Elongated object labeling device

An elongated object label applicator has a driver operably connected to a wrapping mechanism. The wrapping mechanism has a plurality of guide rollers spaced about a central portion. A belt is tensioned around the guide rollers and across an opening in the central portion through which an object to labeled is received. The belt is deflectable against an elastic force such that the belt can be recessed with the central portion by a force provided by the object to be labeled. The wrapping mechanism is driven by the driver to rotate the guide rollers about an axis of rotation of the wrapping mechanism passing through the central portion. The wrapping mechanism orbits the object to be labeled located within the central portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to labeling of elongated objects; more particularly, the invention relates to labelers for wrapping labels about wires, cables, and the like.

BACKGROUND

Labeling of wires and cables has traditionally been accomplished manually or by way of apparatuses requiring cumbersome, noisy hydraulic or high-pressure air lines. Various such apparatuses have been developed. Typically, such machines grasp two ends of a section of the wire and pull this section of wire taut. Once the wire is pulled taut, a label applicator or platform orbits around the taut section of wire to apply the label to the wire. This labeler must be capable of orbiting around the wire while applying an appropriate amount and type of pressure between the labeler and the wire. Because the wire or object to be wrapped may take on various shapes or sizes, this can complicate the design and operation of such wire labelers.

It follows that wire labeling apparatuses are typically complex in terms of parts and operation. Separate components are necessary for straightening, centering, and clamping. Moreover, sufficient space must be allotted in the machine to accommodate the orbiting of the label applicator about the wire. Frequently, this means the use of such wire wrappers are limited to immovable fixtures or devices that are not well-adapted for portable use.

Many of the currently available labeling devices are cumbersome, complex and slow. These apparatuses typically deliver discrete labels from a roll. More efficient, faster labeling options require lamination of printed film and adhesive tape on the apparatus.

The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior labeling devices of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention is directed to an elongated object label applicator. The applicator comprises a first driver and a wrapping mechanism. The wrapping mechanism comprises a plurality of guide rollers spaced about a central portion. A belt is tensioned around the guide rollers and across an opening in the central portion through which an object to be labeled is received. The belt is deflectable against an elastic force such that the belt can be recessed within the central portion by a force provide by the object to be labeled. The wrapping mechanism is driven by the first driver to rotate the guide rollers about an axis of rotation of the wrapping mechanism passing through the central portion wherein the wrapping mechanism orbits the object to be labeled located within the central portion.

This aspect may include one or more of the following features. The belt is freewheeling about the guide rollers. The opening is defined between a first guide roller in the plurality of guide rollers spaced across the opening from a second guide roller in the plurality of guide rollers. A third guide roller in the plurality of guide rollers is located between the first and second guide rollers and opposite the opening. The third guide roller is elastically mounted to the wrapping mechanism wherein the third guide roller is movable under a force provided by engagement between the belt and the object to be labeled which deflects the belt within the central portion of the wrapping mechanism. A fourth guide roller in the plurality of guide rollers is located between the first and second guide rollers and opposite the opening. The fourth guide roller is elastically mounted to the wrapping mechanism wherein the fourth guide roller is movable under a force provided by engagement between the belt and the object to be labeled which deflects the belt within the central portion of the wrapping mechanism.

The first aspect of the invention may further comprise an incoming conveyor driven by a conveyor driver. The incoming conveyor is in operable alignment with the wrapping mechanism wherein a label traveling on the incoming conveyor is delivered to the wrapping mechanism.

The first aspect of the invention may further comprise a conveyor assist lever actuated by the conveyor driver to operably engage the incoming conveyor and form a nip therewith through which the label travels to the wrapping mechanism.

The first aspect of the invention may further comprise an object lift mechanism comprising a cradle movable between a home position wherein the object to be labeled is loaded onto the cradle and wrap position where the object to be labeled is located within the central portion of the wrapping mechanism.

The first aspect of the invention may further comprise a suction system comprising a vacuum source connected by a duct to a position adjacent the incoming conveyor wherein a vacuum force provided by the vacuum source urges the label against the incoming conveyor to retain the label to the incoming conveyor.

