Abstract: A procedure for winding a wrapper (1) around a piece of goods (2) includes the steps of pulling a shrinkable film (5) over the upper part of the goods, winding the wrapper around the goods so that the film is partly impacted under the wrapper, and cutting off and seaming the wrapper. The wrapper is unshrinkable relative to the film. Only the film is heated, and it shrinks and becomes tightened around the upper part of the goods. An apparatus includes assembly for pulling a shrinkable film over the upper part of the goods, assembly for winding a relatively unshrinkable wrapper around the goods, assembly for cutting off and seaming the wrapper, and a heating device for heating only the film wherein the heating device is disposed above the film whereby a hot air is blown against the film. The tightened film supports the upper part of the goods so that the goods cannot fan out during transport or delivery.

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: A machine for wrapping a plurality of articles into a package. The machine is provided with a film which comes in roll form and the film passes through a cutter but does not cut it entirely off. At the same time, generally parallel to the film there is a row of articles which are advanced and passed on to a guide which moves them onto the film. The film is then drawn after which the articles are advanced in unison and then the film is drawn about the articles. The group of articles are then passed on to rollers and into a shrink tunnel for shrinking of the film so as to tightly engage the articles. As the film is pulled into loops, the loops are supported by a vacuum conveyor so that the loops will stay ready for the eventual drawing of the film about the group of articles.

Abstract: A cylindrical bale-wrapping apparatus is provided having a single, rotatable bale-wrapping ring and a ram feed device for feeding unwrapped bales through such bale-wrapping ring, and, after its initial wrapping operation, into contact with a previously wrapped bale. The apparatus has a valve operated by the weight of a bale to move the bale on a feeding stroke through the bale-wrapping ring and by a valve, when the bale is at a bale-wrapping station, to rotate the bale-wrapping ring for bale-wrapping. The ram feed device also assists in moving the wrapped bale from the rear of the apparatus. The apparatus is of simple structure with a single hoop for the wrapping ring which is provided with rotation supports. A cantilever support extends longitudinally from a portion of the hoop to carry the wrap material dispenser and tensioner.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretch wrapping a load with stretch wrap packaging material includes a dispenser for dispensing a sheet of stretch wrap packaging material and a turntable assembly for supporting and rotating a load about a generally vertical axis to wrap the sheet of stretch wrap packaging material around the load. The turntable assembly includes a generally horizontal support surface for supporting the load and a horizontally displaceable barrier mounted along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the support surface a position normally spaced a greater distance from the vertical axis than the peripheral edge along which the displaceable barrier is mounted.

Abstract: A load is stretch wrapped with a sheet of stretch wrap packaging material by adhering a leading end portion of the sheet to a holding member, dispensing the sheet from a stretch wrap dispenser, and providing relative rotation between the dispenser and the load to wrap the sheet of stretch wrap packaging material on a load. The leading end portion of the sheet is released from the holding member, and a trailing end portion of the sheet is adhered to the holding member. The packaging material between the load and the holding member is severed while being held by the holding member. The sheet of stretch wrap packaging material is held in place against the holding member with a vacuum or by a tacky surface. The severing is accomplished by a hot wire on the holding member.

Abstract: A portable round bale wrapping apparatus which wraps large upright cylindrical straw bales with protective plastic film for storage on the field. One person can operate the wheeled bale wrapper on uneven ground. A light-weight tubular frame with a pulley system moves the wrapper roll up and down. The rotation of wrapping can be reversed by moving the pulley system to an opposite side. The wrapping apparatus can be adjusted in height and length to accommodate the variance in size of hay or straw bale. The bale wrapping apparatus can be dismantled, folded into a light-weight package and carried to the next field or stored.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping a load in film material is provided with magazines of vertically oriented corner protectors, each associated with a corner of the load, and from which a corner protector is withdrawn and transferred to cover the corresponding corner of the load prior to wrapping the latter with plastic film material. The magazines comprise a pair of vertically spaced apart conveyor belts which feed the corner protectors to a discharge end of the magazine, and a pick-up and transfer arm pivotal about a single arm axis transfers a corner protector from the magazine through an arc of 135.degree. which aligns the corner protector for movement into engagement with the corner of the load.

