Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring containment force on a load is provided. The apparatus may include a first longitudinally extending arm configured to engage a first side of packaging material wrapped around the load. The apparatus may also include a second longitudinally extending arm configured to engage a second side of the packaging material, the second side being opposite the first side. The apparatus may further include an indicator positioned substantially perpendicularly to the first and second arms, a third longitudinally extending arm, and a force gauge configured to measure a force exerted on the third longitudinally extending arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring containment force on a load is provided. The apparatus may include a first longitudinally extending arm configured to engage a first side of packaging material wrapped around the load. The apparatus may also include a second longitudinally extending arm configured to engage a second side of the packaging material, the second side being opposite the first side. The apparatus may further include an indicator positioned substantially perpendicularly to the first and second arms, a third longitudinally extending arm, and a force gauge configured to measure a force exerted on the third longitudinally extending arm.

Abstract: A pallet dispenser and a method for stripping a lowermost pallet from a vertical stack of at least two pallets is disclosed. The pallet dispenser includes a pallet magazine for containing the vertical stack of pallets and a platform disposed below the pallet magazine. The platform is configured to support the vertical stack of pallets such that the lowermost pallet rests on the platform. The pallet dispenser also includes a cantilevered pusher bar configured to push the lowermost pallet from under the vertical stack of pallets and out of the pallet magazine. In another embodiment, the pallet dispenser may include motion means for providing motion to the stack of pallets.

Abstract: A palletizer for automatically building a load with product from an infeed area is disclosed. It includes means for defining a desired volume of a load including a length sensor, a width sensor, and a height sensor. It also includes means for transporting product from an infeed area to the load. A controller is associated with means for defining the desired volume, the controller being configured to receive signals from the sensors and to automatically control movement of the means for transporting. The controller is configured to automatically determine when the volume is filled. In another aspect, a method of building a load with product from an infeed area is provided. The method includes defining a desired volume of the load using a length sensor, a width sensor, and a height sensor. It also includes automatically filling the volume with product, and determining when the volume is filled.