US3066599A - Automatic strapping and sealing machine - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 4, 1962 A. T. KOEHLER AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 13, 1959 A m mm? w Em Dec. 4, 1962 A. 1-. KOEHLER AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 13, 1959 zzz/ezaforr Dec. 4, 1962 A. T. KOEHLER 3,066,599

AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE Filed Feb. 13, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet 3 M l W H W @6762)". e/fent Tfiei/er Dec. 4, 1962 A. T. KOEHLER AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 13, 1959 lll l Jzz/emj 77 $5671 7.16659- 1962 A. T. KOEHLER 3,066,599

AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE Filed Feb. 13, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 HII lllm A 1 I w M "w 1 1 um" WW 11 fiizuezz or.

Dec. 4, 1962 A. T. KOEHLER 3,066,599

AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE Filed Feb. 13, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 In W I Z091 l I ll WI 102 "h, J

Dec. 4, 1962 A. T. KOEHLER 3,066,599

AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE Filed Feb. 13, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet '7 weww jizueijan W6 5 Tfie'ian az M4 6.

Dec. 4, 1962 A. 'r. KOEHLER AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE ll Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 13, 1959 mom Dec. 4, 19G

Filed Feb. 15,

al II IH MW W M I] A. T. KOEHLER AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 '1 MW W Z/52 TJQe/Z/er.

1366- 1962 A. T. KOEHLER AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE ll Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Feb. 13, 1959 Dec.- 4, 1962 A. T. KOEHLER AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE l1 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed Feb. 15, 1959 l l l A i 1 L United States Patent 3,066,599 AUTOMATIC STRAPPING AND SEALING MACHINE Albert T. Koelrler, Monticello, Ind., assignor to A. J.

Gerrard & Company, Melrose Park, III., a corporation of Illinois Filed Feb. 13, 1959, Ser. No. 793,194 14 Claims. (Cl. 100-12) The invention relates generally to strap sealing mechanisms and more particularly to an automatic strap mechanism for tensioning a strap around an object and sealing the same.

The present invention is particularly directed to automatic mechanism whereby an object may be fed or placed into the same and one or more straps automatically applied to the object, tensioned and a seal applied to the ends of the tensioned strap to secure the same together. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the strapping is suitably fed from a strap coil and the seals are constructed in the form of a coil of integrally connected seals which may be fed into the mechanism and severed from the coil. The invention is also adapted to place a plurality of bands about a coil of strip steel such as that utilized in the machine, whereby the coil may be readily handled and transported without uncoiling. Normally three straps would be placed about each coil of strapping approximately one hundred and twenty degrees apart.

The invention has among its objects the production of a strap tensioning and sealing mechanism which is fully automatic in operation, measuring the amount of strap to be fed, looping the same about the object to which it is to be applied, placing the strap under predetermined tension about the object, applying a seal and crimping the same on the strap to secure the ends of the strap together.

Another object of the invention is the production of such a mechanism which embodies relatively simple foolproof components, whereby the device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and very eflicient for the purposes intended, with ruggedness and durability.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a mechanism which is readily adjustable to handle different sized straps and seals as well as permit variations in the size of the loop to be formed in accordance with the objects on which the strapping is to be placed.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a device having a novel mechanism whereby adequate amount of strap is fed to insure proper encirclement of the object, following which the free end of the strap is held while slack is taken out of the loop. The strap is then tensioned to a predetermined limit and the seal applied and crimped about the strap.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a mechanism in which the strap feeding mechanism is utilized to initially measure the strap being fed and is reversed to remove the slack from the loop, following which the strap is tensioned by other means acting independently of said strap feeding means.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a device embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the crimping mechanism and associated strap and seal guiding structures;

3,066,599 Patented Dec. 4, 1962 FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken approximately on line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 77 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the strap feeding and tensioning mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 9--9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 10-10 of FIG. 2 of the strap feeding and length measuring mechanism;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 1111 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the strap measuring structure;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of a strip of seals;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic figure of the hydraulic system utilized;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit utilized in the embodiment of the invention illustrated; and

FIG. 17 is a modified form of electrical circuit.

The device illustrated in the drawings generally comrises a crimping mechanism adapted to receive a strap seal from a strip of connected seals and to receive the free end of a coil of strap, such free end being fed forwardly around the object to be secured, the free strap end brought back upon itself to form a closed loop. At the point of forming a closed loop, the free end of the strap is engaged with suitable gripping means to retain the strap end while the feeding movement of the strap is reversed to take out all slack in the loop, following which suitable means is hydraulically actuated for placing the strap loop under tension, and when suflicient tension has been achieved, the seal, which has been, or is then severed from the strip of seals, is crimped around the adjoining strap ends of the loop and the loop severed from the strap supply.

The particular embodiment illustrated is provided with means for supporting a coil of strip steel similar to that utilized in the machine, whereby the latter is operative to place one or more bands around the coil, the band extending radially through the center opening of the coil and brought back around to a point where it may be secured to the first portion of the band, forming a complete loop.

However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the mechanism may be readily adapted for banding any particular object within the size capabilities of the machine.

General Structure Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and "2, the reference numeral 1 indicates generally a suitable frame structure having a top or bed 2, illustrated in FIG. 2 as three sections 2a, 2b and 2c. Carried by the bed 2a is a crimping mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 3 adapted to cooperate with a coil supporting table indicated generally by the numeral 4. Associated with the crimping mechanism 3 is a strap guiding head, indicated generally by the reference numeral 5, operative to guide the strapping and seals into the crimping mechanism 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the seals S are adapted to be provided in the form of a coil of connected seals, the coil being suitably supported on a reel indicated generally by the numeral 6, the seals being brought up beneath the head 5.

The strapping or banding B is also adapted to be supplied from a suitable coil, not illustrated, the strap, as seen in FIGURE 1, being brought upwardly over a generally arcuate shaped guide 7 through a head 8 of a tensioning structure indicated generally by the numeral 9, and, as shown in FIGURE 2, into a strap feeding structure indicated generally by the numeral 11. The strapping is adapted to be fed by the mechanism 11 through the head 5 and (see FIGURE 1) into a strap guide 12 which will guide the free end of the strap around back upon itself to form a loop, the free end of the strap being again brought into the head 5, with the extreme free end of the strap positioned above the crimping mechanism 3 in superimposition on the succeeding portion of the strap to complete the loop, about the object positioned above the seal crimping mechanism as indicated in broken lines and designated 0. As previously mentioned, the invention is adapted to place a band about a coil of strip steel which is provided with a central opening Suitable means is provided in the head 5 for retaining the free end of the strap to prevent withdrawal of the latter from the head and following feeding of a predetermined amount of strap as measured by a suitable measuring mechanism indicated generally in FIGURE 2 by the numeral 13, the feeding mechanism 11 is reversed and the supply end of the strap loop is drawn in the opposite direction to its original feeding movement until the loop of strap has been drawn down on the object, in this case the coil of strip steel 0, and when substantially all of the slack in the loop has been removed, the feeding mechanism is deactivated and the strap tensioning mechanism 8 actuated to place the strap under a predetermined tension, the particular mechanism 9 being hydraulically actuated, whereby the hydraulic pressure applied may be readily controlled to achieve any desired tension in the strap. On the strap being brought to the desired tension, the crimping mechanism 3 is actuated to crimp a seal about the free strap end and the adjacent portion of the strap loop to form a completed tensioned band about the object. The mechanism then recycles itself for the next banding operation.

