A machine and method for its operation

A method of operating a labelling machine, the labelling machine comprising a supply spool support;

• a take-up spool support;
• a motive device;
• a movable element biased by a resilient biasing member in a first direction towards a home position, movement of the moveable element in the first direction increasing the length of the web path;
• a first arrangement;
• a second arrangement;
• a controller;
• and a brake assembly;
• the method comprising:
• the supply spool support supporting a supply spool comprising label stock;
• the take up spool taking up a portion of the label stock;
• the movable element defining a portion of the web path between the supply spool and the take-up spool support;
• the first arrangement producing a first signal indicative of movement of the movable element and providing said first signal to the controller;
• the controller outputting a brake assembly control signal which commands the brake assembly to apply a braking force to the supply spool support to substantially prevent rotation of the supply spool support;
• the controller commanding the motive device to move the label stock along the web path in a reverse direction from the take-up spool towards the supply spool such that the movable element is moved by the resilient member in the first direction from a first position to the home position;
• the second arrangement producing a second signal indicative of the movable element being located at the home position;
• the controller determining the first position of the movable element relative to the home position based on the first and second signals.