Label printer applicator unwind sensor
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorSteven M. Dods
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator, which applicator includes a supply roll and a rewind roll configured to move the strip through the applicator, a tamp pad for applying the labels to the object, and an unwind sensor. The unwind sensor includes a supply disk positioned coaxially on the supply roll. The supply disk has a plurality of equally spaced openings therein. A sensor is configured for sensing the passing of the supply disk openings. A counter counts the openings passing the sensor. The applicator includes means for determining a level of labels remaining on the supply roll.
Claims16
A label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator, the applicator having a supply roll and a rewind roll, the supply and rewind rolls being driven for moving the strip therethrough, the applicator comprising:
- a supply disk positioned coaxially on the supply roll, the supply disk having a plurality of equally spaced openings therein;
- a sensor for sensing the passing of the supply disk openings;
- a counter for counting the openings passing the sensor;
- means for determining a level of labels remaining on the supply roll;
- a tamp pad for applying the labels to the object;
- and
- a rewind roll for receiving the carrier strip after the labels have been separated therefrom.
A label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator, the applicator having a supply roll and a rewind roll, the supply and rewind rolls being driven for moving the strip therethrough, the applicator comprising:
- a supply disk positioned coaxially on the supply roll;
- means for identifying discrete portions of rotational movement of the supply disk;
- means for counting movement of the discrete portions;
- means for determining a level of labels remaining on the supply roll;
- means for moving the labels to the object;
- and
- a rewind roll for receiving the carrier strip after the labels have been separated therefrom.
An unwind sensor for a label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator, the applicator having a supply roll having a supply disk with a plurality of equally spaced openings therein, a rewind roll and a tamp pad for applying the labels to the objects, unwind sensor configured for determining when a predetermined level of labels remains on the supply roll, the label applicator further including a controller, the unwind sensor comprising:
- a sensor for sensing the passing of the supply disk openings;
- a counter for counting the openings passing the sensor;
- and
- means for determining a level of labels remaining on the supply roll.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.