Abstract: A semi-automatic round baler having an “auto kick” or “auto wrap” mode. In the auto kick mode, at the conclusion of the forming cycle the baler will stop and await the operator's signal to continue. Once the operator has signaled to continue, the baler will wrap the bale and will immediately proceed to the ejecting cycle. In auto wrap mode, the baler will automatically enter into and complete the wrapping cycle (after a short delay) following completion of the forming cycle. At the conclusion of the wrapping cycle in the auto wrap mode, the baler will await the operator's signal before ejecting the completed bale.

Abstract: A strap detector is used with an automatic strapping machine. The strap detector includes a strap detector mounting bracket mounted to the automatic strapping machine, and a pivot block attached to the mounting bracket. The pivot block has an aperture formed therein. A shaft is positioned in the pivot block aperture, and a finger is mounted to a free end of the shaft. A guide block is positioned along the shaft and spaced from the free end, and a sensor is operatively coupled to the detector mounting bracket proximal the guide block. The finger is engaged by sealed strapping material and, when the strapping material is properly sealed, movement of the strapping head away from the articles moves the guide block into a position to change a state of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of microdissection which involves: forming an image field of cells of the tissue sample utilizing a microscope, identifying at least one zone of cells of interest from the image field of cells which at least one zone of cells of interest includes different types of cells than adjacent zones of cells, and extracting the at least one zone of cells of interest from the tissue sample. The extraction is achieved by contacting the tissue sample with a transfer surface that can be selectively activated so that regions thereof adhere to the zone of cells of interest to be extracted. The transfer surface includes an activatable adhesive layer which provides chemical or electrostatic adherence to the selected regions of the tissue sample. After the transfer surface is activated the transfer surface and tissue sample are separated. During separation the zone of cells of interest remains adhered to the transfer surface and is thus separated from the tissue sample.

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: The invention relates to an extended-nip roll press for dewatering a fibrous web in a press nip which, on one side, is formed by a rotating mating roll and, on the other side, is formed by an extended-nip press roll, whose roll centers lie in a stack plane, and the extended-nip press roll has a stationary support and a flexible roll cover that can rotate about the support, the cover in the region of the press nip being supported on the support on a sliding surface which is formed on an upper part, defining an entry and exit, of a press shoe that can be displaced with respect to the support in a loading direction, it being possible for the press shoe to be displaced radially along a loading plane which intersects the stack plane at the center of the mating roll and at an acute angle to the exit direction.

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 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 includes a machine body with a package-strapping space. A strap is fed to the package-strapping space. A spring-loaded swing arm is pivoted to the machine body, and is associated with a rotating shaft via a cam unit such that rotation of the shaft results in turning of the swing arm relative to the machine body. An electrically operated clamp unit is mounted movably on the swing arm, and is movable relative to a strap passage in the swing arm. A delay circuit is electrically coupled to a detecting device and the clamp unit. When the detecting device detects a first position of the swing arm, the delay circuit will actuate the clamp unit to move from a releasing position to a clamping position after a preset delay time. When the detecting device detects a second position of the swing arm, the clamp unit is immediately actuated to move from the clamping position to the releasing position.

Abstract: A strapping machine includes a machine body which defines a package-strapping space with a strap guide path. A package support plate is disposed above the strap guide path, and has opposite left and right sides which extend in a direction transverse to the strap guide path. A strap is fed to encircle the left and right sides of the package support plate. A swing arm is mounted pivotally to the machine body, and is turnable away from the machine body for strap tightening operation. A clamp unit is mounted movably on the swing arm. A swing lever is mounted swingeably underneath the package support plate adjacent to one of the left and right sides in such a manner that one end of the swing lever passes over the strap guide path, and that the other end of the swing lever is urged to abut against a micro switch which is electrically coupled to a driving unit for driving the clamp unit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system determines, by logical progression through multiple analysis levels, a human factor that represents a root cause of a particular incident. The system begins at a broad analysis level and progresses through more narrow analysis levels to a root cause level. Each analysis level includes multiple causal factor categories, with each causal factor category branching into causal factor subcategories that reside on a more narrow analysis level. The system includes an information input device for inputting incident information relating to the particular incident. The system also includes a memory device for storing a causal information database that provides a relationship between the multiple analysis levels and causal factor categories and between causal factor categories and root causes. The causal information database also relates root causes to corrective actions that may be implemented to prevent future occurrences of the incidents.

