribbon on the other side to apply a positive drive force to the drive the ribbon as it passes between the drive wheels and idler. The ribbon can be fed in the second direction away from the twist head assembly, thereby tightening the ribbon about the product.

Abstract: A twist tie feed device is provided for twisting together the ends of a tie ribbon which encircles a product including a base plate. A twist head assembly can be mounted on a base plate and receives a first end of a tie ribbon which encircles the product and a second end of the encircling tie ribbon and will rotate about itself to twist the tie ribbon about the product. Positive drive wheels and idler working in conjuction feed the ribbon in one of a first direction towards the twist head assembly and a second direction away from the twist head assembly. The positive drive wheels can contact the ribbon at one side and the idler can contact the ribbon on the other side to apply a positive drive force to the drive the ribbon as it passes between the drive wheels and idler. The ribbon can be fed in the second direction away from the twist head assembly, thereby tightening the ribbon about the product.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a strapping head for a strapping machine includes a body having a generally rectangular cross-section and defining a cavity therein having an end wall. The body has a gripping pad on an exterior portion thereof. The body further includes pin openings in opposing walls. A single spring stack is disposed in the cavity. An end of the spring stack abuts the inner end wall of the body. A follower block is positioned in the cavity. The follower block has a base and a roller support portion. The roller support portion has pin openings therein. A roller is positioned in the roller support portion. The roller has a passage therethrough. A retaining pin is disposed through the body pin openings, the follower block pin openings and the roller passage. The retaining pin is disposed to maintain the follower block within the body cavity with the roller secured thereto and to maintain the spring stack captured within the body cavity.

Abstract: A machine for bundling tree branches and other yard waste comprising a frame having at least two cradling arms of various configurations, and a crushing arm pivotally attached to the frame for pressing down the branches or yard waste. A preferred embodiment includes a binding or crushing arm comprised of rigid or flexible material and can be manipulated about the pivot point in a manner, which crushes or compacts and facilitates bundling of the waste. A preferred embodiment includes the flexible material is comprised of high tensile strength polymer or natural fibers such as natural or manmade rope. An alternative embodiment includes wheels attached to the frame bottom to facilitate movement of the machine and/or a twine holder for tying the waste. A preferred embodiment teaches the use of binding or crushing arm(s) or bungee cords to manipulate the waste to facilitate bundling.

Abstract: A pneumatic strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap includes a piston, a weld motor operably connected to the piston and a vibrating weld element operably connected to the piston for contacting the strap and adhering the strap onto itself. A tensioning motor is configured for unidirectional rotation. A feed wheel is operably connected to the tensioning motor by a drive assembly to tension the strap prior to adhering the strap onto itself. A transmission cooperates with the drive assembly and is switchable between a first state in which the transmission engages the drive assembly to permit only one-way rotation of the drive assembly and a second state in which the transmission permits two-way rotation of the drive assembly. The strapping tool includes a self-contained pneumatic module that is removably mounted to a cylinder housing.

Abstract: An engageable pawl member is provided so as to be swingable about a supporting shaft so that a pawl tip is movable along a moving path for a strapping band. The engageable pawl member is pulled forwardly in a swinging direction by a helical tension spring to push the pawl tip against the strapping band. The engageable pawl member shifts forwardly, following the movement of the strapping band in a feeding direction, and the strapping band is sandwiched and held between the engageable paw member and a holding guide. Then, the engageable pawl member follows the movement of the strapping band in a direction to pull back, and the engageable pawl member shifts backwardly so that the pawl tip moves in a direction out of the moving path for the strapping band.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying flexible straps around objects include a feed and tension unit a feed drive wheel and a feed pinch wheel, a primary tension drive wheel and a primary tension pinch wheel, and a secondary tension drive wheel and a secondary tension pinch wheel, wherein at least one of the pinch wheels is controllably biased against the respective drive wheel by a solenoid that is controlled in two stages: a first stage that provides a full feed or tensioning force and a second stage that provides a reduced feed or tensioning force by altering the pulse width modulation of the solenoid. In another embodiment, the three sets of wheels of the feed and tension unit are configured to provide a simplified “V-shaped” strap path that reduces bending of the strap, thereby reducing friction and consequent feeding difficulties.

