Abstract: An agricultural baler including a compression chamber housing, a support axle, springs provided at both sides of the compression chamber housing for supporting the housing on the support axle with a possibility of vertical displacement relative to the support axle, and sensors for determining a distance between the compression chamber housing and the support axle and for generating signals representing in response to sensing the distance a measure of a bale weight.

Abstract: A strapping machine is provided with a restriction device that helps prevent strapping material, remaining after a break in the material, from being drawn, by gravity or inertia, into the strapping machine slap box. The restriction device also assists in the orderly movement of strapping material through the strapping machine, by being adjustable, by either strap tension or weight, to widen or restrict the strap path as needed.

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 simple operation winds film around and thereby wraps therewith a loadable object over its entire (six) surfaces. Film is wound spirally around the loadable object by revolving film feeders along a circular path about a horizontal axis while advancing the object past the inside of the circular path along a path of the horizontal axis in one direction. After the loadable object is so spirally wrapped, it is rotated in a horizontal or vertical plane by an angle of 90 degrees. The loadable object is then advanced in the reverse direction again past the inside of the circular path while the film feeders are revolved as before to cause another film from the film feeders to be wound spirally around the loadable object. One film feeder may furnish a continuous strip of film and another a continuous string of film reformed by compression from such a strip-like film.

Abstract: A bale wrapper includes a frame with a leading end having steerable wheels and a transport pole connected to the steerable wheels, a trailing end with braked wheels, and a central portion. A bale-loading deck adjacent the leading end including spaced-apart guide rails, tubular supports between the spaced-apart guide rails which define a standard path and an elevated path, and a hydraulically powered pushbar for translating a bale. A single centrally located hoop assembly, has two opposed rolls of plastic film and is carried and supported by and between a first idler assembly mounted on one side of the frame and a second idler assembly mounted on the opposite side of the frame, the hoop assembly having an inner edge and a powered rubber wheel bearing against the inner edge. The bale wrapper includes a power source.

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.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a generally toroidal body having an opening therethrough with an elongated length of wrapping material has supports for a body to be wrapped with the central axis of the opening through the body in a predetermined position and a shuttle for carrying a spool of wrapping material and for the controlled dispensing of the wrapping material. A wrapping frame has four transfer assemblies arranged in a generally rectangular array, one of the transfer assemblies being positionable through the opening in the body. The transfer assemblies include first and second transfer assemblies each having rails for receiving the shuttle at one end and conveying the shuttle to the opposite end, the first and second transfer assemblies being positioned at opposite sides of the rectangular array.

Abstract: Wrapping apparatus for winding a wrapping foil web (F) around an object (1) includes a foil dispenser (2) arranged to circulate along a ring-like endless track (3) around the object to be packaged. The foil dispenser (2) comprises a frame (4), a detachable and replaceable foil roll (5) mounted on the frame, supporting elements (6) for supporting the foil roll on the frame, and tensioning arrangements (7) for braking foil delivery from the roll and maintaining a predetermined foil tension. The tensioning arrangements (7) comprise a sensor (8) for detecting foil web tension, and an electric motor (9) for driving the foil roll (5). The torque, speed of rotation and direction of rotation of the electric motor is controlled on the basis of foil tension as detected by the sensor.

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: Provided are an arrangement and method for changing a film roll (R) in a wrapping machine, the wrapping machine comprising at least film distribution means (3) for supplying a wrapping film (F) in a continuous web from the film roll (R) around a piece (P) to be wrapped, roll fixing means (310) fitted in the film distribution means (3) for fixing said film roll (R) in a rotatable manner and substantially in the vertical direction, crank means (2) supported in a movable manner in a frame structure (1) and arranged to transfer said film distribution means (3) around the piece (P) substantially in the horizontal direction, wherein said film distribution means (3) are also arranged to move substantially in the vertical direction, and cassette means (11) for storing at least one film roll (R) and transferring it to the film distribution means (3) for the change of the film roll (R), as well as film fixing means (120) arranged in said cassette means (11) to fix the film end (Fa).

Abstract: A Christmas tree cart comprised of a hollow cylindrical tree holder mounted on wheels or a skid and having a handle and mechanical device to pull the tree into the cylinder to compress the tree limbs and carry the tree and upon removal of the tree from the cylinder the tree is baled with twine or netting using an integral baler.

