Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station having a griper arrangement, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans. The gripper arrangement is adjustable to handle sleeve labels of various diameters to permit the labeling of containers of various diameters by one gripper arrangement.

Abstract: A vibrator assembly is for use on a strapping head for a strapping machine configured to position, tension and seal strapping material around a load. The strapping head includes a body, an anvil, and a welding motor having a rotating output shaft. The vibrator assembly includes an eccentric element operably mounted to the welding motor output shaft for rotation therewith. A bearing is disposed about the eccentric element, A housing is houses the eccentric element and bearing at least in part within the housing. The housing defines a cup-shaped well having a first axis length and a second axis length. The first axis length is longer than the second axis length. The first axis length is in a transverse direction, and the second axis length is in an oscillating direction. The bearing is restrained in the oscillating direction. A weld pad is operably connected to the housing by a link.

Abstract: An expand-and-constrict type band-guiding device for a strapping machine includes an expand-and-constrict unit, an elastic coiled rod, a receiving member, a roller unit, a motor and a clamp device. The clamp device clamps the end of a strap band, and the motor drives the roller unit for moving the elastic coiled rod to push outward an elongate shift member. Then the strap band with its end pushed to extend by the shift member and then released by the clamp device in due time, with the end of the strap band pushed to the other side from under a storage board for an operator of the strapping machine to catch the strap band.

Abstract: An improved side seal strapping machine is configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load. The machine is configured for strapping relatively incompressible, debris laden loads. The machine includes a frame having a biased, movable carriage mounted to a side thereof, a modular sealing head mounted to the carriage and a modular feed head mounted to the carriage. A strap chute is mounted to the frame. The chute has a movable bottom chute section and a movable lower head-side section adjacent the sealing head. The movable lower head-side chute section is movable with the carriage, and the movable lower head-side chute section and the bottom section are hingedly connected to one another for cooperative movement. A passive debris ejection system includes openings formed in the bottom chute section and openings formed at junctures of the bottom chute section and sections adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A reentry gate assembly is for use with a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly, a chute and a strapping head. The reentry gate assembly directs returning strapping material into the strapping head and releases the strapping material therefrom to prevent the strap from becoming caught as it is pulled from the chute. The reentry gate assembly includes a body having a strap path surface and first and second pivotable gates movable between a closed position in which the gates overly the strap path surface and define a strap pathway, and an open position in which the gates are pivoted away from the strap path surface. A link operably connects the first and second gates. When strapping material present in the strap pathway with the gates closed is urged outwardly of the strap pathway, contact of the strapping material with either the first or second gate moves the link to open the other of the first or second gate, so that both gates open together.

Abstract: A strapping machine feed system for automatically detecting a strap error or fault, thereby stopping strap retraction or take-up, and refeeding the strap into the strapping head following the error or fault. The feed system includes a pair of tensioning wheels disposed along a strap path proximal a strap supply, and a pair of feed wheels, defining a nip therebetween, disposed along the strap path proximal the strapping head. A feed wheel drive and a tensioning wheel drive are respectively connected to the feed wheels and the tensioning wheels. A sensor disposed along the strap path generates a signal to the feed wheel drive and tensioning wheel drive, indicating movement or lack of movement along the strap path, thus causing the feed wheels or tensioning wheels to rotate in both a forward and reverse direction.

Abstract: A clearing and reloading assembly is configured for use with a strapping machine of the type having an infeed arrangement at about a strap material inlet to the machine, a feed assembly and a chute, the strapping machine defining a strap material holding region between the infeed arrangement and the feed assembly. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The clearing and reloading assembly includes a body, a driven wheel and a bearing element opposite of the driven wheel. The bearing element and the driven wheel define a strap path therebetween. A strap cutter is disposed for movement into and out of the strap path. A first peripheral portion of the driven wheel is configured to define a gap between the first portion and the bearing element such that the strap material can slip therebetween.

