Abstract: A hand held labeler has a support liner wheel that is driven by a motor to accurately advance the label web, while providing adequate storage for the support liner of an entire label web. In one embodiment, the labeler includes a micro-controller that controls the motor to vary the speed of the support liner wheel to accommodate for the increased speed of the label web as the circumference of the support liner grows on the support liner wheel. The labeler also includes an applicator to separate the labels from the support liner. The applicator may include a trigger mechanism that is connected to the micro-controller to signal the micro-controller that a label has been placed on an item. The micro-controller may be programmed to start the motor upon receiving the signal from the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A labeller includes a waste liner rewind wheel for taking up the release liner after it has been separated from the labels, and a print mechanism positioned along the label path for real-time printing of a desired print material on the labels. In one embodiment, the waste liner rewind wheel includes a mechanism for adjusting the speed of the rewind wheel as the amount of waste liner on the rewind wheel increases, while maintaining sufficient tension on the waste liner to pull the waste liner onto the rewind wheel. In another embodiment, the print mechanism is mounted to the frame along the label path, such that the print mechanism is capable of printing on the labels as they are moved past the print mechanism. The labeller may additionally include an encoder for registering the position of the label web with respect to the print mechanism.

Abstract: A labeler is supported on a frame and includes a waste liner rewind mechanism. The frame may be a two-piece frame, wherein each piece supports a plurality of labeler components. A waste liner rewind wheel is rotatably mounted on one of the frame members, and is capable of supporting the release liner of the label web after the labels have been removed and applied to items. A rewind drive is connected to the waste liner rewind wheel for advancing the waste liner rewind wheel to wind the release liner about the waste liner rewind drive wheel. The rewind mechanism actuates the rewind drive as a function of the amount of tension on the release liner. The labeler may also include a print mechanism positioned along the label web path for printing a desired printed information on the individual labels.

Abstract: A labeler is supported on a frame and includes a waste liner rewind mechanism. The frame may be a two-piece frame, wherein each piece supports a plurality of labeler components. A waste liner rewind wheel is rotatably mounted on one of the frame members, and is capable of supporting the release liner of the label web after the labels have been removed and applied to items. A rewind drive is connected to the waste liner rewind wheel for advancing the waste liner rewind wheel to wind the release liner about the waste liner rewind drive wheel. The rewind mechanism actuates the rewind drive as a function of the amount of tension on the release liner. The labeler may also include a print mechanism positioned along the label web path for printing a desired printed information on the individual labels.

Abstract: A hand held labeler has a support liner wheel that is driven by a motor to accurately advance the label web, while providing adequate storage for the support liner of an entire label web. In one embodiment, the labeler includes a micro-controller that controls the motor to vary the speed of the support liner wheel to accommodate for the increased speed of the label web as the circumference of the support liner grows on the support liner wheel. The labeler also includes an applicator to separate the labels from the support liner. The applicator may include a trigger mechanism that is connected to the micro-controller to signal the micro-controller that a label has been placed on an item. The micro-controller may be programmed to start the motor upon receiving the signal from the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A labeler includes a waste liner rewind wheel for taking up the release liner after it has been separated from the labels, and a print mechanism positioned along the label path for real-time printing of a desired print material on the labels. In one embodiment, the waste liner rewind wheel includes a mechanism for adjusting the speed of the rewind wheel as the amount of waste liner on the rewind wheel increases, while maintaining sufficient tension on the waste liner to pull the waste liner onto the rewind wheel. In another embodiment, the print mechanism is mounted to the frame along the label path, such that the print mechanism is capable of printing on the labels as they are moved past the print mechanism. The labeler may additionally include an encoder for registering the position of the label web with respect to the print mechanism.

Abstract: A product labeling apparatus has a plurality of labelers, an imager for imaging products; and a processor responsive to an output of the imager and operatively connected to a control input of each of the labelers. The processor processes an image received from the imager to identify a portion of a product which portion will pass a target area of a given labeller. The processor then tracks progress of that portion of the product and controls an appropriate one of the labelers to label the portion of the product when that portion of the product is at the target area of the given labeler.

Abstract: To label products on a conveyor, a target area for a given product conveyed on the conveyor is determined relative to a frame of reference. One of a plurality of labellers fixed at different transverse positions over the conveyor, which one labeller is at a transverse position which is within the transverse extent of the target area is then activated in order to label the product. Each labeller may have a turret with a number of flexible bellows with an interior air diffuser. The air diffuser has a central opening facing the tamping end of the bellows and at least one side opening. This arrangement can enhance the responsiveness of the bellows. Each labeller may also have a de-mountable label cassette with a drive pinion which meshes with a two-sided timing belt. The two-sided timing belt is driven by a stepper motor in synchronism with the turret. The label cassette may have a driven pin wheel for moving the pin holed release tape of a label web.