The table 4 for the coil to be banded is adapted to be automatically movable vertically to lift the coil to a position where it may be readily rotated or to permit the banded coil to be removed from the mechanism and a succeeding coil to be banded placed thereon. To facilitate this operation, the guide member 12 is suitably constructed to permit the adjacent end thereof to be elevated to facilitate removal and insertion of a coil on the table 4, such movement of the guide 12 preferably being coordinated with the elevational movement of the table 4.

The machine is adapted to be powered by suitable means such as an electric motor 14 which is operatively connected to a reduction gear assembly 15 and to a hydraulic pump 16 having a supply tank 17 associated therewith.

The crimping mechanism 3, tensioning mechanism 9 and the elevation of the table 4 is accomplished bydraulically by means of hydraulic cylinders 18, 19 and 21, while the strap feeding mechanism 11 and strap measuring mechanism 13 are adapted to be actuated by mechanical connection with the reduction gearing 15. Suitable electrical controls may be provided for actuating the various components as will hereinafter be described in detail.

Crimping Mechanism Referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, the crimping mechanism is similar in construction to that illustrated in co pending application Serial No. 587,564, now Patent No.

2,93 3,958, and comprises two spaced side plates or members 101 and 102 rigidly connected to the bed or table 2a by transversely extending blocks 103 and 104a and 104b, which are connected to the bed 2a by cap screws 105 and 106, the blocks 103, 104a and 1041; being in turn secured to the side plates 101 and 102 by cap screws 107. The lower end of the side plates may be suitably connected to the supporting frame structure by one or more brace members, not illustrated.

Each side plate, as best seen in FIGURES 5 and 6, is provided with a pair of vertically extending slots 108 adapted to receive the opposite ends of a pair of pins 109 which carry the crimping mechanism.

The crimping mechanism, see FIGURES 4 and 5, comprises a plurality of pairs of opposed jaws 111 and a plurality of crimping or shearing members 112. Also carried by the pins 109 is a seal and strap cutting bar 113 and a spacing bar 114 located at opposite sides of the end jaws 111, the cutter bar 113 having slots 113' therein, through which the pins 109 extend.

The crimping structure is adapted to be actuated through a pair of toggle links 115 which are connected to the jaws 111 by pins 116, the latter carrying rollers 117 adjacent the side plate 102 and spacers 118 adjacent the side plate 101. The links 115 are in turn pivotally connected to a block 119 mounted on the upper free end of the piston rod 121 of the hydraulic cylinder 18 by means of pivot pins 122. The block 119 may be maintained in operative alignment with respect to the side plates 101 and 102 by means of a tongue or key 123 which is vertically movable in a cooperable slot or keyway 124 extending vertically in the side plate 101.

Referring to FIG. 5, the rollers 117 are cooperable with guide blocks 125 secured to the side plate 102 by suitable means such as cap screws 126. The inner edges 127 of each block 125 are so designed that in the position illustrated in FIG. 5 the jaws 111 will be in a fully opened position and as the assembly is moved upwardly adjacent the intermediate inclined portion of the edge 127, the pins 116, and with them the lower ends of the jaw members 111 may move laterally outward, permitting the jaws to close slightly to provide a partial bending of the wing or side portions 128 of a seal S to the positions illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 5, this action resulting in a firm gripping by and retention of the seal in the jaw members 111 prior to the crimping operation. Subsequently, as the rollers 117 reach the top of the blocks 125, continued upward movement of the piston rod 121 will result in further closing movement of the jaws in cooperation with the shear or crimping blocks 112 to form a plurality of crimps in the edge portions of the seal and any strapping positioned therein. Upon return of the piston rod 121 to its original position as illustrated in FIG. 5, the crimping mechanism will likewise return to its original position.

The Strap Guiding Head The strap guiding head 5, as best seen in FIGURES 3, 4 and 7, comprises a pair of spaced generally parallel guide plates 129 and 131, between which is interposed a spacer block 132 and a dividing plate 133, the assembly being supported by a pair of angle members 134 and 135 secured to the top bed 2a by cap screws 136 which pass through the horizontal leg portion 137 of the angle members 134 and 135. The strap guide head 5 is secured to the angle members 134 and 135 by cap screws 138 and cooper-able nuts 139 which extend through the guide plates 129 and 131, spacer 132, the upright legs 141 of the respective angle members 134 and 135. Spacer plates 142 and a spacer block 143 may be interposed between the guide head and the respective angle mem bers. The spacer block 132 likewise may be retained in centered relation between the guide plates 129 and 131 by a plurality of washers 144 through which the screws 138 extend.

The dividing plate 133 may be supported in slots 145 in the guide plates 129 and 131, as will be apparent from a reference to FlG. 7. An additional screw 146 and cooperable nut 147 may be positioned adjacent the left hand end of the guide head 5, as viewed in MUS. 3 and 4.

As illustrated in FlGS. 3, 4 and 7, the guide Plate 129 is provided with a recess 148 in its upper edge and carried by the block 143 is a strap engaging gripper or dog 149 pivotally mounted on the upper face of the block 143 by means of a pin 151 which passes through the dog and is seated in a cooperable bore in the block 143, the pin being secured to the block by suitable means such as a set screw 152.

The gripper 149 is provided with a plurality of strap engaging teeth 153 thereon adapted to engage the edge of a band positioned above the plate 133, the gripper being urged in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in MG. 3 by a compression spring 154 which is carried in a bore 155 in an upwardly offset portion 156 of the block 143.

As hereinafter described, in operation the strapping is initially fed through the horizontal slot 157 defined by the spacer block 132 and dividing plate 133, following which the strapping is fed around the object which is to receive it and the tree end of the strap brought back and again passed along the upper face of the plate 133, where the end portion will ultimately be gripped by the dog 149, thereby exerting edgewise pressure on the strap, the dog thus preventing withdraw of the free end of the strap from the guide head.

Partially overlying the plate 133 is an arcuate shaped member 158 which functions to guide and retain the free end of the strap in operative position on the plate 133, the member 158 being supported (see FlGURE 7) from a block 159 through (see FIGURE 3) a pair of hinge members 161 to which the member 158 is secured by a plurality of screws 162 and 163, the latter screws also securing a block 164 to the member 158 at the outer or upper face thereof. The hinge members 161 are pivotally connected to the block 159 by a pin 165 and the member 158 is normally urged in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 7 by a spring 166 which is carried by a screw 167 threaded into the block 159, the spring 166 encircling the screw and having leg portions 168 which are operatively engaged with the hinge members 161. The block 159 in turn is secured to the bed plate by cap screws Positioned adjacent the right hand end of the guide head, as viewed in FIGS. 3 4, and 6 are a pair of strap cutter supporting blocks 171 and 172 secured to the side plate 102 by cap screws 173 and 174, respectively, threaded into the side plate. The blocks 171 and 172 are provided with oppositedly disposed slots 175 adapted to receive the side edges of a strap cutter 176. Referring to FIG. 4 it will be noted that the cutter 176 is provided with a cutting or shearing edge 177, the top edge being provided with a slight degree of relief. The opposite edge of the cutter may be similarly formed, whereby the cutter may be reversed end for end as viewed in FIG. 4 to provide a pair of cutter blades on each member.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the slots 108 in the side plate 102 are connected by a channel or slot 178 in which is positioned one leg 179 of a seal cutter 181 having a more or less vertically extending leg portion 182, which is operatively secured to the adjacent portion of the side plate 102 by cap screws 183. As will be apparent from a reference to FIG. 5, the portion 179 of the cutter is generally trapezoidal in shape, having a lower shearing or cutting edge 184.

