Abstract: The invention relates to the filling of a flat can with fiber sliver by a textile machine which delivers a fiber sliver, such as a carding machine or a draw frame, whereby the flat can is moved under a stationary, rotating rotary plate. The invention significantly reduces the costs for the required movements of the flat can as compared to the state of the art. The process according to the invention for the traversing of a flat can during the filling process at a textile machine delivering a fiber sliver is realized in that the flat can is shifted laterally by tilting of the flat can around an axis in the return path of the traversing path. In the device according to the invention, the traversing mechanism is equipped with a tilting device. For this purpose, the tilting device is provided with a tilter and an axis around which the flat can is tilted.

Abstract: The specification discloses an automated apparatus and method for packaging surgical needles having sutures attached thereto wherein a bundle of needles and sutures are placed at a semi-automated separation station and an operator feeds the needles, one at a time, into a rotating needle feed wheel. As the feed wheel advances, the suture is tensioned and directed along a pre-determined path to separate it from the remaining sutures in the bundle. The apparatus has a plurality of individually rotatable tool nests which are sequentially spaced on a rotating or indexing turntable. These tool nests sequentially receive plastic packages for receiving the needle and suture at a first station. At a second station, a needle is inserted into the package by robotic fingers which have retrieved the needle and attached suture from the rotating needle feed wheel. The rotating needle feed wheel and the rotating tool nests are synchronized to step together as each advances.

Abstract: The specification discloses an automated apparatus and method for packaging surgical needles having sutures attached thereto wherein a bundle of needles and sutures are placed at a semi-automated separation station and an operator feeds the needles, one at a time, into a rotating needle feed wheel. As the feed wheel advances, the suture is tensioned and directed along a pre-determined path to separate it from the remaining sutures in the bundle. The apparatus has a plurality of individually rotatable tool nests which are sequentially spaced on a rotating or indexing turntable. These tool nests sequentially receive plastic packages for receiving the needle and suture at a first station. At a second station, a needle is inserted into the package by robotic fingers which have retrieved the needle and attached suture from the rotating needle feed wheel. The rotating needle feed wheel and the rotating tool nests are synchronized to step together as each advances.

Abstract: A cassette (110), to be loaded with a photo film strip, has a photo film passageway (119) through which a leader (123) of the photo film strip (23, 111) is drawn out of a cassette shell. On a spool (112) is retained a trailer (124) of the photo film strip. A loader apparatus has a light-tight dark compartment (147). A rotary barrel (163) is rotatable, and partially fitted in an opening formed in a downstream wall of the dark compartment. Two cassette holders (164, 165) are disposed on the barrel and in respective positions opposite about a rotational axis (163a) of the barrel, and hold the cassette removably. The barrel is rotated to move the cassette holders into and out of the dark compartment. The cassette is supplied to one of the cassette holders located outside the dark compartment. The trailer of the photo film strip is passed into the photo film passageway in the cassette in one of the cassette holders located inside the dark compartment.

Abstract: A compressing and baling machine has a compression compartment formed from an endless slat conveyor in the form of an endless mat, which is driven by a pair of rotatable plates interacting with the mat. The endless mat and the frame which it travels upon is deformable into a circular shape, and then sealed by the rotatable plates during compression. The baled product is removed from the compression compartment by the same end plates and is further handled by an output part of the machine which is connected to the plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling flat coiler cans before, during and after filling the cans with sliver by a sliver producing textile machine. The apparatus includes an empty-can storing device; a full-can storing device; an intermediate space defined between the empty-can storing device and the full-can storing device; and a sliver filling station for receiving a can to be filled. The sliver filling station includes a can-reciprocating device for moving the can back and forth while sliver is deposited thereinto. The apparatus further includes a conveyor extending between the intermediate space and the sliver filling station for moving a can to be filled into and withdrawing a filled can from the sliver filling station; and a transferring device for transferring a can to be filled from the intermediate space onto the conveyor and for transferring a filled can from the conveyor into the intermediate space.