Abstract: A baler (10) for wrapping a rotating bale (52) of crop material (16) with strands of twine (72) has two twine tubes (68) through which the twine is fed so that ends of the strands dangle from the tubes. A bale density sensor (36) senses bale density and a controller (42) compares the sensed density with a desired density selected by an operator via an operator control panel (34). When the sensed density reaches about half the desired density the twine tubes are moved to a twine insert position so that the ends of the strands dangle adjacent the rotating bale. When a full bale has been formed, the controller automatically actuates a duckbill (60) to push the ends of the strands toward the bale where they are caught up in the crop material. If either strand is not caught up in the rotating bale, a new wrap cycle is automatically initiated.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A binding device for a baler including at least one twine needle, a knotter shaft for driving the needle, a one-stop clutch for connecting the knotter shaft with the plunger drive and for intermittently driving the knotter shaft, and a transmission unit provided between the one-stop clutch and the knotter shaft and including elements which insure that for one complete revolution of the one-stop clutch, the knotter shaft also performs one complete revolution but with a higher speed than the one-stop clutch.

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: A device for actuating the clutch of a twine wrap device in a big square baler for harvested crops has a pawl attached to the clutch, a shift lever pivotable into the orbit of the pawl, a control device for the shift lever, and an electric motor which is drive-connected with the control device for the shift lever. The electric motor may be connected via an electric circuit with a device for determining the bale length.

Abstract: Device for binding roasts, sausages and the like, comprising a vertical rod having a clamp and a threaded rod with a control knob for fixing the vertical rod to the table, wherein: a concave element, suitable for containing the “roasts” to be bound by the elastic rings, is fixed on the top of the vertical rod; below being provided a parallel rod iron having an invitation bending; below said element and relative rod iron being provided a device carrying the elastic rings, i.e. three rod irons forming together a bracket, arranged two in the upper part and one in the lower, between said rod irons being provided a fourth rod iron, as an independent spring, for maintaining tidy said elastic rings.

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: A baler (10) for wrapping a rotating bale (52) of crop material (16) with strands of twine (72) has two twine tubes (68) through which the twine is fed so that ends of the strands dangle from the tubes. A bale density sensor (36) senses bale density and a controller (42) compares the sensed density with a desired density selected by an operator via an operator control panel (34). When the sensed density reaches about half the desired density the twine tubes are moved to a twine insert position so that the ends of the strands dangle adjacent the rotating bale. When a full bale has been formed, the controller automatically actuates a duckbill (60) to push the ends of the strands toward the bale where they are caught up in the crop material. If either strand is not caught up in the rotating bale, a new wrap cycle is automatically initiated.

Abstract: A baler (10) for wrapping a rotating bale (52) of crop material (26) with strands of twine (72) has two twine tubes (68) through which the twine is fed so that ends of the strands dangle from the tubes. A bale density sensor (36) senses bale density and a controller (42) compares the sensed density with a desired density selected by an operator via an operator control panel (34). When the sensed density reaches about half the desired density the twine tubes are moved to a twine insert position so that the ends of the strands dangle adjacent the rotating bale. When a full bale has been formed, a duckbill (60) is actuated to push the ends of the strands toward the bale where they are caught up in the crop material. If either strand is not caught up in the rotating bale, the operator may abort the wrap cycle and initiate a new wrap cycle by pressing a wrap key on the control panel.

Abstract: Two per se known cross-strapping devices (10, 11) to which packages or bundles (1, 2 . . . 5) to be strapped are supplied in a conveying direction (F) in which one package or bundle at a time is positioned and crosswise strapped and out of which strapped packages or bundles are conveyed in the same conveying direction (F), are arranged in direct succession and are operated as a “tandem” by supplying two packages or bundles (1, 2), one to each one of the devices, by simultaneously strapping them and by conveying them away again simultaneously. For this purpose, a mutual control mode is necessary in which mutual control mode, in the two devices conveying steps (b) are carried out alternating with strapping steps (a) whereby the conveying stroke (2h) of the conveying steps is twice as long as when operating one only device. Compared to a single cross-strapping device, the arrangement has an increased performance and requires a minimal amount of additional space.

Abstract: A forage compactor for compressing forage or crop into bales of increased crop density for transportation. A crop feed area feeds crop to a conveyor where it is moved to a scale area for proper bale weight. An indexer severs the crop while moving it from the scale area to the compression chamber. The crop is compressed and moved to a strapping chamber where straps are applied to the compressed crop. The bound bale is manipulated as desired at the product handling area downstream from the strapping chamber. The crop is provided with substantially constant stress during compression and moisture sensors in the strapping chamber sense the moisture content of the severed crop within the bale to be bound. The weight of the crop within the compression area may be reduced to reduce machine overloading. Keyway plungers provide reduced side loading on the main ram used for crop compression.

