Abstract:
There is disclosed a configurable modular labeling machine and a method of making same. The machine can be selectively assembled in a number of different configurations. The machine has a frame or housing that can mount selectively positionable applicator and rewind modules. The applicator module includes a plate that can carry direction-changing and feed rolls and can mount a dispensing mechanism. The rewind module can include a plate that can mount direction-changing rolls and a rewind.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    Reference is hereby made to co-owned pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,304, filed Dec. 30, 2005, Publication No. US2007/0125899; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,326 filed Dec. 30, 2005, Publication No. US2007/0131814; these applications and their disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The field relates to labeling machines and methods of making same. 
         [0004]    2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    The following may be prior art: U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,386; U.S. Pat. No. 4,390,390; U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,027; U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,734; U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,953; U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,066; U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,948; U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,669; U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,552; U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,530; U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,094; U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,535; U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,662; U.S. Pat. No. 7,252,131; U.S. Publication No. 2005/0236112; WO93/08081; EP 370633 A1; EP 506597 A1; EP 980832 A1; DE 4217655 A1; JP 1-48752 A1; JP 2002-59056 A1; JP-2004-262520 A1; JP 2004-352256 A1; and Avery Dennison User Manual ALS204/206,256 Editions 2006 and 2007. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]    An embodiment relates to a labeling machine can include a housing defining a space capable of mounting at least one module, an arm having an arm portion capable of holding a label supply roll and having a base portion, the arm portion being oblique to the base portion, one of the housing and the base portion having spaced apart first locating surfaces and the other of the housing and the base portion having a second locating surface cooperable with either one of the first locating surfaces in either one of two positions. It is preferred that the housing has spaced exterior flat first surfaces and the base portion has spaced flat second surfaces, wherein the base portion and the housing are capable of being secured with their first and second flat surfaces in contact with each other. It is preferred that a label applicator module is mounted in the space. It is preferred that a rewind module is mounted in the space. 
         [0007]    An embodiment of a labeling machine can include a housing defining internal space, the housing having at least two external mounting stations, and a label roll mounting arm capable of being mounted at any one of the mounting stations. It is preferred that the arm extend obliquely with respect to the housing. It is preferred that the housing is generally rectangular and has an external mounting station on all four sides and at the rear side. It is preferred that the housing has a mounting station on each of at least two sides. It is preferred that each mounting station include at least one aligning surface and the arm include a cooperable aligning surface. 
         [0008]    An embodiment of a labeling machine can include an arm for mounting a label roll, the arm including an arm portion and a base portion extending obliquely with respect to each other, and at least one aligning surface on the base portion. It is preferred that the arm can be of one-piece molded or cast construction. It is preferred that the base portion can have flat mounting surfaces at opposite sides of the aligning surface. It is preferred that a web guide can be mounted on the arm. 
         [0009]    An embodiment of a method of making a labeling machine can include providing a housing defining space capable of mounting at least one module, and an arm having an arm portion capable of holding a label supply roll and having a base portion, the arm portion being oblique to the base portion, one of the housing and the base portion having opposed spaced-apart first locating surfaces and the other of the housing and the base portion having a second locating surface cooperable with either one of the first locating surfaces in either one of two positions, selectively positioning the arm in either one of the two positions on the housing, and securing the positioned arm to the housing in the selected position. 
         [0010]    An embodiment of a method of making a labeling machine can include providing a housing defining a space capable of mounting at least one assembly, at least two external mounting stations on the housing, and an arm capable of mounting a label supply roll, and selectively mounting the arm at any of the mounting stations. 
         [0011]    An embodiment of a labeling machine can include a frame defining interior space, a mounting plate disposed in the interior space, at least one roll mounted on the plate and helping to define a path for a label-carrying web, at least two alternative mounting locations to mount the plate, a label dispenser, at least two alternative mounting locations to mount the dispenser, wherein the roll(s) and the dispenser are capable of being mounted at the selected locations corresponding to the predetermined direction from which labels are to be dispensed with respect to the frame. It is preferred that the mounting plate can be a rewind mounting plate. It is preferred that an arm mounts a label supply roll, and that there is at least one mounting location to mount the arm to extend in one of two different directions. 