A second aspect of the invention is directed to an elongated object label applicator. The applicator comprises a wrapping mechanism, an incoming conveyor, and a conveyor lift mechanism. The wrapping mechanism has a recessed central portion configured to receive an elongated object therein. The wrapping mechanism is rotatable about an axis of rotation passing through the central portion wherein the wrapping mechanism orbits an object to be labeled located within the central portion. The incoming conveyor is driven by a conveyor driver to deliver a label to the wrapping mechanism. The incoming conveyor is in operable alignment with the wrapping mechanism wherein a label traveling on the incoming conveyor is delivered to the wrapping mechanism. The conveyor assist lever is actuated by the conveyor driver to operably engage the incoming conveyor and form a nip therewith through which the label travels to the wrapping mechanism.

This aspect may include one or more of the following features. Activation of the conveyor driver causes the conveyor assist lever to engage the incoming conveyor. A force provided by the conveyor assist lever against incoming conveyor is regulated by a damper located between the conveyor driver the conveyor assist lever. The damper is a viscous damper.

The second aspect of the invention may further comprise a source of printed labels in operable alignment with the incoming conveyor wherein the incoming conveyor receives printed labels from the source of printed labels.

The first aspect of the invention may further comprise an object lift mechanism comprising a cradle movable between a home position where the object to be labeled is loaded onto the cradle and wrap position where the object to be labeled is located within the central portion of the wrapping mechanism.

The first aspect of the invention may further comprise a suction system comprising a vacuum source connected by a duct to a position adjacent the incoming conveyor wherein a vacuum force provided by the vacuum source urges the label against the incoming conveyor to retain the label to the incoming conveyor.

A third aspect of the invention is directed to an elongated object label applicator. The applicator comprises a wrapping mechanism, an incoming conveyor, and an object lift mechanism. The wrapping mechanism has a recessed central portion configured to receive an elongated object therein. The wrapping mechanism is rotatable about an axis of rotation passing through the central portion wherein the wrapping mechanism orbits an object to be labeled located within the central portion. The incoming conveyor is driven by a conveyor driver. The incoming conveyor is in operable alignment with the wrapping mechanism wherein a label traveling on the incoming conveyor is delivered to the wrapping mechanism. The object lift mechanism comprises a cradle that is movable between a home position wherein the object to be labeled is loaded onto the cradle and wrap position where the object to be labeled is located within the central portion of the wrapping mechanism.

The third aspect of the invention may further comprise a suction system comprising a vacuum source connected by a duct to a position adjacent the incoming conveyor wherein a vacuum force provided by the vacuum source urges the label against the incoming conveyor to retain the label to the incoming conveyor.

The third aspect of the invention may further comprise a source of printed labels in operable alignment with the incoming conveyor wherein the incoming conveyor receives printed labels from the source of printed labels.

The third aspect of the invention may further comprise a conveyor assist lever actuated by the driver to operably engage the incoming conveyor and form a nip therewith through which the label travels to the wrapping mechanism.

A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to an elongated object label applicator. The applicator comprises a first driver, a wrapping mechanism, an incoming conveyor, a conveyor assist lever, a conveyor lift mechanism, and a suction system. The wrapping mechanism comprises a plurality of guide rollers spaced about a central portion. A belt is tensioned around the guide rollers and across an opening in the central portion through which an object to be labeled is received. The belt is deflectable against an elastic force such that the belt can be recessed with the central portion by a force provide by the object to be labeled. The wrapping mechanism is driven by the first driver to rotate the guide rollers simultaneously about an axis of rotation of the wrapping mechanism passing through the central portion wherein the wrapping mechanism orbits the object to be labeled located within the central portion. The incoming conveyor is driven by a conveyor driver to deliver a label to the wrapping mechanism. The incoming conveyor is in operable alignment with the wrapping mechanism wherein a label traveling on the incoming conveyor is delivered to the wrapping mechanism. The conveyor assist lever is actuated by the conveyor driver to operably engage the incoming conveyor and form a nip therewith through which the label travels to the wrapping mechanism. The object lift mechanism comprises a cradle movable between a home position where the object to be labeled is loaded onto the cradle and a wrap position where the object to be labeled is located within the central portion of the wrapping mechanism. The suction system comprises a vacuum source connected by a duct to a position adjacent the incoming conveyor wherein a vacuum force provided by the vacuum source urges the label against the incoming conveyor to retain the label to the incoming conveyor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, automated apparatuses for applying printed labels to wires, cables or other elongated objects of varying diameters are illustrated. Labels are wrapped around the objects without spinning the objects about their elongated longitudinal axes. The apparatuses are particularly useful for label types that require that the label be wrapped around an object using more than one revolution. Self-laminating labels are one such type, requiring a transparent end of the label to be wrapped over top of a printed region to provide protection to the printed content.

