Importance

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for wrapping products having different product profiles includes a conveyor (14, 18, 22) driven by a conveyor drive (34) transporting a product (26). A wrapping mechanism (46) includes a drive mechanism (74) moving a wrap support (86) about a wrapping mechanism axis (58) using a rotatable driver (62) and a carrier (78) extending between the driver (62) and the wrap support (86). In one preferred form, a slideable attachment between the driver (62) and the carrier (78) allows extension and retraction of the wrap support (86) according to the product profile of the product (26). In one preferred form, a guide (82) moves in an adjustable cam track (98) made up of multiple segments (102, 106) to define a path (94) of the wrap support (86). The cam track (98) corresponds to the product profile of the product (26) on the platform (30). One of the cam segments (102, 106) is separately removable to allow for adjustment of the cam track (98). The wrap support (86) engages a film (134) and wraps the film (134) around the product (26). In a preferred form, a sensor (118) detects the product (26) as it proceeds toward the conveyor (18). A tracking encoder (122) receives data from the sensor (118) and the conveyor drive (34) to track the position of the product (26). A controller (126) receives the information from the tracking encoder (122) and controls the wrapping mechanism (46) according to the wrapping profile to accommodate variable spacing of products (26). A graphical user interface (130) may be used to modify or create wrapping profiles.

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