         [0012]    An embodiment of a labeling machine can preferably include a frame having a configuration generally in the form of a rectangle and having an inside defining space to receive components of a labeling machine, the frame having an outside with selective mounting locations for a labeling machine component on any one or more of at least three sides of the rectangle. 
         [0013]    An embodiment of a labeling machine can preferably include a housing defining interior space, a first module removably mounted in the interior space, wherein the first module includes at least one driven roll capable of advancing a web of labels, and a label dispenser capable of dispensing labels from the web along a web path, a second module removably mounted in the interior space, and the second module being capable of rewinding the spent web. It is preferred that the second module include a rewind plate and a motor-driven rewind hub mounted on the rewind plate, and wherein the rewind plate is mounted in the housing in a first orientation for left-hand operation and in a second orientation for right-hand orientation. It is preferred that the label dispenser is attached to the first module. It is preferred that the locations of the first and second modules within the interior space of the housing can be reversed. It is preferred that the interior space has side-by-side first and second locations, and wherein the first module and the second module can be respectively positioned at the first and second locations, or vice versa. It is preferred that the first module have a first driven roll upstream of the label dispenser and a second driven roll downstream of the label dispenser, and wherein the driven rolls are disposed along the web path. It is preferred that an arm is capable of mounting a label supply roll, and at least one mounting location on the housing capable of mounting the arm to extend in one of two different directions. It is preferred that the first module have a first mounting plate secured to the housing, the second module have a second mounting plate secured to the housing, each of the first and second frames can be positioned either in one position or in another position 180 degrees with respect to the one position, and the positions of the first and second base plates in the interior space can be reversed. It is preferred to provide a support arm capable of supporting a label web supply roll, wherein the housing has an exterior with at least two different mounting stations, wherein the support arm is positionable at any mounting station. It is preferred that the housing is generally rectangular, and the first and second modules are secured in side-by-side relationship within the interior space. It is preferred that the interior space is sized to accept a print engine. 
         [0014]    An embodiment of a method of making a labeling machine can include providing a housing defining interior space having first and second locations, a dispenser capable of dispensing labels from a label web, wherein the first module includes at least one driven feed roll capable of feeding a label-carrying web from a web supply roll to the dispenser, and a second module including a driven hub capable of winding the spent web into a roll, and selectively positioning the first module at either the first location or the second location and positioning the second module at the remaining location. It is preferred to include the step of positioning a label supply roll at a selected location in dependence on the positions of the first and second modules. It is preferred to include positioning the label dispenser at a selected location in dependence on the location of the first and second modules. It is preferred to include positioning a label supply roll at a selected location in dependence on the positions of the first and second modules. It is preferred to include providing a tension control device, and orienting the tension control device in different positions to provide a tensioned web from a web supply roll to the label dispenser. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMMATIC DRAWINGS  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a labeling machine assembled in accordance with one selected configuration which may be called a left-hand configuration; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a fragmentary front elevational view, partly in section, of a dispensing and label applying mechanism of the machine shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a partially exploded, pictorial view of the labeling machine showing a frame or housing, an applicator module, a rewind module, a support arm and a tension control mechanism mountable on the support arm in the one selected configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a pictorial view showing the front of an applicator module exploded away; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a pictorial view showing the rear of the applicator module exploded away; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial view of the frame of the applicator module as viewed from the front; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is an exploded pictorial view of the rewind module as viewed generally from the front; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a partially exploded pictorial view of the rewind module as viewed generally from the rear; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a pictorial view of the frame of the rewind module as viewed generally from the front; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a rear elevational partly broken away view of the labeling machine in the one selected configuration; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a pictorial view of