Abstract: A large round baler includes mechanism for optionally wrapping a bale with either twine or a surface wrap material. A wrap control mechanism includes means whereby the wrapping process is initiated in response to a bale reaching a desired diameter within the bale chamber. Various microswitches are strategically mounted so as to be operated by various components of the twine and surface wrap mechanisms and the control mechanism therefor. These switches are integrated into an indicator circuit including indicator devices including various colored lights and a buzzer all of which are caused to operate in various modes to apprise an operator of when the wrapping process is beginning, whether or not twine or surface wrap material is present, when wrapping is complete and when the surface wrap material has been severed.

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: 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 second trip mechanism is operatively associated with the plunger in a manner so that the plunger does not prevent the second trip mechanism from permitting operation of the knotters provided the plunger is moving in a direction in the bale case to compress crop material into bales. A locking device coupled to the first trip mechanism is cooperable with the second trip mechanism for controlling the position thereof in accordance with the position of the first trip mechanism.

Abstract: A machine forms pairs of elongated articles, bundles the pairs, and then stacks the bundles. A receiver and inverter function together to hold one of the articles in place and then invert a second article onto the first article to form an article pair. A number of the article pairs, typically about five pairs, are stacked on a vertical lift that controllably moves downwardly as additional pairs are added. An optical sensor senses the position of the top of the topmost pair, and controls the position of the lift so that the measured top is at a preselected position that permits yet another pair to be added to the bundle. After the bundle is formed, it is pushed onto a conveyor where a cradle turns the bundle sideways through 90 degrees. At an intermediate point of the conveyor, a retractable holding stop halts the movement of the bundle to permit a banding machine to band the bundle together with one or more straps.

Abstract: A hay bale recompacting system comprises an elongated compression chamber having a generally rectangular cross-section defined by top, bottom, and end walls, an inlet end and an outlet end, an inlet opening at the inlet end in one side of the chamber, an outlet at the outlet end in the other side of the chamber, a ram at the inlet end of the chamber for compressing bales therein, an indexing apparatus for weighing a charge to be introduced into the compressor, a ram for moving a selected amount of a bale into the chamber, a strapping chamber at the outlet disposed at right angle to the compression chamber for receiving compressed bales, an extruder ram for extruding bales from the compression chamber into and from the strapping chamber, and strapping units associated with the strapping chamber for strapping bales in the strapping chamber.

Abstract: The baler has a twine monitoring assembly which generates a pulsating signal in response to twine being dispensed during bale wrapping operations. The twine is wrapped around the periphery of a monitor wheel and, during dispensing, the twine rotationally drives the wheel. As the wheel rotates, a magnet affixed to the wheel at a location adjacent the periphery thereof, travels past a stationary, magnetically operated, normally open switch thereby briefly closing the switch and temporarily turning on an indicator light until the magnet moves sufficiently far enough away from the switch. During wrapping of the bale, twine is rapidly dispensed, causing the wheel to rapidly rotate and as a consequence, causing the light to pulsate, indicating to the operator that twine is being dispensed.

Abstract: A device for controlling the binding of bales of material such as straw or fodder formed on an agricultural baling press fitted with a binding system, in which the loop of a binding material is made around the bale progressively during compression of the material, wherein a motor member cooperates with a second finger in order to return it from its retracted position to its active position, in response to the raising of a first finger by the binding material, and wherein a signal emitter is adapted to be energized in function of the rotation of the axle under the effect of the movement of the second finger, in such a manner as to indicate the absence or the rupture of the binding material during formation and knotting of the binding loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for feeding and tightening a band wherein a touch roller is brought into compressive contact with a reverse rotation driving roller for a predetermined time when a signal for detecting a decrease in the speed of rotation including the stopping of a forward rotation touch roller is developed prior to the development of a signal for detecting the approach of the front end of the fed band to a mechanism for grasping the band front end; whereby the band is restored and the compressive contact of the reverse rotation touch roller is released after passage of the predetermined time so as to restore the band; the band is then restored by means of a tension roller which is rotated at a lower speed and driven at a higher torque as compared with the reverse rotation roller and a touch roller which is brought into compressive contact with and capable of separating from the tension roller; and the band is finally tightened by starting the reverse rotation of the

Abstract: A rectangular baler has a density control for controlling the density to which crop material is compacted in a bale case by a cyclically operating plunger, and a cyclically operating tying mechanism for typing loops of binding material around successive lengths of the compacted crop material to form bales. In order for the tying mechanism to function properly the binding material must slide between a tied bale and the crop material being compacted against the tied bale. If the sliding friction is too great, the binding material breaks or is pulled free of the tying mechanism thus resulting in failure of the tying process. To reduce the sliding friction, the density to which the crop material is compacted is reduced for an interval of time following each cycle of the tying mechanism. The interval of time is controlled by the rate at which crop material enters the bale case following a cycle of the tying mechanism.