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 strapping machine and method for applying flexible heat-sealable straps around objects includes a programmable control system that receives encoder and other signals from various sensors in the machine to regulate each strapping cycle. A feed/tension unit provides primary tensioning of the strap about the object based on signals from the control system. A motor driven roller and a pinch roller in the feed/tension unit each providing separate encoder signals to the control system to assist the control system in advancing and retracting the strap during feed and tensioning sequences, respectively, and provide signals indicating an exact position of the strap. A secondary tension system provides a final high tensioning force on the strap. The control system can automatically adjust individual strapping cycles, including tensioning, to compensate for various size bundles and different types of objects. Thereafter, a sealing head heat seals the strap and severs the sealed strap from the remaining strap coil.

Abstract: A method of applying twine to a bale in which the twine is applied between first and second bale positions separated by an axial length along the bale. The method includes the step of applying twine about the bale by rotating the bale while continuously moving a twine dispenser axially from the first bale position to the second bale position such that a continuous helical pattern of twine is wrapped around the bale.

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: An agricultural baler comprising a baling chamber and a mechanism for loading successive charges of crop material into the chamber. The baler also comprises a tying mechanism for forming a plurality of loops of binding material around the packages of crop material formed in the baling chamber. The movement of the strands of binding material is monitored by sensors and compared. In case the movement of a strand deviates substantially from the movement of the other strands a mistie indication is generated. Such mistie detection system is operable to detect a wide range of mistie conditions.

Abstract: An agricultural baler having a main frame, a stuffer for loading successive charges of crop material into a baling chamber installed on the frame and a plunger for compressing the charges into packages of crop material. When the package has reached a predetermined length, a trip mechanism actuates a tying mechanism to tie a series of strands around the package to form a finished bale. The drive line to the tying mechanism comprises a dog clutch assembly including a continuously rotated hub and a dog lever positioned for possible engagement of a cam lobe on the inner surface of the hub. In between tying cycles a lever of the trip mechanism keeps the dog lever away from the hub surface. A timing cam cooperating with a roller on the lever precludes the actuation of the dog clutch when the cam lobe passes in the vicinity of the dog lever.

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: Retrofittable hay bale measuring apparatus measures the size of the hay bale being formed, and indicates the size of the bale being formed to a control and display unit. The baler operator sets the desired hay bale size and monitors the baler operation on the display. A contact wheel, which contacts the hay bale and rotates as the bale is being formed, is rotationally attached to a measuring wheel. Alternatively, the contact wheel may itself comprise the measuring wheel. The rotation of the measuring wheel is monitored by a rotation detector which generates a hay bale measuring signal, and sends it to the control and display unit. The control and display unit generates a signal which indicates to the baler when it is time to tie off a bale of hay, based upon the measuring signal.

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 strapping machine and method for applying flexible heat-sealable straps around objects includes a programmable control system that receives encoder and other signals from various sensors in the machine to regulate each strapping cycle. A feed/tension unit provides primary tensioning of the strap about the object based on signals from the control system. A motor driven roller and a pinch roller in the feed/tension unit each providing separate encoder signals to the control system to assist the control system in advancing and retracting the strap during feed and tensioning sequences, respectively, and provide signals indicating an exact position of the strap. A secondary tension system provides a final high tensioning force on the strap. The control system can automatically adjust individual strapping cycles, including tensioning, to compensate for various size bundles and different types of objects. Thereafter, a sealing head heat seals the strap, and severs the sealed strap from the remaining strap coil.

Abstract: The endless band is provided with print marks (D) at equal distances, this distance (r) corresponding to the circumference of the largest pack goods item (P) to be banded, plus an overlap. A strip-shaped glue coat (L) for closing the band loops (5a) is applied transversely to the longitudinal direction of the band at a constant predetermined distance (s) in front of each print mark (D). During banding, after the looping of the pack goods (P) the band movement is stopped when a print mark (D) is read by a print mark reader. At standstill, a glue coat (L) is located directly at the closing mechanism. While the free band end is retained, the endless band is retracted until the band loop (5a) surrounds the pack goods (P) with a specific tension. The closing of the band loop and the severance of the latter then take place.

Abstract: Hay bale measuring apparatus utilizes two measuring wheels for measuring the string used by the baler, and indicating the amount of string to a control and display unit. The baler operator sets the desired hay bale size and monitors the baler operation on the display. The control and display unit generates a signal which indicates to the baler when it is time to tie off a bale of hay. The measuring wheel includes a plurality of teeth and is used with an optical beam generator and optical beam detector. String is wrapped once around the wheel and turns the wheel as it is pulled by the baler. As the wheel turns, the teeth interrupt the beam from the beam generator, forming a series of bursts of light. The beam detector generates a burst of current coincident with each burst of light, and sends it to the control and display unit.

