Abstract: In order to be able to economically package with foil banderoles e.g. lettuces and bunches of carrots, asparagus, bananas, etc, the packaging apparatus has technical means for holding and grasping the foil web end, so that on removing the web from the foil web storage drum it can be placed round the article to be packaged and the foil web end can be kept within hand reach for new packaging processes. To this end, the foil web, together with its foil web storage drum is wound by means of a swivel round the article to be packaged, between two successive trays having a gap between them, the two ends of the article being supported on the trays. The gripping of the foil web end takes place by means of two foil web ends holding tubes, which are provided with circumferentially distributed air intakes and are connected to a vacuum producing device which can be switched on and off. The foil web is separated by means of a cutting knife.

Abstract: Improvements in an orbital stretch wrapping apparatus are provided for. The orbital stretch wrapping apparatus package support platform includes a package support finger or plurality of fingers positioned so as to be able to support the item being wrapped at its sides thereby facilitating package removal. Additionally, the orbital stretch wrapping apparatus incorporates a pair of safety panels featuring an electrical interconnect mechanism whereby the orbital stretch wrapping apparatus may not be operated until the safety side panels are extended to their full outward position, thereby reducing the danger of coming into contact with the moving stretch wrapping mechanism.

Abstract: Mobile film wrapping apparatus for unitizing a load is attached to a self propelled vehicle and powered by the vehicle's D.C. power supply. The film wrapping apparatus includes a supporting structure for holding a supply roll of film in a generally vertical orientation. The speed at which the film is dispensed from the supply roll is controlled by an electrically powered adjustable tension brake. The film is wound around a self contained heated roller which facilitates prestretching of the film prior to wrapping. The heated roller contains a supply of heating fluid, a D.C. heating element, a thermostatic switch and an auxiliary rapid heat-up A.C. heating element. Power is provided to the heated roller via a slip ring assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for transporting, weighing, and roll wrapping articles with a stretchable web-type material. The apparatus includes horizontal conveyor means and article support rollers supported on a rotatable table. The support rollers being quickly adjustably movable equidistantly toward and away from each other to accommodate articles of numerous sizes and weights while maintaining the center of gravity of the article generally centrally positioned with respect to the support rollers and the rotatable table.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel apparatus having a plurality of flexible members which extend downstream horizontally along a wrapping conveying assembly for making unitary packages which are wrapped on all sides. The apparatus is particularly adapted for wrapping of loads with lengths and circumferences which vary substantially from one load to the next. Film is wrapped around the load, the flexible members and the conveying assembly with the load being carried off by another conveyor. The flexible members extend from the load being wrapped to the previous load which has been wrapped so that the stretched film is wrapped around the flexible member between loads causing the flexible members to be pulled inward forming a configuration resembling an hour glass. As the loads are being continuous bundled, the wrapped bundles can be transported downstream to a cutting and sealing area where the wrap is severed and optionally sealed forming individually enclosed wrapped packages.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging articles in film material includes a frame structure and a mechanism for wrapping film material around a stationary article received in the frame structure. The mechanism includes a rotatable frame assembly mounted for rotation in the frame structure and apparatus for rotating the same. A roll of film material is mounted on the rotatable frame assembly along with braking and diverting rolls. A gripping device is provided to selectively engage and release the film material during rotation of the rotatable frame assembly. The rotatable frame assembly is itself mounted in a support frame arranged in the frame structure for reciprocating movement in up and down directions, i.e., the support frame carrying the rotatable frame assembly can be raised and lowered. A cut-off and seaming device is provided for cutting the film material and for seaming or affixing the cut-off end thereof. A pressing device is arranged to be descendable onto the article being packaged.

