Patent Publication Number: US-8974624-B2

Title: Label applicator including a plurality of air flow generators

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter described herein relates generally to an applicator that is configured to apply a label to a target object using a flow of air. 
     In some known systems, a label applicator is configured to receive, momentarily hold, and then apply a label to a target object. For instance, a chamber of the label applicator may be in flow communication with a pneumatic system that controls the flow of air through the flow chamber. The pneumatic system includes an electric fan that generates an air flow into the chamber. The air flow is used to momentarily hold a label against a side of the label applicator. During application of the label, the pneumatic system drives air out of the flow chamber to blow the label onto the target object. Typically, the pneumatic system includes a compressed air source that provides pressurized air that drives the label onto the target object. The pneumatic system is usually a large, separate system that was previously established in, for example, a factory building. 
     Label applicators that utilize pneumatic systems having compressed air sources may present undesirable complexities due to the pressurized air system. For instance, such label applicators are not transportable because the pipes, tubes, and/or hoses of the pneumatic system are sealed to the label applicator. Moreover, air from the compressed air source can be contaminated with water vapor, compressor oils, and/or coolants. The contaminated air may lead to inconsistent application of the labels or labels that are poorly applied to the target objects. In addition, air compressors may be inefficient in using electrical energy to generate compressed air. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a label applicator is provided that includes an applicator housing having a flow chamber and a suction side. The suction side has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The label applicator also includes first and second air flow generators that are fluidly coupled with the flow chamber. The first and second air flow generators are configured to generate first and second air flows, respectively, through the flow chamber. The label applicator also includes a valve mechanism that is positioned in the flow chamber to direct the first and second air flows through the flow chamber of the applicator housing. The valve mechanism includes a diverter valve and an electric actuator. The actuator is configured to move the diverter valve within the flow chamber to a holding position to direct the first air flow generated by the first air flow generator through the suction side into the flow chamber to hold a label to the suction side. The actuator is also configured to move the diverter valve within the flow chamber to an application position to direct the second air flow generated by the second air flow generator through the suction side to force the label away from the suction side toward a target object in order to apply the label to the target object. 
     In another embodiment, a label applicator is provided that includes an applicator housing having a flow chamber and having a suction side and a blow vent. Each of the suction side and the blow vent has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The label applicator also includes an electric high-pressure blower that is coupled to the applicator housing and is configured to provide an air flow through the flow chamber. The label applicator also includes a valve mechanism having a diverter valve and an electric actuator. The actuator is configured to selectively move the diverter valve between holding and application positions. The diverter valve directs the air flow provided by the high-pressure blower through the blow vent when in the holding position and through the suction side when in the application position to apply a label to a target object. 
     In another embodiment, a label application method is provided that includes positioning a label along a suction side of an applicator housing. The suction side has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The applicator housing includes a flow chamber having a diverter valve and a cover valve disposed therein. The method also includes moving the diverter valve and the cover valve to corresponding holding positions to form a first flow channel through the flow chamber. The method also includes drawing the label toward the suction side by providing a first air flow through the first flow channel and through the suction side in a first direction, wherein the first air flow in the first flow channel is provided by a suction generator. The method further includes moving the diverter valve and the cover valve to corresponding application positions to form a second flow channel through the flow chamber. The first and second flow channels are fluidly coupled to an exterior of the applicator housing through the suction side. The method also includes ejecting the label away from the suction side by providing a second air flow through the second flow channel and through the suction side in a second direction. The air flow in the second flow channel is provided by a blow generator. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is schematic diagram of a label application system formed in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a label applicator formed in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2B  is an exploded view of a portion of the label applicator shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a valve mechanism of the label applicator of  FIG. 2A  when the label applicator is at a holding mode and at an ejection mode; 
         FIG. 4  is an exposed side view of the label applicator of  FIG. 2A  during the holding mode; 
         FIG. 5  is an exposed side view of the label applicator of  FIG. 2A  during the ejection mode; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a grid plate assembly being fed label in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the grid plate assembly being fed a label. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating a label application method in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments described herein include methods, systems, and applicators for applying a label to a target object. An application operation may include attaching one or more labels to one or more corresponding target objects. The term “target object” is not intended to be limiting and may include any object, such as a commercial good or a container (e.g., box) that holds a commercial good. The methods, systems, and applicators described herein may use first and second air flow generators (e.g., fans, blowers, and the like). In particular embodiments, each of the first and second air flow generators is an electrically powered air flow generator that is a part of the label applicator (e.g., attached to the label applicator housing). For instance, neither of the air flow generators may include or be part of a compressed air source that is remotely located with respect to the label applicator. In addition, one or more embodiments may include an electrically-controlled valve mechanism that operates in conjunction with the first and second air flow generators to direct air flow in a designated manner for applying the label. 