Abstract: The knotter clutch control prevents the driven dog of the clutch from flipping out into its actuated position for engagement with the driving lug of the clutch unless the lug is in a position wherein positive driving engagement between the lug and the dog is assured. A strategically positioned control lobe on the cam ring of the drive sprocket for the clutch blocks release of the dog into its extended position when the driving lug is at the lug pickup point on its path of travel. The dog is free to be released when the lug is at all other positions on its path of travel so as to be in position for engagement with the lug when it next arrives at the pickup point. The dog is reset into its retracted position after a single revolution of the knotter drive shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for tying objects with wire is disclosed including a feeder for feeding and tightening the wire around the object, the feeder being driven by an electric servomotor which can be rotated through a predetermined number of revolutions for feeding and tightening the wire, an adjustable guide rail for guiding the wire around the object and for tightening the wire when the guide rail is opened, a locking unit for locking the wire around the object, a wire twister for twisting the wire into a knot, the wire twister being driven by an electric servomotor so that it can be rotated through a predetermined number of revolutions for twisting the wire into a knot, and a wire cutter for cutting the wire after the knot has been formed.

Abstract: A device for marking an elongate material moving along a longitudinal path includes a support with an opening therein for the elongate material to pass through, a holding/releasing mechanism on the support for expanding and releasing an elastic ring onto the elongate material, the holding/releasing mechanism including drive means for releasing the ring, and a defect detection sensor disposed upstream of the holding/releasing mechanism for activating the drive means to release the elastic ring onto the elongated material when a defect is detected therein.

Abstract: In a round baler having a microprocessor based controller for controlling the pattern in which twine is wrapped around a bale, factory installed programs, selectable by an operator through actuation of control keys, provide a plurality of twine wrap patterns each of which includes two wraps at each end of the bale. An operator's panel is provided with keys which, when actuated, modify the number of end wraps. The factory installed programs are not otherwise modified. When a factory installed program is selected, the number of end wraps placed on each end of the bale is determined by the modified number of end wraps.

Abstract: In a machine for strapping a sheet metal coil, two rollers support such a coil with its axis extending transversely. A carriage mounted upon a fixed base is longitudinally movable toward and away from the rollers. A strapping head cradle mounted upon the carriage is movable with the carriage and is pivotable about a transverse axis. Two strap-guiding arms mounted upon the cradle, extend forwardly, and are movable with the cradle, pivotable with the cradle, and pivotable on the cradle between a closed position defining a closed path for a strap and an opened position enabling the strap-guiding arms to clear the supported coil when the cradle is moved with the carriage. A coil-sensing arm extending over the strap-guiding arms is mounted upon the carriage, movable with the carriage, and pivotable about a transverse axis.

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: A no-load-run strap release control mechanism including a holder pivotably mounted in the output end of the strap guiding arch of a strapping machine, a movable member, a link pivotably connected between the holder and the movable member, a control switch connected to a timer, a holding-down device controlled by the timer to hold down the welding mechanism of the strapping machine upon a no-load-run of the packing strap, permitting the looped packing strap to extend out into the straight shape and moved out of the slide carrier of the strapping machine after the end of the strapping cycle.

Abstract: A package strapper with three motor-driven mechanisms, specifically a strap feed, a strap stretcher, and a strap-end fastener. The mechanisms are mounted on a strap track that loops around the package. The strap feed includes at least two wheels, each forced against one side of the strap by a spring. The motor that drives the strap feed can be reversed. The strap-stretcher wheel is between the feed and the track and is partly loosely surrounded by a strap guide. One end of the guide opens into the track. The strap-feed motor and the strap-stretcher motor are asynchronous three-phase motors. They are connected to a frequency converter that supplies them with electricity of varying frequency and potential and controlled by controls or by a processor integrated into the frequency converter. A manually adjustable terminal strap-tension selector is connected to the controls or to the processor.

Abstract: In a printing system in which printing is conducted on sheets of cut paper supplied from a sheet hopper and the printed sheets are stacked in a stack unit, the binding apparatus binds a bundle of sheets of printed cut paper discharged to the stack unit, wherein the binding apparatus includes: a conveyance arm that holds an end portion of the bundle of printed cut paper in a vertical direction and conveys them in a horizontal direction; a binding machine that binds the bundle of sheets of cut paper conveyed by the conveyance arm with a band-shaped or string-shaped binding medium; an output unit that stocks and outputs the bundle of sheets that have been bound; and a control unit that controls the conveyance arm, binding machine and output unit.

