Hard tag applicator
AssigneeSensormatic Electronics Corporation
InventorsEdward Paul ELLERS, Patrick S. CLAEYS, Channing Everet MILLER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for coupling a tag to an item. The methods comprise: dispensing the tag from a tag feeder of a tag applicator; performing first operations by the tag applicator to mechanically move the tag into a nest of the tag applicator; determining if a given criteria is met based on feedback information received from at least one of a user of the tag applicator and a sensor provided with the tag applicator; and performing second operations by the tag applicator to couple the tag to the item, when a determination is made that the given criteria is met.
Claims32
A method for coupling a tag to an item, comprising:
- dispensing the tag from a tag feeder of a tag applicator;
- moving the tag in a cavity of the tag applicator towards a nest of the tag applicator;
- engaging the tag with a mechanical stop of the tag applicator that moves relative to the tag during a first movement into the nest to resist a second movement of the tag away from the nest subsequent to the tag being positioned in the nest;
- determining if a criterion is met based on feedback information received from at least one of a user interaction with the tag applicator or a sensor associated with the tag applicator;
- and
- coupling the tag to the item based on a determination that the criterion is met.
A tag applicator, comprising:
- a tag feeder configured to dispense a tag;
- a tag placer configured to move the tag in a cavity of the tag applicator towards a nest of the tag applicator;
- a mechanical stop of the tag applicator configured to engage the tag, the mechanical stop moves relative to the tag during a first movement into the nest to resist a second movement of the tag away from the nest subsequent to the tag being positioned in the nest;
- a sensor configured to generate feedback information;
- a processor configured to determine if a criterion is met based on the feedback information;
- and
- a securement mechanism driver configured to couple the tag to the item, wherein the securement mechanism driver is actuated when a determination is made that the criterion is met.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.