Abstract: A potentiometer is driven by one of the serpentine arm assemblies used to maintain apron tension during formation of a round bale so that the output of the potentiometer continuously provides an indication of the size of a bale being formed in the baler. A microprocessor based control circuit senses the output of the potentiometer, converts it to a digital value, and compares the digital value with a value representing a desired bale size. When the two values are equal, the microprocessor computes the number of revolutions of a net feed roll that is required to wrap the bale a preselected number of times, energizes the net feed roll mechanism to feed net into the bale forming chamber, and counts the revolutions of the net feed roll. When the required amount of net has been dispensed, the microprocessor stops the net feed roll and activates a mechanism to cut the net. The size of a "full bale" is selected by actuating keys on a control panel.

Abstract: In a hay baler, or the like, of the type which compresses loose product into bales which are moved along a controlled path to be tied with a binding such as twine. A device for sensing malfunction of the tying apparatus and signaling that malfunction to the operator, or alternatively, automatically shutting down the baler in response to the signal in which each sensing element comprises a series of bridge like members, each one of which is disposed in a longitudinal path down stream of the knotter devices in the direction of flow of the bales, and which are tied to the knotter devices by linkage which transmits motion of the knotter device to the sensing elements. Each sensing element is rotatably mounted to the baler frame and will move in response to movement generated by a malfunction in the corresponding knotter device. The movement of any sensing element trips a signal or shut down, at the operator's option.

Abstract: A potentiometer is driven by one of the serpentine arm assemblies used to maintain apron tension during formation of a round bale so that the output of the potentiometer continuously provides an indication of the size of a bale being formed in the baler. A microprocessor based control circuit senses the output of the potentiometer, converts it to a digital value, and compares the digital value with a value representing a desired bale size. When the two values are equal, the microprocessor computes the number of revolutions of a net feed roll that is required to wrap the bale a preselected number of times, energizes the net feed roll mechanism to feed net into the bale forming chamber, and counts the revolutions of the net feed roll. When the required amount of net has been dispensed, the microprocessor stops the net feed roll and activates a mechanism to cut the net. The size of a "full bale" is selected by actuating keys on a control panel.

Abstract: An automatic binding apparatus produces a loop of tape and tightens the tape around an object that is inserted through the loop of tape. The apparatus has a bed-plate and a guide member which is swivelable into position on and off the bed-plate. Initially, the tape is guided through the guide member to form a small loop of tape. Thereafter the guide member is retracted and the loop of tape is enlarged by feeding more tape to the loop to accommodate large objects. Insertion of the object through the loop actuates a work detection switch and detection of the object produces an output signal which triggers a process whereby the tape is tightly bound around the object, is cut from the tape supply, and the ends of the tape are overlapped and pressure welded to one another. Removal of the bound object changes the state of the work detection switch and results in the repositioning of the guide member over the bed-plate and in the formation of a fresh loop of tape for a next object to be bound.

Abstract: A baler comprises means for securing a completed bale of material and metering means for triggering the operation of the securing means. The metering means includes a pinion drivingly connectable with a trip arm. Relative driving movement between the trip arm and the pinion takes place on rotation of the pinion until the pinion engages a recess in the trip arm, at which point, operation of the securing means is triggered. The extent of the relative driving movement between the trip arm and the pinion is representative of a dimension of the bale being formed. The metering means further comprises a roller mounted on the trip arm at the entry of the recess for engaging the pinion when the pinion is at the point to enter the recess thereby breaking the driving connection between the pinion and the trip arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method according to the invention for determining respective deviations in the total number of signatures in each of a plurality of individual successive stacks from a given number of signatures having a ram for compressing the stacks of the signatures, a linear differential voltage transducer for measuring the relative heights of signature stacks by measuring distance that the ram travels, control apparatus comprised primarily of a programmable controller for processing the output of the transducer and optical detection means for monitoring the stack top for a sheet indicating that the stack has an odd count and disabling the control apparatus for indicating deviations in stack count. Additionally, a strapper which includes the apparatus for determining the count deviations adapted to monitor the position of a belt drive.

