Strapping machine

Claim 2

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising first and second gripping members having gripping surfaces thereon and being movable between a feeding condition and a gripping condition, said gripping members in the feeding condition thereof being spaced apart for accommodating the free passage of the leading end of the strap therebetween for forming a loop around the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, said gripping members in the gripping condition thereof cooperating for securely clamping the leading end of the strap therebetween with said gripping surfaces respectively in engagement with the opposite sides of the leading end of the strap, drive mechanism coupled to said gripping members for effecting movement thereof between the feeding condition and the gripping condition thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, and joint forming means for forming a joint between the overlapped portions of the tensioned strap to secure the strap about the object, said drive mechanism effecting movement of said gripping members only in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap just prior to contact therewith to prevent scoring thereof by said gripping surfaces and to prevent relative movement between said gripping members and the strap in a direction longitudinally of the strap, whereby said gripping members securely hold the leading end of the strap without scoring and resultant weakening thereof.

Claim 3

The strapping machine set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said gripping surfaces is provided with a plurality of teeth thereon, the teeth on one of said gripping surfaces being shaped complementary to the teeth on the other of said gripping surfaces.

Claim 4

The strapping machine set forth in claim 1, wherein said drive mechanism effects movement of said gripping members from the feeding condition thereof to the gripping condition thereof in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap.

Claim 5

The strapping machine set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said gripping members is stationary, the other of said gripping members being movable with respect to said one gripping member between the feeding condition and the gripping condition. 5. A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a first gripping member having a gripping surface thereon, a second gripping member having teeth thereon and being movable among a strap feeding condition and a gripping condition and a releasing condition, said second gripping member in the feeding condition thereof being spaced from said gripping surface for accommodating free passage of the leading end of the strap therebetween to form a loop around the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, said second gripping member in the gripping condition thereof cooperating with said first gripping member for securely clamping the leading end of the strap therebetween with said teeth and said gripping surface respectively firmly engaging the opposite sides of the leading end of the strap, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, and joint forming means for forming a joint between the overlapped portions of the tensioned strap to secure the strap about the object, said second gripping member in the releasing condition thereof being disposed out of engagement with the strap loop to accommodate release thereof from between said gripping members, and drive mechanism coupled to said second gripping member for effecting movement thereof among the feeding condition and the gripping Condition and the releasing condition thereof, said drive mechanism effecting movement of said second gripping member only in a first direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap just prior to contact therewith to prevent scoring thereof by said teeth, said drive mechanism effecting initial movement of said second gripping member away from the gripping condition thereof only in a second direction opposite to said first direction to further prevent scoring of the strap by said teeth and to prevent relative movement between said gripping members and the strap in a direction longitudinally of the strap, whereby said gripping members alternately hold and release the leading end of the strap without scoring and resultant weakening thereof.

Claim 6

The strapping machine set forth in claim 5, and further including a pair of second gripping members each having teeth thereon and being movable among said strap feeding and gripping and releasing conditions.

Claim 7

The strapping machine set forth in claim 5, wherein said second gripping member in the releasing condition thereof abuts against the object, whereby the object limits the movement of said second gripping member in said second direction.

Claim 8

The strapping machine set forth in claim 5, wherein said first gripping member is provided with teeth thereon shaped complementary to the teeth on said second gripping member.

Claim 9

The strapping machine set forth in claim 5, and further including control apparatus coupled to said drive mechanism for controlling the operation thereof to move said second gripping member from the feeding condition thereof to the gripping condition thereof just prior to operation of said tensioning means and to said second gripping member from the gripping condition thereof to the releasing condition thereof after operation of said joint forming means.

Claim 10

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a first gripping member having a gripping surface thereon, a second gripping member having teeth thereon and being movable among a feeding condition and a gripping condition and first and second releasing conditions, said second gripping member in the feeding condition thereof being spaced from said gripping surface for accommodating free passage of the leading end of the strap therebetween to form a loop around the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, said second gripping member in the gripping condition thereof cooperating with said first gripping member for securely clamping the leading end of the strap therebetween with said teeth and said gripping surface respectively firmly engaging the opposite sides of the leading end of the strap, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, joint forming means for forming a joint between the overlapped portions of the strap to secure the strap about the object, said second gripping member in the first releasing condition thereof being disposed intermediate the feeding condition and the gripping condition thereof and abutting against the strapped object, said second gripping member in the second releasing condition thereof abutting the strapped object laterally of the strap and out of engagement therewith for accommodating release of the sealed strap from said gripping members, and drive mechanism coupled to said second gripping member for effecting movement thereof among the feeding condition and the gripping condition and the first and second releasing conditions thereof, said drive mechanism effecting movement of said second gripping member in a predetermined direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap just prior to contact therewith to prevent scoring thereof by said teeth, said drive mechanism effecting initial movement of said second gripping member away from the gripping condition thereof in a direction oppOsite to said predetermined direction to further prevent scoring of the strap by said teeth, said drive mechanism effecting pivotal movement of said second gripping member from the first releasing condition to the second releasing condition thereof along the strapped object, whereby said gripping members alternately hold and release the leading end of the strap without scoring and resultant weakening thereof.

