Patent ID: 7886795
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: B65C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A label applicator system for transferring labels from a web to items moving on an item transport along a path relative to the system, the items having a contoured surface, comprising: a supply for supplying the web with the labels thereon; a take-up for taking up the web after transfer of the label from the web to the label; a drive element for moving the web through the applicator system; a movable label applicator head; a contour sensor, the contour sensor including a laser configured to sense the contour of the item and to define the profile therefrom; and a control system, wherein the label applicator head is movable toward and away from the item in response to a profile sensed by the laser contour sensor to apply the label to the item as it moves passed the applicator head, and wherein the supply, the take-up and the drive element are operably engaged with one another to maintain a relatively constant tension in the web.