Abstract: During the process of binding a bale of crop material with binding twine in a crop baler, malfunction of the knotter is checked once upon completion of the binding sequence for one bale, and then a second time after the twine has been prepared by the knotter for formation of the next bale. The monitoring system is particularly appropriate for a double knotting mechanism in which each knotter operates through two complete operating cycles during each actuation thereof, a first cycle to complete a knot associated with the just finished bale, and a second cycle to complete a knot in two separate strands of twine to prepare the same for the next successive bale.

Abstract: In a rectangular baler wherein right and left conrod load cells measure the force applied to plungers for compacting crop material, a microprocessor based control circuit monitors the loads registered by the load cells. The microprocessor produces output signals to control the baler in accordance with the loads sensed by the cells. On a stroke of the plunger, a one-quarter second interval is tolled after one cell registers a load. If the second cell does not register a load within the interval it is assumed that it is faulty. In order to permit continued operation of the baler, the output of the good cell is assumed to be, and is used by the microprocessor as if it were the output of the faulty cell.

Abstract: A horizontal baling apparatus having a compression ram which is provided so as to be reciprocally movable into the baling chamber of the apparatus, and a mechanism which scales the length of stroke of the compression ram to a total stroke of a potentiometer, from the output of which the density of a portion of a bale of material is determined as well as the necessary amount of additional material which is required on successive laminations to maintain the density.

Abstract: The baler for crop material comprises an intake mechanism, a feed mechanism for transporting the crop material from the intake mechanism to a chamber for pressing and binding. Between the feed mechanism and the chamber for pressing and binding a bale separator is provided for the continuously supply of crop material attached to the housing of the baler outside of the feed path, which cuts away a bale by operation of a bale separator hydraulic cylinder and a slider hydraulic cylinder, after which the bale is bound, while additional crop materials are continuously fed into the baler. The process of our invention for making bales in a baler comprises continuously feeding crop material into the baler, which a bale cut away from those supplying crop material is separated therefrom, bound by cord, and ejected from the baler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for gripping a strap segment with two gripping members, for moving the gripping members together in a closed path to form a primary loop in the strap around at least one of the gripping members, and for feeding the strap to expand the primary loop to an expanded loop having a larger size for accommodating an article to be bound by the strap.

Abstract: A round baler having a single bale forming chamber is provided with an electronic control circuit which makes its operation automatic except for the operator-controlled functions of starting and stopping forward motion of the baler. Under the circuit control the baler forms a bale, wraps it with twine, cuts the twine, raises the tailgate, ejects the wrapped bale and closes the tailgate. The control circuit energizes a first indicator when the tailgate closes to signal the operator to begin forward motion of the baler. When a point is reached in the bailing cycle at which the wrapping of the bale is to commence, the circuit energizes a second indicator to signal the operator to stop forward motion of the baler. The circuit also detects certain malfunctions and energizes a third indicator to signal the operator that a malfunction has occurred.

Abstract: An automatic twine wrapper (31) for a round baler (10) is provided comprising a twine dispensing arm (36) having a retracted home position and which is movable in the vicinity of the bale chamber inlet (41). A drive motor (42) is operably coupled with the dispensing arm (36) for moving the latter during the twine dispensing cycle and automatic control means (65) are coupled with the drive motor (42) for causing the drive motor (42) to move the dispensing arm (36) in accordance with a predetermined dispensing cycle from its retracted home position toward the bale chamber inlet (41) and in the vicinity thereof and back to its home position as the twine dispensing cycle is being completed. The control means (65) comprises a starter means (50) operable to initiate the predetermined dispensing cycle and detector means (61) operable to detect whether twine (32) is being wrapped upon the bale (R).

Abstract: In an automatic mail processing apparatus, a mail reject mechanism is disposed between a reading and sorting unit and labeling unit. The mail reject mechanism includes a reject member movable between a first position outside of a convey unit and a second position inside of the convey unit and a pneumatic cylinder for normally holding the reject member in the first position and being adapted, when the sorting data stored in a memory relating to a mail stack brought in an opposite position to the reject member is not appropriate to the mail stack, to move the reject member from the first position to the second position for removal of the mail stack from the convey unit.