The following description utilizes the following drawing conventions. Elements of a first embodiment are given reference numbers less than 1000; elements of a second embodiment are given reference numbers between 1000 and 1999; elements of a third embodiment are given reference numbers between 2000 and 2999, and so on. The last three digits of the reference numbers given to elements of the second, third, fourth embodiments, etc. correspond to the reference numbers given the same elements of the first embodiment where applicable. In each case, the last three digits of each embodiment correspond to like elements in the other embodiments. Movement of various elements is shown by arrows.

Referring toFIGS. 1-12, a label applicator10comprises several sub-systems. These include an incoming conveyor14, a wrapping mechanism18, and a suction system22, as shown inFIG. 2.

In an embodiment of the invention, the subsystems14,18,22are attached to desktop label printer26connected via support plates30. Any appropriate fastener may be used to attach the subsystems14,18,22to the label printer26, such as bolts, screws, welds, clamps, etc.

Referring toFIG. 3, the incoming conveyor14provides a movement to labels from a label peel-and-present mechanism34(seeFIG. 8) to the wrapping mechanism18. The incoming conveyor14comprises a driver, such as a hand crank, air cylinder, rack and pinion, etc., but preferably a motor38. The driver is connected to two or more shafts42using a drive belt46and belts50to rotate the shafts42at the same rate. The shafts42span an opening between the support plates30and a series of belts50spaced with gaps between them (alternatively, a single belt with holes through it) are held in tension around the shafts42.

The wrapping mechanism18is illustrated inFIG. 4. It is generally a rotational device driven by a driver, such as a motor54, and gear train58(alternatively, a belt or a chain) and is further detailed inFIGS. 5-7. The wrapping mechanism18has a belt system62of similar construction to the incoming conveyor14. The wrapping mechanism18includes a plurality of guide rollers66, here four, that provide a primary guidance for the belts62.

The rollers66are spaced about a perimeter of the wrapping mechanism18so that a central portion70of the wrapping mechanism18is free from the guide rollers66. A first pair of the rollers66is supported between tensioner arms74that are held in tension with extension springs78. The tensioner arms remove slack in the belts62and keep the belts62straight and taught and allow the belts62to be moved or pushed into the central portion70by the object82to be wrapped.

For example, the object82is inserted into the wrapping mechanism18and forces the belts62within the central portion70against a tension of the springs78until the object82reaches approximately a center of the wrapping mechanism's rotational axis79. The belts62together with the rollers66rotate 1 or more times, so that a surface of the belts62travels along the full circumference of the object82. The belts62push against a surface of the object82with the tension provided by the tensioner arms74. While the wrapping mechanism18is being rotated, the belts66are driven by the contact/engagement between the belt surface and the object82that was inserted into the wrapping mechanism18.

Rotation of the wrapping mechanism18is accomplished by the gear train58(FIG. 4) or other suitable drive mechanism.

The subsystems14,18,22work together to control and transport labels86presented to the label applicator from a label peel-and-present mechanism34that is independent of the label applicator10. A typical peel-and-present mechanism34is depicted inFIG. 8; however, the mechanism34could be a stand-alone device with pre-printed media or attached to the output of a desktop label printer26.

Referring toFIGS. 9-12. printed labels86are presented to the label applicator10at an entry end of the incoming conveyor14with an adhesive side94of the label86facing away from the belt50surface (seeFIG. 9). The label86is held in contact with the belt50surface by an air pressure provided by the suction system22that can pull air through gaps (or holes) in the belting50. The incoming conveyor14is driven forward such that the label86is then transported along it to the wrapping mechanism18.

