Abstract: An apparatus is provided for printing data onto one or two surfaces of labels and applying labels to various items. It includes a mounting means for rotatably mounting a roll of label stock, and a transfer means for positioning the inner surface of a label adjacent to at least one print means from the roll and to a separation edge where the label is separated from a next label. The apparatus also includes an applicator for accepting the label from the separation edge and applying the label to an item.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying labels to products of various sizes employs a printer and applicator head using air as a propellant. Control circuitry responsive to sensors located on the apparatus position the labels on the applicator head and trigger the ejection of a label onto a target surface. Labels to be printed are continuously supplied to the printer and applicator head from a label supply strip wound on a label feed reel mounted on the apparatus. The portion of the label liner extending between the feed reel and take-up reel is provided with a detector which can detect a lag in liner tension and activate the take-up reel to restore tension each time a lag condition is detected.

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 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 rotatable label applicator mechanism for applying the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position and a 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 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: 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 or geneva gear. The label cassette may have a driven pin wheel for moving the pin holed release tape of a label web.

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: A first adhesively coated tape material length is supplied to a first die associated with a cutting and application mechanism. A second length of adhesively coated tape material is also provided to a second die of the cutting and application mechanism. A plurality of LOC leadframes is supplied sequentially through the application structure to apply a first decal cut from the first tape material to a first die site at a first location and to apply a second decal cut from the second tape material to a second die site at a second location.

Abstract: A die bonding sheet sticking apparatus and a method of sticking a die bonding sheet which, in the production of small electronic components, for example, semiconductor chips, effect sticking to a back surface of wafer a die bonding sheet capable of functioning not only as a protective tape at the time of dicing but also as an adhesive for die bonding at the time of die bonding of semiconductor chips after dicing onto a lead frame.

Abstract: A laminator for lamination to a substrate by use of continuous laminated material is provided. The laminated material includes a support, and a photosensitive transfer layer overlaid on the support. A heat/pressure roller attaches the laminated material to the substrate with heat and pressure with the transfer layer opposed to the substrate. A cooler cools the substrate with the laminated material. A peeler peels the support from the transfer layer on the substrate from the cooler, to transfer the transfer layer to the substrate.

Abstract: A labelling machine for applying labels to containers has a base, and a label assembly holder carried by the base for holding a labelling assembly which has an elongated flexible carrier strip to which labels are sequentially releasably adhered. A support is carried by the base at a labelling station, and a label assembly feeder carried by the base feeds the label assembly to a location adjacent the labelling station such that the carrier strip reaches the location with the labels on a lower face thereof. The label assembly feeder has a strip reverser which causes the carrier strip to turn through a substantial angle away from the labels at the location to cause a label at the location to become detached from the carrier strip in an upside down configuration, and a label feeder feeds a detached label in the upside down configuration to an upper surface of the support.

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 labeling machine has a rotatably mounted drive wheel with alternating knurled and recessed sections formed on its circumference. The drive wheel rotates at a predetermined number of revolutions per minute, and the respective lengths of the knurled and recessed sections are pre-selected to provide a timing function that synchronizes operation of various parts of the machine. A label-carrying backing is driven along a path of travel between a supply drum and a take-up drum when a knurled section is in meshing agreement with a rotatably mounted pressure wheel. The backing is held against travel by a detent member when a recessed section is in juxtaposition with the pressure wheel, and a rotatably mounted cam operates an air valve that causes the detent member to momentarily release the backing just before a knurled section engages the pressure wheel.

Abstract: A device for applying labels includes a roller that carries a tape that includes plural labels that run along a guide-wedge that produces a change in direction that produces the detachment of the labels. A head is connected to a suction circuit and to a blower device, whose operation are governed by a pneumatic distributor, so that when the label is detached from the tape, suction is produced so that the label is retained at the head. The label then is blown to project it energetically over the surface of a product on which it is adhered by the action of the impulsion. The head has a homogeneously multiperforated surface that facilitates the homogenous impulsion of the label.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a closure sticker to the free end of each of a plurality of rolls (4) mounted side by side, comprises a dispenser (1) for dispensing closure stickers one after the other to a single pick up point (10) and a mount (12) carrying a plurality of closure sticker applicator heads (4-7). The heads (4-7) are spaced along the mount (12) by the pitch of the rolls (4) to which the closure stickers are to be applied and an indexing mechanism (17) moves the mount (4) past the pick up point (8) such that each applicator head (4-7) in turn can pick up a closure sticker. Finally, means (13,14,15,16) for moving the mount (12) ensures that the applicator heads (4-7) are brought into engagement with the said rolls, simultaneously and each with a respective one.