Abstract: An automatic control device for tying large diameter cylindrical bales produced by a hay baler. A tie guiding arm has an end which can be driven back and forth over the entire width of the bale by an electric motor. A microprocessor receives inputs indicating the driving speed of the baler, the diameter of the bale and the desired number of turns of the tie. The motor driving the guiding arm is discontinuously driven by the microprocessor so that the arm is held in a stationary position for a predetermined length of time at a predetermined number of stops. The microprocessor may also operate in a learning mode where the operator sets the number of stops and the length of time.

Abstract: An automatic high speed hooping station for horizontal hooping of diverse packages contains a barrier device to effect entry of packages, one by one, along their direction of travel, followed by a conveyance assembly. The conveyance assembly includes a rolling double transfer belt, followed in turn by a take-up table provided with an optical detector at its extremity. Along the conveyance assembly there moves reciprocally a push- and loading device for being introduced into an upward travel and holding assembly formed by an ascending platform, a holder trapdoor in a hooping position in an arc of a hooping device, and an upper package discharge device operating by lateral disengagement from a pile of the packages onto an exit ramp. The discharge device includes a push arm articulatably mounted around a point actuated by a cam. The assembly may be moved in translation under the surveillance of a detector.

Abstract: An automatic round or roll baler includes a microprocessor controlled signal processing circuit for controlling the wrapping of bales in a predetermined wrapping pattern. The wrapping pattern is generated by selectively actuating switches to produce a wrap sequence table containing control words. The control words are subsequently accessed in sequence to control the application of control signals to a motor which drives a twine dispensing mechanism. The last control word stored in the sequence table includes a "home" code which causes the motor to be driven in a direction toward a home position. A home position switch is provided for sensing when the twine dispensing mechanism is in the home position. In response to the home code the twine dispensing mechanism is driven toward the home position until the home switch is actuated at which time the drive to the twine dispensing mechanism is terminated. This insures that each bale wrapping sequence begins with the twine dispensing mechanism in the home position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hay baling device comprising means (13) for defining a training phase working mode and an automatic flow working mode of a previously recorded reproducible program. Means (14) are also provided, operative in the training phase for controlling the movements of the part manually by selecting parameters of successive steps comprising at least, for each step, the duration of the step and the direction of movement, selected from among a forward position, a reverse position and a stationary position. In addition, included are means (10) for then recording the parameters of the successive steps in the form of a reproducible program.

Abstract: In the method of reducing twine tension in a bale (1) of straw in a baler in which the straw material is pressed under a high pressure, a plurality of windings of twine (6) is looped around and ties the straw material (1) while the material is subjected to the pressure.To avoid twine bursts in the use of sisal twine instead of synthetic twine, the twine tension is reduced by moving the twine windings (6) away from the top face of the bale (1) prior to the knotting operation, and the twine windings (6) are then released after the knotting operation.

Abstract: Tubing typically produced by an extruder is advanced to coiling apparatus and is cut to predetermined lengths. The automated apparatus includes a plurality of spindles arranged at spaced intervals about a turret, which is indexed to position each spindle to: receive, clamp and coil the last cut length of tubing; advance the coiled length of tubing to a taping station, where the spindle so advanced is rotated for application of tape at diametrically opposed locations, and advance the spindle to an ejection location, where the spindle ejects the taped coil of tubing. The taper advances a pressure-sensitive tape strip, strips a protective strip from the tape and applies the tape to the applicator surfaces of a jaw assembly which swing together causing the tape to envelope the coiled tubing and presses the ends of the pressure-sensitive tape strip together to complete the taping function. The jaws of the jaw assembly are then separated, and the jaw assembly is withdrawn from the coiled tubing.

Abstract: The apparatus for binding rolled bales comprises at least one reel of twine, a twine guiding device for guiding the hank of twine along the surface of the bale to be bound and a control device for the twine guiding device, comprising a rope sheave and a set of gears. The twine guiding device comprises two spaced twine guiding arms staggered with respect to one another which may be pivoted in the opposite direction one from the other from an initial position, in which the two arms cross over one another, to a maximum position, in which the two ends of the bale are simultaneously bound, to an end position, which corresponds essentially to the initial position.

