Patent Publication Number: US-6655436-B1

Title: Apparatus and method for labeling a layup of sheet material

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cutting and labeling a layup of sheet material and, more particularly, to an automated labeling apparatus placing identification labels onto the layup. 
     2. Background Art 
     A process for fabricating cloth products from web material includes a number of steps and utilizes complicated machinery. First, the web material is spread on a spreader table by a spreading machine. The cloth is typically spread one layer at a time to form a stack or a layup having a certain width and height. Frequently, it is advantageous to have a single layup with varying heights. The stack is then cut into parts according to a marker or a nest that outlines the shapes of the parts. The marker can also include parts that have either the same or different shapes. However, the individual parts in each layer will have the same shape as the part in the layer above or below. The cut parts are then sewn together at a later time. 
     Frequently, the layup includes similar parts for the same article of clothing, but in different sizes. It is difficult to visually distinguish parts that are only one or two sizes apart. Therefore, it is desirable to label each stack of parts. These labels typically include information regarding part name, description, and size as well as model identification, and name. 
     The goal of the process is to produce a given quantity of parts to a given quality standard. For example, the final product quality would be negatively impacted if the parts were not properly labeled and used interchangeably during the sewing process. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the layup is properly labeled. However, to optimize efficiency and to produce a desired quantity of parts, it is critical to shorten the time each layup spends on the spreader and cutter tables. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize time spent labeling the layup. 
     Although there are a number of patents disclosing labeling apparatus, none satisfy the necessary requirements. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,765 entitled “Automated Labeling Apparatus” and issued to Weiselfish et al. describes a labeling apparatus that does not print labels simultaneously with labeling operation. Rather, the Weiselfish apparatus has a separate printer and multiple labeling heads that must return to the printer for additional labels during the labeling operation. The Weiselfish labeling apparatus does not provide an efficient method for labeling a layup. 
     Another U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,572 entitled “Labeling Apparatus and Method for a Sheet Material Cutting System and a Supply of Labels for Use Therewith”, issued to H. Joseph Gerber and assigned to a common assignee herewith also discloses a labeling apparatus. However, the disclosed labeling apparatus uses a preprinted set of labels and does not yield desired efficiency. 
     Therefore, it is desirable to provide a labeling apparatus that is efficient and meets desired quality standards. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a labeling apparatus for labeling a layup of material that optimizes labeling process. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a labeling apparatus that minimizes time required for labeling operation. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a labeling apparatus that accommodates a layup with varying heights. 
     It is another object of the present invention, to provide a labeling apparatus that ensures that the label was in fact applied to the layup. 
     According to the present invention, a labeling head, movably attached to a cutter beam, a spreader beam, or to a standalone structure for providing labels to a layup, includes a printing unit for printing each label and an applicator foot assembly for transferring the printed label onto the layup. The labeling head of the present invention can be mounted either on the cutter, on the spreader or be used as a standalone unit. When the labeling head is mounted on the cutter, the labeling head prepares the label while a cutter head is cutting a particular part. Once the cutter head completes cutting the part, the labeling head is moved to the part with the label ready to be applied onto the cut part. Additionally, the labeling head can label parts randomly to optimize the overall cutting and labeling process. The versatility of the labeling head of the present invention allows optimization of the labeling process for each particular job. Additionally, printing and preparing labels while the part is being cut saves time and increases efficiency. Furthermore, integral printing unit saves time and improves quality of the overall labeling process. 
     According to one feature of the present invention, the labeling head includes a layup height sensor which allows the labeling head of the present invention to place labels onto a layup having varying heights. This feature allows more flexibility in laying out material. 
     According to another feature of the present invention, the labeling head includes a label sensor disposed on a bottom surface of the applicator foot to determine whether the label was transferred to the applicator foot and whether the label was applied to the layup. This feature ensures proper application of labels and alerts operator if the label was not applied. Additionally, this feature automatically reprints and reapplies a missed label. 
     According to a further feature of the present invention, a gap sensor determines the size of a gap between adjacent labels attached to a labels tape. This feature ensures that the labels are properly printed and eliminates error from gap inconsistency. 
