Abstract: An apparatus for applying a cutting edge tape or a reinforcing tape to a substrate by feeding and cutting lengths of tape and advancing the lengths to a vacuum wheel applicator, the feed section of the apparatus comprising a feed roll, an anvil vacuum roll, and a rotary knife adjacent to the anvil vacuum roll, and means for adjusting the speed of the feed roll and the speed of the anvil vacuum roll to vary the length of the tape advanced to the applicator.

Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus that is continuously automatically operative in an in-line system is described for applying under vacuum, heat and mechanical pressure a dry film photoresist-forming layer to printed circuit boards (200) that already have been prelaminated by the loose application thereto of the dry film resist as discrete cut sheets within the confines of the surface of the boards whereby a laminate without entrapped air bubbles and closely conforming to the raised circuit traces and irregular surface contours of the printed circuit board is obtained. Featured is a conveyorized vacuum applicator (12) comprising two independent vacuum lamination chambers (18,20) in end-to-end relation. The first vacuum chamber operates at ambient temperature to draw off all of the air entrapped between the dry film resist and the surface of the printed circuit board at conditions that do not result in premature tacking of the dry film to the surface of the board.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an envelope sealing apparatus, preferably for use in an inserter (210), for sealing a stuffed envelope having a moisture activated adhesive on its flap. Includes a moistener (30) for wetting the moisture-activated adhesive, a sealer (252) for applying the envelope flap to the stuffed envelope body to seal the same and a control system for arresting the moistened envelope for an adjustable dwell time before the sealing operation. The dwell time is adjusted according to the number of inserts/documents in the envelope or according to the thickness of the contents.

Abstract: An offset measuring mechanism and method used in a bonding apparatus, in which the object plane of a position detection camera is set on a hypothetical bonding working plane, and the image of imaging elements within the imaging plane is projected onto a bonding working plane. Furthermore, the tip end of a bonding tool is aligned with the bonding working plane. The object plane of the offset measuring camera is set on the bonding working plane, and the image on the bonding working plane is projected onto the imaging elements of the imaging plane of the offset measuring camera. The imaging elements detect the projected image of the imaging elements of the position detection camera or the image of the tip end of the bonding tool and output this data to the image position measuring part or tool position measuring section of the control block.

Abstract: An apparatus is capable of simultaneously stamping indicia on each of a plurality of packages positioned within a larger container. The apparatus is programmable to process packages and containers of different sizes by adjusting the position of a transport conveyor with respect to the operable elements of the apparatus. The apparatus can include a loading station, an opening station, a stamping station, a closing station, and an unloading station. A programmable control system is provided for responding to one or more sensors in accordance to a control program stored in memory. The one or more sensors can include sensors to determine if a container is present at one or more locations, and one or more temperature sensors.

Abstract: A method for producing a processed substantially continuous veneer ribbon is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of debarked wood logs. A substantially continuous veneer ribbon is separated from each of said plurality of debarked wood logs. The substantially continuous veneer ribbons is conveyed to a plurality of storage locations. A system is provided for processing the substantially continuous veneer ribbons introducing a plurality of the substantially continuous veneer ribbons from the storage location to the continuous veneer ribbon process system. A processed continuous veneer ribbon is formed from the plurality of the substantially continuous veneer ribbons in the continuous veneer ribbon process system.

Abstract: A process for performing a plurality of operations on an elongate element, in particular an envelope (60) in a folder-inserter machine, which operations, such as flapping (44, 47), inserting, moistening and sealing, are carried out at spaced-apart locations. The process enables various different lengths of envelope to be employed, without the need to adjust any of the mechanisms. This is achieved by feeding an envelope into the inserter unflapped and with its crease line trailing. A datum position for the crease line is determined following sensing (96), and all the distances the envelope needs to be moved for the various operations, which may in practice be closely associated with that crease line, measured from that datum position. Irrespective of the lengths of the envelopes processed, the drive means (43) moving them from one particular operation location to the next then needs to be operated for the same time.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus that makes correction &Dgr;X=(Xn−X) in positioning of bonding tool and substrate where the imaging center of first camera shows deviation +Xc with respect to the imaging center of second camera, and deviation +Xn occurs when bonding tool moves from height Z1 to height Z2. A target is disposed at height Z1 in a correcting position, and a correction camera is disposed beneath the target. The correction amount &Dgr;X=(Xn−Xc)=X3−(X2+X1) is determined based upon first positional deviation X1 which is the position of a chip 10d at height Z1 seen from the target, second positional deviation X2 which is the position of the target seen from the imaging center of the second camera, and third positional deviation X3 which is the position of the chip 10u at height Z2 seen from the imaging center of the first camera.

