Abstract: A tag applicator, and a method, for applying a tag, having an elastic loop, to a product. The tag applicator includes a linear actuator, and a pair of tag arms, one end of each being pivotably connected to the linear actuator. The two arms are biased toward each other, such as by a spring. A separator is positioned between the tag arms, so as to force the tag arms to separate as the linear actuator extends. A finger or tag hook is connected at the end of each tag arm, configured and positioned to connect to or insert into the elastic loop, and to extend the elastic loop as the tag arms are separated. With the tag loop held open, the product moves into the loop, and the tag is thereby applied to the product.

Abstract: A tag applicator, and a method, for applying a tag, having an elastic loop, to a product. The tag applicator includes a linear actuator, and a pair of tag arms, one end of each being pivotably connected to the linear actuator. The two arms are biased toward each other, such as by a spring. A separator is positioned between the tag arms, so as to force the tag arms to separate as the linear actuator extends. A finger or tag hook is connected at the end of each tag arm, configured and positioned to connect to or insert into the elastic loop, and to extend the elastic loop as the tag arms are separated. With the tag loop held open, the product moves into the loop, and the tag is thereby applied to the product.

Abstract: A tag applicator, and a method, for applying a tag, having an elastic loop, to a product. The tag applicator includes a linear actuator, and a pair of tag arms, one end of each being pivotably connected to the linear actuator. The two arms are biased toward each other, such as by a spring. A separator is positioned between the tag arms, so as to force the tag arms to separate as the linear actuator extends. A finger or tag hook is connected at the end of each tag arm, configured and positioned to connect to or insert into the elastic loop, and to extend the elastic loop as the tag arms are separated. With the tag loop held open, the product moves into the loop, and the tag is thereby applied to the product.

Abstract: A tag applicator, and a method, for applying a tag, having an elastic loop, to a product. The tag applicator includes a linear actuator, and a pair of tag arms, one end of each being pivotably connected to the linear actuator. The two arms are biased toward each other, such as by a spring. A separator is positioned between the tag arms, so as to force the tag arms to separate as the linear actuator extends. A finger or tag hook is connected at the end of each tag arm, configured and positioned to connect to or insert into the elastic loop, and to extend the elastic loop as the tag arms are separated. With the tag loop held open, the product moves into the loop, and the tag is thereby applied to the product.

Abstract: A method of operating an inserter with infeed and outfeed each driven by a separate servo motor. A controller independently energizes the servo motors to drive the infeed and outfeed to position a continuous feed of objects with a first object in the outfeed and a web between the first and second objects within a bursting space. The outfeed exerts tension on the continuous feed when the web is within the bursting gap. The web is burst and the first object is ejected from the outfeed into an item on a production line. An inserter with separate servo motors driving the infeed and the outfeed to position objects of a continuous feed, to burst webs between the objects by generating tension in the webs and to eject the burst objects from the inserter.

Abstract: A web burster/inserter assembly receives a continuous supply of coupons in the form of a web where the forwardmost coupon is attached to the following coupon. The web burster/inserter separates individual coupons from the web and directs the coupons to a desired location. A ram may be used to effectuate the separation. The web burster/inserter is capable of being used with coupons of varying thickness such as plastic prizes and game pieces.

Abstract: A coupon burster assembly receives a continuous supply of coupons in the form of a web where the forwardmost coupon is attached to the following coupon along a weakened web portion. The burster includes a pair of intermittently rotating feed rollers and a pair of continuously rotating delivery rollers. An activation input receives triggering information from a form-fill-seal packaging machine or from a receiving product sensor. When the activation input receives triggering information, a signal is sent to a clutch-brake to activate the feed rollers. The feed rollers then feed the web into the delivery rollers. When a deactivation sensor located beyond the delivery rollers senses the presence of the forwardmost coupon, a signal is sent to the clutch-brake which stops the rotation of the feed rollers. Because the delivery rollers continue to pull the forwardmost coupon, the two coupons separate along the weakened web portion. The forwardmost coupon can then be delivered to the dispensing location.

Abstract: A coupon inserter assembly receives a continuous supply of coupons in the form of a web where the forwardmost coupon is attached to the following coupon along a weakened web portion. The inserter assembly includes a pair of intermittently rotating feed rollers and a pair of continuously rotating delivery rollers. An activation sensor is located at a dispensing location or a conveyor carrying receiving products for receiving coupons. When the activation sensor senses a receiving product, a signal is sent to a clutch-brake to activate the feed rollers. The feed rollers then feed the web into the delivery rollers. When a deactivation sensor located beyond the delivery rollers senses the presence of the forwardmost coupon, a signal is sent to the clutch-brake which stops the rotation of the feed rollers. Because the delivery rollers continue to pull the forwardmost coupon, the two coupons separate along the weakened web portion.

Abstract: A coupon inserter assembly receives a continuous supply of coupons in the form of a web where the forwardmost coupon is attached to the following coupon along a weakened web portion. The inserter assembly includes a pair of intermittently rotating feed rollers and a pair of continuously rotating delivery rollers. An activation sensor is located at a dispensing location or a conveyor carrying receiving products for receiving coupons. When the activation sensor senses a receiving product, a signal is sent to a clutch-brake to activate the feed rollers. The feed rollers then feed the web into the delivery rollers. When a deactivation sensor located beyond the delivery rollers senses the presence of the forwardmost coupon, a signal is sent to the clutch-brake which stops the rotation of the feed rollers. Because the delivery rollers continue to pull the forwardmost coupon, the two coupons separate along the weakened web portion.