Abstract: A twine tensioner includes upper and lower ribbed rollers biased together so as to enlarge a length of twine passing between them so as to cause a predetermined tension to be required for advancing the length of twine through the rollers. The upper roller is mounted for movement relative to the lower roller and is guided such that, as it moves away from the lower roller, the twine tension first increases and then does not undergo any appreciable increase or spike as a knot in the length of twine through the nip of the rollers. The tensioner is constructed such that the upper roller may be easily manually moved away from the lower roller so as to permit twine to be threaded through the tensioner without requiring any additional tool.

Abstract: The present Invention is an apparatus for applying high tension to strap in an automatic strapping machine. A rotatable frame has a first and a second position. Two driving wheels are mounted on the frame. In the first position of the rotatable frame, strap passes freely through a gap between the two driving wheels to allow feeding of the strap around an object and take-up of excess strap. In the second position of the rotatable frame the strap frictionally engages the periphery of the two driving wheels. Rotation of the two driving wheels when the rotatable frame is in the second position places high tension on the strap.

Abstract: A twine tensioner includes upper and lower ribbed rollers biased together so as to engage a length of twine passing between them so as to cause a predetermined tension to be required for advancing the length of twine through the rollers. The upper roller is mounted for movement relative to the lower roller and is guided such that, as it moves away from the lower roller, the twine tension first increases and then does not undergo any appreciable increase or spike as a knot in the length of twine passes through the nip of the rollers. The tensioner is constructed such that the upper roller may be easily manually moved away from the lower roller so as to permit twine to be threaded through the tensioner without requiring any additional tool.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strapping material around an associated load and sealing the strapping material to itself around the load, includes a modular strapping head and a modular feed assembly. The strapping head and feed assembly are readily installed on and removed from the strapping machine without tools. The Strapping machine includes a frame, a chute mounted to the frame and defining a strap path, the feed assembly mounted to the frame by a first aligning and mounting assembly, the strapping head assembly mounted to the frame by a second aligning and mounting assembly independent of the first mounting assembly, and a guide mounted to the frame adjacent the feed assembly. Both the feed assembly and the strapping head are independently removable from the frame.

Abstract: A strapping apparatus for securing a tape around a package has a housing, a support roll rotatable on the housing, a tube shaft pivotal on the housing adjacent the support roll about a tube-shaft axis, and a drive shaft rotatable in the tube shaft about a drive-shaft axis parallel to and offset from the tube-shaft axis. A first drive roll on the drive shaft carries a friction layer bearing axially offset from the drive-shaft axis on the housing. A first drive connected to the drive shaft rotates same and the first drive roll in a clamping direction and thereby oppositely rotates the tube shaft about the tube-shaft axis into an end position and also can rotate the drive shaft and the first drive roll in an opposite freeing direction to thereby oppositely rotate the tube shaft about the tube-shaft axis into another end position.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for controlling the tying function of a large rectangular baler includes a knotter drive shaft having a drive member mounted on it for free rotation. A one-way clutch is connected between the drive member and the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft only when the drive member is rotated in a first direction. The drive member has an elongate flexible element associated therewith and is driven in the first direction by retraction of an extensible and retractable hydraulic motor having its rod end coupled to one end of the flexible element, the other end of the flexible element being coupled to a spring that stores energy only when the hydraulic motor is retracted. At the end of the tying function, the hydraulic motor is extended to its beginning position, the loaded spring then taking up the slack in the flexible element and the one-way clutch then free-wheeling.

Abstract: Strapping head, comprising three wheels for driving the strap, i.e. an insertion wheel, a recovery wheel and a tensioning wheel, as well as a pressure roller associated with each of the drive wheels, and elements for activating and deactivating the driving of the wheels. According to the invention, the tensioning wheel (6) is made to rotate by a movement cam (7), through an angle of rotation “a” corresponding to an arc with a length equal to the maximum tensioning travelling distance of the strap, and the strap is driven by the tensioning wheel (6) in co-operation with a pressure roller (6a) which is displaceable so as to bear with pressure against the strap and the tensioning roller (6), with a predetermined delay with respect to the start of the tensioning roller (6). A single actuating motor operates a single drive belt (C) for driving all the moving parts of the machine.