Abstract: A lamination system comprises; a film transfer means for transferring along a film transfer path a laminate film in which small windows are provided, a film detection sensor for detecting the laminate film, a cutting means for cutting the laminate film into a predetermined length. The film transfer means further transfers the cut laminate film along the film transfer path, the lamination system further comprises a card transfer means for transferring a card on the surface of which a terminal of an IC tip is provided along a card transfer path, a positioning mean for making the terminal and the small window into a predetermined positional relation, a thermocompression bonding means for laminating laminate film with the card.

Abstract: A chip mounting device comprising a first recognition means (3) for recognizing a first recognition mark (5) on the upper chip-retainable head (2) side, a second recognition means (4) for recognizing a second recognition mark (6) on the lower substrate-retainable stage (1) side, a third recognition means (18) for recognizing the recognition marks (5, 6) concurrently when the first recognition mark (5) is brought close to or into contact with the second recognition mark (6), and a temperature detection means (17) attached to the first recognition means (3) or the second recognition means (4), wherein calibration is carried out based on the recognition of the recognition marks when the temperature detection means (17) detects a beyond-allowance temperature change, whereby permitting a high-accuracy, efficient calibration independently of mechanical deformation and temperature change in environmental atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing adhesive backed components from a carrier tape and applying them onto a substrate which utilizes a retracting blade having a top surface for positioning the adhesive backed components. Extension of the retracting blade and advancement of the carrier occur simultaneously and independently from one another thereby enabling a significant reduction in cycle times.

Abstract: A labeling system employs a multi-processing computer control system for a servo motor which drives a label-carrying web. The system is responsive to the physical position of the labels and the physical position of containers or similar objects to which the labels are applied. The label application motion controller identifies the machine position and performs the mathematical calculations needed to create a piecewise continuous function motion profile required to achieve label contact at a predefined contact point on the surface of each container. Multiple functions may be used to construct a motion profile which smoothly accelerates the label at a calculated acceleration needed to cause a label to arrive at the defined contact position on a container and to decelerates the carrier web after application. Correction for measured label registration error is provided for.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for the transverse gluing of veneer strips to obtain a butt-glued veneer carpet. A first sensor unit and a second sensor unit are provided for aligning a front edge and a rear edge, respectively, of a veneer strip and the veneer carpet, respectively, by use of a plurality of transportation belts, respectively, in such a manner that the edge is exactly positioned within a center line of a heating zone.

Abstract: A feeder for the surface mounting device is disclosed. The feeder includes a feeding unit being installed at one side of a main frame, having a plurality of armature coils and a circular permanent magnetic unit facing the plurality of armature coils to generate a rotation/reverse rotation force and carry a tape at a pitch interval and having a position sensing unit and a position detecting disk capable of sensing the position of the circular permanent magnetic unit, a vinyl separation unit carrying the vinyl removed from the tape by the rotation force or re-carrying the vinyl by the reverse rotation force, and a vinyl recovery unit recovering the vinyl by winding the same by the rotation force or discharging the vinyl by the reverse rotation force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically labeling and stacking a plurality of flower pot covers. The apparatus has a first conveyor and a second conveyor. The first conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed support assemblies connected thereto, each of the support assemblies selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position and the second conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed chutes supported thereon, each of the chutes having an object receiving space formed therein adapted to receive a plurality of flower pot covers, at least a portion of the second conveyor spatially disposed above the first conveyor such that a portion of the travel path of the second conveyor overlaps a portion of the travel path of the first conveyor so that the support assemblies on the first conveyor are aligned with the chutes on the second conveyor.

