Automated vial labeling apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method for applying a label to a specific location on a vial. The apparatus may comprise a label dispenser, a vial placement assembly for orienting the vial and placing it onto a track, a pushing device for pushing the vial down the track into an adhesive side of the label, and a labeling gate for contacting a non-adhesive side of the label to smooth the label onto the vial. The apparatus may further comprise a label positioning device for correcting unwanted curling of the label, a stopper positioned to engage a portion of the pushing device as the vial contacts the label to cause the pushing device to release the vial, and a label-release switch configured to signal for the label dispenser to release a trailing edge of the label once the vial contacts the labeling gate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.