Abstract: A vehicle supports a first roller conveyor having stop members at opposite sides of the vehicle mounted for pivotal movement between the rollers of the first conveyor to assist in stacking ties on the first conveyor from either side of the vehicle. The first conveyor feeds stacks of ties into a horizontal compression means and a vertical compression and banding means for banding stacks of ties. A second roller conveyor feeds banded stacks of ties away from the banding means. Dump arms at opposite sides of the vehicle are mounted for pivotal movement between the rollers of the second conveyor to dump banded stacks of ties to either side of the vehicle. Hydraulic motors drive the conveyors, and a sensor is provided adjacent the second conveyor to sense the position of a stack of ties, the operation of the hydraulic motors being responsive to the sensor.

Abstract: In a machine for strapping a skid and a supported load by the use of a strap passing through aligned openings in the skid runners, a conveyor is provided for conveying the skid through a feeding zone. A turntable including powered rollers is provided for receiving the skid and the supported load from the conveyor, for positioning same within a strapping zone, and for rotating same within. A vertical scanner comprising a vertical array of photoelectric transmitters spaced from one another, on one side of the feeding zone, and a vertical array of photoelectric receivers spaced from one another, on the other side of the feeding zone, is provided for scanning the skid being conveyed. Two horizontal scanners, each comprising a single photoelectric transmitter and a single photoelectric receiver on each side of the strapping zone, are provided for scanning the skid being conveyed after it has been scanned by the vertical arrays.

Abstract: An automatic control device for controlling the placement of wrap material on a bale within a round baler. A pair of twine guide tubes are actuated for movement by an actuator which is energized by a controller for controlling a twine wrapping operation. Separate twine strands are fed to each of the twine guide tubes and the quantity of twine fed through the guide tubes is monitored by sensor pulleys which send a pulsed signal to the controller. The controller controls the location of the twine guide tubes in response to the sensed signal from the sensing pulleys whereby a predetermined quantity of twine is placed at predetermined locations along the bale.

Abstract: A dual-axis table assembly has left and right sector plates mounted on the underside of a table. Each sector plate is seated on a respective left and right pair of shoes which are mounted on a base. A left handwheel operates to turn the left sector for front/rear table tilting, and a right handwheel operates to change the distance between the right pair of shoes for right/left table tilting. A clamp mechanism grips the left sector wheel when the table is locked in adjusted position.

Abstract: A rectangular baler is disclosed comprising a bale case (6) into which successive charges of crop material are introduced; a plunger (7) disposed for reciprocating movement in the bale case (6) to compact the charges while advancing the compacted charges toward an exit opening in the bale case; and a knotter (8) for tying a flexible binding material, such as twine, in a form-stabilising manner around successive increments of compacted crop material while they advance in the bale case (6) to form bales. An elongated sensor (48), disposed on the knotter (8) in the trajectory of the flexible material (49) projecting from a twine holder (32) towards a billhook (33), is operable to detect the tensile forces occurring in the binding material during bale formation and to produce signals, which are processed by a microprocessor (24) to, if found necessary, lower the density of the bales in order to avoid twine failure.

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: A baler for recyclable materials and any other materials. The baler includes a power unit. An operator console on a deck at a front of a hopper, which provides for operator observation and operation through a high tech control system. Material is fed into the hopper, such as by a conveyor. A compression chamber under the hopper and a bale chamber is at a forward end of the baler for baling of the materials and subsequent discharge by an ejection ram across a bale run-out table for later disposition. A control system provides the capability of automatic control for the baler, as well as diagnostic assistance when necessary. The baler is also the primary building block for a completely automated municipal recycling facility (MRF). The baler can bale such materials as corrugated cardboard, news print, magazines, computer paper, flattened cans, round cans, plastic bottles, scrap aluminum, scrap copper, aluminum radiators, as well as any other miscellaneous materials required for baling on a real time basis.

Abstract: In a baler having a plunger reciprocating in a bale case and knotters for tying strands of twine around bales, two trip mechanisms are provided for automatic actuation of the knotters. A first trip mechanism is capable of preventing operation of the knotters until a bale of desired length is formed. A clutch mechanism for driving the knotters includes a pawl assembly with an abutment tab. A second trip mechanism holds the pawl assembly in a position where it prevents the knotters from being driven when the plunger is retracted. The initial displacement of the second trip mechanism toward a position where the knotters are driven is in substantially the same direction as the initial displacement of the pawl assembly abutment tab.