In operation, the movable cutter 113 is adapted to cooperate with the edge 184 of the seal cutter 181 and the edge 177 of the strap cutter 176 to successively sever the leading seal from the supply strip of seals and the supply end of a strap encircling an object from the strap supply as will hereinafter be described in connection with the operation of the device.

As previously mentioned, the cutter bar 113 is provided with slots 113 through which the pins 109 extend so that the cutter bar has a limited travel with respect to the crimping assembly. The cutter bar is urged downwardly at the upper end of the crimping stroke by a pair of arms 185, each pivotally carried by a bifurcated block 186 secured to the plate 2a by screws 187, each arm being disposed in a slot 188 in the associated block and pivotally carried by a pin 189. Each block is also provided with a bore 191 in which is positioned a compression spring 192 operative to urge the inner ends 193 of each arm in a downwardly direction. The portions 193 are so portioned that they will engage the cutter bar 113 at the upper end of travel of the crimping mechanism and thus urge the cutter bar 113 into a downward position and withdraw the same out of engagement with the strap cutter 176. The pins 189 may be secured to the respective blocks by any suitable means, in the embodiment illustrated the pins extending through the block, and provided with a head at one end, and secured in operative position at the other by cotter keys 194. Each arm 185 is also provided with a stop pin 195 adapted to engage the adjacent face of the associated block 186, limiting the amount of rotation of the members 185 and thus the downward movement of the portions 193 thereof.

As seen in FlGURES 4 and 6 there is supported between the blocks 104a and 10412, by means of a pin 196, a seal retaining member indicated generally by the numeral 197, the latter being generally L-shaped and having a generally horizontally extending portion 198 provided with a rounded end portion 199 adapted to be disposed above the crimping mechanism in a position to engage the top face of a seal disposed therein, as in the position illustrated in FIG. 4. As will be apparent from a reference to FIG. 6, the opposite portion adjacent the pin 196 is bifurcated, having oppositely disposed portions 201, between which is disposed a spring 202 operative to urge the portion 198 of the member 197 in a downward direction.

Also positioned adjacent the side plate 101 (see FIG- URES 3 and 6) is a pair of blocks 203 and 204 which are secured to the bed plate 2a by screws 106. The block 203 is generally of inverted L-shape and is provided with a horizontally disposed portion 205 upon which a strap extending through the slot 157 of the guide head may extend.

The block 204 is also generally L-shaped in transverse cross section, having a laterally extending leg 206 which is cooperable with the side plate 101 to receive a strap guide 207, the latter being illustrated as suitably formed from sheet metal or the like and having a pair of spaced substantially parallel leg portions 208 through which a screw 209 is adapted to extend, the latter passing through the portion 206 of the block 204 and suitably threaded into the side plate 101 with the screw forming a pivot for the guide 207, the latter being urged in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6 by a torsion spring 211 encircling the screw 209 and having its end portions bearing against the member 207 and the bed plate 2a.

Seal Feeding Mechanism As illustrated in FIG. 7, the guide plates 129 and 131 are provided with longitudinally extending grooves 212 therein along their lower edges to form an enlarged channel 213 in which is positioned the lower portion of the spacer block 132, the generally U-shaped channel so formed being adapted to receive a strip of connected seals, as illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 4.

As will be appreciated from FIG. 14 which illustrates a portion of a strip of connected seals, each seal may comprise a base portion 214 having oppositely disposed diverging side walls 215, the bottom or base portion 214 being connected by a relatively short connecting strip 216 defined by the substantially parallel end edges 217 of adjoining seals.

The strip of seals is adapted to be fed by an advancing mechanism which in the embodiment illustrated, is actuated by movement of the piston rod 121. Referring now to FIGURE 4, it will be seen that the side plate 102 supports a bracket indicated generally by the numeral 218, the latter being secured to the side plate 102 by a plurality of screws 219. Pivotally carried by the bracket 218 on a pin 221 is an arm 222 and a lever 223, the latter extending through an opening 224 in the side plate 102 and terminating in a bifurcated end 225, having spaced oppositely disposed portions 226 adapted to extend beneath the block 119 carried, as seen in FIG- URE 5, by the piston rod 121. Referring again to FIG- URE 4, it will be seen that the lower end of the arm 222 is provided with a pair of spaced portions 227, between which is positioned the adjacent portion of the lever 223. The arm 222 and lever 223 are operatively connected by an adjusting screw 228 threaded into the upwardly extending portion 229 of the lever 223 and adapted to be locked in position by a nut 231, the arm 222 being urged into engagement with the screw 228 by a compression spring 232 interposed between the arm 222 and the adjacent portion of the bracket 218.

The upper end of the arm 222 is provided with a pair of spaced ears 233 between which is a pawl 234 having a release handle 235, the pawl 234 being supported between the ears 233 on a pin 236 and is provided, as seen in FIGURE 4 and 7, with a pair of spaced fingers 237 adapted to project into the passage-Way 213 at opposite sides of the spacer block 132. The pawl 234 is urged, as viewed in FIGURE 4, in a counterclockwise direction by a torsion spring 238, having one end bearing on the pawl and the opposite end bearing on the arm 222. The pawl 234 is so proportioned that the fingers 237 may extend between the edges 217 of adjacent seals, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and upon reciprocation of the piston rod 121 and block 119 carried thereby, engagement of the latter with the lever 223 will result in a rocking action of the latter and with it the arm 222 and pawl 234, whereby the fingers 237 are moved in an advancing direction approximately the length of one seal, the pawl 234 being illustrated in FIG. 4 at the end of its travel in a right hand direction as viewed in FIG. 4.

Also associated with the guide head 5, etc., is an indexing mechanism comprising a bracket 239 secured by a plurality of screws 241 to the underside of the bed plate 2a. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the bracket 239 is generally C-shaped, having a pair of oppositely disposed horizontal leg portions 242 and 243 connected by an intermediate vertical portion 244 through which the screws 241 extend. Carried by the portions 242 and 243 and movable vertically is a pair of index pins 245, the latter being illustrated as being positioned in bushings 246 in the base plate 2a. As will be apparent from an examination of FIG. 7, the index pins 245 are spaced approximately the same distance as the fingers 237 and adapted to engage the edges 217 of adjacent seals, the upper ends of the index pins being tapered as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. The pins 245 may be provided with threaded stems adapted to extend through a connecting plate 247 and secured thereto by nuts 248 threaded thereon. The pins 245 are urged in an upward direction by compression springs 249 encircling the lower ends of the pins 245.