Abstract: The coiling apparatus for flexible planar articles (44), in particular printed products such as newspapers, magazines and parts thereof comprises a winding core (16), which is rotatably journalled in a frame (12) and drivable by a drive shaft (28), and a coiling band (24) which directs the flexible planar articles (44) essentially tangentially to the coiling core and is wound up onto the coiling core together with the planar articles. A drive train comprising a driving disc (38), a drive belt (40) and a drive belt disc (42) makes it possible to rotate the shaft (14) on which the winding core (16) is rotatably mounted from the same motor as drives the band reel (26). Between the winding core (16) and the rotary shaft (14) there is located a spiral spring (18) which is secured at its one end (20) to the winding core and at its other end (22) to the rotary shaft (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery package (30) of maxi bags (10) and a method for packing maxi bags into a delivery package (30). A delivery package (30) consists of maxi bags (10) placed overlappingly one top of the other, said bags being rolled around a rolling core (20) into a roll package. The edge portions of the maxi bags (10) have been folded prior to being conducted to a rolling core (20) so that in longitudinal direction the maxi bags (10) are essentially of equal thickness, whereby in each maxi bag layer of a delivery package (30) the undesired thickness of the thick handle part of the lifting loop structure (13) of the maxi bags (10) has been made uniform in order to produce a stable delivery package (30).

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a photo-sensitive film magazine packed in a container is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (a) assembling a photosensitive film magazine in a photosensitive film magazine assembly section (b) feeding successively the photosensitive film magazine to a container accommodation section from said photosensitive film magazine assembly section through a predetermined passage and (c) setting the photosensitive film magazine into a photosensitive film magazine container in the container accommodation section.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing sliver from a sliver-producing machine into a coiler can includes an arrangement for outputting the sliver by the sliver-producing machine with a delivery speed; a movable coiler can platform for receiving an upwardly open coiler can thereon; a sliver advancing device; a sliver depositing device positioned above the coiler can platform for receiving the sliver from the sliver advancing device and for depositing the sliver into the coiler can in an annular pattern; separate motors for driving the platform, the sliver advancing device and the sliver depositing device; and a lag-setting arrangement for automatically changing a speed lag between the motors upon a change of the delivery speed.

Abstract: A round baler having a main frame including opposing sidewalls, and an apron assembly comprising crop engaging elements disposed between said sidewalls for defining a bale forming chamber having a fixed generally cylindrical shape with a transverse inlet. The crop engaging elements move along a path having an inner course contiguous with a major portion of the fixed periphery of the cylindrical chamber, and a pickup assembly for feeding crop material to the chamber through the inlet whereby crop material accumulated in the chamber is engaged by the crop engaging elements and formed into a compacted cylindrical package under conditions where a sufficient amount of crop material has accumulated in the chamber. A supply of net material is dispensed via a dispensing assembly having grasping elements for feeding the net into the chamber for wrapping the periphery of the cylindrical package of crop material in the chamber to form a round bale of crop material.

Abstract: A round baler having a main frame including opposing sidewalls, and an apron assembly comprising crop engaging elements disposed between said sidewalls for defining a bale forming chamber having a generally cylindrical shape with a transverse inlet. The crop engaging elements move along a path having an inner course contiguous with a major portion of the fixed periphery of the cylindrical chamber. The baler also includes a pickup assembly for feeding crop material to the chamber through the inlet whereby crop material accumulated in the chamber is engaged by the crop engaging elements and formed into a compacted cylindrical package. A supply of net material is selectively dispensed via a dispensing assembly into the chamber for wrapping the periphery of the formed cylindrical package of crop material in the chamber. A supply of twine fed to a twine dispensing assembly is also selectively dispensed into the chamber for wrapping the periphery of the cylindrical package of crop material.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for moving flat coiler cans into and out of a sliver filling station and for reciprocating the cans in the sliver filling station while being filled with sliver by a sliver producing textile machine, includes a conveyor element extending along a filling path within the sliver filling station and along a conveying path beyond the sliver filling station; and a drive for unidirectionally moving the conveyor element to introduce a can into or withdraw a can from the sliver filling station along the conveying path and for reciprocating the conveyor element to displace a can back-and-forth along the filling path.