Abstract: Wrapping apparatus for winding a web of wrapping foil (F) around an object (1). The wrapping apparatus comprises a ring guideway (2) defining a track of variable curvature and foil dispenser (6). The foil dispenser is provided with idler assemblies (10, 11) supporting the foil dispenser as it moves along the ring guideway. In the idler assembly, an inner idler (12) mounted with bearings on the foil dispenser frame (7) leans by its circumference on an inner rolling surface (3) of the guideway (2). A first outer idler (3) leans by its circumference on an outer rolling surface (4). A lateral idler (14) leans on a lateral rolling surface (5). The idler assembly comprises a second outer idler (15), which leans on the outer rolling surface (4) at a distance from the first outer idler (13). A pivoted frame (16) is mounted with bearings on the frame so that it can turn about a swing axis co-incident with the axis of rotation of the inner idler (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manually applying stretch film to palletized loads or products comprises a vertically upstanding mast member, a horizontally extending static boom member connected to the mast member, a horizontally extending orbiting boom member rotatably connected to the static boom member, and a vertically extending downright member connected to the orbiting boom member. A carriage assembly carrying a roll of stretch film is movably mounted upon the downright member in a counterbalanced manner, and an operator handle is fixed upon the carriage assembly so as to enable an operator to manually push the carriage assembly, the downright member, and the orbiting boom member in a circular locus around a wrapping station at which a palletized load or product is disposed for wrapping.

Abstract: A framework for mounting a wrapping material film roll spindle upon a film wrapping material dispensing assembly of a film wrapping or packaging machine comprises an external framework fixedly mounted upon the film wrapping material dispensing assembly, and an internal framework pivotally mounted interiorly of the external framework. A spindle is mounted upon the internal framework for supporting a roll of film wrapping material. The external framework comprises a rigidified four-sided framework defining an enclosed space within which the internal framework is disposed such that when the film wrapping material is dispensed, vibrations within the assembly are effectively eliminated or substantially reduced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for wrapping a load with a flexible wrapping material which prevents the flexible material from unwrapping itself after the load has been wrapped. The apparatus includes a supply of flexible wrapping material which can be delivered as a rope or as a full web. The apparatus includes a first finger and a gripper for positioning a portion of a first rope supplied by the supplying means at a predetermined location. The load and the supply are relatively moved to wrap the load with the flexible material. Once the load has been wrapped, a second finger and a guide wheel are provided to position a portion of a second rope supplied by the supply at the predetermined position. The first and second ropes are fastened together at the predetermined position, and the portion of the second rope is cut downstream of the predetermined position.

Abstract: A circular track (11) constructed to open and close supports a truck (4) riding on the track (11). A packaging material feeder (7) is mounted on the truck (4) to feed packaging material (6) from a packaging material coil (5). Part of the item for packaging (8) is placed in the closed circular track (11) and is supported by means of a support (9). A drive mechanism for moving the truck (12) is set along the circular track (11) and is engaged with the truck (4). The drive mechanism is operated with a motor stationarily mounted to the track to move the truck along the circular track (11). There is no need to mount the motor to the truck. Accordingly, it is possible to make the truck compact and decrease the curvature radius of each corner of the circular track. This results in the possibility of wrapping a relatively large item for packaging and at the same time make a packaging device simple and compact in its entirety.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing objects to form a stack of individual layers, wherein each individual layer is separately formed with a band which extends endlessly about the lateral surface of the layer, said band being of relatively yieldable and manually tearable plastic film having a width not greater than the height of the individual layer. subsequent layers of the stack are formed by depositing objects onto and in contact with a preceding layer as soon as this layer has been bound by said endless band or while it is being wrapped with the endless band.

Abstract: The wrapping machine is for wrapping an article from a roll of film. It comprises a film tail treatment device, a device moving mechanism for moving vertically the film tail treatment device, a device height detector for detecting the height of the film tail treatment device, a clamping mechanism for clamping a portion of the film unrolled from the roll, a clamp moving mechanism for moving vertically the clamping mechanism, a clamp height detector for detecting the height of the clamping mechanism, and a controller for controlling the carriage moving mechanism, the device moving mechanism and the clamp moving mechanism during the wrapping cycle with respect to the heights detected by the carriage, device and clamp height detectors. At the end of the wrapping cycle, the clamp mechanism is positioned at the height required to clamp the portion of the film during operation of the film tail treatment device.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus including parallel conveyors for moving loaded pallets to wrapping areas of the conveyors, a mobile wrapping machine on wheels, a guide for maintaining the wrapping machine along a path, position sensors for detecting loaded pallets at loading areas, and a computer control for directing the mobile wrapping machine to wrap the loaded pallets on a prioritized basis. The invention is extremely mobile, and is computer controlled to wrap the pallets without need for an operator.