    
    
     The foregoing and other advantages of the present invention become more apparent in light of the following detail description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cutting and spreading apparatus including a labeling head placing labels on a layup of sheet material, according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged, top view of a labels tape with a plurality of labels of FIG. 1 attached thereto and having a gap formed between adjacent labels; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged, right side perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 1 attached onto a beam exposing a label printing and handling assembly and an applicator foot assembly; 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged, left side perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 1 attached onto the beam; 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, partially cut-away, perspective view of a printing unit and a movable platen of the labeling head of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of an applicator foot of the labeling head of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a vacuum switch of the labeling head of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 4 with a movable platen in a retracted position and with an applicator foot in a raised position; 
     FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 9 with the movable platen in a partially deployed position and a printed label being released from a printing unit; 
     FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 10 with the platen in a fully deployed position; 
     FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 11 with the platen in the fully deployed position and with the applicator foot lowered into contact with the printed label; 
     FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 12 with the platen in the retracted position; 
     FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 13 with the applicator foot lowered into contact with the layup; and 
     FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the labeling head of FIG. 14 with the label released from the applicator foot and with the applicator foot raised to accept subsequent label. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus  10  for cutting a single ply or multiple plies  12  of limp material, referred to as a layup  14 , into individual parts  16  of predetermined size and shape includes a cutting apparatus  20  and a spreading apparatus  22 . The cutting apparatus  20  includes a cutter table  24  for supporting the layup  14  and a cutter head  26  movable with respect to the cutter table  24 . The cutting apparatus  20  also includes a labeling head  30  that is movable with respect to the cutter table  24 . The cutter table  24  includes a frame  32  and extends in a lateral, or Y-coordinate, direction from a console side  34  to a remote side  36  and in a longitudinal, or X-coordinate, direction from a take on end  40  to a take off end  42 . 
     A cutter beam  44  supports the cutter head  26  and is movable in the X-coordinate direction along a pair of guide rails  46  secured to the cutter frame  32 . The cutter head  26  and the labeling head  30  move in the lateral or Y-coordinate direction across the cutter beam  44 . A cutter tool  50  is supported within the cutter head  26 . 
     The spreading apparatus  22  is disposed substantially adjacent to the cutting apparatus  20  and includes a spreader table  52  for supporting at least one layer of material  12  and a spreader  54  for facilitating spreading of the material  12 . The spreader  54  includes a spreading beam  56  that is movable along the spreader table  52  in the X-coordinate direction. The labeling head  30  is secured to the spreader beam  56  and is movable along the spreader beam  56  in the Y-coordinate direction. The labeling head  30  can also be a standalone unit or be attached to a labeling head beam  58  moving along the spreader table  52  or the cutter table  24 , as shown in dash lines in FIG.  1 . The labeling head  30  is movably attached to the cutter beam  44 , to the spreader beam  56  or the labeling head beam  58  for printing a plurality of labels  60  with the plurality of labels removably attaching onto a labels tape  62  and including a gap  64  between two adjacent labels  60 , as can be seen in FIG.  2 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3, the labeling head  30  is movably attached to the cutter or spreader beam  44 ,  56  by means of a plurality of guide rails  66  attached to each beam  44 ,  56  and a plurality of linear bearings  68  secured to the labeling head  30 . A Y-axis motor  70  and a belt  72 , guided by a plurality of pulleys  74 , drive the labeling head  30  along the beam  44 ,  56  in the Y-coordinate direction. An encoder  76  is secured to the Y-axis motor  70  for determining the actual Y-coordinate position of the labeling head  30 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the labeling head  30  is supported by a labeling head frame  80 . The frame  80  has a support wall  82  flanged by a first frame side  84  and a second frame side  86 . The support wall  82  has a plurality of brackets  88 ,  90  mounted thereto. The frame  80  supports a controller circuit board  92 , a label printing and handling assembly  94 , and an applicator foot assembly  96 . The controller circuit board  92  is attached to the support frame  80  and communicates with all electronically driven components of the labeling head  30 . The controller circuit board  92  also includes a processor (not shown) having instructions to control the labeling operations. The controller board also communicates with cutter computer and/or spreader computer, or a standalone computer (not shown). 