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.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for determining a size of a bonding film for bonding a bonding target having a size which varies due to temperature variation, at an environmental temperature which is different from a temperature during use. The method includes the steps of: measuring an actual size of the bonding portion of the circuit electrode at the first temperature; comparing the actual size of the bonding portion with a designed size of the bonding portion at the first temperature; and determining a cutting size of the bonding material based on a comparison result and mounting the bonding material over the bonding portion.

Abstract: A plant for the continuous production of polarizing lenses includes a coil polarizing film feeding station; a glass convex lens feeding station; a concave lens feeding station; an under vacuum film shaping station; a deposition and gluing outer convex lens station; a translation station for the pre-glued lenses; a deposition and gluing inner concave lens station; a lens separation and film cutting station; and a palletization station for the finished lenses; and a method.

Abstract: An improved labeler includes a label base and a label cassette with the footprints of the labeler base housing and the label cassette frame being substantially the same size. An electronically-controlled drive mechanism is contained drive mechanism is contained within the labeler base housing and is operated intermittently to synchronously drive a mechanism for feeding labels to be picked up by a bellows wheel, and the bellows wheel.

Abstract: In order to reduce cycle times for assembling at least two substrates (3,4) in order to form an optical data carrier in a low-pressure chamber (8), a method and a device are disclosed wherein an opening (11) of the low-pressure chamber is sealed in relation to the surrounding environment, the low-pressure chamber is pumped out, a transfer chamber (64) is formed between a first handling device (16) arranged in the low-pressure chamber and a second handling device (24) arranged outside the low-pressure chamber by respectively sealing the opening (11) of the low-pressure chamber (8).

Abstract: A pallet labeler station for applying a printed label to a loaded pallet at a predetermined label position includes a label printer for printing a label to be affixed to the loaded pallet, a label applicator mechanism for applying the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position and a rack and pinion drive mechanism for moving the label applicator mechanism so as to apply the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position. The pallet label station includes a programmable control that receives data defining the predetermined label position and causes the rack and pinion drive mechanism to move the label applicator mechanism to the proper position so as to apply the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position defined by the label position data.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for registering a plurality of discrete components to a continuously moving first layer of material produces a disposable absorbent garment with improved alignment of the components on the first layer of material. The first layer has a plurality of reference marks positioned thereon. Various devices are used to compare distances between the reference marks to distances between corresponding components and synchronize a feed rate of the components to a feed rate of the first layer. After adhering the components to the first layer, the positions of the components relative to the reference marks are once again checked and, if necessary, the setpoint for the feed rate of the components is adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically labeling and stacking a plurality of flower pot covers. The apparatus has a first conveyor and a second conveyor. The first conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed support assemblies connected thereto, each of the support assemblies selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position and the second conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed chutes supported thereon, each of the chutes having an object receiving space formed therein adapted to receive a plurality of flower pot covers, at least a portion of the second conveyor spatially disposed above the first conveyor such that a portion of the travel path of the second conveyor overlaps a portion of the travel path of the first conveyor so that the support assemblies on the first conveyor are aligned with the chutes on the second conveyor.

Abstract: A label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator, which applicator includes a supply roll and a rewind roll configured to move the strip through the applicator, a tamp pad for applying the labels to the object, and an unwind sensor. The unwind sensor includes a supply disk positioned coaxially on the supply roll. The supply disk has a plurality of equally spaced openings therein. A sensor is configured for sensing the passing of the supply disk openings. A counter counts the openings passing the sensor. The applicator includes means for determining a level of labels remaining on the supply roll.

Abstract: Linerless label stock 102 is fed to a printer that prints on the front face 104 of the label stock 102 and then to a media cutter 224. The cutter 224 cuts the strip into discrete labels, which are fed to a tag application station 226. A strip of electronic tags is fed through an encoder that detects defective tags and then to a tag cutter 246 that cuts the strip into discrete tags. Defective tags exiting the cutter 246 are diverted away from the tag application station. Non-defective tags are conveyed to the tag application station 226 where they are secured to the back face of labels.

Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a length of release backing material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a laminar material which includes a release backing material as a lower layer and an upper layer comprised of a web of self-adhesive backed material or a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive; (b) depositing a succession of pre-printed labels onto the upper layer of the laminar material and adhering the pre-printed labels thereto, the laminar material being conveyed past a label applying station; and (c) cutting through the upper layer of the laminar material as far as the release backing material thereby to form the required self-adhesive labels; wherein the rate of deposition of the pre-printed labels onto the upper layer is controlled by detecting the position of pre-printed labels which have been deposited onto the laminar material, comparing the detected position with a desired position of the pre-printed labels and changing the said rate of depos

Abstract: A multiple-head labeling machine directed at minimizing downtime, both from the need to reload labels and from the occasional labeler jams, on assembly lines incorporating a labeling step. It achieves this by the use of multiple independent labeling mechanisms gang-loaded on a single apparatus, such apparatus being capable of switching back and forth between the independent labeling mechanisms. This provides for a depleted or jammed mechanism to be displaced in a matter of seconds with a fresh mechanism that is ready to continue with the labeling operation.

Abstract: A label applicating system includes a label transport wheel and an air-pressure system connected to an opening in the label transport wheel. The air-pressure system applies a positive pressure at the opening to eject a label from the wheel onto a surface of an article. One aspect includes means for applying an upward force to the bottom surface of the article approximately simultaneously with ejecting the label from the label-holding sector. One aspect provides a controller which receives a signal from a sensor indicating a location of the article and in response to the signal, sends a first signal to a motor which rotates the wheel so that the label-holding sector is facing a top surface of the article.

Abstract: In a labeling machine, a bar code sensor, a batch information sensor and a label sensor are coupled electrically to a controller, and are disposed along an advancing route of a label reel. When any of these sensors detects an error in one of the labels or the absence of a label on the reel, the controller activates a container removal unit to remove the container with the defective label or with no label at a take-out end of a container conveying unit.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for attaching a cutting strip to a carton blank. The apparatus includes a first member for conveying carton blanks past a second member, and the second member is arranged to cut a cuffing strip from a supply of cuffing strip material and deposit the cutting strip upon a carton blank. The first member may be a conveyor belt fitted with a suction member, and the second member may be upper and lower dies that are movable relative to one another and a member that can feed a supply of cutting strip material between the dies. Initial downward movement of the upper die cuts a cutting strip from the supply of cutting strip material and the cutting strip is retained on the upper die. Further downward movement of the upper die brings the cutting strip into contact with a carton blank. The apparatus may also include an alignment member to ensure that the carton blanks are properly positioned relative to the second member when the cutting strips are attached.

Abstract: Splicer (1) for splicing to each other strips (30) of cords embedded in rubber material. The device comprises a supply transport device (2) for supplying strips in a supply direction. A splicing unit (6) splices strips to each other, and comprises a splicing table (7) and a splicing machine (8) placed over the splicing table. The supply transport device supplies strips to the splicing unit. A discharge transport device (11) discharges strips spliced to each other. A first (4) and a second (5) transport unit that are in line with each other are provided. The first transport unit (4) supplies strips to the second transport unit (5), in which the second unit supplies strips to the splicing unit and has an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end of the second transport unit and the splicing table are laterally, that means transverse to the transport direction, movable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A labeling machine includes a container conveying unit adapted to convey a container from a feed-in end to a take-out end. A container sensor is disposed adjacent to the conveying unit, and generates first and second signals upon detection of leading and trailing edges of the container, respectively. An encoder unit is associated with the conveying unit, and is operable so as to generate distance information to indicate distance advanced by the container. A label applying unit includes a label applicator plate disposed adjacent to the conveying unit. A controller activates the encoder unit upon receipt of the first signal from the container sensor, and determines the diameter of the container by inspecting the distance information from the encoder unit upon receipt of the second signal from the container sensor. The controller activates the label applying unit so as to be adapted to attach a label to the container when the label applicator plate is aligned with a central plane of the container.

Abstract: A positionally based label application system includes a plurality of sensors which detect the pitch between the products to be labeled as well as the location of those products. A supply web bearing labels is caused to pass over a peel tip which feeds the labels into a nip point. This allows the labels to be precisely matched with products traveling at a very high rate of speed. The positional system determines a desired ratio of movement between the supply web and the product being conveyed, this ratio being based upon the detected pitch. In this manner, the supply web is allowed to move continuously, but at a slower speed than the products being conveyed, but still precisely matches labels to products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically labeling and stacking a plurality of flower pot covers. The apparatus has a first conveyor and a second conveyor. The first conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed support assemblies connected thereto, each of the support assemblies selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position and the second conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed chutes supported thereon, each of the chutes having an object receiving space formed therein adapted to receive a plurality of flower pot covers, at least a portion of the second conveyor spatially disposed above the first conveyor such that a portion of the travel path of the second conveyor overlaps a portion of the travel path of the first conveyor so that the support assemblies on the first conveyor are aligned with the chutes on the second conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling absorbent garments are disclosed. The invention uses an applicator having one or more heads that are adapted to hold parts. The applicator is rotated by a motor, which is controlled by a control device. The control device is operated such that the applicator heads pick up parts at one location at a first speed, and deposit the parts at a second location at a second speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating with a multiple lane labeling machine such that the labeling machine will only dispense and place labels on packaged articles. The present invention comprises a labeling machine having sensors positioned in front of the label transport, which positions the labels on the packaged articles. These sensors are preferably positioned directly in front of the label transport over the row of articles preceding the transporter and operate to detect the presence and absence of packaged articles and their content. Thus, if a package is absent from a row or does not contain product the sensors alert the labeling machine of the absence of an article so that the labeler does not dispense a label for a missing article or empty package.

Abstract: A laminating system includes a feeder apparatus, a laminating apparatus, and a trimmer apparatus mounted on a movable support structure that is adapted to maintain alignment in order to enable a user to move the system without upsetting the alignment. Simultaneous and differential speed control components for the feeder apparatus and the laminating apparatus are provided according to a separate aspect of the invention to enable the user to control spacing between individual sheets as they move along a feed path to the laminating apparatus. A guide plate provided on the feeder apparatus according to another aspect of the invention has an upwardly extending surface that faces the leading edges of sheets in a stack of sheets.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels to surfaces of packages, cartons, or boxes comprises a single rotary arm which is capable of being operated in accordance with two different operational modes so as to apply two separate labels to two different mutually perpendicular surfaces of the package, carton, or box in accordance with a first one of the two different operational modes, and to apply a single label to the two different mutually perpendicular surfaces of the package, carton, or box as a result of being wrapped around a corner region of the package, carton, or box in accordance with a second one of the two different operational modes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a machine and process for cutting discrete workpiece components from webs of material, precisely registering them with respect to one another, and depositing them with precise registration onto a constantly moving web of material, the webs of material optionally all moving at different speeds. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a process for manufacturing a multi-component absorbent personal hygiene article is described.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically and with precision applying each of a series of individual self-adhesive labels from a continuous liner transporting labels at a first linear speed, each label being applied to one of a series of individual cartons moving at intervals at a second linear speed different from the first linear speed and wherein each label is applied at a selectable and reproducible preset distance from the leading edge of each carton. Each label is advanced to a parked position on a fan box, being partially dispensed thereon and further advanced by the liner to a pinch point for wiping the label onto a passing carton, this second advancing being timed for “just-in-time” delivery of the label to the pinch point to position the label along the length of the carton.

Abstract: A bar code printing method for a tire and printing equipment therefor in which the tire is moved in one direction, and the moving tire is sensed to be stopped at a predetermined position. Then, a bar code is printed on the tire while stopped at the predetermined position and thereafter, the bar code printed tire is moved in one direction to be withdrawn and the predetermined position. Thus, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the productivity can be enhanced.

