Patent ID: 6981353
Filing Date: 2006-01-03
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A feed system for a strapping machine of the type having a strap supply and a strap chute, the strapping machine including a strapping head disposed between the strap supply and the chute, the strapping machine configured to position, tension and seal a strap material around a load, the feed system comprising: a strap path from the strap supply to the strapping head; a pair of tensioning wheels disposed along the strap path proximal the strap supply; a pair of feed wheels disposed along the strap path proximal the strapping head, the feed wheels defining a nip therebetween; a feed wheel drive operably connected to one of the feed wheels and a tensioning wheel drive operably connected to one of the tensioning wheels, wherein the feed wheel drive and the tensioning wheel drive are reversible motors; and a sensor disposed along the strap path for generating a signal to indicate a movement or a lack of movement of the strap material along the strap path, wherein in a strapping cycle, the strap material is conveyed around the strap chute by forward rotation of the feed wheels, is retracted around the load by reverse rotation of the feed wheels and is tensioned around the load by forward rotation of the tensioning wheels, forward rotation of the tensioning wheels commencing upon receipt of the lack of movement of strap material signal following retracting the strap material, and wherein when, following reverse rotation of the feed wheels for retracting the strap material, in a faulted strap condition, the sensor fails to generate a lack of movement signal, the feed wheels stop rotation, and the tensioning wheels rotate in a reverse direction to convey the strap material into the nip between the feed wheels.