Abstract: A guide track for a strap with which to bind a bale of bulk material. The guide track includes a convex portion and a restraining portion. Two lateral guide track halves are biased together. On their internal faces the guide track section halves have channels. The baling strap or baling wire is driven through the channels and guided around the material to be baled. The channels widen from a small diameter to a wide aperture at the receiving end of the guide track sections for receiving a lead end of a wire or strap that is propelled across a gap from a preceding guide track section. A partition is positioned within the wide aperture to provide multiple receptacles for the lead end of a wire or strap.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for banding fence posts are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of vertically disposed conveyor systems with U-shaped cradles for delivering the fence posts in a horizontal disposition to a pair of stationary strapping machines. Opposite the strapping machines are horizontally movable guide elements for directing banding material dispensed from the strapping machines around the fence posts. The strapping machines tighten the bands and connect the bands to themselves. The vertically disposed conveyor systems then move the banded fence posts to an exiting horizontally disposed conveyor system.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes a chute opening system to open a lower portion of the strap chute upon upwardly pivoting a portion of the work surface. Such a machine includes a machine frame, a work surface for supporting the load in the strapping machine, at least a portion of which is upwardly pivotal. A strap chute carries the strapping material around the load and releases the strapping material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a strap path along the chute. The chute is movable between an operating position in which the strapping material is conveyed along the chute and a release position in which the strap chute is moved longitudinally to release the strapping material from the chute for positioning around the load. A weld head seals the strapping material onto itself. At least a portion of the weld head is disposed along the strap path below the work surface.

Abstract: The device according to the invention for tensioning and sealing of strapping bands has a band abutment (24) for the inner band edges (27) of the band ends (20, 21) to be welded together, which is provided with a band width adjustment device (28) according to the invention, with the help of which the band abutment adjusts the band abutment transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strapping band in the housing and that the device can be adjusted to strapping having with different widths without any reconstruction measures (see FIG. 3).

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes hinged, readily removable in-feed and out-feed work surfaces with integral conveyors. The strapping machine includes a machine frame, the in-feed and out-feed work surfaces mounted to the frame and a strap chute mounted to the frame for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute. A feed assembly and a weld head are disposed below the work surfaces. The in-feed and out-feed surfaces are on opposite sides of the strap chute and are separated from one another by a lower portion of the chute. Integral conveyors for in-feeding the load into the strapping machine and for out-feeding the load from the strapping machine are formed in the work surfaces. The work surfaces are hingedly mounted for pivoting upwardly and outwardly for maintenance of the machine and for removing the surfaces and conveyors from the machine.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, the strapping machine including a strap chute for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a longitudinal axis transverse to the chute. The strap chute is formed having a chute frame and an inner wall defining a track for conveying the strap through the strap chute. The inner wall is movable relative to the chute frame, parallel to the longitudinal axis between an operating position and a release position to release the strap from the strap chute. A drive assembly is operably connected to the inner wall for moving the inner wall between the operating and release positions. The drive assembly includes driven elements mounted to the inner wall for longitudinal movement therewith. The driven elements constrain movement of the inner wall in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A banding machine and method for banding bundles of material using a thermal and moisture activated adhesive baleband. In one embodiment the banding machine includes a sealing station that guides and tightens the baleband around a bale such that a portion of the baleband is overlapped. The sealing station also connects or seals the overlapped end portions of the band after tightening the band about a bale and cuts the band as overlapped end portions are connected. The overlapped end portions are adhesively connected or sealed using a steam or hot water applicator mechanism and associated actuator controller for applying pressurized steam or hot water to the overlapped end portions of the baleband.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for banding fence posts are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of vertically disposed conveyor systems with U-shaped cradles for delivering the fence posts in a horizontal disposition to a pair of stationary strapping machines. Opposite the strapping machines are horizontally movable guide elements for directing banding material dispensed from the strapping machines around the fence posts. The strapping machines tighten the bands and connect the bands to themselves. The vertically disposed conveyor systems then move the banded fence posts to an exiting horizontally disposed conveyor system.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a strapping head for a strapping machine includes a body having a generally rectangular cross-section and defining a cavity therein having an end wall. The body has a gripping pad on an exterior portion thereof. The body further includes pin openings in opposing walls. A single spring stack is disposed in the cavity. An end of the spring stack abuts the inner end wall of the body. A follower block is positioned in the cavity. The follower block has a base and a roller support portion. The roller support portion has pin openings therein. A roller is positioned in the roller support portion. The roller has a passage therethrough. A retaining pin is disposed through the body pin openings, the follower block pin openings and the roller passage. The retaining pin is disposed to maintain the follower block within the body cavity with the roller secured thereto and to maintain the spring stack captured within the body cavity.

