US3893316A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bale tie straightening apparatus
Assignee: A J Gerrard and Co
•
Filing: 1974-11-07
•
Granted: 1975-07-08
•
Expires: 1994-11-07
Abstract
Abstract A first straightener unit includes freely-rotatable roller means for orienting the axis of a bale tie in a first plane. A second straightener unit includes freely-rotatable roller means for orienting the axis of the bale tie in a second plane normal to the first plane. A forward drive unit includes drive rollers for engaging the bale tie and advancing the same through the first and second straightener units. A rearward drive unit includes drive rollers for engaging the portion of the bale tie leaving the second straightener unit and drawing the bale tie through the first and second straightener units. Provided forwardly of the forward drive unit is severing means for severing the bale tie being straightened.
Inventors
- 👤 Emil Simich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 07:30
CPC Classifications
B; B21; B21F; B21F1/00; B21F1/02; A; A01; A01F; A01F15/00; A01F15/08; A01F15/12; B21D; B21D3/00; B21D3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
For use in straightening a bale tie, apparatus comprising frame means, a first straightener unit supported by said frame means and including freely-rotatable roller means for orienting the axis of the bale tie in a first plane, a second straightener unit supported by said frame means and including freely-rotatable roller means for orienting the axis of the bale tie in a second plane normal to said first plane, a forward drive unit supported by said frame means and including drive rollers for engaging the bale tie and advancing the same through said first and second straightener units, a rearward drive unit supported by said frame means and including drive rollers for engaging the portion of the bale tie leaving said secOnd straightener unit and drawing the bale tie through said first and second straightener units, main drive means for driving said forward and rearward drive units, severing means forwardly of said forward drive unit for severing the bale tie being straightened, and selectively operable auxiliary drive means for effecting actuation of said severing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
For use in straightening a bale tie, apparatus comprising frame means, a first straightener unit supported by said frame means and including freely-rotatable roller means for orienting the axis of the bale tie in a first plane, a second straightener unit supported by said frame means and including freely-rotatable roller means for orienting the axis of the bale tie in a second plane normal to said first plane, a forward drive unit supported by said frame means and including drive rollers for engaging the bale tie and advancing the same through said first and second straightener units, a rearward drive unit supported by said frame means and including drive rollers for engaging the portion of the bale tie leaving said secOnd straightener unit and drawing the bale tie through said first and second straightener units, main drive means for driving said forward and rearward drive units, severing means forwardly of said forward drive unit for severing the bale tie being straightened, and selectively operable auxiliary drive means for effecting actuation of said severing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
118 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said forward and rearward drive units each comprise a stationary back bearing wall, a stationary lower front bearing block, a floating upper front bearing block spring biased toward said lower bearing block, a lower shaft journaled in said back bearing wall and in said lower front bearing block and on which one of said drive rollers is secured, an upper shaft journaled in said back bearing wall and in said upper front bearing block and on which one of said drive rollers is secured, one of said lower and upper shafts having connection with said main drive means, and means between said lower and upper shafts whereby the same are rotated conjointly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including limit means rearwardly of said rearward drive unit and engageable by the leading end of the bale tie for rendering said auxiliary drive means operable whereby the bale tie is cut to a predetermined length.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said limit means comprises normally open limit switch means connected with said auxiliary drive means, and a pivotally mounted limit member when engaged by the leading end of the bale tie serving to close said limit switch means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including safety means forwardly of said forward drive unit and when engaged by an operator''s hand serving to render said auxiliary drive means operable whereby the bale tie is severed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said safety means comprises normally open safety switch means connected with said auxiliary drive means, and a pivotally mounted safety lever when engaged by an operator''s hand serving to close said safety switch means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including ledge means normally positioned to receive the straightened bale tie as it leaves said rearward drive unit, solenoid means having a plunger engageable with said ledge means, and means for energizing said solenoid means whereby said plunger is distended and moves said ledge means for releasing the straightened bale tie.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
105 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said auxiliary drive means comprises clutch means having a first rotatable assembly connected with said main drive means for rotation therewith and having a second rotatable assembly rotatable with said first rotatable assembly, said second rotatable assembly having a stop shoulder, a pawl engageable with said shoulder for holding said second rotatable assembly against rotation, solenoid means for withdrawing said pawl from engagement with said shoulder whereby said second rotatable assembly is permitted to rotate with said first rotatable assembly, and thrust rod means moved by rotation of said second rotatable assembly for effecting actuation of said severing means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
119 words
The apparatus of claim 8 including ledge means normally positioned to receive the straightened bale tie as it leaves said rearward drive unit, second solenoid means having a plunger engageable with said ledge means, normally open switch means connected with said solenoid means of said auxiliary drive means and said second solenoid means, and a pivotally mounted limit member rearwardly of said rearward drive unit and when engaged by the leading end of the bale tie serving to close said switch means whereby said solenoid means of said auxiliary drive means is energized for withdrawing said pawl and whereby said second solenoid means is energized for distending said plunger and moving said ledge means releasing the straightened bale tie.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said severing means comprises guide block means, a horizontal guide sleeve presenting a shearing face, said guide sleeve beinG threaded in said guide block means and serving to guide the bale therethrough and into said forward drive unit, a vertical knife slidable in said guide block means and having a cutting edge for severing the bale tie at said shearing face, and sliding of said knife being effected by said auxiliary drive means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said severing means comprises guide block means through which the bale tie passes while advancing into said forward drive unit, a vertical knife slidable in said guide block means for severing the bale tie, and sliding of said knife being effected by said auxiliary drive means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
104 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said auxiliary drive means comprises clutch means having a first rotatable assembly connected with said main drive means for rotation therewith and having a second rotatable assembly rotatable with said first rotatable assembly, said second rotatable assembly having a stop shoulder, a pawl engageable with said shoulder for holding said second rotatable assembly against rotation, solenoid means for withdrawing said pawl from engagement with said shoulder whereby said second rotatable assembly is permitted to rotate with said first rotatable assembly, and thrust rod means moved by rotation of said second rotatable assembly for effecting sliding of said knife.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 12 including normally open switch means connected with said solenoid means, and a pivotally mounted limit member rearwardly of said rearward drive unit and when engaged by the leading end of the bale tie serving to close said switch means whereby said solenoid means is energized for withdrawing said pawl.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said freely-rotatable roller means comprise staggered rollers each of which is formed with a peripheral groove whose depth is greater than the radius of curvature of the bottom thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-07-07 | 1979-01-06 | 1979-07-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-07 | 1983-01-06 | 1983-07-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-07 | 1987-01-06 | 1987-07-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |