Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a produce label applicator machine is retrofitted with a system such that the positive/negative air pressure at the label applicator bellows is configured to introduce and apply a bacteria or maturity inhibiting substance/gas/chemical to the surfaces of the labels as they are being applied to the produce. A source of bacteria or maturity inhibiting substance/gas/chemical is coupled to a fast-acting valve, that is in communication with the air passageway of the label dispensing arms/bellows.

Abstract: A device for removing labels from a label applicator in a produce labeling system is provided. The device includes a label pickup roller positioned in the downstream path of the label applicator. A spindle is positioned on the machine such that the label pickup roller can be positioned as described. When a label attempted to be applied to produce from the label applicator does not get applied for any reason, the pickup roller removes this unapplied label from the label applicator before the label applicator travels back to the label dispenser to receive another label for the next labeling cycle.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for protecting the printhead heating elements in a thermal printer includes preparing the printer for label dispensing and then covering the printhead heating elements such that the label run or thermal material passing over the same does not contact the printhead heating elements. The cover for the printhead heating elements can take various forms. In one implementation, the cover is a sleeve configured to fit over the entire printhead assembly of the thermal printer. In another implementation, the cover is a shim placed between the printhead and a label run path. The printhead cover has a low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a produce label applicator machine is retrofitted with a system such that the positive/negative air pressure at the label applicator bellows is configured to introduce and apply a bacteria or maturity inhibiting substance/gas/chemical to the surfaces of the labels as they are being applied to the produce. A source of bacteria or maturity inhibiting substance/gas/chemical is coupled to a fast-acting valve, that is in communication with the air passageway of the label dispensing arms/bellows.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for protecting the printhead in a thermal printer includes preparing the printer for label dispensing and then covering the printhead such that the label run or thermal material passing over the same does not contact the printhead. The cover for the printhead can take various forms. In one implementation, the cover is a sleeve configured to fit over the entire printhead assembly of the thermal printer. The printhead cover has a low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for protecting the printhead heating elements in a thermal printer includes preparing the printer for label dispensing and then covering the printhead heating elements such that the label run or thermal material passing over the same does not contact the printhead heating elements. The cover for the printhead heating elements can take various forms. In one implementation, the cover is a sleeve configured to fit over the entire printhead assembly of the thermal printer. In another implementation, the cover is a shim placed between the printhead and a label run path. The printhead cover has a low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for protecting the printhead in a thermal printer includes preparing the printer for label dispensing and then covering the printhead such that the label run or thermal material passing over the same does not contact the printhead. The cover for the printhead can take various forms. In one implementation, the cover is a sleeve configured to fit over the entire printhead assembly of the thermal printer. The printhead cover has a low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for protecting the printhead in a thermal printer includes preparing the printer for label dispensing and then covering the printhead such that the label run or thermal material passing over the same does not contact the printhead. The cover for the printhead can take various forms. In one implementation, the cover is a sleeve configured to fit over the entire printhead assembly of the thermal printer. The printhead cover has a low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for protecting the printhead in a thermal printer includes preparing the printer for label dispensing and then covering the printhead such that the label run or thermal material passing over the same does not contact the printhead. The cover for the printhead can take various forms. In one implementation, the cover is a sleeve configured to fit over the entire printhead assembly of the thermal printer. The printhead cover has a low coefficient of friction.