Claim 11

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a first gripping member having a gripping surface thereon, a second gripping member having teeth thereon and being movable among a feeding condition and a gripping condition and first and second releasing conditions, said second gripping member in the feeding condition thereof being spaced from said gripping surface for accommodating free passage of the leading end of the strap therebetween to form a loop around the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, said second gripping member in the gripping condition thereof cooperating with said first gripping member for securely clamping the leading end of the strap therebetween with said teeth and said gripping surface respectively firmly engaging the opposite sides of the leading end of the strap, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, joint forming means for forming a joint between the overlapped portions of the strap to secure the strap about the object, said second gripping member in the first releasing condition thereof being disposed intermediate the feeding condition and the gripping condition thereof and abutting against the strapped object, said second gripping member in the second releasing condition thereof abutting the strapped object laterally of the strap and out of engagement therewith for accommodating release of the sealed strap from said gripping members, and drive mechanism coupled to said second gripping member for effecting movement thereof among the feeding condition and the gripping condition and the first and second releasing conditions thereof, said drive mechanism effecting movement of said second gripping member in a predetermined direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap just prior to contact therewith to prevent scoring thereof by said teeth, said drive mechanism effecting initial movement of said second gripping member away from the gripping condition thereof in a direction oppOsite to said predetermined direction to further prevent scoring of the strap by said teeth, said drive mechanism effecting pivotal movement of said second gripping member from the first releasing condition to the second releasing condition thereof along the strapped object, whereby said gripping members alternately hold and release the leading end of the strap without scoring and resultant weakening thereof.

Claim 12

The strapping machine set forth in claim 10, and further including a pair of second gripping members each having teeth thereon and being movable among said strap feeding and gripping and releasing conditions.

Claim 13

The strapping machine set forth in claim 10, wherein said drive mechanism effects pivotal movement of said gripping member from the first releasing condition to the second releasing condition thereof about an axis disposed substantially parallel to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap.

Claim 14

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a first gripping member having a gripping surface thereon, a second gripping member having teeth thereon and being movable among a feeding condition and a gripping condition and first and second releasing conditions, said second gripping member in the feeding condition thereof being spaced from said gripping surface for accommodating free passage of the leading end of the strap therebetween to form a loop around the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, said second gripping member in the gripping condition thereof cooperating with said first gripping member for securely clamping the leading end of the strap therebetween with said teeth and said gripping surface respectively firmly engaging the opposite sides of the leading end of the strap, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, joint forming means for forming a joint between the overlapped portions of the strap to secure the strap about the object, said second gripping member in the first releasing condition thereof being disposed intermediate the feeding condition and the gripping condition thereof and abutting against the strapped object, said second gripping member in the second releasing condition thereof abutting the strapped object laterally of the strap and out of engagement therewith for accommodating release of the sealed strap from said gripping members, bias means urging said second gripping member toward the feeding condition thereof, and a drive assembly coupled to said second gripping member and operable to first and second actuated conditions and cooperating with said bias means for effecting movement of said second gripping member among the feeding condition and the gripping condition and the first and second releasing conditions thereof, said drive assembly in the first actuated condition thereof effecting movement of said second gripping member in a predetermined direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap just prior to contact therewith to prevent scoring thereof by said teeth, said bias means and said drive assembly in the second actuated condition thereof effecting initial movement of said second gripping member away from the gripping condition thereof in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction to further prevent scoring of the strap by said teeth, said drive assembly in the second actuated condition thereof cooperating with said object for effecting pivotal movement of said second gripping member from the first releasing condition thereof to the second releasing condition thereof along the strapped object, said bias means effecting movement of said second gripping member back to the feeding condition thereof upon deactuation of said drive assembly after removal of the strapped object therefrom, whereby said gripping members alternately hold and release the leading end of the strap without scoring and resultAnt weakening thereof.