Abstract: A round baler is provided with a bale wrapping mechanism including a wrap material guide assembly comprising a guide pan having an operative position wherein a guide surface is disposed upwardly for guiding wrap material into the baling chamber by way of a gap existing between adjacent fixed rolls forming at least a portion of the baling chamber. The guide pan is mounted for pivoting vertically and shifting fore-and-aft for permitting it to move to a inoperative position wherein a majority of the guide surface is disposed near vertical with the remainder being steeply disposed so that crop material and dirt will not accumulate on the guide surface.

Abstract: A method for rolling a rigid vinyl siding elongated sheet of selective dimensions into a convenient transportable compact coil for easier handling and shipping, and products derived from practicing the method. The method includes rolling the sheet onto a spool having a particular axle shape and diameter which varies with the thickness and design of the siding. The shape of the coil may be determined by the shape of the spool axle. For example. the use of a tapered-shaped axle diameter for the spool may produce a substantially conical-shaped coil. Thus, a predetermined length of siding can be rolled with an appropriate spool size to produce a coil product of a desired shape. A method step relates that the granular side of the siding initially contact the surface of the spool and that the smooth side of the siding face outwardly. Fasteners hold the compact coil in a secured manner before the coil is boxed for shipment.

Abstract: Tubular packs (P) are produced by winding a scale flow formation (1) of printed products on a mandrel, enveloping the roll with a protective and holding element (3) and removing the pack from the mandrel. In the interior of the pack (P) an additional product (2) is incorporated such that it can be removed from the finished pack regardless of the character of the pack without opening the protective and holding element (3) or without removing products of the scale flow formation (1). This is achieved by associating the additional product (2) to the scale flow formation to be wound in a position relative to the leading edge of the scale flow formation, which position is dependent on the stiffness and the length of the additional product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing wound rolls from a web of material is disclosed having a feeding roller which feeds a web of material into contact with a core having a central axis. A plurality of tuckers tuck the web of material about the core, then the web is wound about the core having an enlarged diameter. A sealant is applied to the wound rolls, while the rolls are on the core, so as to maintain the rolls in a tightly wound manner. The core is attached to two support members, at least one support member being movable between a position attached to the core and a position dislocated from the core. After the sealant has been applied, at least one support member moves to the dislocated position such that wound rolls may be removed from the core by a movable extractor. The extractor forces the wound and sealed rolls off the core, which has a reduced diameter, and into a bin.

Abstract: The pack-forming unit (12) brings printing products into a tube-like form and sheathes them with a retaining element. The packs (20) thus formed are ejected into a first stack compartment (22) which is emptied into a second stack compartment (24) as soon as a certain number of packs (20) are stacked in it. A strap (30) is then laid around the stacked packs (20), in order to keep the latter together to form a bundle (32) which can be easily handled.

Abstract: The printing product (16) is inserted from above into a compartment (52) and between two pairs of fingers (56), and is positioned such that it is arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation (54') of the fingers (56). Upon rotation of the fingers, the printing product is folded by interaction with flexible belts (114, 116) in an S-shaped form and is thus brought into a tube-like configuration. A film-like retaining element (34) is wound up along with the printing product (16), in order to sheath the printing product (16) and maintain it in the tube-like configuration.