The label86, now positioned on the wrapping mechanism18(seeFIG. 10), is held in place by the airflow provided by the suction system22. When properly positioned, a leading edge98of the label86will extend past a center of the opening in the wrapping mechanism18. Next, the object82, e.g. a wire, cable or other elongated object, is inserted into the wrapping mechanism18so that the surface of the object82first contacts the label86adhesive and traps the label86between the object82and the surface of the belt62(seeFIG. 11). As the object82is inserted further into the central portion70against the springs78force, the label86is pressed against the object82over an increasing arc length. Once the object82is inserted fully into the central portion70so that it is approximately at the center of the axis of rotation79of the wrapping mechanism18, the wrapping mechanism18begins to rotate and the label86is pushed against the object82from all angles as the belt62moves along the surface of the object82(seeFIG. 12). After rotating the wrapping mechanism18several times to ensure that the entire length of the label86has been pressed against the object82, the object82may be removed from the wrapping mechanism18. This rotation is accomplished simultaneously by the rollers66while the belt62remains freewheeling on the guide rollers66.

Once removed, the process is complete and additional labels and objects may be processed in the same way.

Now referring toFIGS. 13-41, an embodiment of automated labeling apparatus1010for applying printed labels1086to objects1082such as wires, cables or other elongated elements is illustrated. The objects1082may have varying diameters. The labels1086are attached to the object by wrapping the label1086around the object1082without spinning, rotating, or twisting the object1082along/about its elongated longitudinal axis. This apparatus1010is useful for label types that require that the label1086to be wrapped around the object1082using more than one revolution. Self-laminating labels are one such type, requiring the transparent end of the label to be wrapped over top of the printed region to provide protection to the printed content.

This automated label applicator1010comprises of two primary systems, as shown inFIG. 13, an applicator head1102and a support box1106. The applicator head1102contains a label handler, an incoming conveyor1014, and a wrapping mechanism1018. The support box1106contains subsystems for cable insertion1110, a suction system1022and an electrical system1114. The support box1106also supports and positions a printer1026. A printer1026and/or source of labels may be in operable alingment with the incoming conveyor1014to feed labels1086to the applicator1010.

The incoming conveyor1014and the wrapping mechanism1018subsystems are shown, for example, inFIG. 19. These subsystems are positioned between a pair of support plates1030. Each of these subsystems1014,1018is driven by a separate electric motor1038,1054.

The incoming conveyor1014moves labels1086from a peel-and-present mechanism1034(shown inFIG. 23), integrated with the attached printer to the wrapping mechanism1018. This subsystem1014includes a drive motor1038connected to two or more shafts1042using a drive belt1046and belts1050to rotate the shafts1042at the same rate. The shafts1042span an opening/space between the support plates1030and a series of round belts1062spaced with gaps between them (or one or more belts with holes through it) are held in tension around the shafts1042.

The incoming conveyor1014further includes a conveyor assist lever1122(seeFIG. 20A). The conveyor assist lever1122acts as a nip roller to grip an incoming label1086and provide a tension needed to remove the label1086from the release liner, shown inFIG. 23. The conveyor assist lever1122is indirectly driven by the motor1038that drives the incoming conveyor1014. A pinion1130is attached to the forward shaft1042of the incoming conveyor1014which drives a gear1134that is coupled to the conveyor assist lever1122using a viscous damper1138(see, e.g.,FIGS. 24-27). The viscous damper1138transmits a torque to the conveyor assist lever1122based on a rotational speed of the gear1134. As the gear's speed increases, the torque applied to the conveyor assist lever1122increases, as well. With sufficient speed, the conveyor assist lever1122raises until it reaches the label1086and pinches the label1086between a lever arm1126and the conveyor belt1050. The resulting force increases a frictional force from the incoming conveyor belt1050and pulls the label1086forward towards the wrapping mechanism1018.FIG. 20Ashows the relative motion of the components when the conveyor assist lever1122is raised.

When the incoming conveyor1014stops or slows sufficiently, the torque applied to the conveyor assist lever1122is reduced, and conveyor assist lever1122drops to the original position in preparation for a new label1086, as shown inFIG. 20B.