Abstract: A winder for a strapping machine that positions a strap material around a load and tensions the strap material around the load includes a rotating head portion having a stationary element and a pivotal element. The elements each define an outer surface around which the strap material is wound and a slot therebetween for receiving the strap material. The elements each include a gripping portion at about respective ends opposingly facing one another. The pivotal element pivots between an open position in which the gripping portions are spaced from one another and a closed position in which the gripping portions cooperate with one another to engage and secure the strap material. The winder includes a pivot assist assembly to urge the winder to the closed position. A strapping machine and a strapping head are also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a machine body having two side plates fixed in parallel on one side of its bottom base. The side plates are bored with a plurality of through holes preset in number at the locations where a cutting device, a clamping device and a band-pressing device are assembled. Each through hole is fitted with a padding sleeve which is wrapped inside the machine body and formed in shape together when the machine body is made integral by means of plastic injection molding, possible to be mass-produced, needless to be additionally drilled with holes for other components, lightening its whole weight and economizing producing cost.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load and tensioning the strap material around the load includes a frame for supporting the load, a chute positioned on the frame for receiving the strap material and orienting the strap material around the load, a strap supply and a strapping head for extracting the strap from the supply, feeding the strap through the chute around the load, passing the strap from the chute around the load, retracting and tensioning the strap. The strapping head includes feed rollers and retraction rollers for feeding and retracting the strap and a winder for tensioning the strap around the load. The winder is positioned between the feed and retraction rollers and the strap supply. The winder includes a rotating head portion having a stationary element and a pivotal element. The stationary and pivotal elements each define an outer surface around which the strap material is wound and a slot therebetween for receiving the strap material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying flexible straps around objects include a feed and tension unit a feed drive wheel and a feed pinch wheel, a primary tension drive wheel and a primary tension pinch wheel, and a secondary tension drive wheel and a secondary tension pinch wheel, wherein at least one of the pinch wheels is controllably biased against the respective drive wheel by a solenoid that is controlled in two stages: a first stage that provides a full feed or tensioning force and a second stage that provides a reduced feed or tensioning force by altering the pulse width modulation of the solenoid. In another embodiment, the three sets of wheels of the feed and tension unit are configured to provide a simplified “V-shaped” strap path that reduces bending of the strap, thereby reducing friction and consequent feeding difficulties.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strapping material around an associated load and sealing the strapping material to itself around the load, includes a frame, a feed assembly mounted to the frame for feeding, retracting and automatically refeeding the strapping material, a guide configured to receive the strapping material from the feed assembly, and a strapping head configured to receive the strapping material from the feed assembly via the guide and to position the strapping material around the load and seal the strapping material to itself around the load. The feed assembly includes one and only one pair of reversible feed elements and a drive. The machine includes a controller operably connected to the drive. The one and only one pair of reversible feed elements are configured to automatically feed, retract and refeed the strapping material upon an appropriate signal from the controller.

Abstract: An operator interface for a control system for a bulk material baler includes interface means such as a touch screen or keyboard for an operator to enter process parameters into a control system memory. A display shows process parameter fields into which an operator may enter desired control parameters. The display also displays data feedback from baler process sensors. The baler control system then controls baling parameters as the operator directs including: strap feed position, strap feed speed, strap feed torque, strap release tension, tying cylinder position, tying cylinder speed and tying cylinder torque. The operator may also control carriage movement, alarm limits, shut off limits and monitor on the display baler processing data both currently and historically. Other aspects of automated baling may be optionally monitored or controlled through the operator interface of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for wire-tying one or more objects. A wire accumulating and feeding mechanism feeds the wire axially through the hollow axle of an accumulator drum and then out to a drive wheel. The wire is wrapped around the periphery of the drum to accumulate the wire during tensioning. A wire gripping mechanism is a simple, economical device including a gripper block having a wire receptacle formed therein, an opposing wall positioned proximate the wire receptacle, and in one embodiment a tapered gap formed in the gripper block proximate the wire receptacle and opposite from the opposing wall, and a gripper disc mounts in a gripper release lever constrained to move within the tapered gap and frictionally engageable with the length of wire disposed within the wire receptacle, the gripper disc being driven into the tapered gap by frictional engagement with the length of wire and pinching the length of wire against the opposing wall when the drive motor is operated in the tension direction.

Abstract: A touch roller can be moved between three positions. In the first position, the touch roller is pressed onto a forward driving roller. In the second position, the touch roller is pressed onto a reverse driving roller with two different forces. In the third position, the touch roller is spaced from both the forward driving roller and the reverse driving roller. When the touch roller is pushed onto the reverse driving roller with a small force, the reverse driving roller pulls back a band and wraps the band around an article to be packed. When the touch roller is pushed onto the reverse driving roller with a large force, the reverse driving roller tightens the band wrapped around an article.