Abstract: A suture winder machine and, more particularly, a semi-automated suture winding station of the machine adapted to facilitate the high-speed winding of multiple sutures, which are each attached to needles, into a peripheral channel of a tray utilized for packaging the needles and attached sutures. A substantially flat suture tray loaded with multiple needles and sutures extending therefrom is mounted on a rotatable platform incorporating registration structure for ensuring the appropriate mounting and positioning of the suture tray thereon, and with the winding machine containing operative structure adapted to rotate the suture tray about an axis perpendicular to the planar surface thereof so as to enable the extending multiple sutures to be bundled and wound for depositing in a channel formed along the periphery of the suture tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically forming a plurality of needle-suture assemblies out of a plurality of unsorted needles and an indefinite length strand of suture material, and, automatically positioning them within a package tray, comprises a first machine located at a first location for sorting a plurality of randomly oriented needles and orienting each needle for automatic handling at a first predetermined location, a second machine located at a second predetermined location for automatically drawing and cutting an indefinite length strand of suture material and automatically inserting a free end thereof into a suture receiving opening of the needle, and swaging the needle about the sutures to form a needle suture assembly, and a first indexing device for sequentially receiving individual oriented needles at the first location and transporting each of the needles from the first location to the second location to form the needle-suture assemblies.

Abstract: An automated machine for attaching a suture to a surgical needle having a suture receiving opening formed therein, and for packaging the same in a package tray comprises a first workstation including a device for sorting a plurality of needles and orienting each needle for automatic feeding to a second swaging workstation, a second workstation including a device for automatically cutting an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length and a device for automatically swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about a free end of the suture to secure the suture thereto and form a needle-suture assembly, a needle packaging station including a device for sequentially receiving at least one of the needle-suture assemblies in a package tray in synchronism with the second workstation, the needle packaging station having a device for automatically winding the depending suture portion of the needle-suture assembly into the package tray, a first indexing device for sequentially receiving indiv

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of crop material. The baler includes a sledge assembly moveable between core starting and full bale positions. A plurality of rollers on the sledge assembly cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. Wrapping is accomplished via a system that includes a dispensing mechanism carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing sheet material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a formed cylindrical package of crop material as it is rotated in the chamber. A baffle is mounted on the dispensing mechanism between the sheet material and the bale forming chamber to shield the sheet material from stray crop material and other debris.

Abstract: A photographic film cassette manufacturing apparatus, has a perforator for providing a long film with perforations and a cutter for cutting the long film into individual filmstrips to be contained in the film cassette driven synchronously with transport of the long film. A magnetic recording head for recording data on a magnetic recording layer of the long film is driven in synchronism with the perforator and the cutter. The long film is transported in a first direction before being cut into the individual filmstrips. In cooperation with the cutting, a trailing end of the individual filmstrip in the first direction is moved in a direction which is reverse to the first direction to secure the trailing end to the spool. A cassette shell consisting of a pair of shell halves is temporarily assembled by mating the shell halves together while containing a spool inside the shell halves, and thereafter opened to an extent that confining elements still confine the position of flanges of the spool.

Abstract: A swaging station incorporates a drawing tower that automatically draws, cuts, and inserts an indefinite length strand of suture material within the suture receiving end of a surgical needle for swaging thereof. The suture receiving end of the surgical needle is positioned within a swaging assembly located at the top of the drawing tower that comprises a first fixed swage die and a second movable swage die forming a swage die opening for positively gripping the suture receiving end of the needle positioned therein. A first suture alignment die and a second suture alignment die are precisely registered below and adjacent the respective first and second swage dies to form a lower funnel guide that is axial with the swage die opening for positioning the tip of the suture strand therein. The lower funnel guide has an exit diameter that is larger than the diameter of the suture tip and smaller than the diameter of the suture receiving end of the needle for easy placement of the suture tip therein.

Abstract: An automated machine for attaching a suture to a surgical needle having a suture receiving opening formed therein, and for packaging the same in a package tray comprises a first workstation including a device for sorting a plurality of needles and orienting each needle for automatic feeding to a second swaging workstation, a second workstation including a device for automatically cutting an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length and a device for automatically swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about a free end of the suture to secure the suture thereto and form a needle-suture assembly, a needle packaging station including a device for sequentially receiving at least one of the needle-suture assemblies in a package tray in synchronism with the second workstation, the needle packaging station having a device for automatically winding the depending suture portion of the needle-suture assembly into the package tray, a first indexing device for sequentially receiving indiv

Abstract: An automated machine for the high-speed packaging of multiple surgical needles each with an attached suture into a tray and detachable cover structure providing a suture package utilized for the packaging of the needles and attached sutures. Additionally, the automated packaging machine incorporates operative mechanism adapted to wind the sutures into a peripheral channel of the tray and facilitating the attachment of the cover to the tray which contains the needles and attached wound sutures, and from which cover there is concurrently formed a separate product-identifying label as a component of the tray upon removal of the cover to gain access to the contents of the tray.

