US3605465A

US3605465A - Method and arrangement for producing connecting strips of band

Info

Publication number: US3605465A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans Jochen Timmerbeil; Hugo Timmerbeil Jr
Original assignee: Titan Eisenwarenfabrik GmbH
Current assignee: Titan Eisenwarenfabrik GmbH
Priority date: 1967-08-29
Filing date: 1968-11-21
Publication date: 1971-09-20
Anticipated expiration: 1988-09-20
Also published as: AU430223B2; AU2656967A

Abstract

A PROCESS FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS OF HAND FOR USE IN BOX STRAPPING AND BALING APPLICATIONS. A BLANK BAND WOUND UPON A REEL IS PASSED THROUGH A METAL WORKIN MACHINE WHICH APPLIES TO THE BAND A DEFORMATION AT PREDETERMINED STRIP LENGTHS. A SENSING DEVICE SPACED FROM THE METAL WORKING MACHINE AT A DISTANCE EQUAL TO THE DESIRED LENGTH OF THE STRIP, DETECTS THE DEFORMATION APPLIED TO THE BAND AND IN RESPONSE ACTUATES THE METAL WORKING MACHINE TO APPLY A SUBSEQUENT DEFORMATION.

Description

Sept. 20, 1971 H.J TIMMERBEIL ETA 7 3.

, METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS CF BAND Filed Nov. 21, 1968 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 TamJW/mnacw, H060 humane/ 4 m Sept. 20, 1971 TMMERBEIL ETAL 3,605,455

METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS OF BAND Filed Nov. 21, 1968 9 Sheets-$heet 2 fh-ln- V Scpt. 20, 1971 H. J. TIMMERBEIL ETAL 3.605.

METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS OF BAND Filed Nov. 21, 1968 9 Sheets-Shoe 5 IN VE N 7' OR WOW/105mm I-IHGQ 771mm Ber mw Mil/M1 [#MQW/ Sept. 20, 1971 H. J. TIMMERBEIL ETAL 3,605,465

I METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS OF BAND Filed Nov. 21, 1968 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 m? wll m R fimz mat INVE N 7 0R] 70c flew/4V7 Imam in 674 mm NEQEQQ w 3m Hum Elma/3571.].

Sept. 20, 1971 H. J. TIMMERBEIL ETAL 3,605,465

' METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS OF BAND 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 21. 1968 FIG. 77

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# 60 7/ HAM/I0 m n Sept. 20, 1971 Filed Nov. 21. 1968 H. J. TIMMERBEIL 1 METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS OF BAND 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORI youlew m 1111:1401. #415 0 77 me: 05 1 71 Sept. 20, 1971 T|MMERBE|L EIAL 3,605 465 METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS OF BAND Filed Nov. 21, 1968 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTORJ r T Milk/v10 n'mmmm M160 T! "Ht 1807b 75 Sept. 20, 1971 H. J. TIMMERBEIL ETAL I 3,605 465 METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS OF BAND Filed Nov. 21, 1968 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVINI'OR Y Joann/ll launt/4,

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3;: 0242/00 /rrlf/ Filed Nov; 21. 1968 Sept. 20, 1971 J, TIMMERBElL ETAL I 3,605 465 METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING I commune STRIPS OF BAND i 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 I INVENTOR:

Jmevmimn m w ugo rmnq gala f9 v ova/m ad United States Patent 3,605,465 METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING CONNECTING STRIPS OF BAND Hans Jochen Timmerbeil and Hugo Timmerbeil, Jr.,. Schwelm, Westphalia, Germany, assignors to Titan Eisenwarenfabrik G.m.b.H., Schwelm, Westphalia, Germany Filed Nov. 21, 1968, Ser. No. 777,724 Int. Cl. B21d 43/28, 28/00; B26d 3/00, 5/20, 5/38; G01n 21/30; B651? 23/18 US. Cl. 72-10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A process for producing connecting strips of band for use in box strapping and baling applications. A blank band wound upon a reel is passed through a metal working machine which applies to the band a deformation at predetermined strip lengths. A sensing device spaced from the metal working machine at a distance equal to the desired length of the strip, detects the deformation applied to the band and in response actuates the metal work ing machine to apply a subsequent deformation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention resides in a process for producing a continuously windable band with accurately spaced sections adapted for strapping and baling applications. The band is formed through self-controlled or automatically controlled metal working or processing arrangements and feed devices. In the known art, for producing band sections in the form of straps or bale bands, the metal working or processing arrangement is controlled in dependency of the band feed. In such conventional arrangements, the feed of the band is accomplished through clamping tongues or rolls operating over a region of the entire feed movement. After a predetermined number of feed mo ements corresponding to a required total feed length, the metal working or processing arrangement is actuated. When long feed sections or lengths are required, as in the production of strapping bands or baling wire, these conventional processes are not practical since many timeconsuming feed movements are required to achieve the desired overall section length.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for production of strapping bands of accurate length during high feed speeds of the band, so as to result in economic production.

