Bundle forming apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for receiving a plurality of elongated elements and for forming the same into a densely packed assembly. The apparatus may be mounted on a carriage which extends longitudinally in a direction parallel to the lengths of the elements being handled, and which is movable laterally along tracks or rails. The apparatus includes a plurality of pairs of cooperating arms spaced along the length thereof. Each pair of arms has a chain associated therewith, the latter being supported on appropriately positioned sheaves carried by the arms. One of the arms of each pair is preferably movable relative to the other arm between an open position to laterally receive the elongated elements therebetween for deposit on the aforesaid chains, and a closed position. The chains are initially adjusted to form bridging catenaries onto which the elements are transferred. Thereafter, the chains are gradually slackened by reciprocally operable mechanisms to form slings into which the elements introduced between the arms are received. Upon closure of the movable arms, the chains are tightened, thereby densely packing the assembled elements. The carriage is then moved laterally to another location where the densely packed elements are strapped or tied into bundle form, and then to still another location where the bundle is transferred to another handling apparatus.