Abstract: A unit for applying labels at predefined designated locations along the length of a moving web of material. The unit includes one or more label discharge mechanisms which remove labels from a carrier backing for discharge to a defined placement zone. The label discharge mechanisms are actuatable in response to commands from a controller to effect placement of the labels at designated locations along the length of the web. The controller initiates actuation of the label discharge mechanisms according to a variable timing sequence which is a function of the rate of travel of the moving web to which the label is applied such that label application takes place as the designated location to be labeled passes through the placement zone. The unit is adjustable to apply labels to webs traveling at different angles.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is capable of securely removing air from a space between the cover glass and a slide glass and securely locating a damaged part of a specimen outside of a visual field of a microscope. One end of the cover glass is held by a sucking pad, which is provided to an arm capable of rotating and vertically moving. Then, cover glass is obliquely held in a state. The one end of the cover glass is located on the upper side with respect to the other end thereof. A position of a rotational axis of the arm is moved to a position under the slide glass, and the arm is rotaed to make the other end of the cover glass contact the slide glass and curve the cover glass, and the one end of the cover glass is gradually moved toward the slide glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the transverse gluing of veneer strips 1 to obtain a butt-glued veneer carpet 2. According to the invention a first sensor unit 4 and a second sensor unit 7 are provided for aligning a front edge and a rear edge 5, respectively, of a veneer strip 1 and the veneer carpet 2, respectively, by means of a plurality of transportation belts 8 to 11 and 12 to 17, respectively, in such a manner that said edge is exactly positioned within a center line of a heating zone 3.

Abstract: A laminating system includes a feeder apparatus, a laminating apparatus, and a trimmer apparatus mounted on a movable support structure that is adapted to maintain alignment in order to enable a user to move the system without upsetting the alignment. Simultaneous and differential speed control components for the feeder apparatus and the laminating apparatus are provided according to a separate aspect of the invention to enable the user to control spacing between individual sheets as they move along a feed path to the laminating apparatus. A guide plate provided on the feeder apparatus according to another aspect of the invention has an upwardly extending surface that faces the leading edges of sheets in a stack of sheets.

Abstract: A lamination system comprises; a film transfer means for transferring along a film transfer path a laminate film in which small windows are provided, a film detection sensor for detecting the laminate film, a cutting means for cutting the laminate film into a predetermined length. The film transfer means further transfers the cut laminate film along the film transfer path, the lamination system further comprises a card transfer means for transferring a card on the surface of which a terminal of an IC tip is provided along a card transfer path, a positioning means for making the terminal and the small window into a predetermined positional relation, a thermocompression bonding means for laminating the cut laminate film with the card.

Abstract: A labeling system employs a multi-processing computer control system for a servo motor which drives a label-carrying web. The system is responsive to the physical position of the labels and the physical position of containers or similar objects to which the labels are applied. The label application motion controller identifies the machine position and performs the mathematical calculations needed to create a piecewise continuous function motion profile required to achieve label contact at a predefined contact point on the surface of each container. Multiple functions may be used to construct a motion profile, which smoothly accelerates the label at a calculated acceleration needed to cause a label to arrive at the defined contact position on a container and to decelerates the carrier web after application. Correction for measured label registration error is provided for.

Abstract: A labeling machine includes a label applying unit disposed adjacent to a conveying unit, and a controller coupled electrically to a bar code sensor, a label sensor and a container sensor. The controller compares bar code data of a label from the bar sensor with predetermined bar code data, and generates an inhibit signal when a mismatch occurs. The controller determines length of the label in accordance with first and second signals from the label sensor and distance information from an encoder unit, compares the determined length with predetermined label length data, and generates the inhibit signal when a mismatch occurs. The controller determines container dimension of a container being conveyed by the conveying unit in accordance with container feature information from the container sensor and distance information from another encoder unit, compares the determined container dimension with predetermined container dimension, and generates the inhibit signal when a mismatch occurs.

Abstract: A unit for applying labels at predefined designated locations along the length of a moving web of material. The unit includes one or more label discharge mechanisms which remove labels from a carrier backing for discharge to a defined placement zone. The label discharge mechanisms are actuatable in response to commands from a controller to effect placement of the labels at designated locations along the length of the web. The controller initiates actuation of the label discharge mechanisms according to a variable timing sequence which is a function of the rate of travel of the moving web to which the label is applied such that label application takes place as the designated location to be labeled passes through the placement zone. The unit is adjustable to apply labels to webs traveling at different angles.

Abstract: An improved labeler includes a label base and a label cassette with the footprints of the labeler base housing and the label cassette frame being substantially the same size. An electronically-controlled drive mechanism is contained within the labeler base housing and is operated intermittently to synchronously drive a mechanism for feeding labels to be picked up by a bellows wheel, and the bellows wheel.