Abstract: The length of a bale is normally gauged by a fixed toothed wheel engaging the top of the bale. Therefore the height of the bale can effect the cut-off point so that bales can be of uneven length. This device utilizes a floating gauge wheel or star wheel which therefore rotates at a constant speed so that its actuation point is constant. It is connected to the knotting device which in turn controls the cut-off point of the bale being formed.

Abstract: Support and tensioning apparatus for a strapping band to be tensioned around a package. A band first pressed between a pair of wheels and advanced in a band guide that surrounds but does not contact the package. The band is subsequently retracted with its front end secured in place into a position against the package by reversing the sense in which the pair of wheels rotates, and is then tensioned with a separate tensioning wheel that rotates slowly and at high power. The strapping band is tensioned with a pair of wheels of which one wheel is an idler wheel and the other wheel is a tensioning wheel powered in the tensioning direction by a motor and with its shaft mounted in a pivoting lever in such a way that the wheel presses against the strapping band, which is to some extent looped around it, while the band is being tensioned and rests on the idler wheel, with a force that increases with the tension in the band.

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. One trip mechanism is capable of preventing operation of the knotters until a bale of desired length is formed. The other trip mechanism is capable of preventing operation of the knotters unless the plunger is moving in a direction in the bale case to compress crop material into bales.

Abstract: A tying device is provided for mounting on a baling press for tying a plurality of wires having preformed interlocking ends around a bale formed in the press. The device includes a center plate mounted above the press chamber in which the bale is formed and a pair of wire bend assemblies pivotally mounted on opposite sides on the center plate. A wire closer assembly is mounted on the press ram below the bale and provides the floor of the baling chamber. The wire bend assemblies pivot from a fully raised to a fully lowered position to bend the preformed interlocking ends of the wires around the bale and to insert the interlocking ends into the wire closer assembly where the interlocking ends are joined together to form a knot.

Abstract: A joint is provided in first and second overlapping portions of a loop of thermoplastic thin film wide strap tensioned about an article. The joint comprises a plurality of fused regions at the interface of the overlapping portions. The fused regions are spaced apart across the width of the strap. Each fused region has the form of an interface layer of merged resolidified strap surface portions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a compression bundling apparatus which can be used to compression pack or bundle such materials as waste paper, hair, cotton, plastics, crude rubber, city rubbish and the like. The apparatus can be used for lateral and vertical binding with polypropylene plastic bands. The apparatus has two main sections, the compression section and the bundling section. The two sections are connected by a guide space in which the compressed material is conveyed to the bundler where it is then bound by vertical and, if desired, lateral bands to form the bundle. There is means to discharge the banded bundle or to discharge the compressed bundle prior to banding. The vertical banding is accomplished by the cooperation of a plurality of band guides external to the compression chamber and movable into the bundling chamber which has a movable bundler for causing the bands to bind the compressed block into a bundle.

Abstract: A feed device for strapping bands for use in strapping machines is disclosed. A pressure device and a feed roller push the strapping band into a band channel behind the feed roller. A disengaging lever is connected to the pressure device so that when a loop in the band is formed in the band channel, it moves the disengaging lever causing the pressure device to be withdrawn from the band and feed roller permitting the band to reverse direction causing the loop to disappear.

Abstract: A device, for feed and tensioning a strapping band about a package in a strapping machine, is disclosed. The machine includes a feed roller which is actuately deflected when the band is placed under tension by a tensioning device. The tensioning device includes a pair of counter rotating v-belts between which the band passes and a pressure device which causes the band to be gripped by the v-belts thus placing it in tension. As the tension on the band increases the pressure exerted by the pressure device is proportionately increased by an angular lever to which the feed roller is connected, which in turn acts on a slidable rod which, through a toggle lever, actuates the pressure device. The machine also includes a sealing and cutting device which is actuated subsequent to the tensioning of the band and which, through a rocker lever, causes the toggle lever to release the pressure on the pressure device prior to the cutting of the rear end of the band.

