Label application unit

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.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . An application unit for applying at least one label at a designated label placement location along the length of a moving web of material being conveyed along a path of travel, the application unit comprising: 
 at least one label discharge mechanism disposed in spaced apart relation from the path of travel of said web of material, wherein said label discharge mechanism comprises an articulating reversible vacuum grid adapted to hold said label in place and wherein said reversible vacuum grid may be pressurized to discharge said label towards said moving web of material; and    a take-off structure located adjacent to the reversible vacuum grid, wherein the take-off structure is disposed in spaced apart relation from said web of material, such that as a carrier strip supporting the label is conveyed around said take-off structure, a leading edge of the label disengages from the carrier strip and projects away from said take-off structure and into contact with said vacuum grid and wherein said label discharge mechanism is moveable around a pivot point such that said vacuum grid is moveable in pivoting articulating fashion to translate said label upwardly and laterally away from said take-off structure such that upon separation from the take-off structure said label is raised away from the take-off structure and the moving web prior to discharge.    
   
   
       22 . The invention according to  claim 21 , wherein said vacuum grid is maintained in a heated condition.  
   
   
       23 . The invention according to  claim 21 , wherein said application unit includes at least two label discharge mechanisms.  
   
   
       24 . The invention according to  claim 23 , wherein each of said label discharge mechanisms comprises a reversible vacuum grid which is pressurized during discharge to discharge said label towards said moving web of material.  
   
   
       25 . The invention according to  claim 23 , wherein each of said label discharge mechanisms comprises a reversible vacuum grid moveable in pivoting articulating fashion to translate said label upwardly and laterally away from said take-off structure prior to discharge.  
   
   
       26 . The invention according to  claim 25 , wherein each of said label discharge mechanisms may be operated independently.