Multi stream labeler

Abstract

A label applicator system includes a first label applicator moveably coupled to a track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track and a second label applicator moveably coupled to the track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A label applicator system comprising:
 a first label applicator moveably coupled to a track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track; and   a second label applicator moveably coupled to the track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a rail coupled to the track in a transverse direction allowing a label receiver or carton to move below each of the label applicators. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first label applicator and the second label applicator are RFID applicators. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a distance between the first label applicator and the second label applicator is adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the applicators are coupled to the track by a bracket. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the bracket includes a clamped position and an unclamped position. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the bracket is flush with the track on three sides of the track in the clamped position. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of each applicator is above the track. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of each applicator is below the track. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first label applicator and the second applicator are part of a shared network. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the network includes a label listing. 
     
     
         12 . A method of applying a label to a product comprising:
 feeding a first product feed below a first label applicator at a first position;   feeding a second product below a second label applicator parallel to the first product feed;   applying a label by the first label applicator having a first unique identifier to a product of the first product feed; and   applying a label by the second label applicator having a second unique identifier to a product of the second product feed.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising moving the first label applicator toward or away from the second applicator to a second position. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising feeding a third product feed below the first label applicator at a third position. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the first label applicator communicating label information to the second applicator. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the product includes a corrugated blank or a blank for a corrugated container or corrugated sheet. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the label is applied to the product while the product is part of a shingled formation of products. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising validating a label by a central data center or by the first or second label applicator, wherein validating includes a combination of label information and product information.