The wrapping mechanism1018is shown inFIG. 21. The wrapping device1018is a rotating device driven by a motor1054and gear train1058(alternatively a belt, chain, or the like) and is further detailed inFIG. 22. The wrapping mechanism1018has a belt system1062of similar construction to the incoming conveyor1014within it. The wrapping mechanism1018has a plurality of guide rollers1066, preferably four, that provide the primary guidance for the wrapping mechanism belts1062. These guide rollers1066are spaced around/about a perimeter of the wrapping mechanism1018, so that a central portion1070of the wrapping mechanism1018is free from guide rollers1066.

The wrapping mechanism has tensioner arms1074that are held in tension with extension springs1078. The tensioner arms1074remove slack in the belts1062and keep the belts1062straight and taught. This allows the belts1062to be pushed into the wrapping mechanism's central portion1070toward an axis of rotation1079(FIG. 22) of the wrapping mechanism1018by the object1082, such as a wire, cable or other cylindrical object. When the object1082is inserted into the wrapping mechanism1018until it reaches approximately a center of the wrapping mechanism's rotational axis1079, i.e. when the object1082is aligned with the axis of rotation1079such that the axis of rotation is located with a cross-sectional area of the object1082, the wrapping mechanism1018rotates or obits about its rotational axis1079one or more times, so that a surface of the belt1062travels along a full circumference of the object1082. Again, this rotation is accomplished simultaneously by the rollers1066while the belt1062remains freewheeling on the guide rollers1066. The belts1062push against the object1082with a tension provided by the tensioner arms1074. While the wrapping mechanism1018is rotated (i.e. orbiting the object1082), the belts1062are driven by a contact between the belt1062surface and the object1082that is within the central portion1070of the wrapping mechanism1018.

The incoming conveyor1014, wrapping mechanism1018, and suction system1022work together to control and transport labels1086presented to the label applicator1010from a label peel-and-present mechanism1034that is independent of the label applicator1010. A typical peel-and-present mechanism1034is depicted inFIG. 23; however, the mechanism1034could be a stand-alone device with pre-printed media or attached to the output of a desktop label printer1026, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 28.

The printer1026presents printed labels1086the label applicator1010at an entry end of the incoming conveyor1014with an adhesive side1094of the label1086facing away from the belt1050surface (see, e.g.FIGS. 24-27). The label1086is held in contact with the belt1062surface by an air pressure provided by the suction system1022that can pull air through gaps (or holes) in the belting1050. The incoming conveyor1014is driven forward such that the label1086is then transported along it to the wrapping mechanism1018.

The label1086is positioned on the wrapping mechanism1018(seeFIGS. 24 and 25) and held in place by the airflow provided by the suction system1022. When properly positioned, a leading edge1098of the label1086will extend past a center of the central portion1070in the wrapping mechanism1018. Next, the elongated object1082is inserted into the central portion1070of the wrapping mechanism1018so that the surface of the object1082first contacts an adhesive on the adhesive side1094of the label1086and traps the label1086between the object1082and the surface of the belt1062(seeFIG. 26). As the object1082is inserted further into the central portion1070, the label1086is pressed against the object1082over an increasing arc length. Once the object1082is inserted fully into the central portion1070, so that the axis of rotation1079of the wrapping mechanism1018is position within the cross-sectional area of the object1082, preferably with the axis of rotation1079coincident with a center longitudinal axis of the object1082, as determined by switches or sensory means, the wrapping mechanism1018rotates as driven by the gear train1058such that it orbits about the object1082, and the label1086is pushed against the object1082from all angles as the belt1062moves along the surface of the object1082(seeFIG. 27). After rotating about its axis of rotation1079, or orbiting about the object1082, several times to ensure that the entire length of the label1086has been pressed against the object1082, the object1082may be removed from the central portion1070of the wrapping mechanism1018.

Once removed, the process is complete and additional labels and objects may be processed in the same way.

An industrial label printer1026can be purchased or retrofitted with optional peel and present modules. A typical system is depicted inFIG. 28. Such a printer1026can be used to deliver a printed label1086to the incoming conveyor1014by adapting a support duct1142shown inFIGS. 17 and 28to attach to the printer1026.FIG. 28shows the support duct1142installed on the printer1026. The support duct1142attaches the incoming conveyor1014, the wrapping mechanism1018and a cover duct1146, which protects the incoming conveyor1014and the wrapping mechanism1018, to the printer1026(seeFIGS. 17 and 28).