Abstract: A strapping machine automatically adjusting the strap tension includes a sensor to interact with two sense members fixed on a subordinate wheel of an advance and retreat device, which consists of a main wheel and the subordinate wheel. The sensor and the sense members sense the advanced and the retreated rounds of the subordinate wheel when a strap is moved through a gap between the main wheel and the subordinate wheel. Then sensor sends a signal of the length practically needed to bind the strap around an object to a signal processor, which calculates and records and sends the difference cardinality to a controller. Then the controller controls operation and stopping of the motor of a strap tension device according to the signal so that the strap machine can automatically adjust the strap tension for binding the strap.

Abstract: A banding packing machine capable of inexpensively detecting the end of a band reel, thereby contributing to a reduction in cost. In a banding packing machine having a back pool box in a packing machine body and serving to feed an unused band (B) stored in the back pool box and a band from a band reel, the rotating speed of a touch roller is detected when a required amount of band is being pulled out of the band reel wherein the band is not left in the band reel if the rotating speed is not changed but the rotation is carried out at an almost constant speed, and the tip portion of the band does not arrive at the predetermined position of a band guide arch. Then, the driving operation of a normal rotating roller is stopped based on the decision signal.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load, the strapping machine includes a strap path formed from opposing, movable elements. The machine includes a frame, a slack box, and a first portion of a strap path from the slack box. The first portion of the strap path is formed by a pair of opposing path forming elements moveable toward and away from each other between an open path position and a closed path position. The path forming elements further define a path entrance and a path exit, The closed path position defines the first portion of the strap path. A strapping head is mounted to the frame and is configured to convey the strap material in a first direction to position the strap material around the load and to convey the strap material in a second direction to tension the strap material around the load.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a tubular length (1) of stretch film is applicable to machines or lines (3) for making packages (C) containing groups of products wrapped with stretch film and comprises at least the following: a feed table (4), extending in a defined direction (D), on which the groups of products presenting a front face (5) are formed; a station (6) for making the packages (C), located on the feed table (4) and equipped with means (7) for unwinding the stretch film and forming the length (1) of the film around means (8) for preforming the package (C), the means (7) for unwinding and forming the length (1) of film comprising at least one roll (9) of stretch film located close to the preforming means (8); means (10) for cutting a length of the film unwound from the roll (9); means (11) for gripping the film and moving along a substantially ring-shaped path (P) in such a way as to wind the film around the package (C) preforming means (8) and place the leading and trailing ends (1a, 1b) of the length (1)

