Abstract: The instant invention comprises an apparatus and method for wrapping a load under tension with a web of stretch wrap flexible material and then binding the wrapping material to the load by compressing the end of the flexible material into a rope-like configuration. The rope formed is wound around the load at least one turn. A second turn of the rope around the load is then bound to the first rope with a mechanical twisting tie around the two ropes to prevent unwrapping of the load during transit and storage. A hot wire cutting mechanism cuts the rope and the bound two ropes snap back into position against the wrapped load from the force of the stretch wrap tension.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for wrapping a load (18) placed on a turntable (4) having a mast assembly (8), a carriage assembly (12) adapted for vertical slideable movement along said mast assembly (8) and dispensing means (13) for dispensing tape material (80). The tape material (80) is transferred from the dispensing means (13) in response to rotation of the turntable (4) such that the tape material (80) wraps around the load (18) in a predefined pattern. The carriage assembly (12) and turntable (4) are configured for automated movement in response to a computer program stored in memory means (306) to enable wrapping of the load (18) with the tape material (80) in the predefined pattern. The carriage assembly (12) is positioned along the mast assembly (8) under control of the computer program in accordance with a rotational position of the load (18) to locate the tape material (80) at locations on the load (18). A pretensioning apparatus is also disclosed for pretensioning the tape material (80).

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping articles having a central axial opening includes a guide arm and article turning gear. The guide arm supports a ring member in the form of a split frame having an inside and outside diameter. A drive wheel is mounted on the guide arm, is rotatable about a vertical axis and is in frictional engagement with the outside diameter of the ring member. A plurality of guide rollers, mounted upon the guide arm and which support the ring member, are angularly spaced apart about a ring axis and rotatable about vertical axes, and are disposed adjacent to both the inside and outside diameters of the frame of the ring member. Film material carriage spools are adjustably mounted on the ring member and carried by the ring member through the central axial opening and around the external surfaces of the coil. The ring member is rotatable about the ring axis and causes the film carriage spools to follow an orbital path.

Abstract: The machine is intended to wind a width (6), with a top lateral edge (7) and a bottom lateral edge (8) of a reel (2) of wrapping film around the load. It comprises a reel holder (1) and a device (5) for pleating the width of film (6), this device being intended to bring the two lateral edges (7, 8) of the width (6) closer together. The pleating device (5) is designed to bring the two lateral edges (7, 8) of the width (6) closer together simply by slipping the top lateral edge (7) downwards.

Abstract: A round baler comprising: a housing; a bale chamber receiving cut crop material; a bale forming apparatus for bale forming; a wrapping apparatus comprising a wrapping material supply roll that provides wrapping material from the supply roll to wrap about the bale, and a sensor member disposed on a pivoting sensor arm member so the sensor member abuts an outer surface of the wrapping material stored on the supply roll, and the sensor arm member moves between first position and second positions; and a low wrapping material indication system comprising a sensor disposed to sense at least the second position of the sensor arm member corresponding to a minimum thickness of the wrapping material stored on the supply roll, wherein the sensor generates a signal to indicate that the thickness of the wrapping material is at the minimum thickness when the sensor arm member is at the second position.

Abstract: A bale wrapping implement includes a main frame supported on a caster wheel mounted at the center of gravity of the device. The main frame is coupled to the axle of a large round baler for vertical pivotal movement so that the wrapping implement is able to follow the contour of the ground. An auxiliary support wheel is mounted to the main frame so that it engages the ground only when the bale wrapping device is supporting a bale to be wrapped. The main frame includes first and second components which are pivotally coupled to each other and a linkage including an extensible and retractable hydraulic actuator is coupled so that a pair of parallel rolls carried by the second component are disposed in a location close to the discharge gate of the baler for receiving a bale when the actuator is extended and are located remote from the gate in a position for wrapping the bale, when the actuator is retracted.

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

Abstract: Loads on pallets are often wrapped with a plastic film for shipping. The present invention relates to top platen devices used to maintain stability in loads while the load is wrapped for shipping. The top platen device applies a compressive force to the load to stabilize the load while it is being wrapped. The top platen includes a shaft supporting platen pad which is placed on top of the load. The shaft and platen pad are configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the geometric center of the top platen in order to rotate with the load about the load's center of rotation.