Abstract: A cantilevered packaging material dispenser has an arm rotatable about a generally horizontal axis to wrap packaging material around the top and bottom of the load in a wrapping area. The rotatable arm rotates about a cantilevered load support surface to wrap packaging material around the top and bottom of the load. The cantilevered load support surface includes a free end mounted and movable in the wrapping area between a wrapping position and a load transfer position.

Abstract: A composite ring member comprises an annular ring member and an annular reinforcing ring member welded to the external peripheral portion of the annular ring member. The annular ring member comprises a tubular stock member, having a substantially rectangular or square-shaped cross-sectional configuration, which is bent into the form of the annular ring member and the free end portions thereof are welded together. In this manner, excessive waste of material in forming conventional ring members, wherein such conventional ring members are cut out from square plates, is eliminated. Segmentally-configured gusset plate members are welded to diametrically opposite internal peripheral portions of the annular ring member so as to respectively support a film roll carriage and dispensing assembly and a counterbalancing mechanism.

Abstract: A bale rotator is provided in a bale wrapping machine which wrape multiples end to end in a row. when the bale wrapping machine is used to wrap bales individually, the bale rotator is used to rotate a bale so that the bale is wrapped with plastic strip in at least two different angles. Thus, the bale wrapping device is capable of wrapping bales individually or wrapping bales end to end in a row.

Abstract: A bale wrapper includes a frame with a leading end having steerable wheels and a transport pole connected to the steerable wheels, a trailing end with braked wheels, and a central portion. A bale-loading deck adjacent the leading end includes spaced-apart guide rails, tubular supports between the spaced-apart guide rails which define a standard path and an elevated path, and a hydraulically powered pushbar for translating a bale. A single centrally located hoop assembly has two opposed rolls of plastic film and is carried and supported by and between a first idler assembly mounted on one side of the frame and a second idler assembly mounted on the opposite side of the frame, the hoop assembly having an inner edge and a powered rubber wheel bearing against the inner edge. The bale wrapper includes a power source.

Abstract: Packing process for palletized loads, positioned on a revolving or fixed platform of a packing structure providing to the helical wrapping about the load of a plastic film and according to two spirals, each of said spirals being partly superposed; said process consists in utilizing two separate and independent coils of plastic film, in submitting them at the same time to a vertical translation in both directions and parallel to the vertical axis of the load, whereby the start of the wrapping by a coil is alternate to that of the other coil, starting from down upwards or from up downwards and with the same translation speed, so as to obtain a complete wrapping, constituted by two spiral helixes separate and directed towards opposite directions, in substantially half the time with respect to the time required by the present wrapping systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wrapping apparatus for wrapping a load of material comprising a traversing endless loop track, a wrapping medium dispensing shuttle able to navigate about the entire length of the track, and a plurality of individual retractable support stands aligned to form a retractable support table. The track is oriented to encircle the load of material while traversing the length of the load. The support stands are able to be individually biased between a raised and lowered position such that a gap between the support stand and the load is created allowing passage of the track therethrough. In operation, runner members are placed on the support stands and a load of material is placed atop the runners. The track is traversed along the length of the load and the shuttle is made to travel about the circumference of the track while dispensing wrapping medium therefrom onto the surface of the load of material.

Abstract: A gantry film wrapping system and method useable for wrapping film about an elongated load. The system includes an overhead frame with first and second lateral support members for supporting opposing end portions of a carriage, which is reciprocatably translatable back and forth along the first and second lateral support members. A film wrapping apparatus having a rotary arm is coupled to the carriage, and a film wrapping carriage is coupled to a dependent member extending from an end portion of the rotary arm. The rotary arm and film wrapping carriage are rotatable in approximately 180 degree rotational increments between and during back and forth translations of the carriage along the first and second lateral support members of the overhead frame, wherein the film wrapping carriage is orbital in a substantially oval orbit about an elongated load disposed below the overhead frame.

