Label applicator

A method of accurately applying printed labels to specific locations on a plurality of articles, comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of die cut labels on a backing strip, each label having an adhesive face secured to the backing strip;
• partially peeling the plurality of die cut labels in sequence from the backing strip by a peel bar;
• and
• picking up the partially peeled labels from the pickup position with a moving label applicator that moves between the pickup point and a label application position, spaced away from the pickup position.

A label applicator for applying printed labels having an adhesive backing at a specific location on an article surface to each of a plurality of articles, comprising:

• a sensor for sensing a leading edge of successive labels on a backing strip, prior to printing;
• a printer for printing on one side of a stream of successive labels adhesively held on the backing strip;
• each label having a printed side and an adhesive side adhered to the backing strip;
• means for sequentially moving labels through the printer and over an adjustable peel bar;
• each label, after passing over the adjustable peel bar, being partially retained on the backing strip at the pickup position by its adhesive side surface area;
• and
• a label pickup moveable between the pickup position where it picks up the printed labels partially retained on the backing strip and an applicator position where it applies the printed labels to articles surfaces.