Abstract: A paper sheet grip and transport apparatus for a counting and half-wrapping device comprising a stacker for accommodating a batch of paper sheets supplied thereto and for receiving them in the state of a bundle and a half wrapper for the bundle of paper sheets mounted adjacent to said stack unit, is disclosed. According to the present invention, the grip and transfer apparatus has a movable member mounted in alignment with said stack unit and said half-wrapping unit and having a transfer chuck adapted for being opened or closed and capable of gripping from the side of the half-wrapping unit a bundle of paper sheets placed in the stack unit. The movable member is driven from the side of said half-wrapping unit for transporting a bundle of paper sheets gripped by said transfer chuck from the stack unit towards the half-wrapping unit.

Abstract: A continuously driven endless belt trains about deflection rolls within a frame which surrounds a tunnel for the reception of the package which is to be strapped or tied with a ligature in the form of a plastic strap or band. Connectable with the revolting belt is a carriage which guides the plastic strap or band withdrawn from a supply roll along a prescribed path of travel about the tunnel. After each revolving motion of the plastic strapping band the carriage is again uncoupled from the endless belt at the region of a strap wrapping and connection unit, in order to transfer the starting portion of the strapping band which has been guided around the package to a strap or band closure device and, following the tensioning and cutting of such band, to engage a new starting band portion to accomplish the next strapping of the band about a new package.

Abstract: A stretch wrapping apparatus and process for wrapping and sealing random-sized loads, in which the load is surrounded with a plurality of tube forming support members which extend along the length of the load. A conveyor directly beneath the load supports the load and preferably incorporates at least one upper and one lower endless belt, rotating so that the upper surface of the upper belt and the lower surface of the lower belt are both carried in the same downstream direction at the same speed. The tube forming support members converge to the load with skids which do not support the load, and preferably have endless conveyor belts with an outer surface circulating in the same downstream direction and at the same speed as the lower dual conveyor. A stretched film web is wrapped around the tube forming support members, conveyor, and load by a film dispenser, wrapping the load as well as space in front of and behind the load.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel apparatus for making unitary completely wrapped packages. In the apparatus, a series of loads are fed into a wrapping apparatus onto a wrapping conveyor assembly comprised of a plurality of conveyors. The film is continuously wrapped around the load and the conveyor assembly to form a spiral bundle with the load being carried off by the top portion of one conveyor and the wrap being carried off the bottom portion of another conveyor so that the load and wrap are carried off at the same speed onto a take-off conveyor. The spiral stretched film web is sealed and severed between adjacent loads by a cutting and sealing apparatus to form a six sided compressive wrap around each load.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus having a rotating ring which carries a film dispenser carriage adapted to dispense film web around a load carried on a wrapping conveyor. A traveling film clamp mechanism is mounted adjacent the wrapping conveyor and extends through the plane of the rotating ring to engage, clamp, cut and brush film web dispensed from the film dispenser carriage. The traveling film clamp mechanism incorporates a linear driver assembly, a fixed clamp jaw mounted to the linear driver assembly and positioned substantially parallel to the line of travel in which the linear driver operates, a rotating jaw mounted to the linear driver assembly adapted to close against the fixed jaw to clamp film web therebetween, and a rotating cutter brush arm carrying a leading cutter edge and a trailing brush.

Abstract: In a bundling apparatus, a main clamping mechanism presses a stack of paper sheets in the direction of thickness of the stack and holds the stack. A band is wound by a winder around the stack of paper sheets held by the main clamping mechanism. The end portions of the band wound around the stack of paper sheets are bonded by a heat-bonding mechanism. Specified data is stamped on the band wound around the stack by a data-stamping mechanism which includes a stamp bearing the specified data and a drive mechanism for bringing the stamp into contact with the band while the end portions of the band are being bonded to each other.

Abstract: A rotatable film wrapping apparatus for wrapping a load on a conveyor with an overwrap of stretched plastic film web, having a film web pre-stretching mechanism which is provided with a constant torque by a power assistance mechanism. The power assistance mechanism comprises a stationary ring adjacent a rotary ring on which the film roll and pre-stretch mechanism are mounted, and a friction roller on the rotary ring which contacts the stationary ring to transfer rotational energy to the pre-stretch device as the rotary ring rotates. The pre-stretch mechanism comprises a downstream roller across which the film is drawn to the load at a speed which varies, and an upstream roller linked by gears to the downstream roller so that the upstream roller rotates at a fixed fraction of the speed of the downstream roller to stretch film between the rollers.