the machine frame as viewed generally from the rear; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the frame shown in  FIG. 11  for example; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a fragmentary front elevational view of the frame shown in  FIG. 11  for example; 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a partly sectional bottom plan view of the support arm; 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a fragmentary front elevational view of the frame and the support arm in the one selected configuration; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a partially exploded pictorial view showing the support arm and the tension control mechanism and sensing assembly which it mounts in the one selected configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a front elevational assembled view of the support arm, the mechanism and the assembly shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a sectional view taken generally along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a front elevational view of the labeling machine assembled in accordance with another selected configuration which may be called a right-hand configuration; 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a front elevational view of the labeling machine assembled in accordance with still another selected configuration which may be called a low-profile left-hand or generally triangular configuration; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of the labeling machine assembled in accordance with yet another selected configuration which may be called a low-profile or generally triangular right-hand configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0036]    The embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 18  depicts a configuration of a labeling machine generally indicated at  25 , while each of  FIGS. 19 through 21  depicts a different configuration. The configurations depicted in  FIGS. 1 through 18  and in  FIG. 20  may be referred to as left-hand configurations. The labeling machine  25  enables pressure sensitive labels L (only two of which are shown in  FIG. 2 ) to be dispensed from a web W and applied to an object such as a container (not shown). The machine  25  may be mounted in position to apply labels L for example to the objects moving on a conveyor (not shown). 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , the machine  25  is shown to have a frame or housing generally indicated  26  which can mount components such as a support arm or mounting arm generally indicated at  30 , a label web tension control assembly generally indicated at  27 , an applicator or dispenser assembly or module generally indicated at  28  and a rewind or rewind module generally indicated at  29 . The assembly  27  is shown to be mounted on the support arm or mounting arm  30 . The web W can pass from a roll R which may have a core then about a direction-changing roll  31  rotatably mounted on the arm  30  and from there about a roll  32  which is part of the assembly  27 . The assembly  27  allows the web W to be paid out from the roll R under the proper tension and as such may be termed a tension control device. From the roll  32 , the web W can pass about a direction-changing roll  33  and from there the web W can pass about a direction-changing roll  34 . From there the web W passes about a driven feed roll  35 . From there the web W can pass to a dispensing assembly or mechanism generally indicated at  36  and, in particular, about a direction-changing roll  37 . The dispensing assembly  36  is better shown in  FIG. 2  and may have a delaminator  38  ( FIG. 2 ) in the form of a peel plate adhered to the bottom of a bracket  39 . However, the delaminator  38  can be a peel roller instead (not shown). The dispensing mechanism  36  is fastened to a plate or frame  92  of the applicator module  28  by a screw  54 ′ received in a threaded hole  102 ″ ( FIG. 6 ) in an insert or plug  102 ′. The plug  102 ′ which can be made of steel is received in a hole  102 . The dispensing mechanism  36  is detentable in any one of the holes  106 . Accordingly, the mechanism  36  can be positioned at selected positions from the one shown in  FIG. 1  up to 90 degrees clockwise from that position. After passing about the roll  37 , the web W undergoes a sharp change in direction at the delaminator  38  where the labels L are peeled or delaminated from the web W. As labels L are successively delaminated they are presented in underlying label-applying relationship with respect to an applicator generally indicated at  40  which can be in the form of a roll  41 . From the delaminator  38  the spent web W can pass about a direction-changing roll  42 . 
         [0038]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the spent web W can next pass about and over a direction-changing roll  43 , from there the web W can pass about and under a driven roll  44  and from there about and over a direction-changing roll  45 . From there the web W can pass about and over a direction-changing roll  46 . 
         [0039]    A dancer  49  can include rolls  47  and  48  rotatably mounted on a dancer arm  49 ′. The web W passes from the roll  46  to and about the roll  47  and from about a roll  50 . From there the web W passes about the roll  48  and from there the web W can pass about a roll  51  and from there the spent web W is wounding into a roll R′. The assembly  28  also includes a guide roll  52  and a spring-urged pressure roll  53 . The rolls  52  and  53  are mounted on a manually engageable roll mounting assembly  115 . The roll assembly  115  can pivot counterclockwise to a position where the rolls  52  and  53  are spaced from the driven roll  44  to facilitate threading of the web W. 