The object of the present invention is essentially achieved through the actuation of the switching circuitry for the metal working and feed arrangements, by means of portions of the band sections. The actuation of the switching circuits is accomplished through the application of deformations in the band at the spacing positions. This process has the advantage that additional or auxiliary workings on the band for actuating the switching arrangements may be avoided. The deformations in the band may be used to function in conjunction with optical, electronic, as well as mechanical sensing devices for the purpose of initiating for actuating switching contacts for the metal working or processing arrangement and the feed devices.

The actuation of the switching arrangement can be accomplished in an advantageous manner through one or more cut-outs in the band. It is equally possible to achieve the actuation of the switching circuitry through one or more piercings or indentations of the band. At the same time, the actuation of the switching circuitry may also be realized through unstressed deformed portions of the band.

It is desirable that the actuation of the switching cir- "ice cuitry be accomplished through a number of adjacently located deformations of the band with correspondingly arranged sensing devices, for the purpose of generating control pulses reliably.

It is also desirable that the actuation of the switching circuitry be accomplished through a number of subsequently located deformations of the band, in order to initiate or generate a number or plurality of control pulses in sequence.

The actuation of the switching circuitry results in an advantageous manner through a plurality of adjacently and sequentially located deformations.

The closed surfaces or portions of the band can also be used to advantage in conjunction with the deformations of the prepared band, for actuating the switching circuitry arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A process and arrangement for producing connecting strips of band for box strapping or baling purposes. A band in blank form and wound upon a band storage reel, is advanced toward a metal processing or working machine. The processing machine applies to the band a deformation, cut-out or combination of deformations and cut-outs for designating an end of the strip. The operation per-formed by the metal working machine does not result in complete severance of the band. After a strip end portion has thus been formed, this portion is advanced towards a sensing station spaced from the machine. This sensing station emits or gives rise to signals which cause the metal working machine to go through a cycle of operation, upon the arrival of a strip end portion at the sensing station. With the operation of the machine, in this manner, a subsequent strip end portion is formed which is spaced from the preceding strip end portion by the desired length of the band strip. The process is repeated until the entire roll of band has been processed to result in a continuous sequence of strips having marked ends in the form of deformations and/or cut-outs.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the arrangement for producing strips of band for strapping of boxes or cartons in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an electrical circuit diagram of the arrangement used to control the machine processing of the band in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the arrangement of FIG. 1, in which mechanical sensing means are used in place of the electronic sensing means for carrying out the operations of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the arrangement of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6 to 9 are top views of the mechanical sensing device used in conjunction with the arrangement of FIG. 4, while in different operating positions;

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional side view of the mechanical sensing device of FIGS. 6 to 9;

FIG. 11 is an electrical circuit diagram and shows the control arrangement operating in conjunction With the arrangement of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 12 to 15 are top views of the band showing different forms of cut-outs as realized from the machine processing steps;

FIGS. 16 to 21 are top and end views of different pierced cuts applied to the band for the purpose of designating the end portions of the strips of the band; 1

FIGS. 22' to 24 are top views of the band showing unstressed deformations of the band; and

FIGS. 25 to 29 are top and side views of different embodiments of the band in which the strip end portions of the band are formed through spacings and closure portions of the band.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing, the arrangement for carrying out the process in accordance 'with the present invention, consists essentially of a storage drum 21 for a strip or band 22, a feeding device 23, a processing arrangement 2'4, electronic sensing positions and 26, a brake 27, and an unwinding reel 28.