Abstract: The shaping machine for circular bales of crop material has straps (belts) (12) continuously passing around a plurality of rollers (2 to 11) in a movable housing (1, 1a) which can be tilted open, forming and defining a coiling chamber (13) and having a crop material inlet (14) for the retrieved and conveyed crop material (15) between two lower rollers (2, 3) disposed at a distance from each other. A rotor (17) is disposed in the crop material inlet (14), which conveys the crop material (15) into the coiling chamber (13) while compressing the crop material, and closes off the inlet (14) at the bottom.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of crop material having a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. The sledge assembly includes a plurality of rollers which cooperate with an array of belts to define a bale forming chamber. A dispensing mechanism is provided for dispensing web material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a cylindrical package of crop material in the bale forming chamber. Included along the path of the net prior to being fed into the chamber is a severing assembly for cutting the net after it has been wrapped around the cylindrical hay package formed in the chamber. The net severing assembly includes a unique severing element that provides improved net cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for wrapping roll material around a round bale within a bale forming chamber of a round baler including a drive belt tensioner idler, a wrapping material brake and a wrapping material cut-off knife all disposed on a carriage that is articulated between a wrapping material feeding position and a cut-off/stop position. When baling is completed, a signal is provided for movement to the feeding position at which time the wrapping material is held taught to maintain bale compression. After sensor data are fed back to a controller to signal feeding has proceeded for the desired length of time and/or to deploy the desired length of wrapping material, the device articulates to the cut-off position to sever the wrapping material to allow completion of the bale wrapping procedure. A crop recycling mechanism can also be provided to re-feed stray crop material into the baling chamber.

Abstract: A belt conveyor arrangement (16) is disposed upstream of the winding mandrel (12) of the rolling-up apparatus (10) and determines the conveying path (18) for the printed products (20) which are to be rolled up. A delivery device (30) leads from below into the conveying path (18) and delivers into the conveying path (18) a wrapping (28) which is to be rolled up together with a printed product (20) in each case. The wrapping (28) has in each case an edge portion projecting over the roller (114) and by means of the blast nozzle arrangement (130) is held across the conveying path (18). This edge portion is laid around the leading end region of the printed product (20) fed and is introduced together with the latter into the mandrel gap (14).

Abstract: Hose winding apparatus comprises a first portion having a body and a first handle extending therefrom, and a second portion having a reel portion and a second handle cooperating with the reel portion. Each portion has reel journalling structure for journalling the first and second portions for relative rotation about a reel axis. A latching structure releasably latches together the first and second portions to permit the said relative rotation without unintentional separation of the first and second portions. A wound-up hose coil is retained tightly wound-up after the removal from the reel portion by fitting a resilient band to extend across opposite locations of the reel portion, and winding the hose onto the reel portion with a first face of the wound-up hose being adjacent a first length of the band. This is followed by drawing and stretching a second length of the band from the reel, and positioning the second length closely adjacent a second face of the coil.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cylindrical bale of crop material having a generally round cross section, comprising a pick up for picking up crop material as the apparatus travels across a field. The apparatus is adapted to feed the picked up crop material into a bale forming chamber where it is formed into a cylindrical package having a generally round cross section. The package is then wrapped with self adhering tape around the outer periphery to encompass such package and form a bale having a generally round cross section, conforming substantially to the cross section of the cylindrical package. A tape dispensing assembly is provided to receive tape from at least two supply rolls and dispense it around the periphery of the cylindrical package along separate paths. Individual one way clutch drives are associated with each tape dispenser for individualized trouble free tape payout.