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load, includes a frame, a slack box having a slack box cover and a first portion of a strap path having a cover over a portion thereof. A strapping head is mounted to the frame. The strap path cover extends over a portion of the strapping head. The strapping head includes a winder for tensioning the strap material around the load. A chute is mounted to the frame and is configured for positioning the strap material around the load and to release the strap therefrom to pull the strap material to the load. At least one enclosure encloses a portion of the strap path. The enclosure has a door having a quick-release latch. The door has a slot therein and the quick release latch has a projection that is movable across the slot for defining a pintle opening. The projection is movable to define a door pivoting position and a door removal position.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying reinforcing strapping to bulk boxes. The machine includes a plurality of strapping head assemblies arranged in series, with each adapted to apply a strap in encircling relationship to a box at a predetermined location on the box. As the box advances through successive strapping head assemblies, straps are applied in predetermined spaced relationship on the box, until the desired number of straps have been applied. The number, spacing and tension of the straps may be quickly and easily adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, the strapping head assemblies are arranged in pairs in individual modules. A recovery strapping head assembly is provided just prior to exit from the machine to apply any strapping missed by a preceding strapping head assembly.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load includes a frame, a controller, a slack box having a slack box cover and a first portion of a strap path from the slack box. The first portion of the strap path has a strap path cover over a portion thereof. The strap path cover is mounted to the frame by a hinge common with the slack box cover. The strap path cover and slack box cover are openable independent of each other. A strapping head is also mounted to the frame. The strap path cover extends over a portion of the strapping head.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an automatic banding packing machine capable of easily removing the ring of a band with a simple structure when idle banding is carried out. When the rear end side of a band is to be pulled back by band pull-back means (84), an amount of the pull-back is detected by detecting means. It is decided that idle banding of the band is carried out when a result of the detection is greater than a preset length and the band is wound around a slide table. Thereafter, the rotation of a cam shaft (41) is temporarily stopped based on a signal, whereby the timing of the pressing to be carried out by a middle presser member, which is operated after melting the superposing portion of the band by means of a heater (36), is delayed in a predetermined time.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load has an improved strap chute release system. Such a machine includes a frame, a strapping head mounted to the frame including at least a pair of wheels for feeding strap material and for retracting strap material and configured to seal a first course of strap material onto an overlying second course of strap material, and a strap chute mounted to the frame and configured for receiving the strap material from the strapping head and positioning the strap material around the load. The strap chute is configured to release the strap therefrom as the strap material is pulled to the load. The strap chute has an inner wall and a transverse wall defining a strap track from which the strap material is released. The inner wall is moveable away from the transverse wall for releasing the strap.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load includes a strap chute having sequential strap release. The strapping machine includes a frame and the strap chute is mounted to the frame. The strap chute includes at least one fixed wall cooperating with at least one movable wall that, in a first position, defines a strap path through the strap chute and in a second position, releases the strap material from the strap path. A strapping head is also mounted to the frame. The strapping head is configured to convey the strap material into the chute and around the chute and to take-up and tension the strap material around the load. The strap chute includes at least one strap chute brush disposed between the at least one movable wall and the load.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load includes a frame, a strapping head mounted to the frame, a strap chute mounted to the frame that is configured to position the strap material around the load and release the strap therefrom to pull the strap material to the load and a work surface mounted to the frame at about a bottom of the strap chute. A control system is included. A panel carries at least a portion of the control system. The panel formed as a door for an enclosure. The panel is removable from the enclosure.

Abstract: A strapping device (1) for strapping an object (14) with a strapping tape (5). The strapping device (1) includes a guide (3) for guiding a strapping tape (5), which serves for the purpose of forming a loop of strapping tape (5) in a waiting position. The formation of the loop takes place independently of the position of the object to be strapped (14). The strapping device (1) furthermore comprises a device for moving the loop (4). This device serves to position the loop of strapping tape (5) formed by the guide (3) from the waiting position into a stacking position around an object (14) to be strapped, after this object has been positioned on a work surface (2).

Abstract: A binding device for binding pulp bales with wire drawn from a wire magazine is disclosed including a feed for feeding and tightening the wire, a guide for guiding the wire around the bale during forward feeding thereof, a processor for cutting the tightened wire and twisting together the ends thereof, and a take-up unit for taking up the slack loop of wire arising from the tightening of the wire. A spring-loaded device adjacent to the feed means dampens the jerk which occurs when the slack loop of wire runs out and wire begins to be drawn from the magazine.