The support box1106shown inFIGS. 13 and 14is isolated inFIG. 29. The support box1106houses or supports the cable insertion system1110, a label vacuum duct1150, and electronics1114for driving the applicator head1102, cable insertion system1110, and suction system1022. The support box1106comprises an aluminum frame1154and a platform1158on which the printer1026is supported.FIG. 30shows the support box1106with the platform1158removed to reveal the electronics1114in the form of a circuit board.

The cable insertion system1110is an electromechanical assembly that shuttles and holds the object1082in position in the wrapping mechanism1018. After the label1086is wrapped about the object1082, the cable insertion system1110removes the object1082from the wrapping mechanism1018. The cable insertion system1110includes a lift1162which delivers a section of the object1082into the central portion1070of the wrapping mechanism1018.

The cable insertion system1110starts the wrapping process via a switch1166, preferably a snap-action process switch, preferably two such switches, mounted on a cradle1170upon which the object1082is raised and lowered. The process begins when both switches1166are actuated, preferably simultaneously activated.

As illustrated inFIG. 32, the cradle1170is movable, preferably vertically, by a lift1162. In the embodiment illustrated the lift1162is a scotch yoke-style mechanism. A pin1174is integrated into a spur gear1178interfacing a slot1182in a main link1186. A range of motion of a shuttle1190is determined by a length of linkages and a stroke of the pin1174.

The cradle1170is a rigid feature with a recess1198, preferably V-shaped, to center the object1082. The recess1198may be spring-loaded to allow variations in the size of the object1082to be wrapped. A path of the shuttle1190is defined by a guide, preferably two steel guide rods1202mounted to a base1206.

When the label applicator1010is initialized, the lift1162is moved to a home position1210with the shuttle1190at mid-stroke if it is not already there. Here, it will stay until the switches1166are actuated, as described above.

When the switches1166are actuated, the lift1162moves to a wrap position1214, shuttling the object1082into the applicator head1102, preferably into the central portion1070of the wrapping mechanism1018. It stays in this position while the applicator head1102completes a wrap cycle as described above.

When the wrap is completed, the cable insertions system1110advances further, retracting the shuttle1190to a bottom of the stroke where it contacts an eject position switch1218, signaling to the label applicator1010that the cycle is complete. The shuttle1190is then returned to the home position1210to await the next object1080.

The support box1106includes the suction system1022(seeFIGS. 38 and 39). The purpose of the suction system1022is to hold a label1086against the incoming conveyor1014without contacting the adhesive side1094of the label, so that it can be carried between the printer's peel and present feature into position in the applicator head1102.

The suction system1022comprises a high-flow fan1222, a bypass valve1226to a control airflow diverted to an up-flow diffuser1230aimed at an underside of the incoming conveyor1014, ducts1234to route the airflow around the cable insertion system1110, and various support brackets. A downtube1238mates with a similarly shaped feature molded into the cover1146of the applicator head1102to focus a vacuum over the wrapping mechanism1018and the incoming conveyor1014.

The up-flow diffuser1230takes some air recirculated from exhaust from the fan1222supported by a fan bracket1224and directs it up to the incoming conveyor1014and the applicator head1102. It also attempts to diffuse a fluid pressure evenly over the entire distance via vanes1242molded across an exit1246. This ensures the peeled label1086stays planted on the belt1062of the incoming conveyor1014and maintain proper orientation until adhered to the object1082. A butterfly valve1250(seeFIG. 39) is added to the throat of the diffuser1230to better control the amount of air siphoned from the fan1222exhaust.

Referring toFIGS. 42-44, a further embodiment of a label applicator2010for applying pre-printed labels to objects such as wires, cables or other elongated objects of varying diameters is illustrated. The label applicator2010wraps the label2086around the objects without spinning the object along its longitudinal axis. This device is useful for label types that require that the label2086be wrapped around the object using more than one revolution. Self-laminating labels are one such type, requiring a transparent end of the label2086to be wrapped over top of the printed region to provide protection to the printed content.