Abstract: A system for packaging hay bales includes a press for compressing hay to small, compact bales and a wrapping machine which applies multiple sheets of a thin material to form a package of an effective strength that maintains the form and integrity of the hay bales, and prevents them from expanding back to their pre-compressed size. The wrapping machine applies the thin film to successive compressed hay bales such that the material extends therebetween to integrate multiple hay bales into a common bundle. A partial cutting machine positioned downstream of the wrapping machine cuts a portion of the material between adjacent hay bales to provide a detachable seam. A full cutting machine positioned downstream of the partial cutting machine completely cuts the material between selected pairs of adjacent wrapped hay bales to define sets of multiple wrapped hay bales.

Abstract: Stretch wrapping packaging material on a load includes introducing such wrapped packaging material onto tips of projecting portions of the first grooved rollers so that the packaging material spans the nonprojecting portions of the first grooved roller. The web of the packaging material on the first grooved roller are transported in the direction generally parallel to the grooves by powering the first grooved roller. The web of the packaging material spanning the nonprojecting portions of the first grooved roller is impinged by the tips of the projecting portions of an idling second grooved roller to stretch the sheet between the projecting portions of the first and second grooved rollers in a direction transverse to the direction in which the sheet is transported. The web is preferably separated from second grooved surface either before or simultaneous with its separation from the first grooved roller.

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 an article during rotation of the ring member. The ring is in the form of an outwardly open channel and is supported for rotation relative to the reciprocable frame by wheels on the latter which underlie the upper flange of the channel. The web of the channel is captured between pairs of wheels mounted on the reciprocable frame, and a wheel of one of the pairs is driven to rotate the ring relative to the reciprocable frame. The reciprocable frame is elevated and lowered relative to the stationary frame by a chain drive arrangement, and the stationary and reciprocable frames have interengaging guide components at two diametrically opposed locations.

Abstract: Peat moss is palletized in bulk compressed form by holding a predetermined quantity of peat moss stacked vertically on a pallet to confine the peat moss to a desired, compressed shape, the peat moss having a water-content ranging from about 25 to about 50 weight % and a density ranging from about 0.05 to about 0.15 gm/cc on dry basis, and downwardly compressing the peat moss directly onto the pallet at a pressure ranging from about 3 to about 5 kg/cm.sup.2 so as to form the peat moss into a coherent, shape-retaining body without substantially altering the water-content and intrinsic properties of the peat moss. The body of compressed peat moss maintains a structural integrity for a period of time sufficient to permit wrapping thereof. Such a body of compressed peat moss is then wrapped to retain the peat moss in compressed form on the pallet. The invention enables one to significantly increase the quantity of peat moss per unit of shipment.

Abstract: An improvement in a bridge conveyor for a rotary stretch film wrapping apparatus for wrapping a product in a plastic film. The products are conveyed to a transition bridge around which the elongated shrink film is wrapped. The improved bridge conveyor system includes a pair of horizontally spaced air assisted guides adjacent an endless conveyor. The air assisted guides provide an air cushion on which the plastic film rides.

Abstract: A method for packaging bales with strips of plastic packaging film, in which a bale is rotated about a generally horizontal axis and, when appropriate, about a generally vertical axis, and wherein film is taken from a film magazine spaced from the bale and wrapped around the bale in successive turns while maintaining the film under tension, and wherein the film in each turn of film around the bale extends generally parallel with and transversely to the horizontal axis. The bale is then wrapped with a further wrapping of film such that successive turns of this further wrapping cross-over those parts of the underlying film which extend generally parallel with the horizontal axis in a manner to retain the underlying turns. The film material is held under tension while being applied.