     The label printing and handling assembly  94  includes a supply roll  100  with a plurality of labels  60  removably adhered to the labels tape  62  and a take-up roll  102  for winding empty labels tape  62  and defining a paper path therebetween. The take-up roll  102  is driven in a clockwise direction by a take-up motor  104  disposed on the other side of the support wall  82 , as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The take-up roll  102  rotates about a take-up roll axis  106 . The supply roll assembly includes a slip clutch (not shown) to maintain tension on the supply roll. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, the label printing and handling assembly  94  also includes a printing subassembly  110  having a printing unit  112  secured onto the support wall  82  of the frame  80  via the bracket  88  and a printing circuit board  114  attached to the other side of the support wall  82 . The printing unit  112  includes an input opening  116  and an output opening (not shown). A label gap sensor  118  is disposed substantially adjacent to the input opening  116  of the printing unit  112  for establishing location and width of the gap  64  between the labels  60 . The gap sensor  118  is a transmissive-type sensor that determines change in amount of light that passes through the labels tape with labels. The gap sensor  118  distinguishes between the gap  64  and the label  60  thereby establishing precise location of the label  60  and compensating for inconsistency in width of gap  64 . 
     A plurality of label guides  122 ,  124  are attached to the support wall  82  for properly guiding the tape  62  through the label path, as best seen in FIG. 4. A movable label guide plate  126 , disposed substantially adjacent to the printing unit  112 , is movable along a label guide plate shaft  128  for guiding the tape  62  and for allowing to clear potential label jams. 
     The label printing and handling assembly  94  also includes a movable platen subassembly  130  disposed substantially adjacent the printing unit  112 , as best seen in FIG.  5 . The platen subassembly  130  includes a platen  132  that has a retracted position, a partially extended position, and a fully extended position. The platen  132  is actuated by a spring mechanism  134  biasing the platen  132  to move along the support wall  82  toward the first frame side  84  into the extended position. The platen  132  is shaped to receive labels tape  62  with labels  60  around a contour thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring mechanism  134  includes bolts  136  and a spring  138 . The platen subassembly  130  also includes a platen sensor  140  fixedly secured with respect to the support wall  82  and a flag  142  fixedly attached to the platen  132  and, therefore, movable therewith. The platen sensor  140  determines whether the platen  132  is in the retracted or extended position. 
     Referring back to FIG. 4, the label path starting at the supply roll  100  passes along the first label guide  122  into the printing unit  112 . The label path is then defined by the label guide plate  126  and the platen  132 . The path then follows the second paper guide  124  to the take-up roll  102 . 
     The applicator foot assembly  96  includes an applicator foot subassembly  144  driven by a vertical mechanism  146  in a vertical direction and a rotating mechanism  148  actuating the applicator foot subassembly  144  angularly, as best seen in FIG.  4 . The applicator foot subassembly  144  includes an applicator foot  150  secured to a foot shaft  152  having a foot rotation axis  154 . 
     Referring to FIG. 6, the foot rotating mechanism  148  includes a foot rotating motor  156  and a gearbox  158  that rotate the applicator foot  150  approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180°) total or approximately ninety degrees (90°) in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction from its initial position. The applicator foot  150  has an initial angular position, a fully rotated clockwise position, and a fully rotated counter-clockwise position with a plurality of intermediate angular positions therebetween. The foot rotating mechanism  148  also includes a home rotary sensor  160  and a half disc  162  cooperating with the rotary sensor  160  to establish initial angular position of the foot  150  when the labeling head is powered. The rotary sensor  160  includes an emitting portion  164  and a receiving portion  166  with a beam passing from the emitting portion  164  to the receiving portion  166  and the half disc  162  either blocking the beam or allowing the beam to pass from the emitting portion  164  to the receiving portion  166  to activate the rotary sensor  160 . 
