Dual coil power strapping machine

A method for strapping articles comprising the steps of:

• feeding a plurality of straps from a plurality of sources through first and second guides means toward a converging point having a gate element shiftable between a first and a second position;
• selectively engaging the gate element by one of said straps for positioning said gate element in one of said positions, and passing said one strap to a third guide means;
• sensing the position of the gate element for identifying which strap is passing through said converging point;
• actuating a feeding means for advancing said last-mentioned strap through said third guide means;
• feeding said last mentioned strap to a strap positioning means for encircling the article, and
• applying said last mentioned strap to the article.

A chute for use in an article strapping apparatus comprising:

• a frame for encircling an article at a work station;
• opposing guide tracks mounted on said frame for relative movement between closed and open positions, said tracks including complementary slots for receiving strap;
• said guide tracks being positioned around a centerline of the strap when in the closed position;
• said guide tracks retaining the strap therein when in the closed position and releasing the strap to fall therefrom in the open position, and
• activating tracks connected to said guide means for causing said movement between said closed and open positions.

An article compression apparatus, for use in an article strapping apparatus, for compressing an article to be strapped at a work station, comprising:

• a transfer shaft mounted so as to extend between opposite sides of said work station;
• carrier means disposed at said opposite sides of said work station and connected to opposite ends of said transfer shaft for movement in unison with said transfer shaft;
• drive means for rotating said transfer shaft;
• and
• a soft compression member traversing said work station and connected to said carrier means.