Abstract: A tamp pad for a label applicator permits use of a single, reconfigurable pad for use with labels of different sizes. Such a pad is used in a label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and carrying the labels to and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator. The tamp pad includes a first surface configured to receive a label and secure the label thereto by a vacuum. The first surface has a plurality of vacuum openings arranged in at least two series of openings. Each of the openings in a series is aligned with one another and the openings of each series are spaced from the openings of each other series. A second surface has a vacuum channel and at least two depending sub-channels formed therein. The vacuum and sub-channels are configured for receipt of a blocking element to prevent communication of the vacuum through a selected one of the series of openings.

Abstract: A label applicator is of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator. The applicator includes a frame, a supply roll operably mounted to the frame for supplying the carrier strip having the labels thereon and a separator for removing the labels from the carrier strip. The applicator includes a rewind roll operably mounted to the frame for rewinding the carrier strip after the labels have been removed therefrom. The supply and rewind rolls are configured to move the carrier strip through the applicator. A rewind assembly has a motor, a pivoting arm and a sensing assembly cooperating with the pivoting arm. The sensing assembly is adapted to sense the presence or absence of a sensed element mounted on the pivoting arm as the arm moves from a first home position to a position other than the home position.

Abstract: A labeling head includes a printing unit and an applicator foot assembly for printing and applying labels onto a layup of material. The printing unit is integral to the labeling head and prints each label prior to applying the label to the layup. The applicator foot assembly transfers the printed label onto the layup. The labeling head of the present invention can be used either with a cutter, a spreader or as a standalone unit. The labeling head of the present invention prints and prepares labels while the cutter head cuts the part. Once the part is cut, the labeling head applies the prepared label onto the cut part. The labeling head also includes a layup height sensor allowing the labels to be applied to layup having varying heights.

Abstract: The labeler of this invention is a single drum labeler that comprises a label adhering drum having label suction holes disposed at equal intervals in odd number of places of the peripheral surface of the drum, and a closing rod freely detachably entered from an open hole to close an unnecessary label suction hole. A feeder feeds an article, to which the label piece is adhered, in synchronization with the label sucked to the label suction hole of every other position. A pressing device presses the fed-in article to the adhering drum and adhering the label. A heat-sensitive adhesive activation device is disposed substantially around the drum opposite to a drum surface along the peripheral edge of the label adhering drum.

Abstract: Hot melt thermoplastic adhesive is predeposited on a carrier strip having front and back release surfaces. The carrier strip is rolled into a coil compressing the thermoplastic hot melt into disks which may later be removed for use. The disks are spaced so that the carrier strip may be deformed to expose a single disk to a planar surface permitting simplified dispensing of the disks.

Abstract: An object of the invention of the present application is to provide a label holder which reliably attaches a label on a required position of a material to which the label will be attached, without wrinkles; in order to achieve the object, the present invention provide a label attaching apparatus for attaching a label on the material, comprising a label holder provided with a label sucking face for sucking and holding the label wherein said label holder comprises at least one air blowout chamber for supplying air supplied from an air source into a plurality of air blowout pipes having openings formed at the label sucking face and at least one air suction chamber for dividing negative pressure due to the air suction source into a plurality of air suction pipes having openings formed at the label sucking face.

Abstract: The invention provides a labeling machine comprising a structure, a labeling head capable of pivoting relative to the structure about a pivot axis, the labeling head being fitted with gripper means for gripping a label holding it in a plane that is substantially normal to the pivot axis of the labeling head, and placing means carried by the labeling head and adapted to take the label held by the gripper means and place it on an article to be labeled that is present on the labeling machine. According to the invention, the gripper means hold a label in such a manner that a corner thereof coincides substantially with the point of intersection of the pivot axis and the plane of the label.

Abstract: A labeler for applying labels to articles is provided. The labeler includes a label application device having an opening in an end thereof. The label application device is expandable when subjected to pressure. The labeler also includes a positioner for supporting the label application device and moving the label application device between a label pick-up position and a label application position. A vacuum source and a pressure source are also provided which can be selectively connected to the label application device such the label application device is subject to pressure when adjacent the label application position and subject to vacuum for picking up and retaining a label on the label application device at the label pick-up position. The labeler also includes a flow control element having at least one flow control passage therein which defines at least one air flow path through the flow control element to the label application device opening.