Abstract: Wrapping of a coiled strip of thin sheet of steel or other metal produced in a rolling mill is accomplished by placing under the coiled strip a wrapping paper of a suitable width cut to a length sufficient to encircle the outer periphery of the coiled strip, winding the leading half of the wrapping paper on a rolling core, fixing the tail end of the wrapping paper in position, rotating the aforementioned rolling core in the direction of unwinding the wound wrapping paper and at the same time, revolving the rolling core around the outer periphery of the coiled strip thereby winding the unwound wrapping paper on the coiled strip, thereafter superposing the leading end and the tail end of the wrapping paper one over the other and joining the overlapping ends fast to each other.

Abstract: A stretch wrapping system including apparatus and process is disclosed in which rotation of a non-cylindrical or off-centered load draws film web at a continually fluctuating speed from a film roll through a prestretching device to wrap the load. The prestretching device includes an upstream roller coupled to a braking device and a downstream roller coupled to a positive torque device. The speed of the downstream roller is proportional to the take-up speed of the web on the load and the feedback device continually senses the speed of both rollers and adjusts the braking device so that the speed ratio of the rollers produces a constant stretch of the film web above its yield point. The feedback device also continually senses the forces contributed by the braking device and the torque device and continually adjusts the torque device so that the force on the web between the downstream roller and the load is held constant at a level below the yield point of the web.

Abstract: In a bundling apparatus, a stack of sheets is wound with a band coated on one side with a thermally fusible material by a winder. The winder winds the band so that one end of the band is joined with another portion of the band. As the band is wound around the stack of sheets, a forward end portion of the band is turned up by a turning mechanism, thereby forming a turnup portion in the band. The turnup portion and that portion of the band which is joined with the turnup portion is fused by a heater so that both portions are bonded together.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling and packaging coils of sheet material, especially steel strip, comprises a rotary capstan with arms that can project through the hollow core of a coil to support the coil. Successive operations of the packaging process are performed at a number of operating stations, at least one of which is so placed that its packaging operation is performed while a coil is so supported. The packaging may comprise an outer sheet metal wrapping applied by rotation of a wrapping arm about the coil to carry the wrapping sheet around the coil circumference. A feed table is provided to align the metal wrapping sheet initially with the coil. Two overlapping wrapping sheets making up a wrapping for a wider coil can be secured together by a welding arm that operates on the sheets as they are wrapped around the coil.

Abstract: In a bundling apparatus, a carrier of a transfer mechanism is moved by a motor of a first driving mechanism from a carrier home position to a carrier stop position after a stack of sheets are set on the carrier and then moved from the carrier stop position to the carrier home position. On the other hand, a catcher of a winding mechanism is moved along a line of movement including a catcher home position below the sheets on the carrier and a catcher intermediate position above the sheets. The line of movement lies between the carrier home position and the carrier stop position. The catcher is moved by the second driving mechanism from the catcher home position to the catcher intermediate position before the carrier moved from the carrier home position toward the carrier stop position by the first driving mechanism crosses the line of the movement, and is moved from the catcher intermediate position to the catcher home position after the carrier crosses the line of movement.