The index pins 245 serve to properly position the seals and if for any reason it is desired to release the pins 245, this may be accomplished by means, as shown in FIGURE 4, of a releasing lever 251 pivoted by a screw 252 to the bracket 239, the lever having a pin 253 extending therefrom and adapted to engage an outwardly extending shoulder or ledge 254 formed on the member 247, so that by rotating the lever 251 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 4 the pin 253 will urge the member 247 downwardly and with it the index pins 245.

The seals, as shown in FIGURE 1, are drawn from the reel 6 and pass over an arcuate shaped guide aril 255, having a generally C-shaped brace member 256, the ends of which are secured to the member 255, the brace member 256 being secured, as best seen in FIG- URE 4, to an angle 257 by screws 258 passing through the vertical portion of the angle with the horizontal portion 259 of the angle being secured to the bed plate 2a by screws 261.

In operation, as the crimping mechanism 3 moves upwardly from its lower position, upward movement of the block 119 will permit the compression spring 232 to move the arm 222 and lever 223 to the left as viewed in FIG. 4.

Strap Feeding and Measuring Mechanism The strap feeding mechanism may be broken down into several general components, first, the mechanism for physically advancing the strap, second, the drive means for such advancing mechanism, including means for reversing the same to take excess slack out of a strap loop about an object, and third, a measuring mechanism for measuring a predetermined amount of strapping to form the loop about an object.

The particular embodiment of the invention illustrated is designed to feed a measured length of strap sufiicient to encircle the object involved, following which the feeding mechanism is reversed to take out the excess slack in the loop, after which the strap is placed under a desired predetermined amount of tension by a hydraulic cylinder, the operating pressures of which may be varied to achieve the desired results.

FIGS. 8 through 13 illustrate the mechanism for accomplishing these functions, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrating details of the strap advancing structure and hydraulic tensioning mechanism, FIGS. 10 and 11 details of the power train and reversing mechanism and FIGS. 12 and 13 details of the strap measuring mechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the strap feeding structure comprises a serrated or knurled feed wheel 300 secured to a drive shaft 301, by a bolt 302, the shaft being journaled in suitable bearings indicated generally in FIGURE 10 by the reference numeral 303, illustrated in the present instance as being of a roller or needle type, which are secured to the bed plate 2b by screws 304. The shaft 301 may be driven either through a gear 305 or a pulley 306 adapted to receive a toothed belt Cooperable with the feed Wheel 300 is a roller 308 which is carried by a lever 309 pivotally mounted on a sbouldered bolt 311 carried by a bracket member 312 which in turn is rigidly mounted on the bed plate 2b by means of screws 313, the screw 311 being locked in place by a suitable lock nut 314. The roller 308 may be provided with suitable needle bearings or other suitable bearings to eliminate excessive friction and the lever 309 and roller 308 may be urged in direction tending to engage the roller with the feed wheel 300 by a compression spring 315 which is operatively connected to the lever 309 by an adjusting screw 316 threaded into the lever 309 and provided at its lower end with a stem portion 317 of reduced diameter on which is positioned a retaining washer 318 against which the upper end of the spring 315 bears, the lower end bearing on the bed plate 2b, the stem portion 317 of the screw 316 maintaining the spring in operative position. Thus by adjustment of the screw 316 the compression on the spring 315 may be increased or decreased to correspondingly increase or decrease the pressure applied by the roller 308 to a strap interposed between the feed wheel 300 and the roller 308.

Positioned just ahead of the feed wheel 300 and roller 308 is a strap guide indicated generally by the numeral 319 and comprising an upper plate 321 and a lower plate 322, between which is interposed a spacer 323, all of which are supported on a block 324, and secured in assembled relation by a pair of screws 325. In operation,

the strapping is adapted to be positioned between the guide plates 321 and 322 and fed from them between the feed wheel 300 and roller 3 48. A similar guide structure 326, illustrated as being formed from a single piece of material, is provided With a slot 327 therein aligned with the slot in the guide 319, the member 326 being positioned between a pair of angle members 328 and supported by means of bolts 329 and nuts 331, suitable spacers 332 being interposed between the member 326 and the respective angle members 328. The members 328 in turn may be rigidly secured to the bed 2b by cap screws 333.

The before mentioned shaft 301 is operatively driven through the gear 305 or pulley 306 from a drive shaft indicated generally in FIGURE 11 by the numeral 334 operatively supported in suitable bearing blocks 335, secured by screws 336 to the bed plate 2b, the bearing blocks 335 each being provided with a suitable bearing assemble indicated generally by the numeral 337. As hereinafter described, the shaft 334 is adapted to be driven, as seen in FIGURE 2, by the motor 14 through suitable transmitting members including a pulley 338 and suitable provisions such as grease fittings 339 may be provided to enable proper lubrication of the bearing structures Operatively associated with the shaft 334 (see FIG- URE 11) is an electric clutch structure indicated generally by the numeral 341, the clutch structure being of standard construction and commercially procurable, as a result of which the details thereof form no part of the present invention. The clutch 341 has a pair of driven members 342 and 343, either of which may be operatively connected to and rotatable with the shaft 334. Operatively connected for rotation with the member 342 is a gear 344 and in like manner operatively connected to the member 343 is a pulley 345. The gear 344 is adapted to mesh with the gear 305 on the shaft 302 and in like manner the pulley 345 is operatively connected to the pulley 306 through the toothed belt 307.

It will be apparent that in the event the gear 344 is operatively connected to and rotatable with the shaft 334, the shaft 301 will be rotated through the gear 305 in the opposite direction to that of the shaft 334, whereas if the latter is operatively connected to the pulley 345, the latter will, together with the pulley 306 and belt 307, rotate the shaft 301 in the same direction as the shaft 334. Thus, by actuation of the proper winding of the electric clutch 341, the shaft 301 may be rotated in either direction, clockwise rotation of the shaft 301, and thus of the wheel 300, resulting in a forward feeding of the strap from left to right as viewed in FIG. 9, or in the reverse direction taking up the strap from right to left.

Strap Measuring Mechanism The strap measuring mechanism indicated generally by the reference numeral 13 and illustrated in FIGS. 10, 12 and 13 is operatively driven from the shaft 301 and comprises a shaft 3 46 supported by a bearing block 347 secured to the bed plate 2b by a plurality of screws 348 with the shaft 346 being journaled in suitable bushings 349, and operatively driven from the shaft 301 through a worm 351 fixed to shaft 301 and a worm wheel 352 fixed to shaft 346.

Operatively driven by the shaft 346 is a control disc 353 which is operatively connected to the shaft by a one way clutch, indicated generally by the numeral 354 comprising an outer sleeve 355 and an inner cam member 356 with the two being operatively connected by a plurality of rollers 357 so that when the shaft 346 is rotated in a counter clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 10, the outer sleeve 355 will rotate therewith, and as the disc 353 is connected through a key member 358 to the sleeve 355, it likewise will rotate with the shaft 346. The sleeve 355 may be rotatably mounted on the shaft 346, as for example, by means of a suitable needle bearing assembly 10 indicated generally by the numeral 359. Also mounted on the shaft 346 and freely rotatable with respect thereto, is a brake disc 361 having pins 362 extending parallel to the axis of the shaft 346 and engageable with the rollers 357 whereby the latter may be moved in a direction to disconnect the cam member 356 from the sleeve 355.

Carried by the bearing block 347 is a pair of oppositely disposed brake pin retaining blocks 363 which are rigidly connected to the bearing block 347 by respective screws 364.

