Importance

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Abstract

A loader arm assembly for use in a packaging system, comprising an arm, a housing, and a load jam detector. The housing is operably connected to at least one motive mechanism, and is adapted for moving the arm to load product into a package. The arm has both a latched state and a released state with respect to the housing. The arm normally is in the latched state to load product into the package, and enters the released state to relieve pressure upon detecting the load jam condition. The arm includes a base plate and a loading head. The housing is formed with a guide passage that is adapted for receiving the base plate. The load jam detector preferably includes at least one detent adapted for holding the base plate with respect to the housing in the latched state. The detent preferably is formed by a tip of at least one plug extending through the housing to the guide passage. The tip is adapted for applying a holding force against the base plate. A first end of the base plate has at least one depression adapted for receiving the tip of the at least one plug in the latched state and for releasing the tip to slide on a surface of the base plate upon the application of a predetermined load pressure attributable to the load condition. The loader arm assembly is described and shown within a barrel cam loading mechanism that is incorporated into a continuous motion packaging mechanism, but may be used in other packaging systems such as a vertical cartoner or a sleever.

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First Claim