Abstract: A sheet-like material processing apparatus is provided with a pre-processing section and a post-processing section. In the pre-processing section, the sheet-like material set in the supply section is taken out sheet by sheet and those taken-out ones are sorted, by an inspecting device, into at least two kinds of sheet-like material. A transfer/sorting device physically sorts those sheet-like material on the basis of the sorting by the inspection device. The sorted sheet-like material are separately collected each for a given number of the sheet-like material by a sorting and collecting device, and then are bundled by a sheet bundling device. A transfer device transfers the given number of the bundled sheet-like material. Of those sheet-like material transferred by said transfer device, the unreusable ones are invalidated by an invalidating device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for making a package from a load using a single web of stretchable film material to form the overwrap. The apparatus comprises a frame, a support assembly secured to and extending from the frame, and a film dispenser mechanism rotatably mounted to the support assembly. The film dispenser mechanism comprises an arm member, a counterbalance weight on one end of the arm member, and a film stretching mechanism mounted on the other end of the arm member adjacent to a roll of stretchable film material which is also mounted on the arm member. The film stretching mechanism is constructed with two rollers closely spaced apart and mechanically connected, with the upstream roller being driven by a drive member mounted to it or its shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding paper sheets stacked within a hopper into bundles each consisting of a predetermined number of paper sheets is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a separating drum receiving the paper sheets from the hopper and feeding them out by one, a counter counting the number of paper sheets fed from the separating drum, and a stacker capable of moving between a sheet receiving and a sheet discharging position. When the stacker in the sheet receiving position receives the predetermined number of paper sheets, it is moved to the sheet discharging position and the paper sheets therein are discharged onto support blocks of a binding unit by a transfer device. The binding unit binds the predetermined number of the paper sheets into a bundle with a tape, and a stamping device stamps predetermined particulars on the tape wound around the paper sheets.

Abstract: This invention discloses apparatus for binding an article, such as a pack of bank notes, with a tape in a binding position. For this purpose, with rotation of a rotating member, the tape is supported by tape loop supporting pins and is wound to form a loop before a binding operation. The article is pushed into the loop and pressed before the tape is wound around the article. The tape supporting pins are retracted to disengage from the loop. The tape is drawn in a direction opposite to the supplying direction so as to be wound tightly around the article, and the trailing end of the tape is cut. The cut end of the tape is adhered to an adjacent portion of the tape. In this manner, tape binding is completed.

Abstract: A parcel tying-up machine which is placed between an input conveyor belt for the parcels to be tied up and an output conveyor belt for the tied-up parcels, comprises a frame and a tying-up unit. The tying-up unit has a guide apparatus for placing a tie round a parcel and a tie-joiner, which is placed under the conveyor path in the tying-up plane and is operative for joining together the loop ends of the tie. The tying-up unit is supported on the frame so that it may be moved backwards and forwards in the direction of transport of the parcels. The movement of the tying-up unit is affected by a driving system which is fixed to the frame. The machine is provided with conveying systems for taking over the parcels to be tied up from the input conveyor belt and for handing over the parcels after being tied up onto the output conveyor belt.

Abstract: A machine for tying packages having a guide device for the tying means, the guide device placing the tying means on a prescribed path around the package which is supported below a press on a conveyor belt, the press effecting a pressing operation on the package, the machine also having a fastening device which connects the ends of the tying means. The press is arranged on a carriage which travels along synchronously with the conveyor belt, which conveyor belt is moved even during the pressing process, or the guide device for the tying means and the fastening device are arranged on a carriage which travels along synchronously with the conveyor belt, the latter being moved even during the tying process.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a load carried on a floor-mounted pallet. The apparatus includes a carriage having a wheeled base for rolling movement about the pallet-carried load. The carriage is provded with an upright upstanding from the base and vertically movably supporting a carrier for a roll of wrapping sheet material. A handle structure is provided on the carriage for manipulation of the carriage in effecting the rolling movement about the pallet-carried load and mechanism is provided adjacent the handle for effecting vertical movement of the carrier to permit spiral wrapping of the sheet material about the pallet-carried load. The carrier is arranged to extend downwardly to a lowermost position, permitting wrapping of the pallet substantially at floor level and, in an uppermost position, for wrapping the uppermost portion of the load. The invention further includes improved structure for releasably retaining the sheet material roll on a spindle on the carrier.