Abstract: A tensioning unit for a strapping machine serves for tensioning and sealing a band guided around an item to be strapped. It has a tensioning head and housing. The tensioning head includes a tensioning device and clamping and sealing subassembly. Toward the end of a tensioning operation, the head can be displaced relative to the housing in a band-running direction, counter to tensioning direction. Also provided in the housing is a band guide arranged downstream of the clamping and sealing member, in the band-running direction, subdivided into front and rear band-guide parts. In this case, only the front band-guide part can be displaced, together with the tensioning head, relative to the housing, whereas the rear band-guide is moved transversely to the band-running direction by the front band-guide part, which is moved in the band-running direction B, counter to a spring force.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strapping material around an associated load and sealing the strapping material to itself around the load includes a frame, a chute defining a strap path that is mounted to the frame, and a feed assembly mounted to the frame. The feed assembly is configured to operate in a feed mode to feed the strapping material and to operate in a take-up mode to retract the strapping material. A strapping head is configured to seal the strapping material to itself. A controller is operably connected to the feed assembly and controls the operation of the strapping machine. A sensor is disposed to sense the presence and absence of strapping material at the strapping head. The sensor includes first and second movable biased elements cooperating with one another and movable between a first position in which the sensor senses the presence of strapping material and a second position in which the sensor senses the absence of strapping material.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load and tensioning the strap material around the load includes a frame for supporting the load, a chute positioned on the frame for receiving the strap material and orienting the strap material around the load, a strap supply and a strapping head for extracting the strap from the supply, feeding the strap through the chute around the load, passing the strap from the chute around the load, retracting and tensioning the strap. The strapping head includes feed rollers and retraction rollers for feeding and retracting the strap and a winder for tensioning the strap around the load. The winder is positioned between the feed and retraction rollers and the strap supply. The winder includes a rotating head portion having a stationary element and a pivotal element. The stationary and pivotal elements each define an outer surface around which the strap material is wound and a slot therebetween for receiving the strap material.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a banding packing machine capable of easily processing a right presser member, a left presser member and a middle presser member, reducing the number of parts and readily carrying out attachment with high precision. A drum portion of at least a middle presser member (24) provided in a central part in a right presser member (22), a left presser member (23) and the middle presser member (24) has a sectional shape of an almost track including a pair of circular arc portions (26a, 26d) opposed to each other and a pair of straight portions (26c, 26d) opposed to each other, and one of ends of each of drum portions (27, 28) in the right presser member (22) and the left presser member (23) which are opposed to the straight portions (26c, 26d) of the middle presser member (24) is formed rectilinearly.

Abstract: A round bale baling apparatus includes an accumulator for rolling crop material into a round bale, a twine dispenser adapted to hold and dispense twine, and a twine tensioner. The twine tensioner is adjustable and includes an energizable actuator and switch for operating the actuator to adjust the twine tension. Specifically, the switch can be manipulated to selectively decrease tension on the twine during initial gripping of the free end of the twine by a rolling loose bale, and to selectively increase tension on the twine once the twine is sufficiently wrapped onto the bale to provide a secure pulling force. The actuator can be electric, such as a reversible DC motor or solenoid, or can be another energizable device actuable from a remote position. Methods related to the above are also defined.

Abstract: A traction feed wheel, for use in connection with the tensioning of strapping material, is provided with a first set of teeth upon an outer peripheral surface of the feed wheel in accordance with a 15° right hand helix as considered with respect to the axis of the feed wheel. In addition, a plurality of cuts, formed upon the outer peripheral surface of the feed wheel in accordance with a 20° left hand helix with respect to the axis of the feed wheel, intersect the first set of teeth so as to discretely separate the first set of teeth into adjacent tooth sections or segments, and in addition, to define a second set of teeth upon the outer peripheral surface of the feed wheel. This tooth structure serves to prevent the generation of slivers from the strapping material during a strap tensioning operation thereby rendering the strapped articles safe to end users and preserving the tensile strength properties and structural integrity of the strapping material.

Abstract: Tensioning of a band clamp about an object under electrical control is provided using a control system operably connected to a banding system. The banding system includes a number of mechanical components involved with tightening, cutting and locking the band clamp, as well as removing a tail portion thereof. The control system is operably connected to the assemblies of the banding system to automatically control at least certain operations associated with performing the functions of the apparatus. The banding system includes: a band tightening assembly including a mandrel about which the tail portion can be wrapped during the band tightening operation; a band cutting/locking assembly including a removable cutting device used in forming the lock and severing the tail portion; and a band ejection assembly used in removing the severed tail portion from the apparatus.