Abstract: A machine for packing by wrapping a load (1) comprises a device for supplying a pre-drawn film (3) propelled with respect to a longitudinal axis (6) of the load (1) to be packed with a relative helicoidal movement, and a device for handling of the free end of the film (3) between two wrapping cycles in accordance with the invention comprises a plate (10) for holding of the film (3) against the load (1), the length of which is at least equal to the width of the film (3) used, and near one of the long edges of this plate (10), a pair of jaws (13, 14) mobile with respect to one another along this edge are provided to crumple and grip between them the portion of the film contained between the plate and the film-supply device.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping a load with a film of plastic material is provided having a means for supporting a load, a means for supporting a film strip reel, a first means for causing a relative pivoting movement of the film reel axis and the load support means, a second means for causing a relative pivoting movement of the film reel axis and the load support means about a second pivoting axis, and a drive means acting on the first and second means to bring about the two relative pivoting movements in order to coordinate their operation.

Abstract: A fully automatic stationary wrapping mechanism is utilized in conjunction with an upstream palletizing device and a downstream distribution system. An inbound zone accepts palletized materials and selectively passes them along to a wrap zone. An outbound zone provides a direct link with the wrapping device in any downstream distribution conveyor system. The apparatus provides a relatively short, straight pathway from the point of construction of the loaded pallet through the wrapping station to the outbound conveyor. An improved film gripping device is provided as an elongated arm, extendable from a home position outside the wrapping area to within the wrap zone in order to grip the film, and such that the specific location of the free end of film is not particularly critical.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a palletized load is provided with a film carriage having a spool of film. A means for unwinding the film from the spool from an upstream winding position to a downstream position in accordance with a selected path where it is applied to the load is also provided. Prestretching rollers for prestretching the film before it is applied to the load are contained on the film carriage. Cutting blades are used to pierce the film, downstream of the prestretching rollers, into longitudinally extending strips. The strips are then separated into longitudinally extending bands by a separating roller. The bands are applied to a load by the carriage which slidably moves up and down along a support column in combination with a turntable upon which the load rotates.

Abstract: A method for packaging bales (1) with strips of plastic packaging film (9), in which a bale is rotated about a generally horizontal axis (3) and, when appropriate, about a generally vertical axis (6), and wherein film is taken from a film magazine (7) spaced from the bale and wrapped around the bale in successive turns while maintaining the film under tension, and wherein the film in each turn of film around the bale extends generally parallel with and transversely to the horizontal axis. The method is mainly characterized in the bale (1) is then wrapped with a further wrapping of film (9), and in that successive turns (9") of this further wrapping cross-over those parts of the turns (9'") of the underlying film which extend generally parallel with the horizontal axis (3), in a manner to retain the underlying turns. This film material is held under tension while being applied. The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method, and to a bale.

Abstract: A system for packaging hay bales includes a press for compressing hay to small, compact bales and a wrapping machine which applies multiple sheets of a thin material to form a package of an effective strength that maintains the form and integrity of the hay bales, and prevents them from expanding back to their pre-compressed size. The wrapping machine applies the thin film to successive compressed hay bales such that the material extends therebetween to integrate multiple hay bales into a common bundle. A partial cutting machine positioned downstream of the wrapping machine cuts a portion of the material between adjacent hay bales to provide a detachable seam. A full cutting machine positioned downstream of the partial cutting machine completely cuts the material between selected pairs of adjacent wrapped hay bales to define sets of multiple wrapped hay bales. A method for packaging hay bales, and the resulting packaged set of multiple hay bales, are also described.

