Interlake, Inc.

Robert A Johnson

A strap accumulator for use between strapping apparatus and apparatus for dispensing strap from the outside of a mill-wound supply reel, includes a coil holder for accommodating a ribbon-wound coil of dispensed strap. The outer diameter of the coil is constrained by an expandable spring steel hoop biased to a contracted condition. Motor-driven feed wheels feed strap from the supply reel through a gap in the hoop to the outside of the coil along the inner surface of the hoop. The coil is laterally retained by side structure having an aperture permitting withdrawal of strap from the center of the coil. The natural expansion of the coil holds the hoop expanded for opening a switch to deenergize the feed motor. Withdrawal of strap from the coil contracts it, allowing the hoop to contract for closing the switch and energizing the feed motor to feed more strap to the coil. Safety switch means are provided to deenergize the strapping apparatus in the event of malfunction of the accumulator. The accumulator may be free standing or commonly mounted with the strap dispensing apparatus.

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Flossmoor, IL, United States of America

Robert A Johnson