Abstract: A bell-shaped vacuum foot subtends from a vertically extending tube to receive a printed label in a first orientation from the label dispenser which is located to one side of and at a higher elevation than a conveyor which is transporting articles to be labeled. The label carrying vacuum foot is moved laterally away from the dispenser through a downwardly smoothly curving diagonal path devoid of any abrupt directional changes. If required, the tube is simultaneously operated to rotate the label into a preselected second orientation as it is being lowered upon the article to be labeled. The vacuum foot thus moves through shorter distances and is better enabled to maintain the label in the intended placement orientation. The apparatus of the invention employs a lesser number of parts and performs the intended function in substantially lesser time compared to the mechanisms of the prior art.

Abstract: An improved motorized, articles-in-succession conveying and weighing (or checkweighing) machine for use such as intermediate of in-line article feeding and take-away conveyors, or the like, comprises essentially a frame-like support structure; a strain gage load cell suspended therefrom, which carries suspended therefrom a cage-like bracket, the opposite sides of which support spaced apart parallel article transport conveyors. Each of such conveyors comprises an endless belt training about driving and idler rollers which rotate about vertical axes. These conveyors define therebetween an article-to-be-weighed conveying passageway extending in longitudinal alignment with article feeding and take-away conveyor. The motor driving the conveyors is also mounted on the bracket suspended from the load cell; and therefore the motor and the conveyor form parts of the tare load on the load cell.

Abstract: There is disclosed, in combination with a conveyor for moving packages or other objects of different sizes and shapes from an input station via a customer charge-calculating and labeling station, an improved printed label transport system carrying the labels to the applicator. The label transport and applying system is of a swinging "elbow" type and is of such geometry as to obviate previous problems concerning labeling of articles of varying sizes and shapes as they are being transported on a continuously delivering high speed product line conveyor. The label print system applies all pertinent data on a single label, and the mechanism provides an improved "final touch" pressure against each label incidental to the applying operation. The label transport system includes a sidewise label scanning device which monitors for correctness the indicia printed thereon.

Abstract: A label applying apparatus and method is disclosed which rotates the label through a desired number of degrees of rotation before its application to an article in order that the label may be applied in a preferred orientation. A label dispenser delivers the label to a first vacuum foot which holds the label substantially parallel to the surface of the article upon which the label is to be placed. The label is then transferred to a second, reciprocating vacuum foot which rotates while it moves into contact with the article.