Abstract: A hoop-casing device comprising means for stretching a strip and for friction welding two overlapping ribbon parts between two welding cheeks (2,3). Each means is assigned a motor, a switch (4,5) for control by a control circuit, and a cam (6,7) to actuate said switch. Both cams (6,7) are pivotally mounted on a corresponding shaft part (10,32) around a common axis of rotation in an adjustable relative rotating position. One of the welding cheeks (2) can be orthogonally adjusted in relation to the axis of rotation (8) by means of a cam gear. The cam gear has a cam disk which can rotate along with one of the cams (6) around an axis (8) in addition to a telescopic tappet which is functionally arranged between the cam disk and the welding cheek (2). The telescopic tappet can be telescopically inserted and extended in an orthogonal position relative to the axis of rotation (8) and is spring loaded in relation to its extension.

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: 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 tool includes an integral, removable cleaning element. The strapping tool forms a seal between two portions of associated strapping material, which strapping material is tensioned by a feed wheel prior to forming the seal. The tool includes a strapping machine body, a subassembly operably coupled to the strapping machine body. A feed wheel is carried by the subassembly and is rotatable within the subassembly. A feed lever is operably connected to the subassembly and to the feed wheel for rotating the feed wheel. A cleaning element is supported by the subassembly and is disposed for continuous contact with the rotating feed wheel.

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: The invention relates to a hoop-casing device (2) for hooping an object with a heat-sealable plastic strip (3) placed around it, comprising a unit (2) for stressing the strip (3) and for friction-sealing two overlapping strip parts (4, 5). Said unit (2) comprises a tool part which rotates around a rotational axis (6) and can be driven, with a cylindrical tool cover surface (8) and a bearing part (9), said bearing part having a bearing surface (10) facing towards the tool part (7). At least said bearing surface (10) has a structure similar to toothing. The tool part (7) and the bearing part (9) pivot mutually around a swivel axis (12) which is parallel to the rotational axis (6). The bearing part (9) comprises a multipart shoe (13) consisting of several holding blocks (14, 16, 18) arranged together angularly around the rotational axis (6).

Abstract: A strapping machine is provided with a restriction device that helps prevent strapping material, remaining after a break in the material, from being drawn, by gravity or inertia, into the strapping machine slap box. The restriction device also assists in the orderly movement of strapping material through the strapping machine, by being adjustable, by either strap tension or weight, to widen or restrict the strap path as needed.

Abstract: A retensioning device for strapping machines is provided with a pair of tape tensioning rollers comprising a stationary counter roller and a pivoting roller which can be adjusted towards it. A strapping tape is guided through the nip and via an angle of wrap round the pivoting roller. The pivoting roller is mounted on a pivoting lever which can be loaded with a defined force. The retensioning force building up in the strapping tape is opposed to the loading force in such a way that the pivoting roller lifts momentarily from the counter roller when the loading force is exceeded and therefore interrupts the retensioning process.

Abstract: An apparatus for the intermediate storage of a strap to be supplied and delivered discontinuously in a machine is provided with a supply arrangement for the strap; a storage drum, which is disposed downstream thereof and which comprises an inlet for the strap, an ensuing helical storage channel for the storage of the strap, the radial extension of which exceeds its axial extension, which corresponds to the width of the strap, as well as an outlet, which adjoins the storage channel; and a discharge arrangement for the strap, which is disposed downstream of the storage drum.

Abstract: In a strapping apparatus for strapping goods with a band, which apparatus has a tensioning device which is operatively connected to a tensioning drive and is intended for tensioning the band, a closure device for sealing two ends of a band, and a plurality of rewinding locks for fixing the band on the strapping apparatus, highest possible efficiency is to be achieved. The invention proposes providing the tensioning device with a rocker (37) arranged opposite a tensioning wheel (30), mounting the rocker (37) pivotably about a rocker axis (38) and designing the tensioning wheel (30) and the rocker (37) in such a way that they can be moved towards each other, as a result of which the band can be clamped between the rocker and the tensioning wheel, and the band rests on the tensioning wheel with a large angle of wrap (&agr;).