         [0040]    It is noted that the roll  31  is on the support arm  30 , the rolls  34 ,  35 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  46 ,  52  and  53  are on the applicator or dispenser assembly or module  28 , the rolls  37  and  42  are on the dispenser mechanism  36  and the rolls  47 ,  48 ,  50  and  51  are on the rewind or rewind module  29 . While this is the preferred arrangement to provide for effective advance of the web W from the supply roll R to the take-up roll R′ preferably having a core other suitable locations for these rolls can be provided. It is noted that the driven roll  35  is upstream of the delaminator  38  and the driven roll  44  is downstream of the delaminator  38 . The dispenser mechanism  36  includes a pair of rods  54  connected to a transverse supports  55  and  55 ′. The plate  39  is secured to the transverse support  55 . The mechanism  36  is adjustable as a unit with respect to the assembly  28  to accommodate to different situations. The module  28  also includes a display  56 . 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , the frame or housing  26  is shown to be generally rectangular which can have sides  57  through  60 . The sides  57  and  58  are shown to be horizontal and the sides  59  and  60  preferably integrally connected thereto are shown to be vertical. The sides  57  and  58  can preferably be longer than the sides  59  and  60  as illustrated. The frame  26  also has a rear side  61  with a U-shaped connector  61 ′ bridging the sides  57  and  58  to add strength and rigidity. The connector  61 ′ enables the connected sides  57  through  60  to be thinner and yet have the desired strength and rigidity. The entire frame  26  including its connector  61 ′ can preferably be molded or cast in one piece. For example, the frame  26  can be a die casting and can be composed of aluminum. As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  11 ,  12  and  13  for example, the side  57  has a mounting station which can be comprised of a pair of spaced raised mounting pads  62  with threaded holes  63 , the side  58  has a mounting station which can be comprised of a pair of spaced raised mounting pads  64  with threaded holes  65 , the side  59  has a mounting station which can be comprised of a pair of spaced raised mounting pads  66  with threaded holes  67 , the side  60  has a mounting station which can be comprised of a pair of spaced raised mounting pads  68  with threaded holes  69 , and the side  61  has a mounting station which can be comprised of a pad  61 p with threaded holes  61 ″. The outer surfaces of the pads  62 , the pads  64 , the pads  66 , the pads  68  and the pad  61 p are preferably co-planar, flat and parallel to their respective sides  57  through  61 . 
         [0042]    As best shown in  FIG. 13 , the pads  62  have opposed abutments or stops that provide aligning or locating surfaces  70 , the pads  64  have opposed abutments or stops that provide aligning or locating surfaces  71 , the pads  66  have opposed abutments or stops that provide aligning or stop surfaces  72 , and the pads  68  have opposed abutment or stops that provide aligning or locating surfaces  73 . It is preferred that the aligning surfaces  70  though  73  are machined square with the frame  26 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  14  and  15  for example, the support arm  30  has a base portion  74  and an arm portion  75 . The arm portion  75  extends obliquely from the base portion  74 . The base portion  74  has a pair of spaced raised mounting surfaces or pads  76  and  77 . The pads  76  and  77  have flat, co-planar surfaces  76 ′ and  77 ′. The pad  76  can have through-holes  78  and the pad  77  can have through holes  79 . The pad  76  can have an abutment or aligning or locating surface  80  as best shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 .  FIG. 15  shows that the abutment or aligning or locating surface  80  is against one of the aligning surfaces  70 . Bolts  78 ′ pass through holes  78  and  79  with enough clearance so that the abutment  80  can be brought into contact with the one aligning surface  70 , whereupon the bolts  78 ′ can be tightened to secure or clamp the base portion  74  of the support arm  30  to the frame  26  in the aligned position. The holes  78  are large enough and provide clearance with respect to the bolts  78 ′ so that the abutment  80  in contact with the surface  70  assures that the arm  30  is square with respect to the frame. As shown, the bolts  78 ′ are threadably received in the frame  26 . While it is preferred to mold or cast the arm  30  such as by die casting the arm from a suitable material such as aluminum, it is also preferred to machine the abutment face following casting so that it is square with the frame  26  and so that when abutment  80  contacts any one of surfaces  70 ,  71 ,  72  or  73 , the arm  30  is square with the frame  26 . When the arm  30  is square with the frame  26 , the arm  30  and the frame  26  are also square with parallel rolls  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  35 ,  37 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48 ,  50  and  51 , the tension control assembly  27  and the rewind  29 . Therefore, the web W will track well through the machine  25 . 