     The applicator foot vertical mechanism  146  includes an applicator motor  168  disposed on the other side of the support wall  82 , as best seen in FIG. 3, driving a belt  170  through a plurality of pulleys  172 . The belt  170  is fixedly secured to the applicator foot subassembly  144  via bracket  90 . The vertical mechanism  146  also includes a home vertical sensor  174  fixedly attached to the support wall  82  and a flag  176  fixedly secured to the applicator foot subassembly  144  and movable therewith, as shown in FIG.  4 . The vertical sensor  174  and the flag  176  cooperate to establish initial vertical position of the applicator foot  150  when the labeling head  30  is powered. The vertical sensor  174  includes an emitting portion and a receiving portion with the flag  176  being adapted to fit therebetween. 
     Referring to FIG. 7, the applicator foot subassembly  144  also includes a shock absorber mechanism  180 , a layup height sensor  182 , and a label sensor  184 . The layup height sensor  182  is secured to the applicator foot subassembly  144  with a flag  186  cooperating with the layup height sensor  182  to determine when the applicator foot  150  comes into contact with the layup  14 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorber mechanism  180  includes a spring  188  for absorbing shock and for activating the layup height sensor  182  when the applicator foot  150  comes into contact with the layup  14 . The label sensor  184  is disposed on a bottom surface  190  of the applicator foot  150  and is a reflective optical sensor for detecting presence or absence of the label  60  at the bottom surface  190  of the foot  150 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 4, the applicator foot subassembly  144  also includes a label-holding mechanism  192  which has a vacuum pump  194 , as can be seen in FIG. 3. A vacuum valve  196  secured to the bracket  90 , as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump  194  by means of a first vacuum tube  198 . A second vacuum tube  200  extends between the vacuum valve  196  and a foot vacuum opening  202  formed at the bottom surface  190  of the foot  150 , as best seen in FIG.  7 . The vacuum valve  196  also includes a valve ambient opening  204 , shown in FIG. 8, and has a vacuum mode and an ambient mode. The vacuum valve  196  is electronically controlled by the controller circuit board  92  to either provide vacuum suction to the foot  150  in its vacuum mode or to vent the foot vacuum opening  202  to ambient via the valve ambient opening  204  in its ambient mode. 
     In operation, the material  12  is spread by the spreading apparatus  22  onto the spreader table  52 , as shown in FIG.  1 . In one embodiment of the present invention the labeling head  30  labels the spread material  12  in accordance with the label data. In another embodiment of the present invention, the labeling head  30  labels the material in conjunction with the cutter head  26  as the material  12  is being cut. However, in both embodiments, the labeling head  30  operates in a substantially similar manner. In the embodiment with the labeling head  30  labeling in conjunction with the cutter  20 , once the cutter head  26  cuts a particular part  16  of the layup  14 , the labeling head  30  is moved to that particular part  16  to label that part. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, while the cutting head  26  is cutting the part  16 , the labeling head  30  prepares the label to be applied onto the cut part  16 . 
     At power up of the labeling head  30  certain initialization procedures take place. For one initialization procedure, the applicator foot subassembly  144  is moved vertically upward for the flag  176  to break the beam of the home vertical sensor  174  such that the initial position of the applicator foot  150  is established, as shown in FIG.  4 . Also, the applicator foot  150  is rotated until the half disc  162  and the home rotary sensor  160  cooperate to establish initial angular position of the applicator foot  150 . The applicator foot  150  is then positioned in the raised and non-rotated position, as seen in FIG.  9 . 
     Once the labeling head  30  is properly initialized, the printing unit  112  begins to print label  60 . As label  60  enters the printing unit  112  through the input opening  116 , the gap sensor  118  establishes precisely where the printer must begin to print. The information printed on the label  60  can vary depending on selections from the operator. For example, it is typical to print information such as part number, part name and description as well as model identification, name and size. During the actual printing, the take-up motor  104  holds position while spring loaded platen  132  extends to maintain tension on the printed label as the label passes through the printer. 
