Daniel M Tate

US Patent:

20010037853, Nov 8, 2001

Filed:

Dec 2, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/453757

Inventors:

DAVID ANDERSON - AUBURNDALE FL, US
WAYNE SHERMAN - LAKELAND FL, US
DANIEL TATE - YUCAIPA CA, US

International Classification:

B29C065/00
B32B031/00

US Classification:

156/285000, 156/542000

Abstract:

A labeling apparatus includes a supply of label strip including a carrier strip and a plurality of labels having an underside adhesively secured to the carrier strip, a drive for advancing the label strip over a separation plate to separate the labels from the carrier strip at a label pick-up position, and a label pick-up and placement device for picking up a label from the label pick-up position and placing the label onto an article. The labeler also preferably includes a fluid delivery device for delivering fluid flow to the underside of the labels at the label pick-up position to promote separation of the labels from the carrier strip. Accordingly, the labeler is able to effectively use older or lower cost label strip without labels sticking to the carrier strip. The fluid delivery device may comprise a nozzle body having an inlet port to be connected to a fluid source and an outlet port for directing the fluid flow to the underside of the labels. The separation plate may define a V-shaped notch to divide the carrier strip into two carrier waste portion, and the label pick-up and placement device may comprise at least one bellows being movable between extended and retracted positions responsive to positive and negative internal fluid pressure.