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: The invention herein providing a sticker machine with pressure applying structure comprises of an arresting gear, a driven gear and the sticker body, wherein the arresting gear further consists of a press-down portion, a resilient spring and a pressed portion; a receiving chamber is mounted at the center of the press-down portion for receiving the resilient spring; the pressed portion is disposed at the bottom side of the press-down portion with the center available for inserting in the projecting rod of the receiving chamber; the driven gear moves along with the depressed movement of the arresting gear; the sticker body comprises of oilpaper and adhesive patterns positioned on the lower surface of oilpaper with adhesive layer coated on the bottom side; when the press-down portion of the arresting gear is depressed downwards, it presses the pressed portion downwards and synchronously links the movement of the driven gear on the side; the adhesive patterns of the sticker body move to the bottom side of the pre

Abstract: A device for labeling foodstuffs packages comprises a feed unit for transport of the package in a horizontal direction, a weighing unit arranged in the conveyance path for weighing the package, a printing device for printing a label detchably affixed to a carrier strip, and an application unit for applying the printed label to the underside of the package. The application unit comprises a roller which, during application of the label to the package, is driven so as to be synchronous with the package. The printed label is removed from the carrier strip and carried by a part of the outer circumference of the roller and fed to the underside of the package. The point of labeling the package coincides with the zenith of the roller and the zenith of the outer circumference of the roller arranged on a horizontal projection in the conveyance direction of the package.

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: An adhesive applicator for applying a strip of double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive to a surface of a cutting tape, the applicator includes a housing having a rotatable supply roll having layers of spaced strips with exposed face sides and unexposed back sides, each side having a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon, and the back side being adhered to a release liner, a stationary nose member mounted to the housing and having a rounded tip and disposed above the supply roll, a press member or roll positioned above the rounded tip and being movable downwardly to force a lower surface of incoming cutting tape into contact with the exposed face side to cause the exposed face side to adhere to the lower surface and separate from the release liner when the release liner is pulled laterally around the tip, a rotatable nip roll positioned beneath the supply roll for pressing a spent release liner onto the supply roll to keep the spent release liner under tension all the time, and a doctor knife edge adjacent the

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 reverse image printer that has a backing web carrying a laminate layer upon which a reverse image is printed. The laminate layer is laminated onto a card. The backing web carrying the transfer layer is separated from the laminate layer after the laminate layer and card have been laminated together using a peel-off assembly that guides the backing web at a selected desired separation angle relative to the plane of movement of the card and the laminate layer after lamination. The peel-off assembly uses two guide members to maintain the desired separation angle regardless of changes in diameter of a take-up roller used for the backing web.

Abstract: A product stacking apparatus and method employs one or more stations, each including a stationary stacking platform or a conveyor upon which spaced-apart pucks are coupled for travel thereon. A product delivery apparatus drives one or more movable webs to which segmented product sheets are removably affixed. The product delivery apparatus includes one or more rotatable lamination interfaces associated with each of the stations for transferring product sheets from the webs to the pucks on a repetitive basis to produce a stack of product sheets on the respective pucks. Each of the segmented product sheets may define all or a portion of an electrochemical cell, all or a portion of a pad including layers of film or sheet material, wherein a portion of each of the layers is provided with a bonding feature, or all or a portion of a pack comprising layers of medical dressing. A puck need not be in motion during the transfer of the product sheet from the lamination roll to the puck.