Abstract: A sleeve-type packaging machine system comprises: first (10) second (20) and third (30) article conveyor means, piece wrapping means (40), piece conveyor means (50) with a conveyor belt (51), a first modular unit (T100-G100) for forming and feeding pieces (S1) of packaging material, and a second modular unit (T200-G200) for forming and feeding pieces (S2) of packaging material. The said two modular units (T100-G100; T200-G200) can assume at least two transverse positions, namely a first position in which the modular unit (T100-G100; T200-G200) is positioned at least transversely at the side of the packaging machine, and a second position, in which the modular unit (T100-G100; T200-G200) is positioned under the packaging machine.

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

Abstract: A self-cleaning limit switch is for use in a strapping machine of the type configured to convey strapping material around a load, receive first and second courses of the strapping material, position, tension and seal the strapping material around a load. The strapping machine includes a strapping head having internal and external limit switch channels formed therein. The limit switch includes a sliding element having internal and external sliding portions rigidly connected to one another. The internal sliding portion is positioned in the strapping head internal limit switch channel and the external portion is positioned in the strapping head external limit switch channel. The internal and external sliding portions include an inclined surface at a rearward end thereof and upstanding walls at a forward end thereof. The internal sliding portion has a lip for engaging the second course of strapping material. The external sliding portion includes a position indicating element thereon.

Abstract: A strap path access guide is configured for use in a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly a chute and a strapping head disposed between the feed assembly and the chute. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The strap path access guide is disposed along the feed assembly between a pair of tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The strap path access guide includes a fixed lower guide portion extending between the tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The fixed lower guide portion defines a lower surface of the strap path. A pivotable upper guide portion is pivotable about a pivot that is spaced from and rearwardly beyond the tensioning wheels. The upper guide portion is pivotable between a closed position in which the upper and lower guide portions cooperate with one another to define the strap path and an open position in which the strap path is fully accessible.

Abstract: A strapping head for a strapping machine includes a novel anvil arrangement having an offset connecting link for translating eccentric drive movement to linear oscillations for effecting strapping welds. The strapping head includes a stationary body, an anvil mounted to the body. A sealing member is disposed in a slot in the anvil. The sealing member oscillates in a longitudinal direction and is restrained from movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The offset link operably connects the drive and the sealing member. The link has a first element adapted to receive an eccentric movement and a second element adapted to deliver a linear oscillating movement. The first and second elements are operably connected to one another by a connecting pin. The first and second element lie on different planes to permit ready removal of the sealing member from the anvil slot.

Abstract: A band refeeding method in a banding packing machine is disclosed which can prevent the tip portion of a band from being excessively pulled back even if the band is not supplied correctly but is automatically pulled back, and can stay the band in a predetermined position and can successively supply the band to the band guide arch side. A length of a band to be pulled back to an original position by band pull back means is previously detected based on the number of rotations of a touch roller constituting band supply means. In addition, the number of rotations of the touch roller before reaching a predetected set value is detected when the tip portion of the band is pulled back. Then, a rotating speed of a roller of the band pull back means is reduced when the number of rotations is detected. Therefore, the roller of the band pull back means is subsequently rotated at the low speed, thereby pulling back the tip of the band to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A twist tie feed device is provided for twisting together the ends of a tie ribbon which encircles a product including a base plate. A twist head assembly can be mounted on a base plate and receives a first end of a tie ribbon which encircles the product and a second end of the encircling tie ribbon and will rotate about itself to twist the tie ribbon about the product. Positive drive wheels and idler working in conjuction feed the ribbon in one of a first direction towards the twist head assembly and a second direction away from the twist head assembly. The positive drive wheels can contact the ribbon at one side and the idler can contact the ribbon on the other side to apply a positive drive force to the drive the ribbon as it passes between the drive wheels and idler. The ribbon can be fed in the second direction away from the twist head assembly, thereby tightening the ribbon about the product.