Abstract: A method and harvesting apparatus for stacking cut sod wherein the cut sod is formed into rolls at a rolling station carried by a machine and wherein alternating first and second series of rolls are conveyed in a first direction relative to a stacking station so as to form in the stacking station alternating first and second layers of rolls which are oriented generally perpendicularly to one another and wherein the rolls in each layer are oriented generally parallel with respect to one another. The second series of rolls are partially rotated approximately 90.degree. as they are conveyed to the stacking station so the second series of rolls are oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the first series rolls. The apparatus also includes a wrapping device which is movable with respect to the stacking station so as to be maneuverable about the layers of sod rolls which are formed within the stacking station.

Abstract: Single station apparatus and processing procedures for packaging production-tonnage coils of flat-rolled sheet metal so as to provide protection from (i) packaged atmosphere, (ii) ambient atmosphere, and (iii) changing ambient atmospheric conditions. Such coil is positioned centrally of such single station apparatus for integrated polymeric stretch-film encapsulation of such wound coil and for securing such coil to a pallet. A centrally-located support of such structure enables pivotal circumscribing movement of a power-driven source of polymeric stretch-film with provisions for control of stretch-film tension. A pallet-mounted sheet metal coil, with its central axis vertically-oriented and with bottom and top planar surfaces protected, is circumferentially wound free of any requirement for movement of pallet or coil so as to encapsulate such coil, in effect, providing hermetic sealing of the coil. And the encapsulated coil is affixed to such pallet by continuous-length polymeric stretch-film wrapping.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping articles in film material includes a stationary frame supporting a vertically reciprocable frame which in turn supports a rotatable ring member carrying a film carriage assembly by which film is wrapped around a load during rotation of the ring member. The ring member is a cast composite ring of a thermosetting, fiberglass reinforced polyester and comprises a flange by which the ring member is supported for rotation, and a body portion on which the film carriage and slip ring members are mounted.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for winding a web (1) of wrapping film from a roller (2) around an object to be packaged. The wrapping machine has a film dispenser (3) which comprises a frame (4) provided with at least one guide means (5, 11) in contact with the first side (1.sup.1) of the film 1 to guide the film; an openable gate section (7) provided with at least one guide means (8, 12) which is in contact with the opposite side (1.sup.2) of the film relative to the first side, the gate section (7) being pivoted on the frame (4) so that it can be moved between an open position (I) and a closed position (II); and a pre-stretching device (10) for preliminary stretching of the film. The pre-stretching device comprises a first pre-stretching roller (11) and a second pre-stretching roller (12).

Abstract: A support beam structure for use within an overhead rotating type stretch film wrapping machine comprises a main body portion which has a first end which is adapted to be fixedly mounted upon a mounting plate which, in turn, is adapted to be fixedly mounted upon an upstanding fixed support, such as, for example, an I-beam, and a second opposite end which is adapted to support a rotating arm of the overhead rotating type stretch film wrapping machine. The main body portion has a substantially vertically elongated octagonal cross-sectional configuration and comprises a bottom wall, lower lateral divergently angled side members, vertically extending side members, and upper lateral convergently angled side members. The upper lateral side members define tension members for supporting the rotating arm end of the main body portion, and the noted bottom wall and side members of the main body portion are integrally formed together as folded portions of a sheet metal blank.

Abstract: A load portion is engaged in an infeed area and transported from the infeed area to a wrapping area with rotational, horizontal, and vertical carriers. Those carriers move the portion of the load horizontally along two horizontal degrees of freedom and one vertical degree of freedom by rotating a portion of the load about a vertical axis and translating the portion of the load along a generally linear horizontal direction and a generally linear vertical direction. The load is disengaged in the wrapping area and a stretch wrap packaging material dispenser is engaged and is transported to the wrapping area by the same rotational, horizontal, and vertical carriers to wrap the portion of the load with stretch wrap packaging material by using, once again, the same rotational, horizontal, and vertical carriers to rotate the dispenser around the load.

Abstract: A stretch wrapping machine includes a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material and a segmented wrapping frame for supporting the packaging material dispenser. The frame includes segments of track which are assembled to one another to form a track for the packaging material dispenser so the packaging material dispenser can revolve around the load while rolling on coaxial wheel pairs. A motor drives the packaging dispenser around the load to wrap packaging material around the load.