Abstract: A method of handling a lamina object including feeding the lamina object on to surface of a handling member, the surface of the handling member including a plurality of first openings connectable to a vacuum source sufficient to attract the object to the member, and a plurality of second openings connectable to a source of pressurized gas, the method including applying suction to the first and simultaneously applying pressurized gas to the second openings, the suction and pressurized gas being controlled to lift the object out of direct contact with the surface of the handling member whilst retaining the object close to the surface, and applying a directed jet of pressurized gas to move the object relative to the handling member across the surface of the handling member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying pressure-sensitive adhesive labels to articles, especially containers such as bottles, jars and cans. A pair of rollers define a cradle in which an article to be labeled rests. The rollers are adjustably mounted in a frame which also has a feeder reel thereon from which a roll of labels are paid out on a strip of substrate. The label-bearing substrate strip is wrapped around an edge of a plate mounted on the frame. Waste substrate is pinched between one of the cradle rollers and the article and then re-wound back to the roll on the feeder reel, so that the manual rolling of the article in the cradle pulls the label-bearing substrate from the roll to the edge of the plate. At the point where the substrate wraps around the edge of the plate, the label detaches from the substrate and is applied to the article. This action is repeated to serially apply labels to many articles. The apparatus is adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of article and container types and sizes.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for decorating cylindrical and non-cylindrical containers by a continuous process. The containers (1) are decollated and rotated on a transport path (5) as well as stopped and secured using a marking (30) on the container (1). The containers (1) are set in rotation at the transfer location (11) and brought into contact with a pressure head (6, 6′). A contact line is formed between the carrier conveyor (10) for the decors and the rotating container (1) which moves with the container (1) over a predetermined path. The apparatus provides a novel positioning device (13) for the containers (1) and to two embodiments of a pressure head (6, 6′).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for manufacturing segmented pressure-sensitive adhesive layers and applying the same to a substrate, involving the use of a reaction medium containing radiation-inducible polymers and/or prepolymers of olefinically unsaturated compounds and the addition of a photoinitiator.

Abstract: An automatic label sticking device for automatically applying labels to a product such as an optical disc driver is provided. The automatic label sticking device includes a transport mechanism; a paper-peeling mechanism located above a fixed position; and, a paper-sticking mechanism spaced from a portion of the paper-peeling mechanism. The paper-peeling mechanism includes a main roller and a secondary roller disposed between paper feeding and recycling reels for guiding a label tape through a winding path. The main and secondary rollers are positioned such that they frictionally capture a portion of the label tape therebetween, to advance it along the winding path. The main roller is driven to rotate by a driving device, while the secondary roller is indirectly rotated to turn the recycling reel responsive to a driving force frictionally transmitted thereto through the captured portion of the label tape.

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 process for forming lenticular labels on a continuous web so that the lenticules are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the web. The process includes the steps of: advancing a continuous web of label stock including an adhesive on both sides; providing multiple sheets of lenticular assemblies; and securing the sheets of lenticular assemblies to one side of the continuous web with that lenticules of the lenticular assemblies oriented perpendicularly to the length of the continuous web.

Abstract: The invention provides a labeling machine comprising a structure, a labeling head capable of pivoting relative to the structure about a pivot axis, the labeling head being fitted with gripper means for gripping a label holding it in a plane that is substantially normal to the pivot axis of the labeling head, and placing means carried by the labeling head and adapted to take the label held by the gripper means and place it on an article to be labeled that is present on the labeling machine. According to the invention, the gripper means hold a label in such a manner that a corner thereof coincides substantially with the point of intersection of the pivot axis and the plane of the label.

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: A sorting device for reversing a sheet fed from a printer and adhering the tag on the sheet, which includes rollers for conveying the sheet in a forward or backward direction, a sensor for detecting a position of the sheet conveyed by the rollers, a flapper for switching a path conveying the sheet based on a result of the detection by the sensor, and a tag affixing unit for passing the sheet when it is reversed and affixing the tag to the sheet when it is ejected, whereby the sheet may be reversed to be affixed by the tag, and easily and precisely sorted in reference to the affixed tag.