Abstract: The dog clutch for a square baler is normally retained in a disengaged position as a continuously driven sprocket rotates around it during baling operations. When a retainer for the dog is released, the dog is released by the retainer and flips out to an engaged position so as to be driven through one knotter revolution by a driving lug on the rotating sprocket, whereupon it is reset by the retainer into its disengaged position. An external lobe on the rotating sprocket blocks releasing movement of the retainer if the driving lug of the sprocket is in the immediate vicinity of the dog, which could otherwise cause an insecure engagement of the lug with the dog. The dog-engaging seat on the retainer is spring-loaded to provide yieldable relief in the event binding starts to occur between the retainer and the dog.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking bales of hay into large bundles such as, for example, three bales high and seven bales wide, positions bands about the stacked array to provide a tightly bound, compressed stack of bales. The stacking apparatus compresses the stacked bales during banding with a greater force applied to the same facing portions of the bales as applied during formation of the bales to form a solid, rigid, self-supporting large bundle made up of small bales. Parallel spaced compression zones extending inwardly are formed in the upper and lower rows of bales in the least compressed portion of the bales for receiving the bands which are applied without high tension so as not to damage the hay in holding the bundle of hay bales together.

Abstract: A drive and bearing device for a binding station for finished bales predominantly in waste bale presses with a horizontally acting press plate, wherein several twisting wheels provided with a radial slot for receiving the binding wire are mounted in a support and are temporarily rotated by a common drive unit for the purpose of twisting the wire. The wheels supporting the slotted twisting disks have a plurality of arms or bearing points which extend outwardly in a star-shaped manner, wherein on the free end of each arm or bearing point is mounted a roller which is freely rotatable about an axis extending perpendicularly of the wheel plane. For each wheel with the star-shaped arms is provided in the same horizontal plane a drive wheel with arc-shaped recesses at the outer circumference thereof, wherein the recesses correspond in a positively engaging manner with the rollers.

Abstract: An automatic wrapper includes a roll of tape to wrap a package tightly and a tape operating device having a main arm attached thereto. A groove is defined in the main arm to receive a tape roller which is pivotally mounted in the groove. An L-shaped connecting plate is attached to the tape operating device. A motor is attached to the wrapper to supply the power for the tape operating device. The motor includes a support that has two side arm extending therefrom to abut the main arm. The main arm is pivotally mounted on the side arms by an axle extending through the side arms and the main arm. The motor includes a welding device and a cutting device each mounted on the support and a transmission device with an axle extending therefrom and received in the tape operating device. An electromagnet includes an actuating rod attached thereto, a linkage attached to the actuating rod, an active rod connecting the tape operating device, a cam and a lever each attached to the support.

Abstract: An apparatus for strapping packages with a band (7) made of weldable plastic comprises a band-supply unit, a band-transporting and -tensioning unit, a closure unit, which is provided as a separate unit and has an abutment plate, and a band-guidance unit and has at least one band clamp (15) with a pivotably mounted clamping part (10). The band clamp (15) is formed by a specific recessed section (14) of the abutment plate (5) and the clamping part (10), a curved operative surface (40) being provided on the clamping part, and the band clamp (15) being self-locking. Selecting the clamping angle W for the band (7) between the clamping part (10) and recessed section (14) to be as large as possible means that it is easier to release the band clamp when the band is tensioned. The apparatus makes it possible for strapping bands to be applied, even with high tensioning, without slipping during the closure operation.

Abstract: A portable strapping apparatus has a semi-automatic fastening mechanism that uses a transmission unit in conjunction with a unidirectional bearing to drive a tensioning wheel. The tensioning wheel is provided with two slots arranged in a mutually perpendicular manner or a plurality of slots, by which the tensioning wheel can achieve a better binding strength. For facilitating the welder to push two strapping bands to positively abut against each other, an elastic presser located on one side of the tensioning wheel is used to gradually release strapping bands before welding. Thus the strapping apparatus according to the invention can positively perform the welding and cutting of strapping bands to effectively bind articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handheld electrical binding apparatus, primarily comprising an improved tensioning unit and a melting and cutting unit that cooperates with a control unit to provide maximum convenience in use. The apparatus of the invention can efficiently stretch binding straps and then melt and cut it, achieving the purpose of securing a package with bands.

Abstract: A feeding device for a strapping machine comprises a feed guide mounted to a frame to receive a nylon strap from a feed coil. The feed guide comprises a housing having a triangular cross-section and an apertured transition member mounted therein which receives the strap feed and directs the strap onto a flat exit portion of the frame. The exit portion includes a pivotal cam lock which engages the flat strap to prevent recoil thereof. The feed guide includes a predetermined internal taper which directs the strap onto a flat portion of the frame despite the angle of the incoming feed strap thereby eliminating problems with shredding of the strap which occur in the strapping head.