Each block 363, as best seen in FIGURE 12, is provided with a bore 365 therein extending radially with respect to the axis of the shaft 346 and having a larger counterbore 366 at its open end.

Positioned in the bore 365 and adapted at its inner end to engage the periphery of the brake disc 361 is a brake pin 367, each pin having an external flange 368 at its outer end adapted to be positioned in the counterbore 366, the latter being internally threaded at least adjacent the outer end thereof and adapted to receive a compression spring 369 and a retaining screw 371. The brake structure is operative to frictionally engage the brake disc 361 and thereby control the action of the pins 362 and disengagement of the clutch 354.

Carried by the strap control disc 353 is a pin 372 which is provided with a threaded end 373 engaged with internal threads of a bore 374 in the disc, the pin 372 being locked in position by sutiable lock nut 375. The pin 372 is engageable with a stop-screw 376, extending through the hole 377 in upright 378, the screw 376 being locked to the upright by suitable washer 379 and a nut 381.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the upright 378 is secured to the bedplate 2b by a pair of cap screws 382, which extend through the upright and are threaded into the bedplate. The upright 378 is also provided with a bore 383, through which the free end 384 of the shaft 346 extends, axial movement of the shaft being restricted by a washer 385 and a nut 386. The strap control disc 353 is urged in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 10 by, as seen in FIGURES 12 and 13, a torsion spring 387, one end 388' of which extends to the adjacent vertical edge of the upright 378 and is bent at right angles to extend along such edge as indicated in FIGURE 12 at 389. The opposite end 391 of the spring 387, as seen in FIGURE 13, is formed with an eye 392 through which a screw 393 extends, the latter being threaded into a bore 394 in the control disc 353.

Cooperable with the pin 372 on the control disc 353 is a switch indicated generally, FIGURE 12, by the numeral 395 secured by suitable means such as screws 396 (see FIG. 2) threaded into the bedplate 2b, and having a pivoted actuating arm 397, the free end of which is provided with a suitable roller 398 or the like, which is positioned in the path of the pin 372 so that as the disc 353 is rotated in the clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 10, the pin 372 will ultimately engage the roller 398, rotating the actuating arm 397 in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot 399 to actuate the switch 395.

The operation of the measuring mechanism is as fol lows:

Referring to FIGS 9, 10 and 13, it will be apparent that to feed the strap, the feed wheel 300 will rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 9, in which case the inner cam member 356 of the clutch assembly 354, which is keyed to the shaft 346 and thus rotatable therewith, will rotate in a direction to lock the rollers 357 in engagement with the outer sleeve member 355 and thus the disc 353 which is keyed thereto. At the same time the brake pins 367 will exert friction on the brake disc 361 so that the latter will tend to be held back with respect to the outer sleeve member 355, thus maintaining pins 362 out of engagement with the rollers and permitting a wedging action to take place to drive the outer sleeve 355 and the control disc 353. As a result of this action, the disc 353 and with it the pin 372 will rotate until the pin 372 engages the roller 398 of the switch 305 to actuate the latter which through suitable electric circuits, hereinafter described, will reverse the energization of the clutch windings 341 to effect reversal of rotation of the shaft 301 and thus reversal of the feed wheel 300. When the shaft 301 reverses its direction of rotation, the direction of the rotation of the shaft 346 will likewise be reversed and when the latter starts to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, the brake disc 361 will resist such reversal as result of the braking action of the brake pins 367, thereby causing the brake disc 361 to rotate with respect to the sleeve member 355. Such rotation will cause the pins 362 to engage the rollers 357 and disengage the same from their wedging action, to release the outer sleeve member 355 and disc 353, as a result of which the latter will eventually rotate to a point where the pin 372 engages the stop screw 376 to limit further rotation of the disc 353, irrespective of continued rotation of the shaft 346. Thus the amount of strapping fed is determined by the relationship between the stop screw 376 and the roller 398, which in turn defines the length of the are which will be travelled by the pin 372. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the upright 378 may be provided with a plurality of holes for bores through the stop screw 376 may be positioned, thus providing a plurality of strap feeds of different lengths.

Strap Tensioning Mechanism The strap tensioning mechanism 9, the details of which are illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, comprises a tensioning head indicated generally by the reference numeral 401, comprising a block 402, mounted by screws 403, to a guideblock 404, the latter and the block 402 respectively having a tongue 405 and groove 406 to effect a rigid connection between the two blocks. The tensioning head 401 is guided by a pair of spaced guide members 407, each secured to the bedplate 2b by cap screws 408. The head 401 is adapted to be actuated by a hydraulic cylinder 409 having a piston rod 411 extending therefrom which is secured to the head 401, the free end of the rod 411 being positioned in a bore 412 in the block 402, and secured therein by a screw 413 which is threaded into the end of the piston rod. Thus the tensioning head 401 is slidable within the effective length of the guide members 407, the hydraulic cylinder 409 being operative to move the head 401 from right to left as in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The return movement of the head 401 and thus of the rod 411 and the piston associated therewith in the cylinder 409 may be accomplished by reversing the flow of fluid in the cylinder, and may also be supplemented by a a tension spring 414, one each of which is secured to a pin 415 threaded into the adjacent end wall of the block 402, and locked in position by a nut 416, while the opposite end of the spring is operatively connected to a stud 417 extending through a fixed plate 418 at the end of the cylinder 409 and retained in engagement therewith by a nut 419 threaded on the stud.

As will be apparent from reference to FIGURES 8 and 9, the block 402 is provided with a slot or channel 421 which is in alignment with the path of a strap entering the feeding mechanism 11. The strapping is guided into the channel 421 by a guide block 422, having a slot 423 in the upper face thereof in which the strap is adapted to be positioned, the block 422 being mounted on the block 402 by a pair of cap screws 424.

Positioned in the channel 421 and mounted on shoulder screw 425 is a strap gripper or dog 426, the latter being pivotally mounted on the screw 425 and adapted to be urged in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 9 by a pair of torsion springs 427 encircling the screw and positioned at opposite sides of the gripper 426, one end of each spring 427 engaging the gripper 426 and the opposite end being positioned below and engaging a screw 428.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the upper plate 321 of the strap guide 319 is provided at the end thereof adjacent the tensioning end 401 with a projection or tongue 429, which is aligned with the gripper 426 and of a length to engage the gripper 426 when the tensioning head 401 is at the end of its travel toward the cylinder 409 to thereby rock the gripper 426 against the action of the torsion spring 427 and raise the gripper out of engagement with a strap positioned therebelow.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the cylinder is provided with a fluid inlet 431 adapted to be operatively connected as shown in FIGURE 1, to a hydraulic pressure line and the opposite end of the cylinder is provided with a fluid outlet 432 adapted to be connected to a return line.

Upon the actuation of suitable switches and valve means, fluid under pressure in the line may enter the inlet 431 at right hand end of the cylinder to extend the piston rod 411 and move the tensioning head 401 to the left as viewed in FIG. 8. As the gripper 426 is disengaged from the projection or tongue 429, it is free to grip a strap positioned therebeneath, locking the same to the tensioning head so that movement of the latter will draw the strap to the left with the head. Upon the actuation of suitable valves, the flow may be reversed so that the liquid at the right end of the cylinder will be expelled therefrom, the action being supplemented by the spring 414, to return the tension head to its original starting position, at the same time engaging the tongue 429 with the gripper 426 to raise the latter out of engagement with the strap so that the latter is free to be fed forwardly on the next cycle of operation.

