Abstract: A sheet storage device includes a tape reel, a drum around which a sheet is wound together with a tape drawn out of the tape reel, and a first motor configured to drive at least the tape reel. The drum is provided such that a first rotation axis of the drum is parallel with a second rotation axis of the tape reel, and the tape reel and the first motor are arranged to at least partially overlap with each other as viewed along the second rotation axis of the tape reel.

Abstract: A bale chamber of an agricultural round baler. The bale chamber includes a main frame, a plurality of rollers, and at least one belt engaging with at least one roller of the plurality of rollers. The at least one belt and the plurality of rollers are together configured for creating a round circulating chamber. The bale chamber also includes a subframe movably connected to the main frame and at least one follower roller pivotally connected to the subframe at a first pivot axis. The at least one follower roller engages with the at least one belt. The subframe is configured for moving during formation of the bale so that the at least one follower roller moves in between a first position at the empty bale position of the circulating chamber and a second position at the full bale position of the circulating chamber.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a clamshell body having a first side coupled to a second side by a hinge at a hinge end. The first side and the second side each have a cantilevered end opposite the hinge end. The clamshell body is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position. A suture retainer is positioned within the claim shell body and is configured to receive a suture. An opening is formed in a wall of the of the second side of the clamshell body.

Abstract: A gathering apparatus for selectively bringing together edges or sides of a film for wrapping around a bale includes a pair of gathering elements which cooperate with a respective edge of the film and which are movable by a drive. The drive is actuated by a motor and a reduction gear. The gathering elements are moved relative to the film in a lateral direction between an out-of-operation position and an operating position, in order to gather the film as required. A holding apparatus serves the gathering elements in the operating position.

Abstract: Systems for processing material, taping stations to apply tape to one or more rolls of material, and methods of processing material are disclosed herein. A system for processing material includes a winding station and a taping station. The winding station includes a winder to wrap material around a mandrel to produce one or more rolls of material. The taping station is arranged downstream of the winding station to receive the one or more rolls of material therefrom and apply tape to the one or more rolls of material.

Abstract: A heart valve anchor apparatus may include a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The body may include a first radially expandable portion at the proximal portion of the body, a second radially expandable portion at the distal portion of the body, and a root portion extending from the first radially expandable portion to the second radially expandable portion, the root portion having an outer extent. The first radially expandable portion may be configured to self-expand to an outer extent greater than the outer extent of the root portion when radially unconstrained. The second radially expandable portion may be configured to self-expand to an outer extent greater than the outer extent of the root portion when radially unconstrained. In an unstressed configuration, the body may define a longitudinal centerline that extends away from a plane tangent to the root portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a round baler. The method comprises providing a nonstop baler type machine; feeding of crop into a prechamber and a main bale forming chamber; and providing, by a binding unit, a binding material to the main bale forming chamber for wrapping a bale formed in the main bale forming chamber, comprising, in a first mode of operation, providing a stretching apparatus in contact with the binding material, thereby, applying a compressive force to the binding material for stretching the binding material; and in a second mode of operation, providing the stretching apparatus free of contact with the binding material. Furthermore, a round baler is disclosed.

Abstract: A duckbill assembly of a wrapper for an agricultural baler. The duckbill assembly includes a frame, at least one roller movably connected to the frame and configured for spreading a wrapping material, an upper baffle connected to the frame, and a lower baffle connected to the frame and located underneath the upper baffle. The lower baffle has a width, a first set of grippers, and a second set of grippers. The first and second set of grippers are configured for spreading the wrapping material across the width of the lower baffle.

Abstract: A bale wrapping device for a round baler includes a wrapping material roller having a wrapping material. The wrapping material roller is able to be brought into engagement with a brake roller, and a cutting apparatus for cutting off the wrapping material from the wrapping material roller. A brake apparatus cooperates with the brake roller, and is actuatable by the cutting apparatus such that a rotational movement of the brake roller is able to be braked by the brake apparatus.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods for coating surgical needles in batch processes are disclosed. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful for applying uniform silicone lubricious coatings to surgical needles in bulk quantities using a novel separation and spray coating system and method.