Abstract: A strap driving device for looping machines has with a strap guiding channel for a looping strap and two pairs of drive rollers engaging in the strap guiding channel. Each pair of drive rollers has a driving roller driven in rotation and a pressing roller to be set to the latter for free running. For being set to the driving roller, the pressing roller is mounted on a rocker.

Abstract: A guide band packaging machine having a control motor mounted on a mounting board with a connector member. The connector member is connected to control cam. The control cam has a convex ridge contacting a guide wheel of a link mechanism positioned below the guide motor. The guide motor includes a first motor which rotates a first driver gear mounted on a motor shell. The first driver gear is fixedly attached to a major wheel and rotatably engages a second driver wheel. The second driver wheel is fixedly attached to a minor wheel. The major wheel and the minor wheel are pressed against each other so as to control a tension of a band during the feeding and reversing of the band therebetween.

Abstract: A strapping device for hooping a package with a band and a band moving device. The band moving device includes an enveloping component, two wheels engaging the inner surface of the enveloping component, a pressure pulley for pressing the band onto the outer surface of the enveloping component where the enveloping component wraps around one of the wheels, a reversing mechanism, and a movable tensioning wheel. The pressure pulley is arranged in the region where the enveloping component wraps around a guide wheel. The device includes a sensor for monitoring the pressure pulley and a control unit for receiving a signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A tensioning device for tensioning the plastic band. The device has a tensioning element which can be rotated about an axis and has a flat gripping region. A clamping element is also mounted such that it can be rotated about the axis and, when the tensioning element is in the inoperative position, is supported against a stop. In this position, the plastic band can be moved freely between the gripping surface of the clamping element and the tensioning element. To tension the plastic band, the tensioning element is rotated in the tensioning direction and the gripping region of the tensioning element is thereby moved against the gripping surface so that the plastic band is held in a planar manner. With the plastic band being held, the gripping region, as seen in the tensioning direction and with respect to the axis, is inclined inwardly in the radial direction. During further rotation of the tensioning element the plastic band which is clamped between the tensioning element and the clamping element is tensioned.

Abstract: The invention is a machine for tying up or hooping packing units with an elongated strip of binding material, such as bondable plastic. During operation of the machine, the strip is drawn from a take-up device of a supply roller through a strip conveyor device and a strip guide, then is wound around the packing unit as a loop. The loop is tightened by means of a tensioning assembly comprising a tension roller and a pressing device which presses the strip against the tension roller, such that the loop is placed under tension. Once the packing unit is tightly secured, the strip is sealed by means of a sealing device. The present hoop-casing machine permits a high tension force to be exerted on the strip loop to be sealed. For this purpose, the tension roller comprises on its peripheral surface a high friction surface. At least one rejecter is provided for preventing excess wear on the high friction surface during the tensioning step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tape tightening mechanism for an automatic packer including a conventionally structured tension arm and a rail having an upper end pivotally connected to a top rear end of the tension arm and a lower end leading to an upper end of a tape-feeding channel, so that a tape for packing can be fed from the tape-feeding channel to a tape-operating unit of the packer via the rail and the tension arm. A vertical section extends downward from the lower end of the rail and forms a stop wall to a top rear side of the tape-feeding channel. When the tension arm is swung backward to tighten the tape around a package, the rail connected thereto is pushed to move backward, causing the vertical section to separate from the top rear end of the tape-feeding channel to provide a widened path between them for the tape to pass therethrough and enter the rail without becoming bent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable electric wrapping apparatus, comprising a motor to drive a main shaft, which moves a tensioning mechanism and a sealing and cutting unit. The tensioning mechanism and the sealing and cutting unit can be designed as individual modules and put together with the main body. The tensioning mechanism may be two frictional wheels each having cutting grooves or a single wheel aiming at the frictional plates to evenly apply pressure to the packaging tape therebetween and strain it for wrapping a package tightly. With the aid of a tension control rod, the tensioning mechanism can move the sealing and cutting unit downward to weld and cut the packaging tape automatically.

Abstract: A looping machine for the looping of objects such as stacks of products, packages and the like, is provided with a machine frame, a work table, a strap guiding frame disposed on the work table for fitting a looping strap as a loose loop around the object to be looped which is disposed on the work table within the strap guiding frame, an insertion device for inserting the looping strap into the strap guiding frame, a withdrawal device for withdrawing the looping strap from the strap guiding frame and for fitting the strap around the object to be looped, a tensioning device for tightening the looping strap around the object, and height detection device for the object to be looped.