         [0044]    The tension control assembly  27  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  16  through  21  is essentially the same as the tension control assembly depicted in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,326, Publication No. US2007/0131814 incorporated herein by reference and to which reference may be made. Briefly, the assembly  27  includes a hub  81  on which the label supply roll R can be mounted. A freely-rotatable guide disc  82  defines an edge against which the roll R can be positioned. The disc  82  may be comprised of plastics material. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the assembly also includes the roll  32 . Further details are disclosed in Publication No. US2007/0131814. The roll  32  and the hub  81  are assembled onto a kite-shaped or diamond-shaped housing  83 . A shaft  84  extends into and through the housing  83  and forms part of the hub  81 . As shown, the shaft  84  extends through a bore  85  in an enlarged portion  86  of the support arm  30 . A bolt  87  passes through a washer  87 ′ and is threadably received by the shaft  84 . The bolt  87  also passes through a hole  88   a  in a bracket  88  which mounts a sensor  88   b.  The sensor  88   b  cooperates with a mirror  88   c  to signal when the roll R is nearly exhausted. The bracket  88  is non-rotatably secured to the arm  30  by screws (not shown). The support arm  30  has a central web  30   a  and has ribs  30   b  extending at right angles to each other and to the base portion  74 . Flanges  30   c  and  30   d  are jointed to the web  30   a  and the ribs  30   b.    
         [0045]    The rewind  29  includes a roll-mounting assembly  89  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  7  and  19  through  21 . With reference to  FIG. 3  for example, the roll mounting assembly  89  includes a disc  91 . The mounting assembly  89  mounts the spent web roll R′ and the side of the roll R′ contacts the disc  91 . The face of the disc  82  that contacts the roll R and the face of the disc  91  that contacts the roll R′ are in the same plane. It is to be noted that the rolls  31  through  34  are flanged and the face sides of their flanges guide one edge of the web, thereby facilitating tracking of the web W. The hub  89  provides for ease of clamping and unclamping the roll R′. Publication No. US2007/0125899 discloses the details of the hub  89 . 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a frame or plate  92  of the applicator module  28 . The plate  92  is received against an edge  26   e  of the frame  26  and portions of the plate  92  are received in internal or interior space  26   i  within the frame  26 . The plate  92  can be molded or cast and is preferably a die casting comprised of aluminum. The plate  92  has a location or hole  93  for the driven roll  35 . The plate  92  has a location or hole  94  for the display  56 , a location or hole  95  for the roll  34 , a location or hole  95   a  for the roll  46 , a location or hole  97  for a shaft  114  ( FIG. 4 ), a location or hole  99  for the driven roll  44 , a location or hole  100  for the roll  43  and a location or hole  101  for the roll  45 . The location  102  can receive a threaded plug  102 ′. Locations  102   a  and  102   b  can receive such threaded plugs  102   a ′ and  102   b ′. Locations  103 ,  104  and  105  can optionally be used to mount one, two or three direction-changing rollers (not shown). A plurality or detent recesses  106  arranged in an arc can be used to hold the dispensing mechanism  36  in different positions. Locations  93  through  95 ,  97 ,  99 ,  100 ,  101  and  102  and the recesses  106  are used in the machine configurations according to  FIGS. 1 through 18  and  20 . More particularly, with reference to  FIG. 4 and 5 , the location  93  receives a shaft  107  of the driven roll  35 . The location  93  is provided by an integral tubular portion  111  of the frame  92 . The tubular portion  111  enables two bearings  109  (one of which is shown) to be widely spaced to receive and support the shaft  107 . 