Abstract: A method for autonomously controlling electric power supplied to a thruster of a spacecraft during electric orbit raising includes determining a state of charge of a battery onboard the spacecraft at an entry into an eclipse during each orbit of a plurality of orbits during the electric orbit raising of the spacecraft. The method also includes determining an electric power level used to fire each thruster of a plurality of thrusters during each orbit beginning after the eclipse, based at least on the state of charge of the battery, and that will provide a shortest electric orbit raising duration and minimize thruster propellant usage during electric orbit raising.

Abstract: A baler for forming round bales includes a wrapping device for wrapping a pressed bale with a wrapping material, a pressing chamber where the pressed bale is formed, a guide apparatus for guiding wrapping material to the pressing chamber, and a guide means for guiding the wrapping material via a region from the wrapping device to the guide apparatus. The guide means is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the guide means substantially bridges the region between the wrapping device and the guide apparatus. In the second position, the guide means at least partially opens up the region therebetween.

Abstract: A method for autonomously controlling electric power supplied to a thruster of a spacecraft during electric orbit raising includes determining a state of charge of a battery onboard the spacecraft at an entry into an eclipse during each orbit of a plurality of orbits during the electric orbit raising of the spacecraft. The method also includes determining an electric power level used to fire each thruster of a plurality of thrusters during each orbit beginning after the eclipse, based at least on the state of charge of the battery, and that will provide a shortest electric orbit raising duration and minimize thruster propellant usage during electric orbit raising.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming and wrapping a bale in a bale forming chamber into wrapping material includes a wrapping material conveying device that conveys a web of wrapping material towards a wrapping material inlet. A severing device severs the web at a severing location. The wrapping material conveying device moves the web towards the inlet, forms a leading segment of the web, and keeps the leading segment in an intermediate web providing position between the wrapping material inlet and the severing location without moving the leading segment. For starting the wrapping procedure, the web is conveyed towards the inlet.

Abstract: A bale forming and wrapping apparatus and method which forms a bale in a bale forming chamber. The bale in the bale forming chamber is wrapped by means of a wrapping device. A web of wrapping material is pulled from a reservoir which is held by an unrolling station. A wrapping material conveying device conveys the web towards a wrapping material inlet extending along an inlet longitudinal axis. A pusher plate drive pivots at least one pusher plate. The pivoted pusher plate hits the conveyed web and pushes the web towards the wrapping material inlet. The pusher plate pivoting axis is perpendicular to the inlet longitudinal axis, e.g. is vertical.

Abstract: An exemplary configuration of a net packing device includes a winding tool and a loading tool. In an exemplary method, the net is weaved onto the winding tool and then transferred to the loading tool. The net is pushed off of the loading tool into a net gun storage chamber configured to receive nets that are ready to launch. The winding and loading tools each have first and second prongs that are spaced apart the same distance so that the ends can be aligned. The net can be weaved about sleeves carried by the prongs of the winding tool. The net and sleeves are moved to the loading tool where the net is then pushed from the sleeves. In other exemplary configurations, only the loading tool is used.

Abstract: An enveloping device for enveloping a bale with an enveloping material for a baler includes a supply of the enveloping material. The supply is configured to feed the enveloping material to a pressing chamber of the baler through a feed gap. A braking device is provided for the enveloping material. The braking device is configured such that it has an effect that the enveloping material assumes an at least substantially predetermined position with respect to the pressing chamber of the baler to at least one working means of the baler or to the bale at either an end or a start of an enveloping operation.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus and A wrapping method are provide to wrap an object in a chamber into a web of wrapping material. The web is moved from a reservoir outside of the chamber. A tag applicator applies a tag on the web in an application position which is between a wrapping material reservoir and a wrapping material inlet. A tag reader monitors whether or not a tag is conveyed in the chamber along the tag reader. If no tag is detected, an alert is generated that the object is not properly wrapped.