Abstract: The end of a length of stretch film enveloping a pallet is restrained, prior to being heat-sealed, by a gripping mechanism that can be traversed toward and away from the pallet, and is capable of contracting longitudinally in a direction parallel to the plane occupied by the tail end of the film, transversely to the wrapping direction, from a position of engagement in which the gripping surfaces are spaced apart and uniformly in contact with the film over its maximum width, to a position of restraint in which the selfsame surfaces are drawn together, pinching the film to produce a uniform succession of folds and thus narrowing the material to a width that can be accommodated fully by the heat-seal plate.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus detachably connected to a source of pressurized fluid for wrapping palletized load with a film and which includes a rotating arm rotatably mounted to a movable support frame, a carriage rail attached to the rotating arm, a film carriage in slidable engagement with the carriage rail for dispensing the film to the load, a pneumatic carriage lift cylinder for selectively actuating the movement of the film carriage along the carriage rail, a pneumatic drive assembly for selectively actuating rotational movement of the rotating arm, and a control panel attached to the frame and detachably connected to the pressurized fluid source for selectively controlling the carriage lift cylinder and the drive assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for wrapping a load conforming generally to a rectangular solid, such as a cotton bale. Lengths of wrapping film from two rolls are welded to form a predraped wall of such film, into which the load is conveyed to cover its front face and its lateral faces, whereupon the welded lengths are welded again behind the bale and are severed from such rolls. As the load is conveyed, a length of wrapping film from a third roll is wrapped in a spiral pattern so as to cover the upper, lower, and lateral faces of the load. Moreover, generally V-shaped perforations pointing toward the front face are formed in the lateral faces, by means of perforating mechanisms. Each mechanism comprises a pivotal arm biased toward the load, a wheel rotatable on the arm, and perforating cutters extending radially from the wheel, in two circumferential arrays.

Abstract: A stretch wrapping machine includes a web dispenser and a rotatable support for providing relative rotation between the web dispenser and load to wrap a web of packaging material around the load. Cooperating bearing members engage each other for supporting the rotatable support and permitting the rotation of the rotatable support. One of the bearing members is mounted on the rotatable support and the other bearing member is mounted on the fixed support. One of the bearing members includes a track of resilient material and the other bearing member includes a roller surface which rolls along the track of resilient material.

Abstract: A tape winding device having a rotating plate rotating around the circumference of a bundle of wires for a wiring harness or the like, and a driving device. A notched portion for insertion of a bundle of wires is formed in the rotating plate and the device main body, respectively, so as to extend from the outer edge to the rotating center thereof. A tape holder for holding a roll of adhesive-backed tape, and feeding and cutting devices for the tape are provided on the rotating plate. An arc-like collar is provided on the rotating plate concentrically with the rotating center thereof, and the driving device is constituted by a plurality of driving and guide rollers for sandwiching the collar. At least two pairs of the driving and guide rollers are disposed in the vicinity of each side of the notched portion. The feeding device has guide rollers supported on the rotating plate, and a feeding arm and a driving lever which are both supported on the rotating plate in a swiveling manner.

Abstract: In a wrapping machine comprising a ring rotatable on a frame, a ledge to support a package being wrapped, and a carriage supporting a roll of plastic film and movable with the ring to wrap the film around the ledge and around a package supported thereby, a severing arm, pivotable between a horizontal position underlying the ledge and a vertical position, carries a heated severing wire. Also, a spacing arm, pivotably movable between a horizontal position underlying the ledge and a vertical position, spaces an outer film layer from the ledge. In one embodiment, the severing arm carries heated welding elements, and the spacing arm applies a partial vacuum to cause a severed film portion to adhere to the spacing arm. In another embodiment, the severed film portion is clamped between the spacing and severing arms.

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 an article during rotation of the ring member. The ring is in the form of an outwardly open channel and is supported for rotation relative to the reciprocable frame by wheels on the latter which underlie the upper flange of the channel. The web of the channel is captured between pairs of wheels mounted on the reciprocable frame, and a wheel of one of the pairs is driven to rotate the ring relative to the reciprocable frame. The reciprocable frame is elevated and lowered relative to the stationary frame by a chain drive arrangement, and the stationary and reciprocable frames have interengaging guide components at two diametrically opposed locations.

Abstract: This invention relates to both an apparatus and method of forming a thin flexible and to some extent resilient material strap from a supply of sheet film and further wherein the apparatus and method involves the positioning of the formed stretchable strapping about and in binding relation to the exterior of any one of a plurality of various types of packages, articles, etc. The apparatus comprises positioning means which serves to grip a free end of the formed stretch strapping and exert a pulling force thereon to direct it about a predetermined path of travel surrounding the article being bound and subsequently securing a length of the stretch strapping in binding engagement with the exterior surfaces or portions of the article being bound.