Abstract: A method of forming a cylindrical bale of crop material having a generally round cross section. The method is carried out in a round baler performing the steps of picking up crop material as it travels across a field and feeding the picked up crop material into a bale forming chamber in the baler. The crop material is formed into a cylindrical package having a generally round cross section, and then wrapped with at least two separate strips of self adhering tape around the outer periphery to encompass such package and form a bale having a generally round cross section, conforming substantially to the cross section of the cylindrical package.

Abstract: According to the invention, printed products in an imbricated or scale formation (1) are wound into a printed product roll on a roll core (2) with the aid of a winding band (3). A protective element (4) is wound onto the product roll with the aid of the same winding band (3) and as a result the printed product outermost layer (1.1) on the roll is at least partly protected against damage during the handling, transportation and storage of the roll. The protective element (4) is advantageously part of the core set, i.e. the protective element (4) is wound together with the winding band (3) onto the empty core (2), it is unwound prior to the winding up of the printed products and is wound onto the core again after unwinding the printed products. For the systematic positioning of the protective element during the winding or unwinding of the printed products, the winding station has a retrieving apparatus enabling the winding up of the protective element (4).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coil (1) of a continuous flexible object (2), such as cable and line, and enveloping the coil to form a parcel (27) for delivery to a user, said object (2) being coiled onto an axially open, cylindrical sleeve (28) to produce said coil. According to the invention the sleeve (28) is provided with two protective rings (29, 30) and is brought to be fixed by a first tool (9) so that the sleeve (28) is firmly clamped between two parallel side supports (10, 11) and centered by centering elements (24) of the side supports, whereby a first rotatable unit (36) is formed. The cable or line (2) is attached to said first unit (36) and the unit (36) is brought to rotate in a coiling machine (3) so that the cable or line is formed to said coil (1).

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: Apparatus for forming a cylindrical bale of crop material having a generally round cross section, comprising a pick up for picking up crop material as the apparatus travels across a field. The apparatus is adapted to feed the picked up crop material into a bale forming chamber where it is formed into a cylindrical package having a generally round cross section, and then wrapped with at least two separate strips of self adhering tape around the outer periphery to encompass such package and form a bale having a generally round cross section, conforming substantially to the cross section of the cylindrical package.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of crop material having a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. The sledge assembly includes a plurality of rollers which cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. A dispensing mechanism is carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing web material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a cylindrical package of crop material in the bale forming chamber. A net supply assembly is associated with the dispensing mechanism to provide net for feeding into the bale chamber via the dispensing mechanism. Included along the path of the net between the supply assembly and the dispensing mechanism is a net severing assembly for cutting the net after it has been wrapped around the cylindrical hay package formed in the chamber.

Abstract: A round baler includes an expansible, upwardly converging wedge shaped bale chamber having an opening at its bottom and being formed in part by first and second belt runs that respectively converge upwardly from first and second belt support rolls respectively located at the front and rear of the inlet opening. Expansion of the baling chamber works against a downwardly biased tensioning frame pivotally mounted to opposite side walls, the first and second belt runs extending between a fixed and a pivotal roll carried by the frame with the pivotal roll being controlled to move closer to the fixed roll as the tensioning frame is forced upwardly by a growing bale. A fingered rake structure bridges the gap between the fixed and pivotal rolls to keep crop material from exiting the chamber.

Abstract: A wire winding and tying machine useful in the winding of steel wire strands or the like includes a tie stock dispenser that delivers a pre cut length of tie stock to a platform. A hanking unit picks up the tie stock and delivers it to a position above pre wound strands. The hanking unit includes rockable arms that press the tie stock ends about the wound strands to a position to engage a twister that winds the tie stock about the strands.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus for a winding machine for winding printed products supplied in scale formation has two pressing belts (5.1, 5.2) which together cover at least 270.degree. of the roll periphery. Uniform, strong contact pressure on the roll is exerted which can be controllable. Groups of components guiding and supporting the belts are movable to completely withdraw the belts from the roll, allowing a full roll to be ejected easily and a new mandrel to form a new roll can be loaded in a short time.