Abstract: A bale binding machine utilizes controlled pins to guide the path of a wire (or strap) around a bale such that strength-reducing bending is not introduced to the wire. The bale binding machine binds bales of fibrous bulk materials such as cotton and nylon.

Abstract: A feed system for a strapping machine automatically detects a strap error or fault, stops strap retraction or take-up and refeeds the strap into the strapping head following that error or fault. The system is used in a strapping machine of the type having a strap supply, a strap chute and a strapping head disposed between the supply and the chute. The feed system includes a strap path from the supply to the head, a pair of tensioning wheels disposed along the strap path proximal the strap supply and a pair of feed wheels disposed along the strap path proximal the strapping head. The feed wheels define a nip therebetween. A feed wheel drive is operably connected to one of the feed wheels and a tensioning wheel drive is operably connected to one of the tensioning wheels. A sensor is disposed along the strap path for generating a signal to indicate a movement or a lack of movement of the strap along the strap path.

Abstract: A strap path access guide is configured for use in a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly a chute and a strapping head disposed between the feed assembly and the chute. The strapping machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The strap path access guide is disposed along the feed assembly between a pair of tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The strap path access guide includes a fixed lower guide portion extending between the tensioning wheels and the strapping head. The fixed lower guide portion defines a lower surface of the strap path. A pivotable upper guide portion is pivotable about a pivot that is spaced from and rearwardly beyond the tensioning wheels. The upper guide portion is pivotable between a closed position in which the upper and lower guide portions cooperate with one another to define the strap path and an open position in which the strap path is fully accessible.

Abstract: The invention is a baling machine with an articulated guide track disposed in three operationally distinct sections. One section of the articulated guide track, representing approximately one-half of the track perimeter, is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the large section completes a guide track perimeter. In the second position, the large section pivots away from tying heads of the baling machine to permit ejection of the bale from the machine.

Abstract: Abstract: The method according to the present invention and the device (1) used to implement said method for wrapping or enveloping a galosh which is also named as an overshoe, around a footwear, have been developed in order to avoid the bacteria, microbes, dust, mud and other dirt particles that may be found on the soles of the footwear, from being carried into and the areas with hygienic requirements. With said device (1), the sole and the side walls (side vamps) of the footwear are wrapped with a film (21) by a method, wherein warm air is blown at a suitable flow rate towards said sole and side vamps of the footwear, which causes said film (21) to shrink and cover said solve and side vamps of the footwear by wrapping them up when it comes into contact wit the film.

Abstract: A stack of sheet-type objects are bundled while supported on a support plate. A banding strip is guided in a channel formed in the plate. The support plate can be pushed through a shaft that is formed by a pair of spaced sidewalls. A tongue is displaceable between an extended position, in which it separates the channel from the surface of the supporting plate, and a withdrawn position in which the channel is placed in an open position with respect to the surface of the supporting plate. A spring is used to hold the banding strip in contact with an underside of the stack of sheet-type objects.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for a strapping machine of the type having a frame supporting a feed assembly, a chute and a strap supply provides ready accessibility and ease of loading or reloading a coil of strap material in the machine. A strapping machine includes a strapping head disposed between the feed assembly and the chute. The machine is configured to receive first and second courses of associated strap material, position, tension and seal the strap material around a load. The strap material is provided on a coil having a axis of rotation about which the coil rotates to dispense the strap material. The dispenser assembly includes a support panel hingedly mounted to the frame that is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The support panel includes a central hub defining an axis for carrying the coil of strap material.

Abstract: The distal end of a band remains held after a band-holding step. A band-tightening step is performed by operating a manual tightening switch, thereby driving a drive motor and hence rotating a drive roller under manual control. A band-sealing step and a band-feeding step are automatically and sequentially performed after a tightening stop switch is operated, generating a manual-tightening end signal. It is desirable to use a mode-changing switch for switching an operating mode of the apparatus between an automatic mode and a manual mode. The manual tightening switch and the tightening step are effective in the manual mode and are ineffective in the automatic mode.