     The first and second air flow generators may be of the same type or different types. Each of the first and second air flow generators may provide or generate an air flow through a chamber of a housing during the application operation. The housing, in turn, may direct the air flows as desired. During a single application operation, the first and second air flow generators may be operated at separate times or at partially overlapping times, or each of the first and second air flow generators may be operated continuously throughout the single application operation. Each of the first and second air flow generators may also be operated continuously over multiple application operations. In particular embodiments, the first and second air flow generators provide air flows in opposite directions through a common port (e.g., a suction side). The corresponding air flows may have different flow rates and different air pressures. 
     As used herein, the meaning of “label” is not intended to be limited to an adhesive sticker or piece of paper that identifies an object to which the sticker or paper is applied. Instead, a label may be any substance or material (e.g., paper, cloth, strip of plastic, and the like) that is capable of being held and ejected from a label applicator as described herein to attach to a target object. A label is not required to identify or provide identifying information for the object. For example, a label can be used for decorative or ornamental purposes only. Moreover, it is not necessary for the entire label to be applied to the object. Instead, a first portion of the label may be secured to the object while a second portion of the label is movable with respect to the object. 
     In some embodiments, ambient air may be utilized during the label application operation. However, as used herein, the term “air,” is not intended to be limited to ambient air, but may also include a single type of gas or a designated mixture of gases. Moreover, a single gas or a single mixture of gases is not required to be used exclusively throughout the application process. For example, a designated gas (or mixture of gases) may be used during the ejection operation described below while ambient air (or other gas(es)) may be used during the suction operation. Thus, it is understood that the term “air” in the claims below may include ambient air and/or one or more designated gases at any time during the application process. In particular embodiments, however, the label applicator uses only ambient air to momentarily hold and apply the label to the target object. 
       FIG. 1  is schematic diagram of a label application system  100  formed in accordance with one embodiment. The system  100  includes a label applicator  102  and a label supplier  104 . The label applicator  102  includes an applicator housing  106  having a suction side  108  with one or more openings  109  that allow air to pass into and pass from an internal flow chamber  115  of the applicator housing  106 . The label applicator  102  also includes a first air flow generator  110  and a second air flow generator  112  that are each fluidly coupled (e.g., in fluid communication with) the flow chamber  115 . The first and second air flow generators  110 ,  112  are hereinafter referred to as the suction generator  110  and the blow generator  112 , respectively. The label applicator  102  may also include a valve mechanism  121  that operates in conjunction with the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  to move air through the suction side  108  in a designated manner during a label-application operation. 
     The label supplier  104  is configured to provide labels  114  proximate to the suction side  108 . In some embodiments, the label supplier  104  may include a supply roll  116  and an uptake roll  118  that roll a web  120  of the labels  114  proximate to the suction side  108 . For instance, the web  120  may slide directly against a portion of the suction side  108 . The labels  114  may be stripped from the web  120 . The suction side  108  may be shaped (e.g., curved) in a manner that facilitates stripping the label  114  from the web  120 . However, it is noted that the illustrated embodiment only demonstrates one example of how the labels  114  may be provided to the suction side  108 . It is understood that the labels  114  may be provided to the suction side  108  in various manners. For example, the labels  114  may be provided individually (e.g., separate from the other labels) instead of being provided to the suction side  108  as part of the web  120 . 
     The label applicator  102  is configured to operate in a holding (or suction) mode and an ejection (or blow) mode. More specifically, the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  are configured to operate with the valve mechanism  121  to control a flow of air through the suction side  108 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a first set S 1  of holes  109  are open (e.g., allowing air to flow therethrough) and a second set S 2  of holes  109  are closed. The number and arrangement of holes  109  that are open may be determined by the designated application. During the holding mode, the suction generator  110  provides a first air flow (or suction) in which the air flows into the flow chamber  115  as indicated by the arrow F 1  through the first set S 1  of holes  109  thereby drawing or pulling one or more of the labels  114  against the suction side  108 . The suction may cause the label  114  to be separated from the web  120  or, alternatively, the label  114  may be separated from the web  120  prior to the label applicator  102  drawing the label  114  to the suction side  108 . During the ejection mode, the blow generator  112  provides a second air flow through the suction side  108  in a direction that is away from the suction side  108  as indicated by the arrow F 2 . If a label  114  is being held against or proximate to the suction side  108  at this time, the label  114  is pushed away (e.g., ejected or propelled) onto a corresponding target object  122 . Thus, the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  may be operable such that air pressure along the suction side  108  is configured to draw the label  114  against the suction side  108  during the holding mode and eject the label  114  during the ejection mode. In some embodiments, the suction force that draws the label toward the suction side  108  or the ejection force that propels the label  114  away from the suction side  108  is sufficient to separate the label  114  from a remainder of the web  120 . 