The storage drum 21 for the band or strip is rotatably mounted in a frame 29 resting on carrier members 30'. The band or strip 22 originating from the drum 21, passes through a feeding device 23. This device consists of two

rotating rolls

33 and 34 which rotate in opposite direction and impart movement to the band or strip 22 through frictional contact therewith. The feeding device 23 feeds the band to the processing arrangement 24. The lower roll 34 is driven through a linkage 35, in a selected manner by one of two

electrical motors

36 and 37 mounted within one structural member. These

electrical motors

36 and 37 are equipped with braking means, so that additional braking arrangements for the feeding device may be avoided. The electrical motor 36 serves as a fast motor, Whereas the electrical motor 37 serves as a relatively slow-running unit. The upper roll 34- operates as a counter roll for the transmission of the band or strip 22.

The processing arrangement 34 is designed in the form of a press with a unique tool 38 for stamping or indenting to produce the desired deformation of the band. The tool may be of different designs for the purpose of meeting the different requirements that may be applied for the forming of the band. The band 22 is transmitted over a narrow table or bench 39 between the tool 38 and the neighboring areas. The

electronic sensing devices

25 and 26 are situated on the portion of the table 39 adjoining the processing arrangement 24. In the area of these electronic sensing devices, the table 39 has an opening 41 along the sides of which are mounted

rolls

42 and 43. The band or strip 22 runs over these rolls and forms a loop 44 beneath the opening 41. Before the band or strip 22 is wound upon the winding drum 45 of the take-up reel 28, the band runs through the band brake 27 in which the band is gripped between the braking rolls 46. The hand brake 27 provides for applying tension to the band before winding upon the drum 45, and thus maintains the loop 44. The winding drum 45 has its own driving mechanism 47 which is shown in the form of an electrical motor in the embodiment.

The band or strip upon the storage drum 21, which is to be processed, is first led by hand through the

rolls

33 and 34 of the feeding device 23-, and passed on into the processing direction. Whether the band 22 is to be provided only with desired separating or spaced positions, or arrangement 24 can be switched on through an on-olf also simultaneously with deformations, the processing switch 48, through the beginning of the band when located at the tool. This is because the band 22 is not yet at the sensing position 26. After that the beginning of the band or strip is taken, by hand, to the sensing position 26, and the processing arrangement is again switched on through the on-ofl" switch 48 for the purpose of forming the first desired spacing or separating position, and then also the deformations lying on both sides of the spacing position, depending upon the Selection of the tool 38.

4 An automatic control for the arrangement, to be described, now takes over the control for a feed 23 and the processing arrangement 24.

Through the return stroke of the processing arrangement 23, the fast running electrical motor 36 associated with the feed 23, is switched on, and as a result the band 22 becomes transported along. The beginning of the band must still be passed through the band brake 27 and secured to the take-up drum 45. After that, the drum driving mechanism 47 may be switched on through a further on-off switch 49.

In the operation of the arrangement 20, the band 22 becomes guided along under the sensing positions 25 and 26, with the spacings applied to the band by the processing arrangement 24. The sensing path is continuously interrupted by the band 22 until the instant that a spacing passes through. When a spacing does pass through the sensing position 25, the fast running electrical motor 36 becomes switched off, and the slow running electrical motor 37 for the feed becomes switched on. As a result, the translational velocity of the band becomes decreased to the extent that the feed becomes immediately halted when the spacing runs through the second sensing position 26 and thereby gives rise to the second control pulse. The first control pulse is generated when the spacing passes the sensing position 25. With the second control pulse, the operational steps of the processing arrangement 24 are automatically initiated, and the driving mechanism 47 for the take-up reel 28 becomes stationary. The take-up reel or winding reel can also be driven with an intermediate speed, and can continue to operate after the feed 23 becomes stopped, since the loop 44 will compensate for the difference. When the processing operation is ended, the processing arrangement 24 provides a return pulse through, for example, its return stroke. As a result of this return pulse, the fast running electric motor 36 of the feed 23, as well as the driving mechanism 47 of the take-up or winding reel 28, become again switched on.

The automatic control for the arrangement 20', may be determined from FIG. 3. In this circuit diagram, the lines of a three-phase A.C. power supply are denoted by R, S and T. Connected to these lines of the three-phase A.C. power supply, are the two

electrical motors

36 and 37 of the feed device 23, the driving mechanism 47 of the takeup reel 28, and the processing arrangement 24. The neutral conductor of the three-phase supply is denoted by MP, while SL represents a protective line connected to ground potential. The primary winding of a control transformer ST is connected to the phases R and T of the three-phase A.C. power supply. The secondary winding of the control transformer ST is connected to a switch 40 for controlling the current of the arrangement 20.