Abstract: A round baler having storage and dispensing mechanisms for both twine and net/plastic wrapping materials for the bales is disclosed. An improved twine box is pivotably attached to the sidewall of the baler, adjacent the front end of the baler and twine dispensing mechanism. The twine box, of sufficient size to hold multiple balls of twine, pivots forwardly between a pivoted, or inoperative, position and a closed, or operative position. In the pivoted position various functional components of the baler are accessible for maintenance, adjustment, or repair. The twine box is lockable in the closed position. Side panels on the baler are movable to cover, or uncover, the outside of the sidewall and twine box.

Abstract: An adjustable force wrapping material brake mechanism and dispenser assembly for an agricultural baler. The assembly includes a wrapping material dispenser roll mount rotatably supporting a wrapping material dispenser roll. A brake-biasing arm is provided having a first end fixedly connected to a first end of a rotatable shaft. A tension arm is connected to the second end of the shaft, and bears a counter roller disposed to roll on a surface of the material dispenser roll. A pivotable monolithic brake lever arm is provided with a brake pad. A single tension spring connects the brake biasing arm and the brake lever arm to bias the brake pad to contact the brake drum with a biasing force, and thereby braking the dispenser roll. As wrapping material is dispensed, the tension arm and brake biasing arm rotate to reduce the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing wrapped press ales. A material which can be pressed is situated in said bales. The inventive device comprises a press device (18) that is arranged in such a way that said press device can be moved vertically. Said press device is provided with at least one conical compressor roller that can be driven. The inventive device further comprises a receiving device that is designed as an open, cylindrical hollow body and serves for receiving the material to be pressed and a base plate that closes the receiving device toward the bottom, is detachably arranged by means of the receiving device and serves for supporting the press bales. The invention is characterized in that the receiving device and the base plate are rotatably mounted around a mutual vertical axis. In addition, the base plate can be moved in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A film clamping mechanism for use in connection with film wrapping apparatus comprises a pair of film clamping fingers or members which are movable between first and second CLOSED and OPENED states for respectively clamping and releasing a leading end portion of a wrapping film, and between first and second RAISED and LOWERED states for respectively clamping the leading end portion of the wrapping film at the commencement of the film wrapping operation and for maintaining the leading end portion of the wrapping film during the film wrapping operation.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrap feeding mechanism mounted to the rear and bottom of the bale discharge gate. The feeding mechanism includes upper and lower feed rolls, with the lower roll being located closer to the discharge gate than the lower roll and, the pair of rolls thus being arranged to deliver wrapping material against an upright run of bale forming belts, the latter acting to carry the net to a pinch point formed between the belts, where they pass around a lower rear belt support roll, and a guide pan of a net material guide assembly that extends beneath and adjacent a lower run of the belts. A net wrap material cut-off device includes a fixed knife blade located forwardly of and extending parallel to the lower feed roll. The cut-off device further includes a pair of transversely spaced cut-off arms between which extend and to which are fixed an anvil.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A film clamping mechanism for use in connection with film wrapping apparatus comprises a pair of film clamping fingers or members which are movable between first and second CLOSED and OPENED states for respectively clamping and releasing a leading end portion of a wrapping film, and between first and second RAISED and LOWERED states for respectively clamping the leading end portion of the wrapping film at the commencement of the film wrapping operation and for maintaining the leading end portion of the wrapping film during the film wrapping operation.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is grasped in a packaging material holder while a load is wrapped. Packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material holder may be positioned on the rotating surface of a turntable but isolated from any electrical or fluid power source of a rotatable surface of the turntable. During the wrapping cycle, the packaging material holder moves downstream along the turntable, automatically releasing the leading end of the packaging material and automatically grasping a trailing end of the packaging material. The packaging material is weakened and then severed between the packaging material holder and the load. The packaging material holder is mounted to permit it to move upstream due to force exerted by the packaging material held in the holder.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A method of packaging by wrapping and a wrapping machine (20), in which method a top film (64) is cut into a top film sheet (65) and pulled on top of a top film carrier (54) turned upside down, to a position above the object being packaged (31). After this the carrier and the top film held in place by means of suction nozzles (55) are turned around and pressed with the help of the pressing device (53) onto the object being packaged. During the first stage of wrapping, the edges of the top film sheet are held up by means of the suction nozzles of the carrier and plastic film web is wrapped around the article being packaged from bottom to top. After this, the edges of the top film sheet are pressed down by means of blow nozzles, and plastic film web is also wrapped on top of the edges of the plastic film sheet.