Abstract: A tensioning arrangement is provided for applying a tensioning force to a strapping band. The tensioning arrangement includes a guide for the strapping band, a transporting device which can move the strapping band, and a drive for the transporting device, such that a predetermined tensioning force can be applied to the band. The arrangement is developed by a clamping device for fixing a section of the band during a tensioning phase, and by the transporting device, which can move the clamping device and the band section fixed therein, along a path during the tensioning phase for the purpose of applying the tensioning force. The arrangement further includes a device for detecting a parameter value corresponding to the tensioning force. The detecting device is connected to a control device which, when a predetermined limit value is reached, causes the transporting device to stop.

Abstract: A strap-feeding mechanism for an automatic strapping machine including a quick strap-feeding mechanism for quickly feeding a strap into a strap rail on the automatic strapping machine and an automatic strap-refeeding mechanism for clamping a strap which slides off the strap rail during a pull-back operation, so that the strap is prevented from further sliding backward and is automatically refed into the strap rail again. The quick strap-feeding mechanism mainly includes a stationary panel and a cover panel. The stationary panel is provided with a strap guiding channel which has a lower end connected to a strap outlet of a strap-storing power unit, an upper end connected to a strap inlet of a strap-feeding unit, and a straight middle section having only one side wall. The cover panel is fixed to a front of the stationary panel and has a movable leaf which can be turned to extend into the stationary panel and forms another side wall of the straight middle section of the strap guiding channel.

Abstract: A tensioning device for tautening a looping strap around a product stack is provided with a stationary clamping arrangement, which comprises a controllable clamping lever and an opposite clamping bearing, with a pivotable tension lever, with deflecting rolls for tensioning the strap in the way of a pulley block, with a pivotable rocker lever, which comprises a control ramp and is adjustable in dependence on the height of the product stack, and with a control lever, to be actuated by the control ramp, for the clamping lever, the control lever being pivotably articulated to the tension lever and controlling the clamping lever in accordance with the position, dependent on the stack height, of the control ramp in such a way that when the stack height decreases, the blocking of the clamping arrangement is increasingly retarded and the tensioning length of the looping strap is reduced.

Abstract: A tensioning and sealing apparatus for strapping an object with a band exhibits a tensioning unit (3) for retaining and tensioning two ends of the band which are to be sealed as well as a sealing unit for connecting the two mutually overlapping ends. The tensioning unit (3) has a motor drive (12) and comprises a tensioning shoe (5) and a drivable tensioning wheel (8) which is fastened on a pivotable rocker (6) and is intended for pressing the band against the tensioning shoe (5) and for gripping the same upon rotation. In order to achieve a high overall efficiency of the tensioning drive, the drive motor (12) of the tensioning wheel (8) is arranged coaxially with the tensioning wheel (8) and is connected to the tensioning wheel (8) via a gear mechanism arranged coaxially with the tensioning wheel (8).

Abstract: In a strapping machine, a device for applying various levels of gripping force to a leading end of a strap during various phases of a strapping cycle is disclosed. A cam having high pressure, reduced pressure, and released pressure surfaces cooperates with an end gripper to grip a strap firmly, loosely, or not at all, depending on the requirements.

Abstract: A tensioning and sealing apparatus for strapping an object (2) with a plastic band (1) includes a housing (3) having a tensioning unit (4) for retaining two ends (6, 7) of the plastic band (1) which are to be sealed and for tensioning the same and having a sealing unit (5) for connecting the two mutually overlapping ends (6, 7). The tensioning unit (4) has a tensioning shoe (10) and a toothed tensioning wheel (13) which is mounted on a pivotable rocker (11), which can be driven via a tensioning shaft (12), and which is intended for pressing the plastic band (1) against the tensioning shoe (10) and for gripping the same upon rotation. The bearing (15) of the pivotable rocker (11) is arranged on the side of the tensioning shoe (10) and behind the latter in the tensioning direction (14), the rocker axis being located between a bearing surface (16) of the tensioning shoe (10) and a base plate (8).

Abstract: A roller unit for controlling band-feeding of an arch-type strapping machine, wherein the high-speed pulling back and strong tightening operations can be efficiently proceeded by reducing friction and impact force between a band and a return roller at the transition time between the high-speed pulling back and the strong tightening. The roller unit is so constructed that a return roller is driven via an one-way clutch, wherein a high-speed return roller of small torque and high speed return roller can be pushed to contact to the upper portion of the return roller and a return rocker roller can be pushed to contact to the lower portion of the return roller.

