Labelling machine and method for its operation

A method of operating a labelling machine, the labelling machine comprising

• a supply spool support for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock;
• a take-up spool support adapted to take up a portion of the label stock;
• a movable element which defines a portion of a web path between the supply spool and the take-up spool the web path;
• a sensor operatively connected to the moveable element;
• a brake assembly operatively connected to one of said spool supports;
• and,
• a controller;
• wherein the method comprises:
• the sensor producing a sensor signal indicative of a position of the movable element;
• the controller receiving the sensor signal and generating a brake assembly control signal to control the brake assembly based upon the sensor signal;
• and
• the brake assembly receiving said brake assembly control signal and applying a braking force to said one of said spool supports based upon the received brake assembly control signal, the braking force resisting rotation of said one of said spool supports;
• wherein, the controlling controls the brake assembly so as to urge the moveable element towards a desired position.

A labelling machine comprising:

• a supply spool support for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock;
• a take-up spool support adapted to take up a portion of the label stock;
• and
• a brake assembly configured to apply a braking force to one of said spool supports, the braking force resisting rotation of said one of said spool supports;
• wherein the brake assembly comprises:
• a frictional brake comprising a first braking surface operatively connected to said one of said spool supports and a second braking surface, the first and second braking surfaces being configured such that when the first and second braking surfaces are urged towards one another, friction between the first and second braking surfaces produces said braking force;
• and
• a position controlled motor operatively connected to the second braking surface, the position controlled motor being configured to selectively urge the second braking surface towards the first braking surface to produce said braking force.