Abstract: Device for winding a wrapping film around an article (1) to be packaged, the article to be packaged having the shape of a substantially flat rectangle in cross-section. The article to be packaged comprises two substantially parallel broad sides (2, 3) and two narrow sides (4,5), the edges between the broad and narrow sides forming supporting points (6) for the wrapping film. The device comprises a film distributor (7) disposed to travel along a ring-like endless track (8) at a substantially constant speed around the article to be packaged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping and securing film about a load by positioning a first arm retaining an end portion of film toward the load, wrapping a layer of film about the first arm so the first arm is between the wrapped film and the load, withdrawing the first arm retaining the film from between the wrapped film and the load, and releasing the end portion of film retained by the first arm to position and secure a first film portion between the wrapped film and the load. The load is further wrapped and a second arm is subsequently positioned toward the load, and a layer of film is wrapped about the second arm so the second arm is between the wrapped film and the load. A roped film portion is captured and retained by the first and second second arms. The roped film is then severed and an end portion of the severed film is retained by the first arm for subsequently wrapping another load.

Abstract: A method and a machine for wrapping loads of items grouped together in a bundle that may be palletized or otherwise, by means of a stretchable film put into place around the bundle and, where appropriate, a pallet, after the film has been pre-stretched and paid out from a spool or the like on which it is stored in the pre-stretched state with an elongation value of about 150% to 500% and a tension, after relaxation, lying in the range 2 to 7, and preferably in the range 2 to 3 daN/mm.sup.2 of film section per turn.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping articles in film material includes a stationary frame supporting a vertically reciprocable frame which in turn supports a rotatable ring member carrying a film carriage assembly by which film is wrapped around a load during rotation of the ring member. The ring member is a cast composite ring of a thermosetting, fiberglass reinforced polyester and comprises a flange by which the ring member is supported for rotation and a body portion on which the film carriage and slip ring members are mounted.

Abstract: The apparatus for the wrapping of palletized product groups with a film or band of plastic includes a framework with two vertical support uprights on a support structure of a carriage supporting a reel of plastic film and a pre-stretching unit driven by an electric motor and envisages that the support structure consists of a vertically moving structure supported by the support framework and by a rotating ring supported by the vertically moving structure and rotating around its own axis driven by a motor anchored to the vertically moving structure and connected to it; the carriage is fixed to the rotating ring and supports an electric generator for powering the electric motor of the pre-stretching unit and maintained with its own shaft continuously linked to a respective annular toothed track fixed to the vertically moving structure.

Abstract: A load is stretch wrapped with a sheet of stretch wrap packaging material dispensed from a stretch wrap packaging material dispenser. A cornerboard is attached to the sheet of stretch wrap packaging material and transported to the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. Relative rotation is provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the load. The cornerboard is placed on the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material and bent from a flat configuration to a bent configuration around a corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material.

Abstract: In a wrapping apparatus comprising a two-part endless track surrounding a wrapping station, a shuttle for dispensing wrapping medium able to ride around the track and thereby wrap an article in said station, and a track support structure such that at least one part of the track may be moved relative to another part so as to open and close a gap between those parts, a shuttle change may be effected by providing a movable shuttle carrier in the form of a length of track, and means enabling the shuttle carrier to be inserted into and removed from a gap in the track whereby a replacement shuttle may be driven from the carrier onto the track and a spent shuttle may be driven from the track onto the carrier for removal therewith.