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

Abstract: Process and device for packaging a material web roll. The device of the invention includes a packaging web dispenser, a holding device adapted to hold at least the beginning of a packaging web against the circumference of the material web roll, and a rotary drive for rotatably driving the material web roll. The holding device includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive dispenser and a pressing device. The process includes holding at least the beginning of the packaging web against the circumference of the material web roll, rotating the material web roll, and detachably bonding the packaging web to the circumference of the material web roll with the aid of a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a roll-baler of a construction, in which the rotational movement of its rear chamber of the bale chamber for its opening and closing is done smoothly, while its lock mechanism is designed to be simple, so that the bale-shaping material of a short length may be fed into the bale chamber 4 through its inlet port “a”.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping groups of products with plastic film comprises: a platform that rotates about a vertical axis and supports a group of products which, as the platform rotates, are wrapped with the film to form a package; a reel, from which the film is unwound, which rotates about a vertical axis and which can move up and down in such a way as to wrap the group in height as the platform rotates; a unit for gripping and tearing the film mounted outside the profile of the platform and designed to intercept and grip at least one portion of the film located between the group and the reel (4) once the group has been wrapped, in such a way that, acting in conjunction with a partial rotation of the platform, it tears the film at that portion to form an end or trailing free edge of film torn off by the gripping and tearing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for wrapping bodies, in particular harvested material bales (1, 34, 50, 65) of hay, straw or wilted green crop, which are wrapped in at least one wrapping material web (8, 36, 57, 74). In order to improve and simplify this device with regard to adjustment and monitoring of the wrapping process, it is proposed according to the invention that the device (3, 4, 44, 49, 64) comprise one or more sensor means (23, 24, 28, 30, 42, 43, 47, 59, 63, 71, 75, 76) for monitoring and/or controlling the wrapping process and/or checking the finished bale wrapping.

Abstract: The device consists of a mechanism to place netwrap over the edge of a cylindrical bale that is created in a variable/fixed baling chamber of an agricultural round baler. The invention consists of a netwrap delivery system having of a pair of arms pivotally affixed to the outside of the baling chamber sidewalls. Also attached to the arms is an assembly frame. An actuator controls the pivoting motion of the delivery system inserting the netwrap between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll of the sledge assembly. Positioned outside the sidewall and between the outer frame member is a transition area. The netwrap is inserted between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll as well as into the transition area. Because the width of the delivery assembly is wider than that of the cylindrical bale, a portion of the netwrap is inserted over the edge by use of the transition area.

Abstract: Loads on pallets are often wrapped with a plastic film for shipping. The present invention relates to top platen devices used to maintain stability in loads while the load is wrapped for shipping. The top platen device applies a compressive force to the load to stabilize the load while it is being wrapped. The top platen includes a shaft supporting platen pad which is placed on top of the load. The shaft and platen pad are configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the geometric center of the top platen in order to rotate with the load about the load's center of rotation.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for rotating rotational bodies (1), such as rolls, along their longitudinal axis (X) by means of motion of a trough-like surface (2) guiding and supporting said body (1). In the invention, the axis of rotation of the body (1) moving on said surface is guided by means of the profile (2a, 7a, 7b) of the surface (2) to a new position to eliminate the swinging of the body (1). In an embodiment, said profile (2a, 7a, 7b) comprises a straight section (2a) and a section (7a, 7b) which is arranged at least on the other side of the same, and which comprises a surface that rises outwards. The diagonal surface can be arranged as a separately attachable part. By means of the invention, the swinging of the conical roll (1) is prevented during rotation.

Abstract: A material in the form of a sheet for enveloping a bale of agricultural material is coated with or contains a preservative in order to prevent spoilage of wrapped bales of agricultural material by aerobic organisms.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for gas-tight sealing a plastic bag about perishable containers carried on a pallet utilize a rotatable turntable having an upper support surface for a pallet bearing produce, a tape dispenser for applying tape to seal a plastic bag to plastic sheeting at the periphery of the pallet, and a roller system that includes four rotatable rollers rotatably mounted on a single carrier. The carrier applies pressure through two of the rollers simultaneously against the tape during rotation of the turntable to seal the tape to the plastic sheeting and bag.