The Power Connections The motor 14 is operatively connected, as best seen in FIGURES 1 and2, to a driving pulley 433 through the reduction gearing 15 comprising a worm 434 mounted on the drive shaft of the motor 14 and engageable with a worm wheel 435 mounted on a shaft 436 on which is also mounted the pulley 433. The latter is operatively connected to the driven pulley 338 mounted on the shaft 334 by means of a belt 437. The drive shaft of the motor may also be directly connected to the operating shaft 438 of the pump 16 through suitable means, as example, a flexible coupling 439.

Coil Supporting Table and Strap Guide While the present invention may be utilized to band numerous and varied objects, the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated is constructed for placing a radially extending loop about a coil of steel strapping, such coils being generally annular in shape, having a central opening therein, with the retaining strap-loop encircling the body of the coil, and normally three loops being employed on each coil.

The coil supporting table 4, see FIGURES 1 and 2, comprises a central hub portion 441, having a peripheral flange 442 adjacent the bottom thereof from which is supported three plates 443 which are uniformly arranged about the axis of the hub to form a generally circular table, having three radially extending slots or channels 444. The plates 443 may be secured to the hub by any suitable means, as for example, screws 445 extending through the flange 442, and threaded into the associated plate 443. The hub 441 is rotatably supported on an axially movable shaft 446 journaled at its upper end in a suitable bearing 447, the table being retained in operative position on the shaft 446 by suitable means such as a nut 448 threaded on the upper end of the shaft. Reciprocation of the shaft 446 may be acomplished by the hydraulic cylinder 21, the piston rod 449 of which is operatively connected to the shaft 446, so that when liquid is admitted to the lower end of the cylinder 21, the table 4 will be elevated and upon release of such liquid, the table may be lowered.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a suitable indexing mechanism may be provided to insure proper positioning of the table 4 and particularly the channels 444 with respect to the strap guides 5 and 12, such indexing mechanism in the embodiment illustrated comprising suitably located slots 451 in the peripheral edge of the flange 442 which is adapted to receive the indexing pin 452 carried by a supporting member 453, secured to the bedplate 2a by screws 454. As shown in FIGURE 1, the index pin 452 preferably is biased in a direction to engage the flange 442 by a suitable spring 455, positioned in a recess in the block 453 and encircling the pin 452. The latter may be retained in operative position by a pair of nuts 456 threaded on the outer end of the pin. Thus, assuming that the table 4 is a position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pin 452 is engaged in one of the notches 451 and upon elevation of the table, the flange 442 will be raised upwardly with respect to the pin 452, resulting in disengagement of the latter therefrom and permitting the table 4 to be rotated about the axis of the shaft 446. When the table is lowered, in the event the latter has not been rotated to align one of he slots 451 with the pin 452, the latter may move radially outward with respect to the flange 442 permitting the table to drop to its fully lowered position with the pin opposite the peripheral edge of the flange, the head of the pin 452 having a generally conical shaped side wall to facilitate a camming action of the pin. In such case, the table may be readily rotated until the pin 452 snaps into the desired slot 451.

As seen in FIGURE 1 the strap guide 12 comprises a generally semi-circular peripheral wall 457 adapted to guide the free end of an advancing strap in a loop, with the strap being retained in a single plane by oppositely arranged side plates 458, suitably secured to the wall 457 by welding or other means. The strap guide 12 is adapted to be pivotally supported by the angle members 328 illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 1, the guide 12 being provided with a pair of mounting plates 459 positioned at opposite sides of the guide and secured thereto by suitable means such as screws 461 threaded into the opposite plate. The guide is pivotally supported by the angle members 328 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 by a pin 462 (see FIGURE 1) which extends through openings 463 in the angle members and similar openings in the bracket plates 459 with the pin being retained in operative position by suitable means as for example spring retaining rings 464. As illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the opposite free end 465 of the guide 12 is adapted to be positioned in the central recess 466 in alignment with an incline notch 467, one such notch being provided for each of the positions of the table.

The pivotal connection of the strap guide 12 permits the latter to be rotated about the horizontal axis of the pin 462 and thus raise the opposite free end 465 above the table 4 to a point which will permit an object such as the coil 0 indicated in broken lines in FIG. 1 to be centered on the table. Obviously where other types of objects are to be banded, such a pivotal construction may not be required, as it may be possible in such case to merely position the object in operating position below the strap guide.

As the strap guide 12, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURE 1 will normally be raised only when the table 4 is in an elevated position, the movement of the shaft 446 may be utilized to also rotate the strap guide 12, such mechanism comprising a lever 468 pivotally supported by suitable means such as a bracket plate 469 illustrated as being supported by the angle 257, the lever 468 being supported by a shouldered bolt 471 or the like which passes through an intermediate portion of the lever. One end of the lever 468 is pivotally connected to the shaft 446 by suitable means such as a bolt or pin 472 which passes through an elongated slot 473 in the lever. The opposite end of the lever is operatively connected to an extension 474 on the bracket plates 459 by a link 475 suitably connected by respective 14 pins 476 and 476'. Thus when the shaft 446 moves upwardly, the adjacent end of the lever 468 will do likewise with the opposite end, link 475 and extensions 474 of the bracket plates 459 moving downwardly to rotate the strap back 12 upwardly about the pin 462.

Normally to will be desirable to provide means for preventing movement of the object being strapped during the strap takeup and tensioning operations. In the particular device illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, this is accomplished by providing a pair of upwardly extending pins 477 on the bed plate 2a, adapted to enter aligned openings 477' in the plates 443 of the table 4 and extend above the surface of the latter when it is in its normal or lowered position. Thus the outer edge of an object such as a coil of strapping may abut the pins during the slack takeup and tensioning operations. Each of the plates 443 are provided with similarly aligned openings and if desired, the plates 443 may be provided with additional openings alignable with threaded openings in the bedplate 2a whereby the pins 477 may be generally radially moved with respect to the axis of the table 4 to accommodate objects or coils of different widths or diameters.

