| 摘要 |
Apparatus for mechanically transferring an adhesive-backed labels to objects such as consumer items or packaging for consumer items. It receives labels on a lift-off backing strip, peeling the labels off one at a time from the strip by means of a peeler-bar. Using a pair of spring-loaded pawls attached to the outer edges of a label receiver, the apparatus mechanically engages each label along its outer edges as it begins to peel away from the strip. These pawls facilitate the peeling action as they direct the label into position in a label receiver. The label is then pressed directly onto the desired site, with no free-fall involved. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded pawls push outward disengaging the label as the label receiver contacts the surface to be labeled, thus leaving the label adhered to the desired surface. In the preferred embodiment, the action of the label receiver between its label-receiving position and its label-applying position is guided by a linear slide assembly. Movement of the linear slide assembly can be provided by a pneumatic-powered piston, or by other means. When the apparatus of the present invention is incorporated into an automatic packaging system, the application of labels is coordinated with the label feed mechanism and the packaging machine by means of logic controls. In other applications, the apparatus of the present invention serves as a stand-alone labeler. |