Abstract: A crop module builder including a module wrapping assembly configured to wrap a module with a wrap provided by a wrap roll. The crop module builder includes a floor including a plurality of belts configured to move the wrap from the wrap roll toward a front of the floor, wherein the floor includes a first position and a second position. A guiderod structure is operatively connected to the floor, wherein the guide rod structure is configured to move with movement of the floor. A mat is operatively connected to the floor and to the guide rod structure, wherein the mat spans a gap between the guide rod structure and the deck in the first position and in the second position.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a frame, a pressing belt operable to form a pressed bale in a pressing chamber, and a wrapping device operable to supply a wrapping material. A guide is disposed adjacent to and extends along the pressing belt. The guide leads the wrapping material to the pressing chamber. The guide includes a front mount and a rear mount. The front mount and the rear mount attach the guide to the frame, and each includes a spring biasing the guide toward the pressing belt. The front mount and the rear mount are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the frame.

Abstract: A robotic system has a plurality of user selectable operating modes. To select one of the operating modes, a user performs a distinguishing action which uniquely identifies a desired operating mode among the plurality of user selectable operating modes. A method implemented by a processor in the robotic system identifies the distinguishing action and places the robotic system in the user selected operating mode.

Abstract: A bale forming apparatus including a bale forming device providing a bale forming chamber, a rotatable driving member, a shaft, and a free-wheel clutch provided between the shaft and the rotatable driving member. The shaft drives at least temporarily the rotatable driving member. The free-wheel clutch transfers a rotation of the shaft onto the driving member. The rotated driving member drives at least one part of the bale forming device. The bale forming device forms a bale in the provided bale forming chamber. At least one time the rotatable driving member is rotated with respect to the shaft. The free-wheel clutch enables this rotation of the rotatable driving member.

Abstract: A bale wrapping device for a round baler includes a drive roll which can be brought into engagement with a wrapping material roll, and a drive and brake device connected to the drive roll. The drive and brake device is connected both to a variably tensionable drive belt and to a variably tensionable brake belt.

Abstract: A wrap guide arrangement is provided for an agricultural harvesting machine having a module-forming chamber and wrapping system having a source of a wrapping material and a wrap conveyor arrangement for guiding the wrapping material from the source to the conveyor arrangement. The wrap guide arrangement has a wrap roll extending along an axis of rotation and having an outer circumference receiving the wrapping material. A guide plate has an axially extending body and at least one finger extending from the body toward the wrap roll. At least a part of the at least one finger extends proximate the outer circumference of the wrap roll between the wrap roll and the wrapping material.

Abstract: A robotic system has a plurality of user selectable operating modes. To select one of the operating modes, a user performs a distinguishing action which uniquely identifies a desired operating mode among the plurality of user selectable operating modes. A method implemented by a processor in the robotic system identifies the distinguishing action and places the robotic system in the user selected operating mode.

Abstract: A bale collection system for use with a baler having an outlet through which a finished bale is ejected, the bale collection system including a holder coupled to the baler, the holder defining a support surface configured to support the finished bale, an operating barrier, and a holdback arm in operable communication with the holder and configured to 1) permit the finished bale to pass through the operating barrier in a first direction and 2) restrict movement of the finished bale through the operating barrier in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus and a feeding method are disclosed. The apparatus and the method feed wrapping material towards an inlet of a chamber. An object in this chamber is to be wrapped with wrapping material injected into the chamber. A wrapping material supplying unit supplies wrapping material from a reservoir towards the inlet such that a loose end area is formed. A drive drives a conveying surface of a wrapping material feeding unit either in a feeding direction or in a cleaning direction. If moved in the feeding direction, the conveying surface conveys the loose end area towards the inlet. If moved in the cleaning direction, the conveying surface cleans the inlet from debris.