To switch on the control circuit for the arrangement 20, when the cut-off switch 40 is closed, the contact 48' of the on-off switch 48 is actuated and closed. As a result, the relay coil d becomes energized and its associated switching contacts d and (1 become closed. When the contact 48 is then released, the control circuit remains closed through the switching contact d Through the simultaneous closure of the switching contact ti the main relay coil c for the fast running motor 36 of the feed 23, becomes energized since the switching contact d is closed. Through this circuit configuration, the band 22 is rapidly advanced. When a spacing position on the band passes through the first sensing position 25, a pulse is transmitted through the momentary closure of the contact 25, associated with the sensing device 25, and the relay coil d is thereby energized. With the relay coil d energized, the contact d becomes opened and the main relay coil 0 is thereby deenergized. As a result, the fast running electrical motor 36 becomes switched off. The switching contact 11 becomes simultaneously closed through the relay coil d and the timing relay z becomes energized. This relay coil Z1 maintains, in turn, the relay coil d energized for a predetermined time interval, through the holding contact z Through the state of the relay coil d the main relay coil c becomes, furthermore, energized by way of the switching contact 1 and as a result, the slow running electrical motor 37 of the feed device 22 becomes turned When the spacing position on the band 22 passes a second sensing device of position 26, this condition is designated through the closure of a contact 26' associated with this sensing position. The momentary closure of the contact 26' causes the energization of the relay coil d When the relay coil d is energized, the associated switching contact [1 becomes closed and the timing relay Z2 is thereby energized. With the resulting closure of the holding contact 2 the energizing circuit to the relay coil d is maintained closed and the coil energized. The processing arrangement 24 becomes switched on, at the same time, through the energization of the relay coil d The operating contact 24 within the processing arrangement 24 becomes mechanically actuated through the stroke movement of the press associated with the processing arrangement 24, and as a result the circuit to the relay coil (1.; becomes closed for the duration of the stroke of the press. The switching contact d becomes actuated when the relay coil d becomes energized, and thereby interrupts the current circuit to the relay coil a of the driving source 47. The latter is thereby stopped from operating for the duration of a stroke cycle of the press.

For the purpose of beginning the processing or working of the band 22, the take-up reel drive 47 can, for example, be actuated through the on switching contact 49' of the on-off switch 49, and independent of the relay coil d The relay coil d thereby becomes energized and the switching contact d in the bridging circuit of the contact 49' becomes closed. The current circuit to the relay coil is held closed through the switching contact ri of the relay coil d The drive for the take-up reel remains consequently switched on during the stroke or cycle of the press, with the exception of the interruption through the opening of a switching contact d The take-up reel drive 47 may also be switched off, in an independent manner, through the switching off contact 49" of the on-otf switch 49.

The timing relays Z1 and 2 are made to correspond to each other and to become released after a predetermined time interval. Through the associated holding contacts Zn and 2 the current paths of the relay coils d and d become interrupted and the processing or working cycle of the arrangement becomes again repeated from the beginning. This situation prevails as long as the relay coil d does not become deenergized through actuation of switching contact 48" of the on-off switch 48.

In the arrangement 50 for carrying out the process of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the band 22 is taken directly from the storage drum 21, through the take-up reel 28. A supporting roll 51 beneath the moving band is provided in front of the processing arrangement 24. The sensing of the deformation of the band is carried out by the arrangement 50, through mechanical means, and thereby only deformations at the sides of the band are provided in the disclosed embodiment. The table or bench 39 adjoining the processing arrangement 24, is provided with a movable plate 53 which is slidably movable along the longitudinal axis of the table. The plate 53 is provided with pawls 52.

As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the plate 53 slidable lengthwise upon the table 39, is normally held in place through springs 54. The displacement path of the plate 53 is limited in the front and back through limit stops 54 on the table or bench 39. When the band 22 runs past the pawls 52, the band is guided by vertically mounted guidance rolls 55. The pawls 52 are pivotably mounted upon the axes 56 on the plate 53. A tension spring 57 tends the pawls to move against each other. As a result, the end fingers 58 of the pawls are maintained against the edges of the band moving past the pawls.

When a deformed section passes the position of the fingers, the pawls 52 grip into the deformation, and as a result, the plate 53 becomes moved against the springs 54 until a switch 59 becomes actuated. This situation is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. A roller 60 of the contact switch 59 operates in conjunction with an actuating strip 61 formed from an inner bend of the plate 53. Through the contact switch 59, the processing arrangement 24 becomes switched on and the take-up reel 28 becomes switched off, as described below in conjunction with the associated control circuitry.