     As the first label and tape are advanced, the spring-loaded platen  132  advances toward the applicator foot  150  into a partially extended or deployed position, as shown in FIG.  10 . Subsequently, rotation of the take-up motor  104  is reversed and tape  62  is slightly unwound from the take-up roll  102  to allow the platen  132  to further advance toward the applicator foot  150  into its fully extended or deployed position such that the first printed label  60  is disposed substantially underneath the bottom surface  190  of the applicator foot  150 , as shown in FIG.  11 . Once the first printed label  60  is disposed substantially underneath the applicator foot  150 , the vacuum valve  196  is commanded to switch into vacuum mode to supply vacuum suction to the applicator foot  150 . Thus, the vacuum pump  194  is working and is in fluid communication through the vacuum valve  196  and the vacuum tube  198  with the vacuum opening  202  in the applicator foot  150 . As the applicator foot  150  is lowered, as best seen in FIG. 12, the vacuum holds the label  60 . The label sensor  184 , disposed on the bottom surface  190  of the applicator foot  150 , also sends a signal to the controller circuit board  92  that the label  60  is in position on the applicator foot  150 . Once the label  60  is held by the applicator foot  150 , the take-up motor  104  rotates in clockwise direction to take-up the label tape  62 , thereby retracting the platen  132 . As the platen  132  is retracted, the label  60  is held by vacuum to the applicator foot  150  and is peeled from the tape  62  that is retracting with the platen  132 , as shown in FIG.  13 . As the platen  132  is fully retracted, the platen sensor  140  establishes that the platen  132  is in its retracted position. 
     Once the label is ready to be applied to the layup and the cutter head  26  completed cutting of the part  16 , the labeling head  30  is moved to its X and Y-coordinate position. The labeling head  30  moves along either cutter or spreader beam  44 ,  56  in the Y-coordinate direction. The Y-axis beam motor  70  drives the labeling head  30  in the Y-coordinate direction in accordance with the command from the controller board  92  or cutter or spreader. The Y-axis encoder determines the actual position of the labeling head  30 . The beam  44 ,  56  moves in an X-coordinate direction either along the table  24  or  52 , respectively, being driven by at least one X-axis motor (not shown). 
     Once the labeling head  30  is properly positioned in the X and Y-coordinate directions over the table  24 ,  52 , the controller board  92  commands the applicator foot  150  to be lowered onto the layup  14 , as shown in FIG.  14 . The applicator foot  150  is driven into engagement with the layup by the applicator foot motor  168  via the belt  170 . The applicator foot  150  is lowered until the foot contacts the layup and the layup height sensor  182  determines that the applicator foot  150  has reached the top of the layup  14 . Once the contact with the layup is made, the layup height sensor  182  sends a signal to the controller board  92  and the controller board commands the vacuum valve  196  and the applicator foot motor  168 . The vacuum valve  196  is then switched into the ambient mode to vent to ambient via the valve ambient opening  204  such that no vacuum is supplied to the applicator foot  150  and the label is released from the applicator foot  150 . The applicator foot motor  168  then raises the applicator foot  150  upward to receive subsequent label, as shown in FIG.  15 . Once the applicator is foot is raised from the layup and the label  60 , the label sensor  184  sends a command to the controller board  92  to confirm that the label  60  was in fact released. In the event of an error message, the printer reprints the missed label and reapplies the label onto the missed part. Additionally, the applicator foot  150  could be rotated by the rotating mechanism  148  for placing the label  60  at a different angle, as shown in FIG. 1. A rotating label may be advantageous for certain small parts where label does not fit otherwise or simply for reading convenience. 
     The labeling head of the present invention has a number of advantages over the labeling heads of the prior art. One major advantage of the labeling head of the present invention is that the labeling head  30  can be used with either a cutter  20 , a spreader  22  or a standalone unit. Thus, the labeling head  30  can be mounted to the spreader beam  52  and place labels  60  onto the layup of material after the spreading operation is completed and while the material is still on the spreader table  52  waiting for the cutter  20  to complete the cutting operations on another layup. This option reduces the amount of time the layup spends on the cutter table  24  because once the layup is moved to the cutter table it is already labeled. Additionally, the labeling head of the present invention can place labels on intermediate plies  12  during the spreading operation. 