The C ntr0l Elements As previously mentioned, the device illustrated is adapted to pass a strap around an object, retain the free end of the strap in position adjacent a crimping mechanism, take the excess slack out of the loop formed about the object, tension the strap and crimp a seal about the adjoining end of the loop so formed, simultaneously severing the loop from the supply of strapping. In performing these functions, several different sequences of operation may be utilized, depending to a large extent upon the nature of the strapping operation and object involved. Thus in the present instance, one sequence would be to, (1) advance the strap around the object, (2) raise the crimping mechanism to a neutral position adjacent the strap, applying a partial fold or set to the seal, (3) remove excess slack from the loop, (4) tension the loop, (5) elevate the crimping mechanism to crimping position and crimp the seal, and (6) return the crimping mechanism to its original position. Another sequence of operation would be to, (1) advance the strap to form the loop, (2) take out excess slack, (3) tension the strap, (4) raise the crimping mechanism in a continuous movement to crimping position and crimp the seal, and (5) return the crimping mechanism to its original position. As each method of operation has its advantages and its particular place, the controls Will be illustrated and described for both sequences of operation.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, mounted on a panel 478, secured to the hydraulic cylinder 18, are three switches, 479, 480 and 481, having respective actuating arms 482, 483, and 484, each of which is provided in its free end with a roller 485. As illustrated in detail in FIGURE 1 the switches 479, 480 and 481 are adapted to be actuated by movement of the crimping mechanism through a rod 486 carried by and movable with the block 119 mounted, as best seen in FIGURE 5, on the piston rod 121 of the hydraulic cylinder 18. The rod 486 is secured at its upper end to an angle member 487 which in turn is secured to the block 119 by screws 488, which pass through the member 487 and the block 119, the screws 488 being so arranged that they will be positioned in a circumferential groove 489 in the upper end of the piston rod 121, thereby locking the block 119 to the upper end of the piston rod, the screws 488 being held in position by nuts 491. The rod 486, as shown in FIGURE 1, is adapted to be guided by a bearing 492, carried by a plate 493 on the hydraulic cylinder 18, and is provided at its lower end with a knob 494 adapted to engage the roller 485 of each of the respective switches 479, 480 and 481.

The control of the termination of the slack take-up of the strap loop is effected, see FIGURE 2 by a switch 495 mounted on the bedplate 2b, and adapted to be actuated by movement of the strap guide member 158, forming a part of the strap guide 5. The strap guide 158 is operatively connected to the switch 495 by a shaft 496 rotatably supported in a pair of bearing blocks 497 secured by screws 498. Referring to FIGURES 3 and 7, the end of the shaft 496 adjacent the guide head 5 is provided with a rocker arm 499, adapted to be engaged by the block 164 operative to rotate the shaft 496 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 7, or a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 11. The opposite end of the shaft 496 is provided with a similar rocker arm 501, adapted to engage the roller 502 on the switch arm 503 of the switch 495. Thus as the slack is removed from the strap loop, the strap will at least partially pull out of the guide 5, rotating the guide member 158, which in turn will rock the shaft 496 in a direction to actuate the switch 495.

The Hydraulic Operating System The hydraulic system is generally controlled by electrically actuated valves and the like, which in turn may be controlled by mechanically actuated switches such as those heretofore described.

Referring to FIG. 15, the pump 16 has the pressure side thereof connected by a conduit 504 to one side of the directional valve 505, illustrated in the embodiment of the invention as a separate valve structure, although in actual practice a valve for performing Similar functions often is built into the pump structure as an integral part thereof. The directional valve 505 has the return or low pressure side thereof connected by a conduit 5% to the return tank 17, which in turn is operatively connected by a conduit 507 to the return side of the pump 16. The directional valve 505 is merely illustrated diagrammatically and its physical structure may vary considerably in diflerent types of makes and designs of valve, that illustrated, having a movable valve member 508 positioned in a valve chamber 509, the valve member 508 as illustrated, being horizontally movable from a position at the right hand side of the chamber 509, as illustrated in FIG. 15 to a position at the opposite end of the chamber.

In the position illustrated, the valves 508 is operative to connect the pressure side of the pump to a conduit 511 which runs to a sequence valve 512, having two outlets, one of which is connected by a conduit 513 to the bottom of the hydraulic cylinder 18 for the crimping mechanism and the opposite outlet connected by a conduit 514 to a check-valve 515. The outlet of the check-valve 515 is operatively connected by a conduit 516 to a regulator valve 517, which in turn is connected by a conduit 518 to the inlet 431 at the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder 19 for the band tensioning mechanism. The regulator valve 517 is preferably constructed as an adjustable member by means of which the operating pressure on the cylinder 19, and thus the tension applied to the strapping, may be controlled. The return sides of both cylinders 18 and 19 are operatively connected by a conduit 519 to the directional valve 505.

The arrangement may be such that in one position of the valve 508 (that illustrated in FIG. 15), the pressure side of the pump is operatively connected to the sequence valve 512 and associated valves, cylinders, etc., while at the same time, the return lines from the cylinders 18 and 19 are operatively connected to the valve 505 and conduit 506 to the return tank 17 and the low pressure side of the pump. When the valve member 508 is in its opposite position, the connections are reversed, the pressure side being connected to the return line 519 of the cylinders 18 and 19, and the conduit 511 to the opposite sides of the cylinders being operatively connected to the conduit 506 and the tank 17, so that the liquid 16 flow is reversed to return the pistons of the cylinders 18 and 19 to their original positions.

Preferably the pump 16 is continuously operated, a suitable valve being employed to by-pass liquid when the pressure thereof has reached a predetermined normal operating amount and in some cases such structure may be incorporated directly in the pump together with the reversing or directional valve such as the valve 505. Likewise, such a structure might be incorporated in the directional valve to permit such a by-pass when the valve member is in a central off position whereby no liquid flows to either of the cylinders. This condition is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 15 wherein the valve member is illustrated as provided with a suitable pressure responsive check-valve 521, which is adapted t be interposed between the pressure side and the return side of the valve when the valve member is in an off position, closing both the conduits 511 and 519 whereby, upon build-up of sufiicient pressure in the conduit 504, the valve 521 will open, permitting liquid to flow from the conduit 504 directly to the conduit 506.

The hydraulic cylinder 21 for table 4 may also be actuated from the pressure and return lines 504 and 506, FIG. 15 illustrating the cylinder 21 as being operatively connected to a valve 522, which in turn is connected by conduit 523 to the pressure side of the pump and by a conduit 524 to the return side thereof.

The operation of the system illustrated is as follows: Assuming that the valve 505 is in the neutral or off position, the liquid will be circulating under pressure through the valve and upon actuation thereof to the position illustrated in FIG. 16, liquid may flow to the sequence valve 512, which is designed to permit liquid to flow to the check-valve 515 until a predetermined pressure has been built up in the line, following which the sequence valve is automatically shifted to permit liquid to flow through the conduit 513 into the lower end of the cylinder 18. If the check-valve 515 is operatively closed whereby fluid cannot pass therebeyond to the cylinder 19, the sequence valve will substantially immediately be opened to actuate the cylinder 18. In such case, upon reversal of the valve member 508 to the opposite position, the high and low pressure lines to the cylinder 18 will be reversed and the piston associated therewith will return to its lowered position with the conduit 519 thus becoming the pressure side and the conduit 511 the return side.

In the event the valve member 508 is actuated to the position illustrated in FIG. 15, and the check-valve 515 is open, liquid will flow through the sequence valve 512, check-valve 515, regulator valve 517 and to the lower end of the cylinder 19 to actuate the latter. Upon the buildup of pressure in the cylinder 19 to the limit set by the regulator valve 517, the latter will close, thereby increasing the pressure in the conduits 516 and 514 and thus in the sequence valve 512 to an amount whereby the latter will be actuated, thereby permitting liquid to flow into the cylinder 18 to actuate the same. Upon reversal of the valve member 508, the pressure will be reversed with respect to both cylinders and the pistons thereof will return to their respective original starting positions.

In other words, if the check valve 515 is closed upon suitable actuation of the valve 508, only the cylinder 18 will be actuated, whereas if under the same situation the check-valve 515 is open, a sequential operation will take place with the cylinder 19 being actuated first, and thereafter followed by actuation of the cylinder 18.