Abstract: An automatic strap severing and ejecting apparatus and method for a strapping machine is provided. The strap severing device of the present invention cooperates with the tensioning and feed wheels, allowing the tensioning and feed wheels to serve a dual function, one function during normal operation and a second function during automatic severing and ejecting of strap error from the strapping machine.

Abstract: Device to control the feeding of the strap in a strapping machine, of the type wherein the strap (R) is guided on the periphery of at least one driving wheel (1) and at least one pressure wheel (4) is provided to press the strap (R) against the periphery of said driving wheel (1) so as to guarantee its feeding. An arm (8) is provided to oscillate between a guiding position, in which the arm at least partly surrounds the periphery of the driving wheel (1) so as to form a guiding channel (C3) for the strap (R), and an opening position of release, away from the driving wheel (1), into which the arm is moved by said strap when it stops, and in which it controls the removal of the pressure wheel (4) so as to release the feeding pressure. The oscillating arm (8) extends, beyond its part surrounding the periphery of the driving wheel (1), into a counter-bent portion which determines a saddle path (C4) for the strap (R).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a binding around an article or bundle of articles by a length of stiff wire wherein at least two and preferably three turns of the wire are made, the wire is joined at its ends and thereafter a lifting loop is made in at least one turn, for use in mechanical handling of the article or bundle. The lifting loop is formed by pulling the turn away from the article or bundle while at the same time another turn is tightened around the article or bundle.

Abstract: A band feeding and tightening apparatus for a packing machine capable of effectively preventing jamming of a band in band passages during feeding and tightening of the band. A feed touch roller is pressedly contacted through the band with a feed roller rotated at a high speed, to thereby feed the band to a package. When a distal end of the band is gripped, a return touch roller is pressedly contacted through the band with a return roller rotated at a high speed, to thereby draw back the band, resulting in the band being wound around the package. Then, a tension touch roller is pressedly contacted through the band with a tension roller, to thereby tighten the band. Subsequently, an overlapped portion of the band is bonded by welding and a portion of the band wound around the package is cut from the remaining part of the band. A movable guide plate is moved in association with pressing of the feed touch roller to reduce a gap of a feed chute.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for feeding and tensioning a strap in a power strapping machine. The apparatus includes a strap feeding mechanism, a strap tensioning mechanism, and a pivoting roller carriage pivoted by a feeding and tensioning cam. The pivoting roller carriage first actuates the strap feeding mechanism to engage a portion of a strap and feed the strap toward a strap application assembly where the strap is formed in a loop about an object or group of objects. The strap feeding and tensioning mechanism actuates a first gripper that secures an end of the strap in the strap application assembly. The pivoting roller carriage then actuates the strap tensioning mechanism to engage a portion of the strap and apply a tension to the looped strap. The strap feeding and tensioning apparatus also actuates a second gripper that secures the tensioned strap in a closed loop about the package so that the strap application assembly may form a strap joint sealing the strap in the closed loop.

Abstract: An appliance for clamping a strap round an article has a tensioning member, it being necessary for the tension which is to be transmitted to the strap by the tensioning member to be limited to a predetermined value. This is achieved by the fact that the tensioning member (4) is designed to slip past on the strap (2,6) to be tensioned when the predetermined strap tension is reached. The tensioning member can be provided with projections penetrating into the strap surface, which projections are designed so as to remove chips or displace material during the slipping past. Advantageously the tensioning member comprises a tensioning roller.

Abstract: In a straps machine comprising strap-advancing rollers, a sensor for sensing whether a leading end of an advancing strap has reached a predetermined location within a predetermined time, and strap-retracting rollers, a severing and ejecting mechanism comprises a die and an anvil for severing the strap into a leading portion including the leading end and a trailing portion if the sensor has not sensed that the leading end has reached the predetermined location within the predetermined time. The mechanism also comprises a drivable roller, a motor for driving it, and two idle rollers on a pivotable yoke. The drivable roller and one of the idle rollers are operative for ejecting the leading portion after the strap has been severed. The drivable roller and the other idle roller are operative for feeding the trailing portion through the mechanism after the leading portion has been ejected.