The label applicator2010of this embodiment is a benchtop label applicator and comprises of two primary mechanisms and additional components, as shown inFIG. 42.

The wrapping mechanism2018and the label peel-and-present mechanism2034are supported on a base plate2254of electrical enclosure2258. The wrapping mechanism2018operates substantially the same as the wrapping mechanisms18,1018of the previous embodiments. The label peel-and-present mechanism2034contains systems to handle the unwinding, tensioning and peeling of labels2086as well as the rewinding of a label liner2262.

Labels2086are printed in bulk off-line and wound onto a core2264suitable for use in the benchtop applicator2010with the labels2086facing outward. The labels2086and liner2262are loaded into the peel-and-present mechanism2034as shown inFIG. 43.

With the labels2086loaded into the peel-and-present mechanism2034, a label liner rewind2266rotates and applies a tension to the liner2262, pulling the liner2262and labels2086through the mechanism2034and around a peeling plate2270. As the leading edge2098of the label2086reaches a tip of the peeling plate2270, the label adhesive is peeled away from the liner2262and the label2086is fed, with adhesive side2094up, away from the central portion2070until the label2086rests on the top of the wrapping mechanism2018.

The label2086, now positioned on the wrapping mechanism2018(seeFIGS. 42A and 44), falls to the surface of the belts2062under its own weight and a small patch of the label2086remains attached to the liner2262to keep the label2086from moving.

Next, the object is inserted into the wrapping mechanism2018so that the surface of the object first contacts the adhesive side2094of the label2086traps the label2086between the object and the surface of the belt2062. As the object is inserted further, the label2086is pressed against the object over an increasing arc length. Once the object is inserted fully, so that it is approximately at the axis of rotation2079of the wrapping mechanism2018, as determined by switches or sensory means, the wrapping mechanism2018starts to rotate, and the label2086is pushed against the object from all angles as the belt2062moves along the surface of the object. This process is very similar to the process described in relation to the previous embodiment, with the exception that this embodiment does not include the incoming conveyor of the presence and use of the incoming conveyor.

After rotating several times to ensure that the entire length of the label2086has been pressed against the object, the object may be removed from the wrapping mechanism2018.

Once removed, the process is complete and the next label is presented to the wrapping mechanism.

A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of wrapping a label about an elongated object as described above in connection with the various apparatuses.

It follows that a method of applying an adhesive label to an elongated object comprising the steps of: 1) providing a source of labels wherein the source of labels comprises a label having an adhesive side with a liner thereon; 2) feeding the label from the source of labels to a wrapping mechanism; 3) contacting an object to be labeled with the wrapping mechanism; and 4) rotating the wrapping mechanism about an axis of rotation wherein the axis of rotation intersects a cross-sectional area of the object taken transverse to an elongated length of the object substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the object.

As explained in detail in connection with the various embodiments, the method may include inserting the object to be labeled within an opening in the wrapping mechanism prior to the rotating step. A portion of the wrapping member may be deflected inwardly into the opening in the wrapping mechanism against an elastic force during the inserting step. The label may be retained between the portion of the wrapping member and the object to be labeled during the rotating step The object to be labeled and the portion of the wrapping mechanism may remain rotationally stationary during the rotating step.

As explained in detail in connection with the various embodiments, the method may include applying a fluid pressure to the label during the feeding step to control the label during movement. The fluid pressure may be supplied by a suction system comprising a vacuum source connected by a duct to a position adjacent an incoming conveyor wherein a vacuum force provided by the vacuum source urges the label against the incoming conveyor to retain the label to the incoming conveyor.

As explained in detail in connection with the various embodiments, the method may include applying a mechanical force to the label during the feeding step to control the label during movement. The applying a mechanical force step may be provided by a conveyor assist lever actuated by a conveyor driver to operably engage an incoming conveyor and form a nip therewith through which the label travels during the feeding step.

As explained in detail in connection with the various embodiments, the method may include supporting the object to be labeled on a support and automatically transporting the object to be labeled to the wrapping mechanism via automated relative movement between the support and the wrapping mechanism. This step may be performed by an object lift mechanism comprising a cradle movable between a home position where the object to be labeled is loaded onto the cradle and wrap position where the object to be labeled is located within a central portion of the wrapping mechanism.