     At least one of the label  114  or the target object  122  may have an adhesive. In some embodiments, as the second air flow presses the label  114  against the target object  122 , the label  114  is attached (e.g., adhered) to the target object  122 . The application operation is described with respect to a single label. In other embodiments, however, multiple labels may be simultaneously drawn toward the suction side  108  and ejected therefrom. Thus, in a single application operation, one or more labels  114  may be separated from the web  120 , drawn against the suction side  108 , and then ejected onto and attached to the target object  122 . In some embodiments, the above-described application operation may occur numerous times in a single minute. For example, the application operation may occur at least about 20 times per minute or, more particularly, at least about 40 times per minute. Even more particularly, the application process may occur at least about 60 times per minute, 200 times per minute, 400 times per minute or more. However, in other embodiments, the application process may occur less than one time per minute. 
     In some embodiments, the label applicator  102  (or the system  100 ) is readily transportable from one location to another location. For example, the label applicator  102  may include wheels or may be sized and shaped such that an individual or two or three individuals can move the label applicator  102  to another location. The label applicator  102  (or the system  100 ) may be a stand-alone device that is movable as a unit. In some embodiments, each of the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  is secured (e.g., mechanically affixed) directly or indirectly to the applicator housing  106  such that the applicator housing  106  and the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  move with each other when the label applicator  102  is transported. In other words, at least one of the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  may have a stationary position relative to the applicator housing  106 . In some cases, the label applicator  102  may be transported without significant disassembling of the label applicator  102 . For example, the label applicator  102  may be moved without uncoupling the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  with respect to the applicator housing  106 . In some embodiments, the system  100  may be moved without uncoupling the label supplier  104 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  of the label applicator  102  is electrically operated and controlled. For example, an electrical energy source  130  may be electrically coupled to the label applicator  102  through a single power cable  132 . The power necessary for operating the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  may be provided by the energy source  130 . In some embodiments, the system  100  is all-electric such that the label applicator  102  and the label supplier  104  are powered by the energy source  130 . In other embodiments, however, multiple energy sources and/or cables may be used. 
     Moreover, the label applicator  102  may include a computing system  125  that is communicatively coupled to the label applicator  102  and configured to control operation of the label applicator  102 . More specifically, the computing system  125  may control operation of the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  and the valve mechanism  121  to apply the labels  114  to the target objects  122 . In some embodiments, the computing system  125  may also control operation of other parts of the system  100 . For example, the computing system  125  may control operation of the label supplier  104 . 
     The computing system  125  may include one or more processors/modules that are configured to instruct the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112  and the valve mechanism  121  to operate in a designated manner during, for example, application of the label  114  to the target object  122 . The computing system  125  is configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more storage elements (e.g., instructions stored on a tangible and/or non-transitory computer readable storage medium, excluding signals) to control operation of the system  100  or the label applicator  102 . The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the computing system  125  as a processing machine to perform specific operations such as the operations, processes, and methods described herein. In  FIG. 1 , the computing system  125  is indicated as a separate unit with respect to the label applicator  102 . However, it is understood that computing system  125  is not necessarily separate from the label applicator  102 . Instead, the computing system  125  may be an on-board or integral component of the label applicator  102 . For example, the computing system  125  may be affixed to the applicator housing  106 . In other embodiments, however, the computing system  125  is separate from, but communicatively coupled to, the label applicator  102 . 
     The computing system  125  may include an air-flow module  126  and a valve-control module  127 . The air-flow module  126  is configured to control operation of the suction and blow generators  110 ,  112 , and the valve-control module  127  is configured to control operation of the valve mechanism  121 . The valve mechanism  121  may be similar to the valve mechanism  220  ( FIGS. 2-5 ) and include an electric actuator that is operatively coupled to different valves (e.g., a diverter valve and a cover valve). The electric actuator may be capable of selectively moving and holding the valves at designated positions in the flow chamber  115  to direct the air flow during an application operation. 