Abstract: In order to prevent the paper sheets from being wound around the winding roller, unevenly, in substantially the same position, the paper-sheet storing/feeding machine includes at least one tape, a winding roller, to which one end of the tape is attached, and which is configured to wind and rewind the paper sheets together with the tape, a reel, to which the other end of the tape is attached, and which is configured to wind and rewind the tape relative to the winding roller, a driving source configured to rotate the winding roller, a sensor configured to detect each paper sheet transported thereto, and, a control unit configured to implement a control, each time the transported paper sheet is detected, in which the driving source is controlled to decelerate the winding roller after accelerating the winding roller in a winding direction with the detection of the transported paper sheet by the sensor, and configured to control the driving source, in order to change the length of the tape used for storing one pap

Abstract: A baler which includes a net wrapper assembly and method of using the improved baler to install net rolls into a net wrapping assembly in the baler. The net wrapping assembly includes first and second net support tubes for holding respective first and second net rolls. The first and second net support tubes include pivoting elements for pivoting the net support tubes away from wrapping active positions. The net wrapping assembly also includes a support arm for supporting the weight of the net rolls during installation. The net wrapping assembly also includes brake systems, which are connected to a net feeding system, for applying and releasing tension to the net roll.

Abstract: Stationary plates are mounted in the spaces between the segments of a roll. At least one of the plates comprises a cam-like extension, protruding from the roll surface for preventing wrapping material from wrapping around the roll.

Abstract: A wrap device for communicating a wrap to a bale chamber of a round module builder. The round module builder comprises a bale sheave for driving a bale belt to wrap a round module with the wrap. The wrap device comprises a wrap floor. A wrap floor linkage couples the wrap floor to the round module builder. A first sheave and a second sheave are coupled to the wrap floor. A wrap floor belt is supported by the first and second sheaves. An actuator is coupled to at least one of the wrap floor linkage and the wrap floor to move the wrap floor from a disengaged position to an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the wrap is not communicated to the bale chamber. In the engaged position, the wrap floor belt engages the bale belt and communicates the wrap to the bale chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food package and food packaging system that minimizes the handling of food during preparation and cooking. In particular, the invention relates to a system for packaging to form a rolled food package.

Abstract: A baler for forming large cylindrical bales of crop material is equipped with a wrapping mechanism at the rear side of the baling chamber for introducing wrapping material into the baling chamber for wrapping the cylindrical bales. A storage bin for storing extra rolls of wrapping material extends vertically above the wrapping mechanism and contains a plurality of extra rolls of wrapping material. The storage bin is mounted for pivoting about a connection at a lower end region of the bin so that the bin may be lowered to a loading position in which roll compartments of the bin are at a height commensurate with that of the waist of an average adult person standing on the ground so that supply rolls may be easily moved from these compartments to an operating position within the wrapping mechanism and new rolls may be used to replenish the rolls used from these compartments without an operator having to lift the rolls above his or her waist.

Abstract: A round baler is provided having a web wrap apparatus with a feeder for introducing web into a bale chamber through a gap between adjacent motion means. The motion means are provided with protrusions, and anti-interference spacing means are provided to prevent the feeder from contacting the protrusions.

Abstract: An agricultural system for wrapping bales includes a baling device to form a cylindrical bale in a baling chamber, and a wrapping device to wrap the bale in wrapping material. The wrapping device includes a wrapping table to support the bale during wrapping, as well as a wrapping mechanism, and a transfer device to transfer a bale ejected from the baling chamber to the wrapping table. The transfer device includes a pivotable support to support a bale. The pivotable support is at least pivotable between a receive position to receive a bale from the baling chamber, and a release position, wherein the bale is released on the wrapping table.

Abstract: A bale wrapping attachment for a baler that forms round bales is mounted at a rear portion of the baler and includes a support for a supply of wrapping material that is formed as a web and rolled into a roll. The web is passed across a fixed, non-rotating feed bar. The wrapping attachment includes a guillotine type knife that cooperates with a cross frame member forming an anvil. The knife is slidable between a retracted position and a cutting position wherein a knife carried by the cutter engages the cross frame member to sever material underneath the knife. When the knife is in its retracted position, the non-rotating feed bar is moved to a position wherein wrapping material draped over the feed bar contacts exposed surfaces of bale forming belts from the baler, causing the wrapping material to be carried with the belts and into the bale chamber to wrap around the bale.