     Alternatively, when the labeling head  30  is mounted to the cutter beam  44 , the ability of the labeling head  30  to label each part  16  after the part is cut also results in substantial time savings. The labeling head  30  of the present invention labels each part  16  when the labeling head  30  is already in the vicinity of that part, especially in the X-coordinate direction. This eliminates the need for the labeling head and the cutter beam to move across the entire cutter table in a separate labeling operation. Thus, the option of placing the labeling head  30  on the cutter beam  44  also reduces the time that the layup spends on the cutter table  24 . Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the labeling head can be mounted with the cutter head and move in unison therewith. Furthermore, although the labeling head is described placing labels onto parts that were just cut, the labeling head can label part randomly to optimize the overall cutting and labeling process. Also, the labeling head can operate as a standalone unit. Therefore, all options reduce time that it takes to cut and label a layup. Additionally, the versatility of the labeling head allows each operation to optimize production and decide which option is more efficient for each particular job. 
     Another major advantage of the present invention is that the labeling head  30  operates in conjunction with the cutter head  26 . The labeling head  30  is able to print and transfer the label to the applicator foot while the cutter head is cutting the part. The labeling head then moves to the cut part to place the prepared label onto the newly cut part. This feature of the labeling head saves a great deal of time during the cutting and labeling operation for several reasons. First, the labeling head prepares the label to be applied while the cutter head is cutting the part. Second, the cutter beam  44  is already in the vicinity of the cut part. The cutter beam does not have to travel across the entire cutter table twice, once for cutting and then later for labeling. Rather, the cutting and labeling operations are completed substantially simultaneously with the cutter beam already in the vicinity of the part to be labeled. 
     A further major advantage of the present invention is that the printing unit  112  is integral to the labeling head  30  and prints the labels  60  dynamically or on “as needed” basis for each part. This is a major improvement over the preprinted labels of the prior art. 
     Another advantage of the labeling head  30  of the present invention is that the labels can be applied to the layup having different heights. The height of the labeling can be automatically determined by the labeling head for each individual label. Thus, the layup  14  can be laid out without regard as to how many different heights it has and what the precise location of each pile is. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that label sensor  184  detects presence and then absence of the label, thereby ensuring that the applicator foot  150  first picked up the label and then actually applied the label  60  onto the part  16 . 
     An additional advantage of the present invention is that the gap sensor  118  determines the actual gap  64  between the labels  60  and, therefore, ensures that labels  60  are properly printed even when the label roll is almost exhausted. This feature eliminates the problem of partially printing labels and not fitting the printed information within the label due to gap inconsistency between the labels. Typically, the gap inconsistency aggregate error results in labels being printed not within the label, especially towards the end of the roll. The gap sensor  118  eliminates that problem. 
     Although a variety of different sensors, printers, and motors can be used in the labeling head  30  of the present invention, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the printer  112  was manufactured by Seiko and is type number LTP2242C-S432. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the sensors  140 ,  160 ,  174 ,  182  used were the type having an emitting portion and a receiving portion with a gap therebetween and a beam emitted by the emitting portion passing toward the receiving portion. The flag would either break beam or allow the beam to pass from the emitting portion to the receiving portion in order to activate the sensor. One type of such sensor is manufactured by Optek having a part number OPB-831W55. The label sensor  202  is manufactured by Omron having a part number EE-SY124. The gap sensor  118  is manufactured by Optek having a part number OPB-815W. The rotary motor used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention was manufactured by SAIA-BURGESS and has a part number UBB5N10D12ANNT. The take-up motor was manufactured by Eastern Air Devices and has a part number LH2331-M50A1. The applicator foot motor was manufactured by Pittman and has a part number 14233. The vacuum pump used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention was manufactured by Brailsford and has a part number TD-4/3B. The vacuum valve used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention was manufactured by SMC and has a part number VQ110-52-M5. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, that various modifications to this invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the labeling head can be mounted onto the beam  44 ,  56  from either the first frame side  82  or the second frame side. Additionally, the labels can be placed either directly onto the top layer of the material in the layup  14  or onto an overlay material placed over the layup  14 . Furthermore, the labeling head  30  can be used to label the layup after the entire layup is cut into parts.