Abstract: A strapping head for a strapping machine includes a novel anvil arrangement having an offset connecting link for translating eccentric drive movement to linear oscillations for effecting strapping welds. The strapping head includes a stationary body, an anvil mounted to the body. A sealing member is disposed in a slot in the anvil. The sealing member oscillates in a longitudinal direction and is restrained from movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The offset link operably connects the drive and the sealing member. The link has a first element adapted to receive an eccentric movement and a second element adapted to deliver a linear oscillating movement. The first and second elements are operably connected to one another by a connecting pin. The first and second element lie on different planes to permit ready removal of the sealing member from the anvil slot.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatus and methods for applying straps around a bundle of objects by applying a variable force to tension the strap around the bundle of objects and then actuating a series of cams to control the sealing of the strap around the bundle of objects. The strap is bonded together by the insertion of a heating element between the strap ends to activate the adhesive thereon. The strapping machine for accomplishing the above method is configured with a feed and tension unit configured to provide a simplified “V-shaped” strap path that reduces bending of the strap, reduces friction on the strap, and minimizes other strap feeding difficulties. The machine is further comprised of a track assembly configured with a track channel having a plurality of biased covers. The covers are biased in a closed position until tension is applied to the strap, which forces the covers to pivot open and release the strap around the bundle of objects.

Abstract: A bundling assembly for use with a strapping machine that is configured to position a strap material around a load and tension the strap material around the load includes first and second moving belts positioned at the strapping machine entrance in opposing relation to one another. The belts each have a paddle mounted thereto and define a pathway through the bundling assembly. A movable stop is positioned at the exit of the strapping machine and is movable between a stop position and a convey position. The moving belts rotate to contact the paddles with the load, urging the load into the entrance of the strapping machine and into an area under the chute. The belts stop rotation, thus stopping movement of the load upon contact of the load with the stop. The movable stop then moves to the convey position and the moving belts rotate such that the paddles move the load out of the exit of the strapping machine. A stabilizing assembly applies a slight pressure on the load during the strapping cycle.

Abstract: Described is a device for strapping packages having a tape supply for a tape-like strapping means, a tape guide channel for passage of the strapping means and a sealing unit for sealing the loop formed by the strapping means and surrounding the package, the tape guide channel being arranged on a frame that consists of two curved frame parts, which are movable out of a rest position below a supporting surface for the packages into a closed position above the supporting surface and back. Such an arrangement simplifies the drive and the guide for the frame parts. This is achieved since each of the two frame parts is guided moveably along its curved centerline below the supporting surface by at least one guiding device.

Abstract: An engageable pawl member is provided so as to be swingable about a supporting shaft so that a pawl tip is movable along a moving path for a strapping band. The engageable pawl member is pulled forwardly in a swinging direction by a helical tension spring to push the pawl tip against the strapping band. The engageable pawl member shifts forwardly, following the movement of the strapping band in a feeding direction, and the strapping band is sandwiched and held between the engageable paw member and a holding guide. Then, the engageable pawl member follows the movement of the strapping band in a direction to pull back, and the engageable pawl member shifts backwardly so that the pawl tip moves in a direction out of the moving path for the strapping band.

Abstract: An octagonal container is formed from corrugated paperboard with overlapping flaps for eliminating gaps in the container bottom wall. Prestretched polypropylene straps are automatically applied to the container when in its flattened condition for providing girth support to the container when in its erected condition. The straps are positioned from the lower portion of the container side walls at ever increasing distances from each other for limiting container bulge when carrying products having varying effects on the container. With such an arrangement of straps, economically and environmentally desirable single and double wall corrugated paperboard can be used where typically triple wall and laminated paperboard containers are used.