Abstract: A method and device for treating plastic film, according to which method plastic film web used as packaging material is wrapped around the object to be packaged. According to the method, the plastic film layers are seamed together and the plastic film web is cut off by heating the seaming point and cutting-off point by means of a heat radiator. Heat-absorbent counterpieces are preferably placed at both the seaming point and the cutting-off point, the said counterpieces being heated through the plastic layers. When the counterpieces absorb heat from the heating radiator, they heat up and at the same time heat the plastic films to be seamed and cut off. In the most advantageous embodiment, the infrared heat radiator is placed inside a tubular gripping counterpiece, which gripping counterpiece comprises slots through which the heat radiation is able to pass to the counterpieces.

Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is attached to a retainer to hold the leading end of the packaging material as the retainer moves toward the load. The retainer is positioned adjacent the load and packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material is released from the retainer in response to force applied to the retainer to withdraw it from the wrapped load.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: The device consists of a mechanism to place netwrap over the edge of a cylindrical bale that is created in a variable/fixed baling chamber of an agricultural round baler. The invention consists of a netwrap delivery system having of a pair of arms pivotally affixed to the outside of the baling chamber sidewalls. Also attached to the arms is an assembly frame. An actuator controls the pivoting motion of the delivery system inserting the netwrap between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll of the sledge assembly. Positioned outside the sidewall and between the outer frame member is a transition area. The netwrap is inserted between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll as well as into the transition area. Because the width of the delivery assembly is wider than that of the cylindrical bale, a portion of the netwrap is inserted over the edge by use of the transition area.

Abstract: A heat sealing device for sealing layers of plastic film together is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the heat sealing device is incorporated into a stretch wrapping apparatus for wrapping a load. The heat sealing device includes a heater element, an air compressor or blower, and a sealing head in fluid communication with the heater element to distribute the heated air. The sealing head is preferably flexible and includes a plurality of convection ports configured to apply heated air to a portion of the packaging material without being completely covered by the packaging material. At least one insulated film contact portion is provided to distance the convection ports from the plastic film.

Abstract: A large round baler, designed as a non-stop baler, includes a mobile chassis supporting a lower baling chamber section, defined by a floor conveyor arrangement, and an upper baling chamber section. The upper baling chamber section, together with opposite side walls, is mounted for fore-and-aft movement relative to the lower baling chamber section between a rear location, wherein it cooperates with the floor conveyor arrangement to define a rear baling chamber, and a front location wherein it cooperates with the floor conveyor arrangement to define a front baling chamber. The upper chamber section includes front and rear wall portions which are mounted for being raised once a bale is formed in the rear baling chamber so that the upper section may be moved to its forward location.

Abstract: In wrapping palletized loads with stretchable film having an elastic memory, when the wrapping is about completed, a distancing device is placed close to the wrapped load on which the last wrapping turn rests, so that a pocket is formed in the turn. The carriage of the wrapping machine is stopped in a predetermined angular position and the film tail is aligned and placed in a main clamp and a secondary clamp. Subsequently, a cutting device cuts the film between the two clamps, and the main clamp holding the leading end coming from the wrapping machine carriage moves backward at rest. The other clamp holding the tail end is introduced into the pocket and then opens and is drawn out from the pocket together with the distancing device , so that the wrapping tail gets caught and blocked by friction in the last turn which shrinks flat.

Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is grasped in a packaging material holder while a load is wrapped. Packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material holder may be positioned on the rotating surface of a turntable but isolated from any electrical or fluid power source of a rotatable surface of the turntable. During the wrapping cycle, the packaging material holder moves downstream along the turntable, automatically releasing the leading end of the packaging material and automatically grasping a trailing end of the packaging material. The packaging material is weakened and then severed between the packaging material holder and the load. The packaging material holder is mounted to permit it to move upstream due to force exerted by the packaging material held in the holder.

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

Abstract: A non-powered packaging material transporting surface for use in combination with a load support surface of a wrapping apparatus for wrapping a top and bottom of a load is provided. The non-powered packaging material transporting surface includes non-driven rollers aligned in an inline configuration, and a packaging material support guard adjacent to the non-driven rollers. The packaging material support guard bridges gaps between the inline rollers, thereby preventing capture of packaging material between the non-driven rollers. The non-driven rollers rotate as packaging material, wrapped around a load on a top surface of the load support surface and around the non-powered packaging material transporting surface on the underside surface of the load support surface, is moved along the transporting surface.