Abstract: A system for applying pressure sensitive adhesive labels from a feed web with high position precision onto flat uniform size articles mechanically links the advance of the article to be labeled and the advance of the current label to be applied in unison, so that forward advancement speed of the article and the current label are matched exactly, independent of any speed variation in the application system. This is accomplished using a label following member that comes to rest at the trailing edge of a succeeding label and is freely allowed to follow the succeeding label as it advances on the web spaced downstream of the current label. Such following member is mechanically coupled to a pusher which advances the article to be labelled in the precise speed and relative location of the current label as it advances, thereby accurately placing the current label on the article as it peels from the continuous support web.

Abstract: A thermostat capable of accommodating primary and secondary loads is taught. Preferably a hydronic valve actuator is the primary load and a fan coil of variable speed is the secondary load. Temperature sensing is electronic and both heating and cooling as well as multiple fan modes are accommodated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for normalizing spectral data for an optical sensor. The sensor is comprised of a probe, a color sensor, a series of reflective targets, and a data processing means. Before the sensor is put into operation, a model is created, the use of which can normalize spectral data output by the color sensor for a variety of defined parameters. During operation of the sensor, the model maybe updated by rotating the targets individually in front of the probe. The targets have known reflectivities and the difference between the actual reflectivity and the spectral data is used to update the model.

Abstract: The device disclosed herein comprises a machine adapted to apply labels to round or oval fruit such as oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, lemons, apples, etc. This machine has chutes down which the fruit rolls to where a label is positioned with the adhesive side of the label facing upward so as to come in contact with the fruit as it rolls over that area. An electric eye is aimed at the area where the label is positioned to come in contact with the fruit so that when the label is removed by the fruit, the electric eye activates a device which moves the belt on which a series of labels are positioned so that the next label is moved to this fruit-contacting area. This belt is adapted to make a sharp upward reverse turn so as to detach itself from the label as the label reaches the fruit-contacting area.