Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product utilize a torque control algorithm constrained by a speed window to control the dispense rate of a packaging material dispenser when wrapping a non-cylindrical load with packaging material. In particular, a dispenser motor of the packaging material dispenser that is controlled by a VFD may be driven to maintain a substantially constant torque, while also constrained to operate within a speed window that is based at least in part on a rate of relative rotation between the packaging material dispenser and the load.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product utilize a torque control algorithm constrained by a speed window to control the dispense rate of a packaging material dispenser when wrapping a non-cylindrical load with packaging material. In particular, a dispenser motor of the packaging material dispenser that is controlled by a VFD may be driven to maintain a substantially constant torque, while also constrained to operate within a speed window that is based at least in part on a rate of relative rotation between the packaging material dispenser and the load.

Abstract: A film dispenser for stretch wrapping machines includes at least one roller and a first brake engageable with a braking surface the one roller. The first brake may include a flat brake pad that is pivotally movable for engagement with the braking surface, and is adjustable between a first configuration engaged with the braking surface and applying a first braking force, and a second configuration disengaged from the braking surface or only minimally engaged with the braking surface such that any braking force applied is substantially less than the first braking force.

Abstract: A load having top and bottom caps is stretch wrapped at a wrapping station having turntable and a dispenser for dispensing stretch wrap packaging material, and a corner board placer for placing a corner board having tapered top and bottom edges on each corner of the load. With the load positioned on the turntable, the corner board placer is controlled by a controller to perform the steps of forming an acute angle between first and second portions of the corner board, and moving the corner board toward the corner until the first and second portions have been inserted between the top and bottom caps.