Abstract: An Internet based method for ordering and supplying selected coded labels to be applied to a variety of fruits and vegetables at a plurality of labelling sites is provided. The supply of different coded labels at each labelling site is continuously and automatically inventoried. The inventorying is facilitated by the use of a data tag carried by the core on which a label strip is wound, the data tag including data sufficient to uniquely identify the labels carried by that core including the specific label identify and quantity. The label inventory for each of the labelling sites is stored. Approved customers or representatives may access the stored inventory data and display the data on a computer monitor and may order additional selected labels for one or more of the labelling sites.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a closure sticker to the free end of each of a plurality of rolls (18) mounted side by side, comprises a dispenser (1) for dispensing closure stickers one after the other to a single pick up point (10) and a mount (12) carrying a plurality of closure sticker applicator heads (4-7). The heads (4-7) are spaced along the mount (12) by the pitch of the rolls (18) to which the closure stickers are to be applied and an indexing mechanism (17) moves the mount (12) past the pick up point (10) such that each applicator head (4-7) in turn can pick up a closure sticker. Finally, means (13,14,15,16) for moving the mount (12) ensures that the applicator heads (4-7) are brought into engagement with the said rolls, simultaneously and each with a respective one.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus and method utilize a fluid dispenser in connection with an adhesive applicator to improve the reliability of label feed by a label transport mechanism during the application of adhesive to a label. The fluid dispenser is configured to direct a flow of fluid toward a nip formed between an adhesive roller on the applicator and the label transport mechanism, and from a position upstream from the nip. A labeling apparatus and method also utilize a starwheel including a rotatable hub and an engagement surface defining a pocket configured to engage an article. The engagement surface is resiliently coupled to the rotatable hub to move between first and second positions to vary a rotational position of the pocket relative to the hub. A labeling apparatus and method further utilize a discharge starwheel to transfer articles from the discharge end of an arcuate guide that opposes a label transfer drum.

Abstract: A placer mechanism for a web of linerless labels for placing individual labels on a product includes a separator that separates the individual labels from the web, a buffer disposed downstream of the separator that receives the individual labels, and a buffer suspension assembly movably supporting the buffer such that the buffer is positionable to deliver the individual labels to the product. The buffer is preferably a rotatable vacuum drum that is capable of accommodating labels of various lengths and widths. In addition, the buffer suspension assembly preferably enables the rotatable vacuum drum to be displaced to meet the product to which the label is to be affixed. A method of placing individual labels is also provided.

Abstract: A label applicator for dispensing and applying labels to articles includes a label leading edge indicating sensor and an adjustable peel bar held at a pickup position. A label support may be used with larger labels that have been partially peeled from a backing strip and remain at the pickup position. Printed labels to be applied to an article have a portion of the surface area of an adhesive side removed from the backing strip before the label is taken by a label pick-up-and-applicating device. A print head may be included in the label applicator between the indicating sensor and the adjustable peel bar. A number of labels may be picked-up simultaneously from the backing strip by a number of pick-up heads to be applied to a number of separate articles.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically transferring an adhesive-backed labels to objects such as consumer items or packaging for consumer items. It receives labels on a lift-off backing strip, peeling the labels off one at a time from the strip by means of a peeler-bar. Using a pair of spring-loaded pawls attached to the outer edges of a label receiver, the apparatus mechanically engages each label along its outer edges as it begins to peel away from the strip. These pawls facilitate the peeling action as they direct the label into position in a label receiver. The label is then pressed directly onto the desired site, with no free-fall involved. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded pawls push outward disengaging the label as the label receiver contacts the surface to be labeled, thus leaving the label adhered to the desired surface.

Abstract: A self-adhesive item dispenser includes a base portion, a lid portion and a roller. The base portion generally includes an item cavity for storing a roll of self-adhesive items and a roller cavity, which incorporates a number of extending ribs. The roller is positionable within the roller cavity and interfaces with the ribs of the base portion to pull a release liner from the self-adhesive items and expel the release liner through the base portion. The lid portion is releasably closeable over the base portion and is connected thereto via a living hinge or a mechanical hinge.

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 label application system that automates a label application process to automatically feed, peel and apply labels to a number of different styles of articles. The label stock is advanced to an application position where the leading edge is deflected over edge guide to peel an individual label approximately half way off of the backing sheet. The article is inserted into the article receiving slot until the lead edge of the article engages a switch and initiates the application of the individual label. An application bar rotates about a horizontal axis swiping the peeled half of the label onto the inserted portion of the article. Substantially, simultaneously the feed operation is initiated to advance the label backing, moving the next sequential label into the application position. The article is then removed from the slot and inserted into a tabbing assembly.

Abstract: An automatic label printing and application system applies a custom label at a dynamically determined location on articles being moved along a conveyer. The system includes a bar code scanning system, preferably a group of bar code scanners each arranged to read at an assigned elevation above the conveyer belt. This configuration allows the system controller to generally determine the vertical height of pre-printed bar code on the article. The system uses photoelectric sensors to detect articles being moved along the conveyer, as well as an encoder and bar code scanning data to determine the horizontal position of the pre-printed bar code on the surface of the article. In this manner, the system dynamically determines both the vertical and horizontal position of the pre-printed bar code on the surface of the article.