The release of the pawls 52 from the deformed positions of the band 22, is realized through a control plate having a triangular shape at its front portion. This control plate 62 is brought forward to force the pawls 52 apart, by means of a cylinder 63 in which a piston 64 is actuated through air pressure. Air pressure is applied through the piston 64, by way of an air line 65 connecting to a magnetic valve 66. The valve becomes momentarily opened through a current pulse emitted during the work cycle of the processing arrangement 24. The return motion of the return plate 62 is accomplished through a compression spring 67 acting upon the piston 64. This compresion spring 67 is shown in the embodiment as mounted within the pneumatic cylinder 63. After the pawls 52 have been forced apart and out of the deformations of the band 22, the plate 53 is returned to its initial position through means of the springs 54.

A telescopic movable device. 68 is arranged at the end of the table or bed 39. The band 22 is passed over a roller on the device 68 before winding upon the take-up drum 45. The device 68 serves as a buffer for the momentary overloads of the band, particularly when starting the take-up reel 28.

The control of the arrangement 50 is shown in FIG. 11, in which the associated circuit diagram is illustrated in the deenergized state. As in the previously described embodiment, the three lines of a three-phase A.C. power system are designated by R, S and T. The neutral conductor of the three-phase A.C. power system is desig nated by MP, whereas SL refers to a protective conductor connected to ground potential. A driving mechanism 47 of the take-up reel 28 is connected to the three-phase A.C. power supply, by way of the contact associated with the relay coil 0 In a similar manner, the processing arrangement 24 is connected to the A.C. power supply, by way of the contacts of the relay coil c The primary winding of a control transformer ST, furthermore, is connected to two phases of the power supply, while the secondary winding of this control transformer connects to the control circuitry, by way of a cut-off switch or circuit breaker 40.

When the circuit breaker or cut-off switch 40 is closed, the control circuit can be initiated through actuation of the contact 48'. The relay coil d then becomes energized and the two switching contacts d and ri of the relay d become closed. The contact 48 is bridged by the switching contact d similar to that described above in the preceding embodiment, and as a result the relay coil d remains energized. Since the contact switch 59 operating in conjunction with the plate 53 becomes then closed, the relay coil d also becomes energized and closes the circuit across the relay coil c As a result the driving mechanism 47 for the take-up reel 28 becomes initiated. A simple cut-off switch 47' is further introduced in the circuit of the relay coil 0 associated with the take-up reel 28. Through this contact 47, the driving mechanism 47 of the take-up reel may be switched on or off independently of the automatic control operation, when the control circuit is activated. At the same time, the contact d becomes opened through the relay d and the relay coil d with the associated contacts ai and (I in the control circuit of the processing arrangement 24, becomes deenergized. With the actuation of the contact 48 the relay coil c becomes simultaneously energized, and as a result the processing arrangement 24 is set into operation.

Through cooperative operation of the plate 53 with the switch 59, the latter becomes opened and the relay coil d becomes thereby deenergized. As a result, the contact d becomes opened and the relay coil C becomes also deenergized, whereby the driving mechanism 47 of the take-up reel 28 is made stationary. At the same time, the contact r1 closes and the relay coil d with its switching contacts ai and 11 become thereby energized. As a result, the processing arrangement 24 is actuated and set into operation. Through the switch 24' which is mechanically actuated by the motion of the processing arrangement, the circuit to the relay coil (1 becomes closed, and the associated contact e1 becomes likewise closed. When the contact d becomes re-opened, the relay coil d remains energized until the contact r1 is again opened through the relay coil d With the actuation of the relay coil d.,, the contact d. is actuated so that the circuit to the magnetic valve 66 is also closed. As a result, the piston 64 becomes subjected to air pressure in the manner described above, and the control plate 62 becomes actuated for the purpose of spreading the pawls 52. When the plate 53 has been returned to its initial position through the springs 54, and the switch 59 has been released thereby, the current circuit to the relay coil is again closed. With this second condition a new control cycle begins again.