Abstract: A bale wrapping system for wrapping a bale while maintaining independent control over both the sensor and brake assemblies. The bale wrapping system generally includes a support frame to secure a roll of wrapping material to a baler, a brake assembly secured to the support frame, wherein the brake assembly is adapted to brake a rotation of the roll of wrapping material, and a sensor assembly secured to the support frame, wherein the sensor assembly includes a sensor wheel adapted to measure an amount of outputted wrapping material. The brake assembly and the sensor assembly operate independent of each other with respect to the roll of wrapping material and the support frame. The support frame may be retrofitted to an existing baler through a coupler and a bracket extending from an elongated rod connecting opposing sides of the support frame.

Abstract: An envelope filling apparatus inserts a sheet of paper into an envelope having a flap, and includes an envelope feed device, an air nozzle for blowing air into the envelope fed by the envelope feed device from an open end of the envelope to open the open end, and a sensing device for detecting that the open end of the envelope is opened. The apparatus further includes an insertion device for inserting the sheet of paper into the envelope from the open end, if the sensing device detects that the open end of the envelope is opened after the air nozzle is actuated, and a removal device for removing the envelope from a transport route, if the sensing device does not detect that the open end of the envelope is opened after the air nozzle is actuated and the insertion device is not actuated.

Abstract: A baling machine and method for forming a bale is disclosed. A sensor is positioned in the bailing chamber and is positioned to sense an area proximate the perimeter of the bale to determine if material is present, thereby determining if the bale is properly wrapped or not. When the bale is not properly wrapped, material is present in the area proximate the perimeter in which the sensor is active; causing the sensor to send a signal indicating that the bale is not properly wrapped.

Abstract: A system to produce rolls of web material includes: a production machine (1) to produce the web material; a winder (3) to form reels (B) of web material coming from the production machine; an unwinder (20) to unwind single reels of web material produced by the winder; a group of tools for longitudinal cutting of the web material to divide the web material into strips, including members to position the tools in a transverse direction with respect to the direction of feed of the web material; a rewinder (22) to rewind the single strips into rolls; a line for packaging (9) the rolls (R); at least one shuttle (11) to transfer groups of rolls formed by the rewinder towards the packaging line; and an information system for integrated management of the system.

Abstract: A baler with a bale pressing chamber for agricultural stalk materials is connected with a wrapping device comprising a wrapping table for the enveloping of a bale with foil via at least one support frame carried by a chassis, between the baler and the wrapping device at least one actively driven bale transfer device for the transfer of the finished bale from the bale pressing chamber to the wrapping table of the wrapping device is present, and as a function of the inclination of the baler and/or the wrapping device to the perpendicular the operational sequence of the transfer of the bale from the bale pressing chamber to the wrapping device is controlled.

Abstract: A baler and wrapper combination comprises a baler, a bale wrapper, and a bale transport table. The bale transport table is movable between a bale receiving position at a bale output location of the baler, a wrapping position at which the wrapper can wrap a bale located upon the bale transport table with a sheet material, while movable bale support elements rotate the bale around its horizontal central axis, and a bale depositing position in which a wrapped bale can be deposited on the ground. The bale support elements are arranged to be moved in the bale depositing position into an orientation in which the bale is deposited on its flat end.

Abstract: A rewinder machine for the production of rolls of web material is described, comprising: a winder unit (3, 5, 7); a path for delivering the web material (N) to said winder unit; a system for continuously feeding said web material into said winder unit; a distributor (31) of a sheet material (F) for wrapping the rolls formed by said winder unit, installed and operated so as to deliver a length of sheet material to said winder unit on completion of the winding of each roll without stopping the forward feed of the web material.