Abstract: This pneumatic operated and controlled machine secures a line about nursery stock placed upon a table top to form a bundle. The line is fed from a source through an upper mechanism comprising a tensioner arranged to hold the line with a predetermined force, through a dancer arm arranged to tighten the line, and through a needle into a slot in the table top where the line end is gripped by a lower mechanism. The dancer arm pulls against the tensioner to draw the stock into a compact bundle. In a second embodiment a powered drum provides additional line tension for the upper mechanism. The needle wraps the line, the end of which the lower mechanism had gripped on the previous cycle, around the nursery stock and back into the slot, where both line ends around the bundle are adjacent to each other. The lower mechanism then pulls upon both line ends to further tighten the bundle, grips the lines, secures the lines together with a metal clip, and finally cuts the lines to free the bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a wreath from a plurality of elongated objects, such as boughs by securing the boughs to a frame with a securing member such as a wire.

Abstract: The band delivery apparatus has two separate band stores, namely a band forward store (10.1) and a band return store (10.2). The two stores are constructed as chambers, which is controllable manner can receive a predetermined band material quantity. The filling and emptying of the stores is brought about by a coordinated cooperation of a buffer store separator (3) and the conveyor rollers (17.1, 17.2). The buffer separator (3) blocks the band passage upstream of the supply/exit openings of the two band stores (20.1, 20.2) and consequently leads to a bulging of the band in the storage areas. The filling of at least the band forward store is preferably assisted by a delivery means (11). The necessary band material quantity during prestorage can be precisely determined by means of sensors.

Abstract: A strap feed assembly has a drive wheel driven by a reversible electric motor to feed and tension a strap around an item and wherein a back-up wheel assembly imposes a tension force on the strap by use of multiple floating wheels which are arranged to spring bias and float with respect to a strap and apply a tension force thereto across an extended strap area to reduce pressure on the strap so as to prevent it from being bent or deformed whereby a consistent strap feed is maintained.

Abstract: A strap feed assembly wraps a flexible strap around an item. A drive wheel is connected to a reversible drive motor for feeding and reversing the strap to wrap the strap around the item and to tension the strap once it is wrapped therearound. A controller operates the drive motor to control the speed, acceleration, direction of rotation, and tensioning of the strap. The velocity and acceleration of the drive motor are varied depending on the nearness of completion of the feeding and tensioning. Variable tension is achieved by monitoring the current drawn by the drive motor and comparing same to predetermined values to stop reversal and therefore tensioning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tensioning a strap loop around an object and terminating the tensioning of the strap loop at a predetermined loop tension. The object is encircled with a loop of strapping having a predetermined thickness, width, and coefficient of friction. A leading end portion of the strap is restrained while disposing a trailing end portion of the strap adjacent a traction wheel that is rotatable about a first axis at a predetermined maximum available torque. A pressing member that is pivotable about a second axis oriented parallel to the first axis and that has a predetermined configuration and coefficient of friction is biased toward the traction wheel so as to press the strap trailing end portion against the traction wheel.

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 is mounted on the 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 article. Two positive drive wheels feed the ribbon in one of a first direction towards the twist head assembly and a second direction away from the twist head assembly so that the wheels contact the ribbon at its top and bottom to apply a positive drive force to the drive ribbon as it passes between the drive wheels. A drive assembly is operatively coupled to the twist head assembly and the drive wheels for driving the positive drive wheels and twist head assembly.

Abstract: The apparatus (4) manually operable with a tightening lever (16) has a cutting station (8), a tightening station (10) and a clamping station (12). The latter has a clamping arm (18) mounted on an eccentric shaft (20) and having a clamping shoe (40) through which the strip end (3) inserted in the strip channel (5) is clamped. The clamping shoe (40) is laterallly displaced with respect to the axis of the eccentric shaft (20) in the direction of the strip end (3) in the vicinity of a clamping nose (35) supported on the supporting face (36) of the apparatus casing (15). On lowering the clamping shoe (18) into the clamping positioning an additional clamping force on the clamping shoe (40) is exerted by the clamping nose (35) guided on the supporting surface (36).

Abstract: A thermoplastic tape is wrapped around a package and is tightened by the disclosed strapping or banding apparatus. The ends of the plastic tape can be welded together by a combined strapping and sealing apparatus or even with a separate sealing apparatus. The strapping apparatus includes a positioning system which ensures that a slotted wheel intended for tightening the plastic tape, once the operating cycle is complete, always assumes an optimum position for the re-insertion of the plastic tape. The use of the strapping apparatus is thereby substantially facilitated, since the operator normally does not have any hands free to adjust the slotted wheel that would otherwise be necessary for tape insertion.