It is also quite possible that the processing arrangement 24 can be actuated independently through a switch 69. This is of special significance in producing the first deformation of the band, before the latter is wound upon the take-up reel 28. Thus, in such a case, the beginning of the band 22 is drawn by hand from the storage drum 21 and led through the processing arrangement 24. The processing arrangement is then actuated through manual switching control, and the first deformation is thereby produced. Once the band 22 is wound on the take-up drum 45, further operation of the processing or metalworking cycles are accomplished automatically through the electrical control system as described above. If no band or strip is present or the end of the band has run off from the storage drum 21, the switch 51 interrupts the control circuit and the arrangement is automatically stopped from operation. The switch 51 is arranged in proximity of the supporting roll 51 and is loaded down to its closed position through the band passing over it. When no such band prevails, the switch 51' is, in effect, opened, and the circuit is thereby interrupted.

FIGS. 12 to 24 show band or strip deformations designed for the purpose of initiating control pulses. FIGS. 12 to show bands or strips in which the deformations are in the form of cut-outs. The cut-out 70 in FIG. 12 is wedge-shaped with straight edges 71. The wedge-shaped cut-outs leave a central portion 72 between the two

side edges

73 and 74 of the band 22. The cut-outs 70 lie transversely across from each other on the band. The cut-outs 75 shown in FIG. 13 are also wedge-shaped, but differ from the cut-outs 70, in that the edges 76 are curved. Such curved edges are particularly useful for providing desired interrupting positions, since in threading the band through this position, no sharp edges may appear. In FIG. 14 these deformations are illustrated in semi-circular form of cut-outs 77. The semi-circularshaped cut-outs 77 lie across from each other transversely to the longitudinal axis of the band, and have their largest opening at the side edges 73 and 74. FIG. 15 shows an arrangement in which more than two sensing positions are used next to each other in the transverse direction of the band. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 15 a plurality of circular shaped stampings 78 lie next to each other in the transverse direction of the band. In contrast with the previous embodiments of the band, the edges 73 8 and 74 remain unaltered in the embodiment of FIG. 15.

FIGS. 16 to 21 show embodiments of the band 22 with different piercings in design. The bands are also deformed immediately in the region of the piercing. The embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17 disclose piercings 79 which extend substantially transverse from the

edges

73 and 74 of the band 22, and leave a central portion of material 80. The

regions

81 and 82 bordering the piercings are deformed so that the region 81 projects upward from the plane of the band, whereas the region 82 projects downward from the plane of the band. The largest deformation is incurred at the

edges

73 and 74. A further embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, in which a pierced straight cut 83, transverse to the band 22, leaves two material portions 84 at the sides. The region 85 of the band is next to the cut or piercing 83, as shown in FIG. '19, and is pressed out from the plane of the band. The band 22 can, furthermore, be shaped in accordance with FIGS. 20 and 21 in which pierced

indentations

86 and 87 are provided extending from the

edges

73 and 74 and towards the central portion of the band. A central portion 88 remains and supports the pierced

indentations

86 and 87 which project from the plane of the band beyond the central portion.

FIGS. 22 to 24 show embodiments for stressless deformations of the band 22, adapted or actuating sensing elements. The deformations may run transverse to the band in the form of a projection portion 89 as shown in FIG. 22, or as an indentation 90 on the upper and lower surface of the band and running transverse thereto. For stepwise control of the band feed, it is advantageous to provide a plurality of such indentations 90 transverse to the longitudinal direciton of the band, and arranged adjacent to each other as shown in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 25 to 29 illustrate embodiments in which a band strip between ends 91 and 92 is prepared with spacing positions 93 and band closures 94 adapted to also give rise to control pulses. In FIGS. 25 and 26, the band ends 91 and 92 adjoin the spacing position 93. The spacing position is provided with two cut-outs 95 extending from the

edges

73 and 74 toward the center of the band, and leaving a central portion of material 97. The edges 96 substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the band, are curved and the cut-out edges 98 are inclined towards a central axis of the band 22. The band closures 94 are formed from adjacent and consecutively following angular cuts or piercings 99, in the conventional manner. The rising portions 100 between the cut indentations 99, and the inclined side portions 101 are pressed in opposite directions from the plane of the band, as shown in FIG. 26. FIGS. 27 and 28 show another embodiment for the spacing position and the band closures. The spacing position 93 is formed in this embodiment through wedgeshaped cut-outs, while the band closures 94 are formed through adjacently located angular cuts 102. The regions of the band I103 and 104 lined on the two sides of the angular cuts 102, are pressed in opposite directions from the plane of the band.