Claim 15

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a first gripping member having a gripping surface thereon, a second gripping member having teeth thereon and being movable among a feeding condition and a gripping condition and first and second releasing conditions, said second gripping member in the feeding condition thereof being spaced from said gripping surface for accommodating free passage of the leading end of the strap therebetween to form a loop around the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, said second gripping member in the gripping condition thereof cooperating with said first gripping member for securely clamping the leading end of the strap therebetween with said teeth and said gripping surface respectively firmly engaging the opposite sides of the leading end of the strap, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, joint forming means for forming a joint between the overlapped portions of the strap to secure the strap about the object, said second gripping member in the first releasing condition thereof being disposed intermediate the feeding condition and the gripping condition thereof and abutting against the strapped object, said second gripping member in the second releasing condition thereof abutting the strapped object laterally of the strap and out of engagement therewith for accommodating release of the sealed strap from said gripping members, bias means urging said second gripping member toward the feeding condition thereof, and a drive assembly coupled to said second gripping member and operable to first and second actuated conditions and cooperating with said bias means for effecting movement of said second gripping member among the feeding condition and the gripping condition and the first and second releasing conditions thereof, said drive assembly in the first actuated condition thereof effecting movement of said second gripping member in a predetermined direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap just prior to contact therewith to prevent scoring thereof by said teeth, said bias means and said drive assembly in the second actuated condition thereof effecting initial movement of said second gripping member away from the gripping condition thereof in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction to further prevent scoring of the strap by said teeth, said drive assembly in the second actuated condition thereof cooperating with said object for effecting pivotal movement of said second gripping member from the first releasing condition thereof to the second releasing condition thereof along the strapped object, said bias means effecting movement of said second gripping member back to the feeding condition thereof upon deactuation of said drive assembly after removal of the strapped object therefrom, whereby said gripping members alternately hold and release the leading end of the strap without scoring and resultAnt weakening thereof.

Claim 16

The strapping machine set forth in claim 13, wherein said drive assembly includes an air motor and a drive linkage coupling said air motor to said second gripping member.

Claim 17

The strapping machine set forth in claim 13, wherein said bias means comprises a spring.

Claim 18

The strapping machine set forth in claim 13, wherein said drive assembly includes an air motor operable to the first and second actuated conditions, drive linkage coupling said air motor to said second gripping member for effecting movement thereof, and a lever arm coupled to said second gripping member and movable therewith, said air motor in the first actuated condition thereof cooperating with said drive linkage for effecting movement of said second gripping member to the gripping condition thereof, said air motor in the second actuated condition thereof effecting movement of said drive linkage into engagement with said lever arm when said second gripping member is in the first releasing condition thereof for pivotally moving said second gripping member to the second releasing condition thereof.

Claim 19

The strapping machine set forth in claim 13, wherein said second gripping member is pivotally movable about an axis disposed substantially parallel to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap.

Claim 20

The strapping machine set forth in claim 13, wherein said second gripping member is pivotally movable about an axis disposed substantially parallel to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap, said axis passing through said second gripping member and being movable therewith.

Claim 21

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, and drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, said drive mechanism being coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the sealing position and the retracted position thereof, said drive mechanism alternately placing said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region without interference one with the other, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 22

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, and drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, said drive mechanism being coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the sealing position and the retracted position thereof, said drive mechanism alternately placing said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region without interference one with the other, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 23

The strapping machine set forth in claim 19, wherein said seal feed member is provided with a guide surface thereon, said guide surface guiding the passage of the leading end of the strap through said sealing region when said seal feed member is in the feeding position thereof.

Claim 24

The strapping machine set forth in claim 19, wherein said drive mechanism includes a first air motor coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, a second air motor coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the sealing position and the retracted position thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said first and second air motors for controlling the operation thereof to alternately place said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region.

Claim 25

The strapping machine set forth in claim 19, wherein movement of said seal feed member from the withdrawn position thereof to the Feeding position thereof effects movement of a seal from a supply thereof to a holding location in said sealing region adjacent to said sealing jaws in the retracted position thereof, movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position thereof to the sealing position thereof effecting movement of the seal from said holding location into sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 26

The strapping machine set forth in claim 19, wherein said sealing jaws include a plurality of pairs of jaws aligned longitudinally of the overlapped portions of the strap substantially parallel to one another and having a combined longitudinal extent substantially equal to the length of the associated seal.

Claim 27

The strapping machine set forth in claim 19, and further including a cutter coupled to said sealing jaws and movable therewith for severing the sealed strap loop from the supply portion of the strap immediately after formation of the seal joint.