Abstract: A stretch wrapping machine includes a web dispenser and a rotatable support for providing relative rotation between the web dispenser and load to wrap a web of packaging material around the load. Cooperating engagement members are selectively and positively engageable with each other throughout the rotation of the rotatable support for stopping the rotation of the rotatable support when the engagement members are positively engaged and for permitting rotation of the rotatable support when the engagement members are disengaged. One of the engagement members is mounted on a rotatable support and the other is mounted on a fixed support. An actuator selectively engages engagement members. One engagement member preferably includes at least two stop units spaced at a distance less than the distance between the engageable formations of the other engagement member.

Abstract: A stretch wrap packaging machine includes a support frame and a rotatable frame rotatably mounted on the support frame. A dispenser is mounted on the rotatable frame to follow an orbital path. The dispenser has a web tensioning system which is selectably operable in a plurality of states. At least one actuation ring is moveably mounted on the support frame for cooperation with the tensioning system and selectively rendering the tensioning system operable in each of the plurality of states of operation throughout the orbital path. An activator moves the actuation ring to cooperate with the tensioning system. The tensioning system may include prestretch rollers connected by an engageable clutch. The tensioning system may also include at least one power assisted roller which is connected by a clutch to a power source.

Abstract: A steplessly adjustable pre-stretched film wrapping apparatus comprises a downstream film roller and an upstream film roller connected therebetween with an adjustable power transmission system to unwind and stretch a film web from a film roll. The power transmission system comprises a motor generating a rotational motion to drive a main shaft. A pair of mating bevel gears are used to transmit the rotation to the downstream film roller and a disk member which is secured on the upstream film roller and is driven by the main shaft via an active roller coaxially rotatable with the main shaft and an idle roller interposed between the active roller and the disk member to rotate the upstream film roller. The idle roller is contactingly rolling on a side of the disk member to be rotatably in an orthogonal way and thus defining a distance from the center of the disk member which determines the speed ratio therebetween.

Abstract: An improvement in a conveyor for a rotary stretch film wrapping apparatus for wrapping a product in a plastic film, the rotary stretch wrapping apparatus includes a base frame, a rotary support structure, a roll of film mounted to the support structure, a film dispensing mechanism, a pre-stretching device, and a conveyor system for passing the product through the support structure. The improved conveyor system includes a pair of horizontally adjacent endless conveyors having one piece segmented lug belts adapted to prevent portions of the segments traveling the return path from hindering the product or the plastic wrap.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus applies a wrapping medium to an annular article such as a coil of a metal strip, to cover the inner surface as well as the outer surfaces thereof. The apparatus includes a rigid loop structure defining an endless T-sectioned track, and extends as a cantilever extending from a free standing columnar support. The support includes an elevator device for raising and lowering the loop structure. The loop structure includes a hinged gate portion that may be moved to an open position to enable the track to be linked with the annular article, and then reclosed. A self-propelled shuttle moves around the track and carries a dispensing device and a prestretching device that hold wrapping medium and enable the medium to be removed from the coil. A trolley with two power driven rollers continuously reorients the article as wrapping proceeds.

Abstract: A tape winding device having a rotating plate rotating around the circumference of a bundle of wires for a wiring harness or the like, and a driving device. A notched portion for insertion of a bundle of wires is formed in the rotating plate and the device main body, respectively, so as to extend from the outer edge to the rotating center thereof. A tape holder for holding a roll of adhesive-backed tape, and feeding and cutting devices for the tape are provided on the rotating plate. An arc-like collar is provided on the rotating plate concentrically with the rotating center thereof, and the driving device is constituted by a plurality of driving and guide rollers for sandwiching the collar. At least two pairs of the driving and guide rollers are disposed in the vicinity of each side of the notched portion. The feeding device has guide rollers supported on the rotating plate, and a feeding arm and a driving lever which are both supported on the rotating plate in a swiveling manner.