Abstract: A stretch wrapping apparatus is provided for stretch wrapping a load with a stretch wrapping material. The apparatus includes a dispenser for dispensing stretch wrapping material and a mechanism for rotating the dispenser around an axis of rotation to wrap the stretch wrapping material around the load. A conveyor transfers the load to and from a wrapping area, the conveyor having two sides and defining a centerline therebetween intersecting the axis of rotation. A frame supports the dispenser including at least one upright leg, only one leg of the frame being disposed on one of the sides of the conveyor and being spaced from a line perpendicularly intersecting the conveyor centerline at the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to a wrapping method and to apparatus for implementing the method. The invention provides a method of wrapping a palletized load, the method comprising a step of depositing one or more plastic films around the palletized load, thereby covering the palletized load and closing the inlets to the pallet, the method including a step that consists in disengaging permanent passages in the film where it obstructs the inlets of the pallet for passing the forks of handling equipment. The present invention is particularly applicable to wrapping palletized loads. A main application of the present invention lies in wrapping loads that are palletized on standard pallets.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging and wrapping a load, and a method for using the same, having an infeed conveyor for receiving bundles from an assembly or production line, positioning conveyors located downstream of the infeed conveyor for arranging the bundles into load layers, and stripper plates downstream of the positioning conveyor for receiving and discharging the load layers. A pair of lifts are located below the stripper plates for raising and lowering a pallet. The second lift is mounted on the first lift, so that the two lifts combine to raise a pallet to receive successive load layers from the stripper plates. A wrap ring including a film dispenser is mounted below the stripper plates, so that the dispenser may orbit and dispense a plastic film material about the load. The second lift raises the pallet above the first lift to position the load adjacent the dispenser for wrapping. Guide plates are mounted above the wrap ring to stabilize the load prior to wrapping.

Abstract: The invention concerns an agricultural device able to be moved by a tractor and provided with a hydraulic apparatus for collecting and transporting manufactured bales with the aid of a baling press and for continuously feeding a banding machine with the bales collected, wherein it includes a trailer fitted with a loading device, at least one ramp for receiving the bales, and an arrangement for moving the bales on the ramp.

Abstract: An apparatus for encircling items with tape includes a spool assembly for dispensing the tape, a displacement mechanism for displacing the spool assembly in a closed path about the items, and a tape control mechanism. The tape control mechanism has a rod rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The rod assumes a primed state in which it is disposed between the closed path and the items and is locked to rotation thereby allowing the tape to become caught thereon. The rod also assumes a release state in which the rod is free to rotate thereby facilitating peeling away of the tape from the rod. The spool assembly preferably includes a spool for supplying the tape, a spring element attached to the spool so as to bias the spool to recoil, and a rotatable friction mount for releasing excess tension in the spring element.

Abstract: A novel method and system for wrapping a bale supported on a platform in a wrapping position with a bale wrapping apparatus including a rotating arm positioned above the bale, a downright member extending downwardly from an outward end portion of the rotating arm, and a wrap carriage movable up and down the downright, wherein the downright and the wrap carriage orbit the bale in the wrapping position as the rotating arm rotates to apply a film or wrap material about the bale. A bale stabilizer, positioned above the bale in the wrapping position, with a plate extendable into contact the bale stabilizes the bale during application of the wrap about the bale. An upender with laterally movable arms and pivoting paddles is positionable to engage and disengage the bale. The upender is movable to raise and lower the clamped bale from and back to the platform, and the paddles are pivotable to rotate the raised bale. The upender includes a carriage movable up and down relative to a base.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping one or more variously-sized articles from a roll of web material, e.g., elastic plastic material, by supporting the articles on an adjustable support assembly while orbitally rotating the web material roll around the articles. A preferred apparatus in accordance with the present invention is characterized by an article support assembly comprised of a pair of arms at substantially right angles each having a plurality of elongate V-shaped fingers adjustably positioned on said arms and extending at substantially right angles to said arms wherein one or more articles are supported by said fingers during a wrapping operation.

Abstract: A bale wrapping apparatus including a sled with a shallow angle to the horizontal with a trough for receiving bales. A carriage mounted pusher plate driven longitudinally of the trough to push bales through the bale wrapping station, and a delivery apron including an endless belt providing a friction free surface. The sled mounts skis which provide a degree of friction when the sled advances as a reaction of the pressure being placed on the end of the bales by the pusher plate so as to allow compression of the bales.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are for wrapping a bale (30) in a web, such as plastic film material. In a first wrapping stage the bale is moved along a bed while the web material is wrapped around it by a dispenser moving about the path of the bale. The dispenser rotates about a first (horizontal) axis while the bale moves parallel to the first axis. In a second wrapping stage the web dispenser is rotated 90 degrees and held stationary while the bale is rotated about a second, vertical axis.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for loading cargo pieces or objects onto a pallet or the like, wherein the pieces or objects are nonsymmetrical or otherwise have an odd shape, for forming with said pallet a cargo unit having a predetermined shape.