Claim 28

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portion of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, said sealing jaws having camming surfaces thereon and being spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the seal, cam members respectively disposed for camming engagement with the camming surfaces of said sealing jaws, and drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, said drive mechanism being coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the sealing position and the retracted position thereof, said drive mechanism alternately placing said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region without interference one with the other, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said drive means for effecting movement of said sealing jaws into said sealing region in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap during the first portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position thereof to the sealing position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said drive means for effecting pivotal movement of said sealing jaws into engagement with the side edges of the seal for forming the seal joint during the last portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position thereof to the sealing position thereof, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 29

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portion of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, said sealing jaws having camming surfaces thereon and being spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the seal, cam members respectively disposed for camming engagement with the camming surfaces of said sealing jaws, and drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, said drive mechanism being coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the sealing position and the retracted position thereof, said drive mechanism alternately placing said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region without interference one with the other, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said drive means for effecting movement of said sealing jaws into said sealing region in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap during the first portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position thereof to the sealing position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said drive means for effecting pivotal movement of said sealing jaws into engagement with the side edges of the seal for forming the seal joint during the last portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position thereof to the sealing position thereof, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 30

The strapping machine set forth in claim 25, wherein said drive mechanism includes a first air motor coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding and withdrawn positions thereof, a second air motor coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the sealing and retracted positions thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said first and second air motors for controlling the operation thereof to alternately place said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region.

Claim 31

The strapping machine set forth in claim 25, wherein said sealing jaws are respectively pivotally movable about axes disposed substantially parallel to the plaNe of the adjacent portion of the strap.

Claim 32

The strapping machine set forth in claim 25, wherein said sealing jaws are respectively pivotally movable about axes disposed substantially parallel to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap, each of said axes passing through the associated sealing jaw and being movable therewith.

Claim 33

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portion of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, said sealing jaws having camming surfaces thereon and being spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the seal, cam members respectively disposed for camming engagement with the camming surfaces of said sealing jaws, first drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, second drive mechanism coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the sealing position and the retracted position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said drive means for effecting movement of said sealing jaws into said sealing region in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap during the first portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position to the sealing position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said second drive means for effecting pivotal movement of said sealing jaws into engagement with the side edges of the seal for forming the seal joint during the last portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position to the sealing position thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said first and second drive mechanisms for controlling the operation thereof to alternately place said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region without interference one with the other, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 34

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portion of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, said sealing jaws having camming surfaces thereon and being spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the seal, cam members respectively disposed for camming engagement with the camming surfaces of said sealing jaws, first drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, second drive mechanism coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the sealing position and the retracted position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said drive means for effecting movement of said sealing jaws into said sealing region in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap during the first portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position to the sealing position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said second drive means for effecting pivotal movement of said sealing jaws into engagement with the side edges of the seal for forming the seal joint during the last portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position to the sealing position thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said first and second drive mechanisms for controlling the operation thereof to alternately place said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region without interference one with the other, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 35

The strapping machine set forth in claim 29, wherein each of said drive mechanisms comprises an air motor.

Claim 36

The strapping machine set forth in claim 29, wherein each of said drive mechanisms comprises an air motor, said control apparatus comprising an electric control circuit and a pneumatic control circuit coupling said electric control circuit to said air motors.

Claim 37

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portion of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable among a partial sealing position and a full sealing position in said sealing region for sequentially deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, said sealing jaws having camming surfaces thereon and being spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the seal, cam members respectively disposed for camming engagement with the camming surfaces of said sealing jaws, and first drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, second drive mechanism coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the retracted position and the partial sealing position thereof, third drive mechanism coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the partial sealing position and the full sealing position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said second drive mechanism for effecting movement of said sealing jaws into said sealing region in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap during the first portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position to the partial sealing position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said second drive mechanism for effecting pivotal movement of said sealing jaws into engagement with the side edges of the seal during the last portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position to the sealing position thereof for deforming the seal into a configuration loosely enveloping the overlapped portions of the strap to accommodate tensioning thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said third drive mechanism for effecting continued pivotal movement of said sealing jaws from the partial sealing position to the full sealing position thereof for forming the seal joint, and control apparatus coupled to said first and second and third drive mechanisms for controlling the operation thereof to alternately place said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region without interference one with the other, said control apparatus controlling the operation of said second and third drive mechanisms for moving said sealing jaws into the partial sealing position thereof prior to operation of said tensioning means and for moving said sealing jaws from the partial sealing position to the full sealing position thereof after operation of said tensioning means, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 38