         [0047]    The location  95  mounts a stationary shaft  112  ( FIG. 4 ) which rotatably mounts the roll  34 . The location  95   a  mounts a stationary shaft  113  which rotatably mounts the roll  46 . The location  97  mounts a stationary shaft  114  which pivotally mounts the roll assembly  115  having a handle  116 . The roll assembly  115  rotatably mounts the rolls  52  and  53 . The location  100  mounts a stationary shaft  117  which rotatably mounts the roll  43 . The location  101  mounts a stationary shaft  118  which rotatably mounts the roll  45 . The driven roll  44  has a shaft  118  rotatably mounted in the hole  99 . The frame  92  has a tubular portion  122  which enables bearings  120  (one of which is shown) to be spaced by and straddle a spacer  121 . The spacer  121  and the bearings  120  are received within the tubular portion  122 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 1 and 4  show a cover plate  130  which is secured to the frame  92  by screws  131  covers unused holes in the plate  92 . As seen in  FIG. 5 , a motor  132  is bolted to the rear side of the plate  92  and drives a toothed wheel  133 . A flexible toothed belt  134  passes about the toothed wheel  133  and a toothed wheel  135  mounted on and secured to the shaft  107 . A motor  136  is bolted to the rear side of the plate  92  and drives a toothed wheel  137 . A flexible toothed belt  138  passes about the toothed wheel  137  and a toothed wheel  139  mounted on and secured to the shaft  118 . The motors  132  and  136  can be stepping motors. Operation of the motor  132  drives the feed roll  35  counterclockwise and operation of the motor  136  drives the feed roll  44  counterclockwise as viewed in  FIG. 1 . Pins  140  on the plate  92  mount a shelf  141  to which electronic components generally indicated at  142  are mounted by screws  143 . The plate  92  also mounts electronic components  144  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  shows the front side of a frame or plate  145  of the rewind module  29 . There is a cover plate  145 ′ to cover unused holes. The plate  145  is received against the edge  26   e  of the frame  26  and portions of the plate  145  are received in the internal or interior space  26   i.  The plate  145  itself is shown in  FIG. 9 . The plate  145  has a location or hole  146  that mounts a shaft  147  which in turn rotatably mounts the direction-changing roll  33 . The plate  145  also has locations or holes  148  and  149  for mounting respective shafts  150  and  151 . The shafts  150  and  151  rotatably mount respective direction-changing rolls  50  and  51 . The plate  145  also has a location or hole  152  to receive ball bearings  153  and a spacer sleeve  154 . The ball bearings  153  pivotally mount a shaft  155  secured to one end portion of the dancer arm  49 ′. Shafts  156  and  157  are secured to the other end portion of the dancer arm  49 ′. The plate  145  has a location or hole  159  to mount spaced ball bearings  160  (one of which is shown). The bearings  160  rotatably mount a shaft  162  of the mounting assembly  89 . The plate  145  also mounts electronic components  146 . 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , there is a toothed wheel  167  secured to the shaft  162 . A motor  168  which may be a stepping motor is mounted to the rear side of the frame or plate  145  by bolts  169 . The motor  168  mounts a toothed wheel  170 . A flexible toothed belt  117  passes about the tooth wheels  167  and  170 . When the motor  168  operates, the toothed wheel  170  drives the belt  171  which drives the toothed wheel  167  and in turn the shaft  162  to affect winding of the spent web onto the roll mounting assembly  89 . 