Abstract: A leaf panel bundling apparatus allows leaf paper to be bundled to be inserted into the apparatus from either the front or the top of the apparatus. The leaf paper bundling apparatus wraps a tape around many leafs of paper which have been stacked, uses a cutter to cut the wrapped tape and uses a thermo-adhesion head to adhere the ends of the tape to one another so as to bundle the leaf paper. A leaf paper insertion opening portion has a slit extending to a location above the front portion of the main apparatus unit and into which leaf paper can be inserted from the front or top of the apparatus. A leaf paper regulation device receives a leaf paper lower edge and a leading edge which is the edge to be located furthest from the front of the main apparatus unit after insertion. A tape supply device supplies tape to be wrapped around the periphery of the leaf paper, applies tension to and tightens the wrapped tape.

Abstract: A generally parallepipedal package comprised of a stack of goods sitting on a pallet has four horizontally directed sides, vertically oppositely directed top and bottom faces, and upper and lower horizontally extending edges meeting at upper and lower corners. It is wrapped by first securing an end of a stretch foil to the package adjacent the bottom face, then drawing the foil from one of lower corners of one of the sides diagonally across the one side to the diagonally opposite upper corner of the one side while maintaining the foil taut, and then laying the foil on and along the upper edge of the adjacent side extending perpendicularly from the one side to the opposite upper corner with the foil contacting both the top face and the one side.

Abstract: A pallet base stacked with commodities for wrapping is positioned on a horizontal platform, whereupon the wrapping operation is effected by an L-profile beam carrying a roll of plastic film and rotatable about a vertical axis in such a way as to circle the platform and wind the film around the pallet; to advantage, the horizontal member of the beam lies below the uncoiling roll of film, passing between the platform and a horizontal bed afforded by the stationary frame of the apparatus, such that with the L-beam set in rotation about the main axis a low center of inertia is achieved.

Abstract: A machine for packaging articles of any size with sheets of material comprising a wrapping conveyor, conveyor for delivering and receiving articles to and from the wrapping conveyor and endless wrapping conveyor with a bar moving along a track which passes around the wrapping conveyor in which the wrapping conveyor and the conveyor for receiving the articles have structured conveying surfaces with ends which can be positioned adjacently but at a distance and adjusted in a complementary movable way in two directions and the conveyor and wrapping conveyor with a bar is supported by a supporting structure which is in turn rotatably supported so that it can be adjustably positioned about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping the sides and covering the top of a load. The apparatus comprises of a reel of wrapping film and a load support that can be rotated relative to each other about an axis that is coincident with the vertical axis of the load to thereby wrap the sides of the load. The film reel and the load support are further pivotable relative to each other about a second axis that is orthogonal to the load axis as well as slidable relative to each other along this second axis to thereby cover the top face of the load.

Abstract: A pallet unit consisting of a stack of articles on a pallet is wrapped both vertically and horizontally with a foil band by orbiting a wrapping satellite in a vertical plane while the unit is supported on a pair of support arms which pass through the orbit for vertical wrapping and the orbit is swung into a horizontal position and raised and lowered for horizontal wrapping of the unit. The vertical wrapping is only effected along two vertical sides of the stack and the foil wrap passes between the skids of the pallet.

Abstract: Packaging of articles or sets of articles (31) uses both of helical wrapping material (17) and incorporated longitudinal material (18). Helical wrapping station (14) in a gap (16) between infeed (12) and outfeed (13) conveyors passes helical wrapping material (17) transversely of the direction of travel of the article (31). The longitudinal band(s) of material (18) can serve for positively transporting the articles (31) across the gap (16).

Abstract: According to the invention, a band is led to a tip of a guide rod provided at a tip of a movable arm, the band is pulled out therefrom to a slide table side, the band is stretched by sandwiching a front edge of the band by a tension jaw and a clamping jaw provided on the slide table side, a packing article is moved while pressing the stretched band, the movable arm is rotated to wind the band around the packing article, the band is melt bonded by a heater, and the bonded band is cut out after that by a cutting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a stack of articles with a stretch foil in which the satellite has a deflecting roller over which the foil passes and which is braked by a hydraulic motor in proportion to the speed of the deflecting roller. An arm can swing out and carries a mirror to monitor breakage of the foil, the mirror intercepting a light beam from a stationary force on the machine frame. For both the brake and the foil-break monitor, no slip rings are required.