In the embodiment of FIG. 29 the spacing position 93 is also formed from wedge-shaped cut-outs. On both sides of the spacing position, adjacently elongated slots -105 are cut through and out of the band plane.

As mentioned above, the embodiments shown are only an example for realizing the present invention, and the latter is not limited to these embodiments. Thus, instead of mechanical or electronically operating sensing devices, optical or electromagnetic sensing devices may also be used for the purpose of carrying out the present invention. It is also quite possible to apply color or magnetic markings at the desired spacings, instead of the deformations through band piercings, for the purpose of initiating controlliing signals. As a result, the shapes of the deformations, particularly the spacing positions, are not restricted to the embodiments shown. The deformation of the bands can be provided in any desired manner with the condition that a sensing arrangement may be actuated 9 therewith. The number of sensing positions can also be varied in accordance with the requirements for controlling the feed and processing arrangement.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of control bands for metal working processes differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in control bands for metal Working processes, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desire to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A process for producing band strips with spacing positions at the ends of the strips, comprising the steps of advancing a band to be processed in a predetermined direction towards a band processing arrangement; stopping advancement of said band on arrival thereof at said band processing arrangement; actuating said band processing arrangement; forming with said band processing arrangement a strip end portion on said band; advancing the 'band at high speed so as to move the thus formed strip end portion rapidly towards a sensing position which is spaced from said band processing arrangement by a predetermined distance; slowing the advancement of said band as said strip end portion approaches said sensing position; sensing said strip end portion at said sensing position and concomitantly stopping advancement of said band; and actuating said band processing arrangement in response to sensing of said strip end portion and subsequent to stopping the advancement of said band, so as to form with said band processing arrangement another strip end portion on said band longitudinally spaced from the preceding strip end portion, whereby strip end portions spaced from each other by said predetermined distance are formed in sequence along said band.

2. An arrangement for producing connecting strips of band comprising, in combination, supply means supplying a continuous band for movement in a predetermined path; band processing means adjacent said path for deforming a predetermined section of said band upon application of an operating signal to said band processing means; sensing means positioned adjacent said path and spaced dowstream from said band processing means by a predetermined distance; advancing means for advancing said band first at high speed and subsequently at slow speed towards said sensing means upon deformation of said predetermined section; and controlling means actuated by and responsive to said sensing means upon sensing by the same of said predetermined section for transmitting operating signals to said advancing means so as to tenminate advancement of said band, and to said band processing means so that the latter applies an additional deformation to said band upon arrival of said predetermined section at said sensing means.

3. A process for producing connecting strips of band as defined in claim 1 including the step of deforming said strip end portion by said band processing arrangement, and initiating said sensing step with the deformation applied through said deforming step.

4. A process for producing connecting strips of band as defined in claim 3, including the step of applying further deformations to said band closely spaced from each other.

5. A process for producing connecting strips of band as defined in claim 3, including the step of applying further deformations in succession to said band.

6. A process for producing connecting strips of band as defined in claim 3, including the step of applying further adjacently located deformations in succession to said band.

7. A process for producing connecting strips of band as defined in claim 1 including the step of applying during said step of forming a strip end portion at least one deformation having at least one continuous closed surface; and initiating said sensing step through said continuous closed surface on said band upon arrival of said surface at said sensing position.

'8. A process for producing connecting strips of band as defined in claim 3, wherein the step of deforming said strip end portion comprises forming at least one cut-out in the band.

9. A process for producing connecting strips of band as defined in claim 3, wherein the step of deforming said strip end portion comprises forming at least one pierced cut in the band.

10. A process for producing connecting strips of band as defined in claim 3, wherein the step of deforming said strip end portion comprises forming a stressless-shaped portion in the band.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,222,842 11/ 1940 Humphrey 83-9 2,234,999 3/ 1941 Yoder 83-3-01 2,394,466 2/ 1946 Muddiman 250-219 2,781,816 2/1957 Lawson 113-1 2,857,966 10/1958 Sarka 83-33 2,862,292 12/1958 Lawson 29-413 3,406,601 10/ 1968 Clifford 83-208 2,329,392 9/ 1943 Crane 83-371 2,371,358 3/1945 Sekella 83-372 2,725,100 11/1955 Payne 83-371 3,497,702 2/ 1970 Martensson et al. 226-27 FOREIGN PATENTS 831,548 12/1937 France 83-73 CHARLES W. LANHAM, Primary Examiner E. M. COMBS, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R.