         [0051]    The dancer  49  ( FIG. 7 ) includes a rod  172  pivotally mounted on a pin  173  secured to the plate  145 . The rod  172  fits through a through-hole  174  of a block  174 ′ having a mounting pin  174 ″. The pin  174 ″ is received in a hole  175  of a pivotal mounting member  175 ′. A screw  176  passes through the member  175 ′ and secures the member  175 ′ against rotation to the end of the dancer shaft  155 . A graduated plate  177  secured to the member  175 ′ moves in an arc as the shaft  155  changes position in dependence on either slack or tautness of the spent web W. The position of the graduated plate  177  can be sensed by a sensor  178  to control the motor  168  to apply either more or less torque to the shaft  162 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 1 through 18  show and the foregoing portion of this detailed description depicts one configuration of the machine  25 , while  FIG. 19  shows the machine assembled with the same components differently arranged to provide a different configuration, namely, a right-hand configuration. Since the same components are used the same reference characters are used to designate the same components. It is apparent that the position of the frame  26  is the same. In assembling the machine  25  according to the configuration shown in  FIG. 19 , the applicator or dispenser assembly  28  is positioned at the right-hand portion of the frame  26  and the rewind assembly  29  is positioned at the left-hand portion of the frame  26 , just the opposite from the configuration of  FIGS. 1 through 18 . It is seen that the frame  26  is adaptable to receiving and mounting the applicator assembly  28  and the rewind assembly in two different positions. Since the applicator assembly  28  is in a different position in  FIG. 19 , the dispensing mechanism  36 , the rolls  34 ,  35 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45  and  46  and the display  56  are also assembled differently. In particular the frame  92  of the applicator assembly  28  has various additional locations in which the dispenser mechanism  36 , the rolls  34 ,  35 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45  and  46  and the display  56  are mounted to accommodate the  FIG. 19  arrangement. The frame  94  is oriented so that the front of the frame  94  in  FIG. 19  remains the front of the frame  94  in  FIG. 1 , except that in the  FIG. 19  version the frame  145  is rotated 180 degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 6  for example. Accordingly, a location  93 ′ is used to mount the shaft  107  of the driven roll  35 , a location  94 ′ is used to mount the display  56 , the location  95   a  is used to mount the shaft  112  for the roll  34 , the location  95  is used to mount the shaft  113  of the roll  46 , a location  99 ′ is used to mount the shaft  118  the driven roll  34 , a location  100 ′ is used to mount the shaft  117  for the roll  34 , and a location  101 ′ is used to mount the shaft  118  for the roll  45 . 
         [0053]    Other locations such as indicated at  187  and  188  can be used for other models of the machine  25  having different components such as direction-changing rolls or guides. Location  189  can receive a threaded plug  189 ′ such as the plug  102 ′. 
         [0054]    The support arm  30  is assembled onto the frame  26  by bringing the abutment  80  against the right-hand surface  70  ( FIG. 15 ), and thereupon the bolts  78 ′ are used to secure the arm  30  to the frame  26  in the aligned position. Accordingly, the support arm  30  will extend upwardly and to the left as viewed in  FIG. 19 , in contrast to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 18  wherein the support arm  30  extends upwardly and to the right. Since the rewind assembly  29  is in a different position in  FIG. 19 , the rolls  33 ,  50  and  51  and the roll mounting assembly  89  are also assembled differently. In particular, the frame or plate  145  of the rewind assembly  29  has different locations in which the dispenser mechanism  36 , the roll  33 ,  50  and  51  and the roll mounting assembly  89  are mounted to accommodate the  FIG. 19  configuration. The frame  145  is positioned so that the front of the frame  145  in  FIG. 19  corresponds to the orientation of the front of the frame  145  in  FIGS. 1 and 9 , except that in the  FIG. 19  configuration the frame  145  is rotated 180 degrees. Accordingly, a location  146 ′ is used to mount the roll  33 , a location  148 ′ is used to mount the roll  50 , a location  149 ′ is used to mount the roll  51 , the location  159  is used to mount the roll mounting assembly  89 , and a location  152 ′ is used to mount the shaft  155  of the dancer assembly. Other locations such as indicated at  190 ,  191 ,  192  and  193  can be used for other models of the machine  25  having different components such as direction-changing rolls or guides. The dispenser mechanism  36  is secured to the plate  92  by a screw  54 ″ threadably received by a threaded plug  102   a ′ in a hole  102   a.    
         [0055]    With reference to the configuration depicted in  FIG. 20 , the applicator assembly  28  and the rewind assembly  29  are in the same positions as in the configuration of  FIG. 1 , except for the position of the support arm  30  and the use of additional direction-changing rolls  194  and  195 . The rolls  194  and  195  are mounted on respective shafts  194 ′ and  195 ′ received at respective locations  105  and  103  ( FIG. 6 ). As seen in  FIG. 20 , the web W passes from the roll  35  about the rolls  194  and  37  about the delaminator  38 , about the rolls  42  and  195 , over the roll  43 , and so on. As is apparent from  FIG. 20 , the configuration of  FIG. 20  has a low profile, that is, a long and narrow profile which is very advantageous where there are confined label applying situations such as a high speed rotary bottling machine (not shown) where various labeling machines such as the labeling machine  25  are disposed close to each other. As seen in  FIG. 20 , the support arm  30  is secured to the short, vertical, right side  60  of the frame  26  and the abutment face  80  ( FIG. 15 ) of the arm  30  is against the lower surface  73  ( FIG. 13 ) of the frame  26 . A connector or link  196  secured to the support arm  30  rotatably mounts a direction-changing roll  32 ′. 