Abstract: The invention resides in winder for automatically winding sections of sheet material to form separate tubes. The winder comprises a base, a supply of sheet material and a material drive means on the base for advancing sheet material from the supply towards a station on the base located remotely thereof. A winding means is located at the station for winding a section of the sheet material about itself and about a rotational axis such that the involved section of sheet material is substantially wound in a tubular condition. A cutting means is provided and is located between the drive means and the second rotational axis for cutting the sheet material transversely of its length at points therealong corresponding to the end one section and the beginning of the next successive section to be advanced to the station.

Abstract: An unwrapping apparatus for unwrapping a palletized and stretch-wrapped load, including at the front side thereof lower grippers and upper grippers to grip the lower edge and upper edge of a stretchable film of the load, respectively, and a cutter unit for vertically cutting the stretchable film. The unwrapping apparatus includes at the rear side thereof a carriage having a platen to press the top of a load, a pair of swing arms carrying the upper grippers, and a pair of auxiliary film separating swing arms to separate the stretchable film from the rear corner portions of the load when the film is removed from the load by the main swing arms. The main swing arms and the auxiliary swing arms prevent the articles from being pulled and moved by the stretchable film in contact with the articles and thus falling down from the separate sheet in particular.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for disposing a sheet adjacent a flexible member. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for transporting the sheet to a loading position and a mechanism, located adjacent the loading position, for receiving and holding the sheet. The receiving and holding mechanism is capable of moving the sheet into juxtaposition with a surface of the flexible member so that the sheet contacts the surface of the flexible member upon being released by the receiving and holding mechanism. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for wrapping the flexible member about itself with the sheet interposed between opposed surfaces of the flexible member.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of crop material having a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. The sledge assembly includes a plurality of rollers which cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. A dispensing mechanism is carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing web material into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a cylindrical package of crop material. A net supply assembly is associated with the dispensing mechanism to provide net for feeding into the bale chamber via the dispensing mechanism. Included along the feed path of the net is a net severing assembly for cutting the net after it has been wrapped around the cylindrical hay package. The net severing assembly includes a free falling cutting element for operatively engaging the net prior to entry into the chamber.

Abstract: Improved dunnage made from spiral coils of paper that are recyclable and biodegradable, or from other thin, flexible, resilient strips. The coils are cylindrical or cylindrical with a transverse fold, and are randomly oriented in a container to provide cushioning for packaged articles. The coils are formed at the time of use by modifying the material used to cause it to coil and forming strips from the material. This eliminates the need for storage of bulky dunnage. Paper used to form the coils is stretched to cause it to coil. Apparatus concurrently forms plural coils from a web.

Abstract: A round baler includes a bale chamber defined in part by a plurality of belts mounted between opposite side walls of the baler and including an upright run located at the rear of the baler side walls and joined to a fore-and-aft extending run located at the bottom of the baler side walls. A binder arrangement is mounted to the rear and bottom of the side walls and includes a pair of feed rollers disposed in such close proximity to the upright runs of the belts that the kinetic energy imparted to the web of binder material being conveyed by the rollers carries it into contact with the upper run of belts which then carry the binder material downwardly into a fore-and-aft extending guide track that leads to the baling chamber.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of wrapped crop material. The baler includes a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. A plurality of rollers on the sledge assembly cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. Wrapping is accomplished via a system that includes a dispensing mechanism carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing sheet material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a formed cylindrical bale of crop material as it is rotated in the chamber. The net wrapping system includes a net feed path having configuration that assures reliable net wrap start-up which in turn enhances overall operation.

Abstract: A wire winding and tying machine useful in the winding of steel wire strands or the like includes a tie stock dispenser that delivers a pre cut length of tie stock to a platform. A banking unit picks up the tie stock and delivers it to a position above pre wound strands. The hanking unit includes rockable arms that press the tie stock ends about the wound strands to a position to engage a twister that winds the tie stock about the strands.