Abstract: Machine for tying packages or the like in which the tying means which is held fast at one end is guided by means of a tying means guide device around the package in the manner that the tying means guide device which is driven cyclically back and forth, its forward movement, accumulates a layer of tying means which surrounds the package, which layer is wound around the package upon the following return run, and in which there is preferably provided, below the support table for the package, a sealing device which connects the ends of the tying means and cuts off one end, the sealing device having grippers associated with it for holding the tying means fast. Each one of the grippers together with the end of the tying means held fast by it, carries out in cyclic dependency, a rotary movement which turns the gripper slot around. One of the two grippers, respectively, which are additionally axially displaceable, in a crosswise rotary position of its gripping slot S, pushes the tying means from the sealing device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying stretchable plastic film to loads for containment of the loads using two connected rollers driven by the film web so that the rollers are driven at different speeds to elongate the plastic film beyond its yield point and wrapping the elongated film after it has been stretched past its yield point around a rotating load. A roller can be added to the apparatus to increase the set time for the elongated film after it is stretched by the connected rollers. In addition, a web narrowing device may be placed upstream or downstream from the apparatus to reduce the hazard of edge tear under high elongation forces.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel apparatus and process for making unitary packages. In the apparatus, a series of loads are fed into a wrapping apparatus onto a wrapping conveying assembly comprised of a plurality of conveyors. The film is wrapped around the load and the conveyor assembly with the load being carried off by the top portion of one conveyor and the wrap being carried off the bottom portion of another conveyor so that the load and wrap are carried off at the same speed onto a take-off conveyor. The stretched film web can be severed by a cutting mechanism positioned adjacent the dispensing means in the banding, full web or spiral modes of operation. In a continuous bundling mode, the wrapped bundle can be transported downstream to a cutting area where the loads are severed into individual packages which are carried off to a stacking or processing station.

Abstract: Stretch wrapper machine is mounted upon a pallet carrier so that, as a loaded pallet is carried, it is stretch-wrapped.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying strips of tape around objects positioned adjacent the apparatus. A pair of tape holding reels are supported for movement in a path extending around the position occupied by the object. A tape end is applied to a surface of the object, and drive means are then operated for moving the tape reels around the object. The tape is thereby unreeled and automatically applied to the object surface. At the end of the track, or other means defining the path, severing means are utilized for separating a severed end from a reel whereby this severed end can be attached to an object surface to thereby complete the tape applying operation. The respective reels are inverted relative to each other with one reel being utilized for application of tape during movement of the reels in one direction and with the other reel being utilized for application of tape during movement in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Motive unit carries stretch-wrap unit around stationary material to be wrapped. Guide ski follows around the material to be wrapped and controls the steering of the motive unit so that the material is wrapped into a unit.

Abstract: A construction for applying tape around the perimeter of an object wherein a supply of the tape is provided on a spool. An end of the tape is clamped, and the spool is then transported around the object with the tape then unreeling and being pressed into engagement with the object. Independently driven roller means are mounted for movement back and forth over one surface of the object, these roller means pressing respective tape ends onto the surface in overlapping relationship. This action is synchronized with clamping and severing action to prepare the system for a succeeding operation. The object to be taped is moved into position by means of a conveyor and a vertical lift. Stop means control the extent of movement of the lift, and this feature combined with the tape-applying mechanism makes the construction operable for a wide range of sizes of objects to be taped.

Abstract: A tension wrap packaging machine has a supporting frame and a driving assembly mounted in the supporting frame, a main drive shaft is mounted in the supporting frame and at one end has a combined supporting member and safety closure disc fixedly connected thereto to be rotated by the drive shaft when the driving assembly is in operation. Mounted and rotatable with the combined supporting member and closure disc are a package supporting assembly for supporting a package to be wrapped thereon and in spaced relation thereto a wrapping material supporting assembly for the material to wrap the package. Package supporting assembly and wrapping material supporting assembly in addition to rotating with the closure disc are independently rotatable, the package supporting assembly being rotated by a planetary driving means, and the wrapping material supporting assembly being rotated by an auxiliary driving means operatively connected between the driving assembly and wrapping material supporting assembly.