         [0056]      FIG. 20  also shows the dispenser mechanism  36  with longer rods  54   a  than in  FIGS. 1 and 3  for example. Threaded plugs  102   a ′ and  189 ′ are received in holes  102 a and  189  ( FIG. 6 ). Screws  54   a ′ and  54   a ″ are received in plugs  102   a ′ and  189 ′. 
         [0057]    With reference to the configuration depicted in  FIG. 21 , the applicator assembly  28  and the rewind assembly  29  are in the positions as in the configuration of  FIG. 19 , except for the position of the support  30  and the positions of the dispensing assembly  36  and the roll  31 ′. The configuration of  FIG. 21  affords a low profile as does the configuration of  FIG. 20 , but the configuration of  FIG. 21  is in a right-hand arrangement. 
         [0058]    It is noted from the foregoing configurations of the machine  25  that the frame  26  can receive and securely hold the applicator frame  92  or the rewind frame  145  in different positions as seen for example in  FIGS. 1 and 20  on the one hand and in  FIGS. 19 and 21  on the other hand. As depicted in the various figures including  FIG. 13 , the frame  26  has pairs of threaded holes  200  and  201  and outboard threaded holes  203  and  204  at side  57 , pairs of threaded holes  205  and  206  and outboard threaded holes  207  and  208  at the side  58 , threaded holes  209  at the side  59 , threaded holes  210  at the side  60 , a threaded hole  211  at the junction of the sides  57  and  59 , and a threaded hole  212  at the junction of the sides  57  and  60 . With reference to  FIG. 6 , the frame  92  has threaded holes  213  through  226 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , the frame  145  has threaded holes  227  through  239 . Holes  203  and  204  in the frame  26  mount locating pins  240  and  241 . One of each of the holes  205  and  206  mount locating pins  242  and  243  ( FIG. 3 ). The pin  240  and  242  can locate and mount either the frame  92  or the frame  145 , and the pins  241  and  243  can locate and mount either the frame  92  or the frame  145 . Also fasteners (not shown) can pass through the respective holes the frames  92  and  145  and can be threadably received in the corresponding holes in the frame  26 . The holes in the frames  26 ,  92  and  145  are so arranged that the frames  92  and  145  can be oriented in the  FIG. 1  or the  FIG. 19  orientation. For example, for the frame  92  ( FIG. 6 ), the hole  213  ( FIG. 6 ) can align with the hole  211  ( FIG. 13 ) while the hole  200  ( FIG. 6 ) aligns with the pin  242 . For example, for the frame  145  ( FIG. 9 ) has a hole  233  which can align with a hole  209  in the frame  26  and the frame  145  has a hole  227  which can align with the right hole  200  of the frame  26  ( FIG. 13 ). When the plate  92  and the plate  145  are switched as in the version shown in  FIG. 19 , the holes in the frames  92  and  145  align with the holes and pins  24  through  243  of the frame  26 . Accordingly, the frame or housing  26  can house both the applicator assembly  28  and  29  in either of their orientations. The dispenser mechanism  36  is held in place like the dispenser mechanism  36  in  FIG. 20 . 
         [0059]    If desired the frame  26  can receive a standard commercially available print engine (not shown). Such print engines are typically of the same dimensions and have the same locations or holes to mount the print engine, and the print engine can be secured in one or more of holes  201  through  211 . Substitution of a print engine for the assembly  27  would enable the assembly  29  to be used in the position shown in  FIG. 1  for example to enable the labels L to be printed and applied and for the spent web to be rewound. 
         [0060]    The frame  26  can be mounted on suitable uprights or other structures using any side  27  through  61  which is not occupied by a component such as a support arm  30  and/or a tension control device such as the device  27 . 
         [0061]    Other embodiments and modifications of the invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and all such of these as come within the spirit of this invention are included within its scope as best defined by the appended claims.