Abstract: Stretch wrapping packaging material on a load includes introducing stretch wrap packaging material onto V shaped tips of projecting portions of a first grooved roller so that the packaging material spans the nonprojecting portions of the first grooved roller. The web of packaging material and the first grooved roller are transported in the direction generally parallel to the grooves. The web of packaging material spanning the nonprojecting portions of the first grooved roller is impinged with V shaped tips of projecting portions of a second grooved roller. The tips of the projecting portions of the second grooved roller are transported at a speed which is less than the speed of the tips of the projecting portions of the first grooved roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sorting and bundling flowers, comprising hanging the flowers separately in individual flower supporting members circulating in a first closed path; as they are traversing the path, designating the flowers as to at least one characteristic, such as stem length; depending on the designated characteristic, transferring the flowers to second flower supporting members circulating in a second path; grouping the flowers into groups of a limited number of flowers; and collecting and bundling a series of groups into a bunch. The individual flower supporting members are moved adjacent a transfer point from a transport position into a transfer position in a tract substantially perpendicular to the first path, while during transfer the second flower supporting members are held stationary and oriented in the direction of movement of the individual flower supporting members. The invention further relates to apparatus for applying this method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretch wrapping a load with a film web having a tacky surface and a non-tacky surface. The film web is wrapped around the load in a forward direction with the tacky surface facing away from the load. The orientation of the film web is reversed by inserting a metal rod in the path of the film web and reversing the wrapping direction. The film web wraps around the metal rod, thereby causing the film web to fold back on itself. The film web is wrapped around the load in the reverse direction to cover the film web which was wrapped in the forward direction, with the tacky side facing the film web which was wrapped in the forward direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping a plurality of, nominally cylindrical articles such as hay bales in film to form a long cigar shaped package with the film wound helically thereabout.A collapsible embodiment to be transportable is disclosed as are embodiments which: are operable on inclined ground; allow variation of wrapping overlap and parameters; place reduced stress on wrapping film; provide drainage for packages.

Abstract: An apparatus, which is utilized to secure loads to a number of pallets emanating from a plurality of sources, provides a relatively short, straight pathway from the point of construction of a loaded pallet to the wrapping station. The device further provides a plurality of stations to permit maximum utilization of a single wrapping apparatus. An improved swing arm is utilized to mount the stretch wrap on the stacked pallet and permits increased efficiency in pre-stretching and wrapping of the stacked loads. The wrapping apparatus is mounted at the end of a series of pallet conveyors. Each pallet transportation conveyor terminates in a wrapping station which is collinear with the other wrapping stations. A support beam extends longitudinally along the line of wrapping stations at a pre-selected height thereabove. A rolling transport is mounted upon wheels and rolls along the length of the beam. The transport contains the operating controls of the device as well as the swing arm which wraps the stacked pallets.

Abstract: A leaf paper bundling apparatus winds a tape around the periphery of a stack of leaf papers. A stacking device stacks and aligns a predetermined number of leaf papers in an upright position in a direction parallel to the short edges of the leaf papers. Left and right holding fingers are employed to hold the stacked leaf papers and transfer the stacked leaf papers to a bundling position, maintaining the upright position of the stacked leaf papers. A tape fed by a tape supply is wound around the stacked leaf papers by a tape winding device. The tape is tightened about the stacked leaf papers, and a pair of clamping members clamp the stacked leaf papers therebetween. The clamping members each have spaced contact edges straddling the tape. The stacked leaf papers can then be tightly held together without interfering with the winding of the tape about the stacked leaf papers.

Abstract: A method of wrapping articles in plastic, whereby the cross-section of the article dictates variations in the length of plastic web required at various times, with a mechanical wrapper that revolves around the article and has at least one take-off cylinder rotating at a rate controlled in accordance with a sequence of values that depends on the article's cross-section, and releasing plastic in the length required at a particular time. The sequence of values exploited for controlling the take-off cylinder (7) is determined during at least the first revolution of the winder (5) by measuring the stress on the web downstream of the take-off cylinder in the accordance with the angle (.PHI.) of the winder, is stored in a memory (15), and is appropriately standardized for varying the rate of rotation of the take-off cylinder.