The operation of the cylinder 21 is independent of the cylinders 18 and 19 and is controlled entirely by the valve 522, whereby in one position of the valve pressure is ad mitted to the cylinder 21 and in the other position of the valve, the return line is operatively connected to the cylinder to permit liquid therein to return to the tank 17.

The Electrical Circuits As previously mentioned, FIG. 16 illustrates an electrical circuit for actuating the device in such a manner that the crimping mechanism is stopped at a predetermined intermediate point along its travel operative to preform the seal about the strap, but without crimping the seal, such action subsequently taking place, whereas in the circuit illustrated in FIG. 17, the crimping mechanism is adapted to move upwardly from its lower position to a seal crimping position and thereafter return to its lower position.

Referring to both FIGS. 16 and 17, the valve 505 is provided with two actuating solenoid windings Up and Du actuation of the Up winding being operative to permit fluid under pressure to flow through the conduit 511 and ultimately to the cylinder 18 to move the piston therein upwardly whereas energization of the winding Dn will result in the reverse action with the piston returning to its lowered position. When neither of the windings Up or Dn are energized, the valve member 508 will remain in a neutral position, closing both the pressure and return lines to the cylinders 18 and 19.

In a similar manner, the magnetic clutch 341 is provided with a pair of windings designated -F and R, energization of the Winding F resulting in the operative connection of the feed wheel 300, FIGURES 9 and 10, to rotate it in a strap advancing direction, whereas the energization of the R is operative to rotate the feed wheel in the opposite direction, to remove excess slack from the strap loop formed. In like manner, the check valve 515 in the circuit of FIGURE 16 is provided with an actuating winding 515w, the construction being such that when the winding is energized, the check valve will be closed and prevent liquid from flowing from the sequence valve 512 to the cylinder 19, and when de-energized, permitting such a flow. Similarly, the valve 522 in the circuits of FIG- URES 16 and 17 is provided with an actuating winding 522w, which when energized, is operated to connect the cylinder 21 to the high-pressure side of the pump, and when de-energized, to connect the cylinder to the tank 17.

In FIGURE 16, the reference numeral 525 indicates generally a strap advance control relay, which is adapted to control the energization of the winding F of the clutch 341, the relay having an actuating winding 525W, and three pairs of contacts 525a, 525b, and 5250, the contacts 525a, and 525cbeing normally open and the contacts 525b being normally closed. In like manner, the reference numeral 526 designates a slack takeup relay adapted to control the energization of the winding R of the clutch 341, such relay having an actuating winding 526w and contact pairs 526a, 52Gb and 526C, the contacts 526a and 526c being normally open and the contacts 526k being normally closed.

The reference numeral 527 designates a control relay for the directional valve 505 and comprises an actuating winding 527w and pairs of contacts 527a, 527b and 527e, the contacts 527a and 5270 being normally open and the contacts 527b being normally closed. In like manner in FIGURE 16, the reference numeral 528 designates a check valve control relay comprising the winding 528w and pairs of contacts 528a, 5281), 528a and 528d, the contacts 528a, 5280 and 528d being normally open, and the contacts 528b being normally closed. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the switch 395 is of a single pole double throw type, having a common movable contact 395a and cooperable contacts 395b and 3950, with the contacts 395a and 395b being normally closed and contacts 395a and 3950 normally open, while the switch 495 comprises a pair of normally closed contacts. To simplify the electrical circuit illustrated in FIGURES l6 and 17, the power source is merely designated on one side by a ground symbol and the other side by an X, and all points adapted to be connected to the power source are correspondingly designated.

Assuming that the crimping mechanism is at the bottom of its travel, the knob 494, as best seen from FIGURE 1, will be engaged with and actuate the lever 482, to open, as seen in FIGURE 16, switch contacts 479a and close contacts 479b, the latter completing a circuit from one side of the power source to contact 395a of the switch 395, and contact 395b thereof to one contact of a single throw switch 529, which is the master starting switch. The normally open contacts 529 are connected in parallel to the normally open contacts 5250 which are operatively connected to the winding 525W. The normally closed contacts 525b are operative to connect coil 522w of the valve 522 to the side "X of the power supply, the opposite side of the winding 522w being grounded and thus operatively connected to the other side of the power supply, so that the valve 522 will be actuated to maintain pressure in the cylinder 21 and thus support the table 4 in an elevated position. Upon momentary closing of the contacts 529, the winding 525W is operatively connected to the power supply and energized, thereby actuating contacts 525a, 52515, and 5258. Opening of contacts 52512 results in deenergization of the winding 522w, reversing the valve 522 and permitting liquid to flow from the cylinder 21 to the return tank 17 and permitting the table 4 to move to its lowered position. Simultaneously therewith, the contacts 525a and 5250 are closed, the contacts 525c locking in the relay 525 through the switch 395 and switch 479, while closing of the contacts 525a is adapted to energize the winding F of the clutch 341. In some cases it may be desirable to insert a time delay switch 531 in series with the winding F and contacts 525a to insure ample time between the deenergization of the winding 522w and energization of the winding F to insure that the table 4 will be in lowered position before strap is fed.

Upon actuation of the winding F of the clutch 341, the strap will be fed until the switch 395 is actuated by the strap measuring mechanism, thereby opening the contacts 395a and 395b, and closing the contacts 395:: and 395k and 395C. Upon opening the contacts 39511, the power supply to the winding 525w of the relay 525 is broken, permitting the relay to be deactivated which will open the lock-in contacts 525e, closing the contacts 52512, but as contacts 395a and 395b are open, the winding 522w will not be energized, so that the table will remain in the down or lowered position. At the same time, contacts 525a will open, permitting the winding F to be deenergized, stopping the forward advancement of the strap. As the contact 3950 is connected to one side of the winding 528w of the relay 528, closing of the contact 3950 with the contact 395a will connect such side of the coil 528w to the power supply, and as the opposite side of the winding 528w is connected to ground through normally closed contacts 495a of switch 495, such winding will be energized to actuate the relay 528, resulting in closing of contacts 528a, 5280 and 528d, and opening contacts 528b. Closure of the contacts 528a results in operative connection of the winding 515w of the check valve 515 across the power supply, to energize the same and operatively close the check valve so that fluid cannot flow to the cylinder 19. Closure of the contacts 528d, lock in the relay 528, while the Up winding of the directional valve 505 is energized by the connection from the power source through contacts 528s in series with contacts 52Gb to operatively connect the cylinder 18 to the pressure line, causing the crimping mechanism to rise until the switch 480 is actuated to close the contacts 480a, thereby completing a circuit from the power source through contacts 5280, contact 480a to the winding 526w of the relay 526, the opposite end of the winding 526w being grounded through the contacts 495a of the switch 495. Upon energization of relay 526, contacts 52612 are opened, thereby breaking the circuit to the Up winding of the directional valve 505, while closing of the contacts 526C lock in the relay 526, and closing of the contacts 526a results in energization of the winding R of the clutch 341, thereby reversing the feed wheel 300 to permit slack take-up from the loop encircling the object.

This action continues until the switch 495 is actuated when the strap pulls out of the guide head 5, thereby opening contacts 495a, as a result of which the windings 526w

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