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portion of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable among a partial sealing position and a full sealing position in said sealing region for sequentially deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, said sealing jaws having camming surfaces thereon and being spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the seal, cam members respectively disposed for camming engagement with the camming surfaces of said sealing jaws, and first drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, second drive mechanism coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the retracted position and the partial sealing position thereof, third drive mechanism coupled to said sealing jaws for effecting movement thereof between the partial sealing position and the full sealing position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said second drive mechanism for effecting movement of said sealing jaws into said sealing region in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap during the first portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position to the partial sealing position thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said second drive mechanism for effecting pivotal movement of said sealing jaws into engagement with the side edges of the seal during the last portion of the movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position to the sealing position thereof for deforming the seal into a configuration loosely enveloping the overlapped portions of the strap to accommodate tensioning thereof, said camming surfaces cooperating with said cam members and said third drive mechanism for effecting continued pivotal movement of said sealing jaws from the partial sealing position to the full sealing position thereof for forming the seal joint, and control apparatus coupled to said first and second and third drive mechanisms for controlling the operation thereof to alternately place said seal feed member and said sealing jaws in the sealing region without interference one with the other, said control apparatus controlling the operation of said second and third drive mechanisms for moving said sealing jaws into the partial sealing position thereof prior to operation of said tensioning means and for moving said sealing jaws from the partial sealing position to the full sealing position thereof after operation of said tensioning means, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 39

The strapping machine set forth in claim 32, wherein each of said drive mechanisms comprises an air motor.

Claim 40

The strapping machine set forth in claim 32, wherein movement of said seal feed member from the withdrawn position thereof to the feeding position thereof effects movement of a seal from a supply thereof to a holding location in said sealing region adjacent to said sealing jaws in the retracted position thereof, movement of said sealing jaws from the retracted position thereof to the sealing position thereof effecting movement of the seal from said holding location into sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 41

The strapping machine set forth in claim 32, wherein said sealing jaws in the partial sealing position thereof cooperate to deform the associated seal into a configuration loosely enveloping the overlapping portions of the strap for preventing displacement thereof from the sealing region while accommodating tensioning of the strap.

Claim 42

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portion of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, a die member movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for crimping the side edges of the seal and the strap for facilitating the formation of the seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of the sealing region, and drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, said drive mechanism being coupled to said sealing jaws and said die member for effecting movement thereof between the sealing positions and the retracted positions thereof, said drive mechanism simultaneously placing said sealing jaws and said die member in the sealing region for formation of the seal joint, said drive mechanism placing said seal feed member in the sealing region alternately with the simultaneous placement of the sealing jaws and die member therein without interference of the seal feed member with the sealing jaws and the die member, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws and said die member cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 43

A strapping machine for applying a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a seal feed member movable between a feeding position in a sealing region adjacent to the overlapped portion of the strap for holding a seal therein and a withdrawn position out of said sealing region, sealing jaws movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for deforming the seal around the overlapped portions of the strap to form a seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of said sealing region, a die member movable between a sealing position in said sealing region for crimping the side edges of the seal and the strap for facilitating the formation of the seal joint therebetween and a retracted position out of the sealing region, and drive mechanism coupled to said seal feed member for effecting movement thereof between the feeding position and the withdrawn position thereof, said drive mechanism being coupled to said sealing jaws and said die member for effecting movement thereof between the sealing positions and the retracted positions thereof, said drive mechanism simultaneously placing said sealing jaws and said die member in the sealing region for formation of the seal joint, said drive mechanism placing said seal feed member in the sealing region alternately with the simultaneous placement of the sealing jaws and die member therein without interference of the seal feed member with the sealing jaws and the die member, whereby said seal feed member and said sealing jaws and said die member cooperate to place a seal in sealing engagement with the overlapped portions of the strap to form the seal joint therebetween.

Claim 44

The strapping machine set forth in claim 36, wherein said die member is coupled to said sealing jaws and is movable therewith into crimping engagement with the associated seal.

Claim 45

The strapping machine set forth in claim 36, wherein said sealing jaws include a plurality of pairs of sealing jaws, and further including a plurality of die members respectively disposed between adjacent pairs of said sealing jaws, and means coupling said die members to said sealing jaws for movement therewith.

Claim 46

The strapping machine set forth in claim 36, wherein said die member is coupled to said sealing jaws for movement therewith, and further including a cutter coupled to said sealing jaws and said die member for movement therewith to sever the seal strap loop from the supply portion of the strap immediately after formation of the seal joint.