Abstract: A surgical cable packaging system and method are provided including, in one aspect, a cable holder having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions may have cooperating structures configured to be coupled together to form an interior space in which the cable is coiled. The cable holder may have an opening through which the cable extends to allow the cable to be removed from the interior space. In another aspect, a method of inserting a surgical cable into a cable holder comprising wrapping the cable around a body portion of a fixture and sliding the cable into an interior space of the cable holder in a coiled configuration.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a container packing filler are provided, which ensure that a net can be correctly and speedily rolled up into a bulk or ball shape. A stretchable tubular net (N) is fitted around a columnar support member (6). Then, a distal portion of the net is forcibly folded radially outward or inward by a plurality of roller belts (30) disposed circumferentially of the net (N), while the roller belts (30) are moved toward a net proximal side axially of the net (N), whereby the net (N) is rolled up radially outward or inward with the distal portion thereof being forcibly folded by circular rotation and axial movement of the roller belts (30) to form an annular roll portion (C).

Abstract: Mid-size balers and methods for compressing material into bales are disclosed. An exemplary baler (10) comprises a cylindrical baling chamber (24) configured to receive the material. The baling chamber is formed by a pair of circular, disk-shaped end plates (26) limiting opposite end faces of the baling chamber. The baling chamber is further formed by an axial motion actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end plates. The axial motion actuator including at least one piston providing an axial force to position the at least one of the end plates and react to forces of the bales (215) against the at least one of the end plates during operation. The baling chamber is further formed by a driven endless belt (12) guided by a plurality of rollers (20, 30, 32, 34, 42). The endless belt extends around the outer, circular perimeter of the end plates, forming a cylindrical periphery of the baling chamber.

Abstract: The machine (100) comprises a supply station (S1) destined to receive a mattress (M) to be conveyed to a rolling station (S2) comprising a plurality of rolling rollers (1), partly arranged in a fixed section (21) of the station (S2) and partly arranged in an openable section (22), arranged in respective curved lines to define internally thereof a practically-cylindrical rolling chamber (10) with horizontal axes. Sliding organs (3) are interposed between the fixed section (21) and the openable section (22), for regulating a mutual distance between the fixed section (21) and the openable section (22) in order to vary, within a predetermined range, a base area of the rolling chamber (10) and in order to determine corresponding rolling diameters of the mattress (M) comprised between a minimum value (D1) and a maximum value (D2).

Abstract: A wrapper dispensing mechanism for round balers includes a feed roller shiftable generally toward and away from a baling element of a bale forming mechanism so as to be selectively brought into and out of engagement with the baling element. The feed roller is driven by the baling element when the feed roller is in engagement with the baling element, with the feed roller and the baling element cooperatively defining a temporary nip therebetween during engagement. The feed roller is disposed to at least partially vertically support the roll of supply material thereon. A method of dispensing wrapping material from a supply roll includes supporting the supply roll at least partially on a feed roller, shifting the feed roller into engagement with the baling element to create a temporary nip therebetween and drive the feed roller, and driving the baling element while the feed roller is in engagement therewith.

Abstract: Providing in conjunction with a large round baler is a wrapping arrangement for enveloping a large round bale with an enveloping material. The wrapping arrangement includes a propulsion element, preferably a propulsion roll, that withdraws the enveloping material from a supply, preferably in the form of a roll, and a clutch arrangement effectively connected to the propulsion element. The clutch arrangement is arranged to maintain the force acting upon the enveloping material generally at a constant level once the enveloping material is grasped by the bale during the wrapping process.

Abstract: Waste-processing and transportation systems and methods are described. An exemplary waste processing and transportation system (10) comprises a receiving area (20) where loose waste (28) is delivered, a baler (22) for processing the loose waste (28) into waste bales (34), and a loading area (26) where the waste bales (34) are loaded onto a transport vehicle (e.g., a barge 36). A loader (32a) may operate in the receiving area (20) to load the loose waste (28) into the baler (22). At least one material handler (42a) may be configured to move the waste bales (34) onto the transport vehicle (36) for transport to a waste transfer facility (14). The waste bales (34) are configured such that the waste bales are unloaded from the transport vehicle (36) at the waste transfer facility (14) and loaded onto other transport vehicles (e.g., railcars 38) without further processing of the waste bales (34).