Abstract: An automatic twine-wrapping mechanism for a large round baler. The mechanism comprises (1) a twine dispensing mechanism for dispensing twine into the bale-forming chamber of the baler, (2) a reversible hydraulic drive means for cycling a twine arm of the dispensing mechanism back and forth in front of the chamber, (3) a twine wrapping control mechanism (a) for initiating a twine wrapping cycle by sensing the growth of a bale to a predetermined diameter by automatically actuating a pump drive means for driving a hydraulic pump and by positioning a hydraulic control valve to condition the hydraulic drive means to cycle the twine arm and (b) for terminating a twine wrapping cycle by deactivating the hydraulic drive means following the wrapping of twine around the bale. The twine is automatically severed by a twine cutter responsive to the movement of the twine arm following completion of the wrapping of the twine around the bale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding and tensioning the strap in strap applying machines, of the type in which the strap (R) is moved forward and fed between a pair of wheels, one being a drawing wheel (1) rotated by motor means and the other being an idly rotating contrast wheel (2) pressed against the first wheel through the strap (R). The drawing wheel (1) is caused to rotate by an epicyclic train, the free element (9) of which is connected by a mechanical drive to the shaft (8) of the contrast wheel (2), while the contrast wheel (2) is mounted idle onto an eccentric pin (7) of said shaft (8). The mechanical drive comprises a movable control element (17) being apt to act elastically on the shaft (8) of the contrast wheel (2) in order to cause the rotation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for coordinating the operation of the bale tying mechanism with the feeding apparatus of a baler. The baler (10) includes a bale chamber (16), feeding means (26) including a pair of feed rollers (36) which are moved back and forth across the inlet end by reciprocating means (46, 48) including a hydraulic cylinder. The bale tying means includes a knotter (64), a pickup needle (110), and a knotter shaft (76) capable of driving the knotter and the needle. The actuating means which is capable of actuating the bale tying means includes a bale length metering mechanism (202 to 218), a constantly driven sprocket (230), and a single revolution clutch (220), the actuating means being capable of initiating the operation of the clutch (220) to cause rotation of the knotter shaft (76) when the bale length has been achieved.

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a strap loop and securing it about an article. The strap free end is pressed against a guide surface and moved in a path to form a primary strap loop while permitting the primary strap loop to twist off of the guide surface. With the free end of the strap held against further movement, the trailing portion of the strap is fed to expand the loop to a predetermined larger size. The article is inserted in the loop and the trailing portion of the strap is withdrawn to tighten the loop about the package. The trailing portion of the strap is severed from the tightened strap loop and the overlapping portions of the strap are sealed by a friction-fusion weld.

Abstract: Baling press adapted to receive dried ordinary bales of hay and to compress them further, particularly to facilitate shipment of the bales.The press comprises a longitudinally extending compression chamber having substantially rigid lateral walls, an upstream end wall comprising a ram longitudinally movable between upstream and downstream extremes of movement, and a downstream end wall comprising an exit gate.The compression chamber is provided with novel bale ejection means comprising a longitudinally extending endless chain loop with first and second runs, the first run being attached to the ram and the second run being attached to a barbed ejection plate which engages and ejects bales in the compression chamber while moving downstream and which disengages matter within the compression chamber when moving upstream.

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

Abstract: An automatic vegetable buncher for use in combination with a mechanical harvester of leafy green vegetables conveys the greens to a packing station where a pair of packer fingers driven by a novel rectangular motion generator incrementally feeds the greens into one of a plurality of pockets mounted on a rotatable wheel. When a predetermined bunch size is accrued, the wheel rotates to position an empty pocket at the packing station and to advance the vegetable bunch to a device which ties it into a marketable bundle.

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

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

Abstract: An automatic strapping apparatus is disclosed which forms a small primary loop from strap; expands the primary loop to a larger predetermined diameter loop which can be placed about a package to be strapped; and tensions, friction fuses, and severs the strap. The small primary strap loop is formed by feeding a free end of a length of strap into a circular cup through a slot in the cup sidewall so that the free end is guided by the inner periphery of the cup to form a loop with the strap free end overlapping a portion of the loop. The cup is moveable from an upper position around the formed primary loop to a position out of contact with, and below, the loop. A cylindrical gripper is provided inside the loop and a smooth-surfaced anvil is provided on the exterior of the loop for engaging the overlapped portion of the loop therebetween so that the strap free end is restrained by the gripper while the overlapped portion of the loop can be continued to be fed to expand the loop to a larger predetermined diameter.