     By way of example, to initiate or transition to the holding mode, the air-flow module  126  may command the suction generator  110  to generate an air flow at a designated flow rate. The air-flow module  126  may also command the blow generator  112  to generate an air flow at a designated flow rate. The designated flow rate for the blow generator  112  may be less than the designated flow rate for the suction generator  110  during the holding mode. Furthermore, in some cases, the blow generator  112  may be powered off during the holding mode. In other embodiments, however, the air-flow module  126  may command the blow generator  112  to generate a continuous air flow that does not vary the flow rate for the holding and ejection modes. 
     For the holding mode, the valve-control module  127  may command the electric actuator to selectively move the valves to a first configuration such that one or more flow channels are formed. The one or more flow channels of the first configuration may direct the air flow provided by the suction generator  110  to draw air through the suction side  108  to momentarily hold the label  114 . In alternative embodiments, the air flow from the blow generator  112  may also be used with the air flow from the suction generator  110  to hold the label  114 . 
     To initiate or transition to the ejection mode, the air-flow module  126  may command the blow generator  112  to generate an air flow at a designated flow rate. The air-flow module  126  may also command the suction generator  110  to generate an air flow at a designated flow rate. The designated flow rate for the suction generator  110  may be less than the designated flow rate for the blow generator  112  during the ejection mode. In some embodiments, the suction generator  110  may be powered off such that the flow rate is zero. 
     For the ejection mode, the valve-control module  127  may command the electric actuator to selectively move the valves to a second configuration such that one or more flow channels are formed. The one or more flow channels of the second configuration may direct the air flow provided by the blow generator  112  to propel the label  114  away from the impact plate. In alternative embodiments, the air flow from the suction generator  110  may also be used with the air flow from the blow generator  112  to propel the label  114  from the suction side  108 . 
     Although not shown, the system  100  or the label applicator  102  may include a user interface that is communicatively coupled to the computing system  125 . The user interface may be configured to receive user inputs for controlling operation of the system  100  or the label applicator  102 . The user interface may include software components and hardware components, such as displays, touch-sensitive screens, keyboards, switches, buttons, levers, and the like. 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a label applicator  202 , and  FIG. 2B  is an exploded view of a portion of the label applicator  202  formed in accordance with one embodiment. The label applicator  202  is oriented with respect to mutually perpendicular axes, including a mounting axis  291  and lateral axes  292 ,  293 . In some embodiments, the mounting axis  291  is generally aligned with a force of gravity. However, the mounting axis  291  is not required to be aligned with gravity. The label applicator  202  may have similar features as described above with respect to the label applicator  102  ( FIG. 1 ) and may be used in a label application system (not shown), such as the system  100  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the label applicator  202  may include an applicator housing  206  having a suction side  208  with one or more openings  209  ( FIG. 7 ) that allow air to pass into and out of an internal flow chamber  215  (shown  FIG. 2B  and also shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) of the applicator housing  206 . The suction side  208  is part of a grid plate assembly  226  that is removably attached to the applicator housing  206 . The applicator housing  206  also includes a loading (or intake) side  222 . The loading side  222  is substantially opposite the suction side  208  in the illustrated embodiment. The label applicator  202  also includes a suction generator  210  (or first air flow generator) (shown in  FIG. 2B ) and a blow generator  212  (or second air flow generator) (shown in  FIG. 2A ) that are each fluidly coupled (e.g., in fluid communication with) the flow chamber  215 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of the suction and blow generators  210 ,  212  is coupled to the applicator housing  206  such that the suction and blow generators  210 ,  212  have stationary positions relative to the applicator housing  206 . For example, the suction generator  210  is directly coupled to the applicator housing  206  in the flow chamber  215 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the blow generator  212  may be directly coupled to a bracket  280 , which may be directly coupled to a baseplate or wall  282  through mounting hardware  284 . The baseplate  282 , in turn, may be directly coupled to the applicator housing  206  through mounting hardware  286 . However, in alternative embodiments, the suction and blow generators  210 ,  212  may not be secured to the applicator housing  206  such that the suction and blow generators  210 ,  212  have fixed stationary positions with respect to the applicator housing  206 . 
     The suction generator  210  may be located in an interior of the applicator housing  206  or, alternatively, located external to the applicator housing  206 . The suction generator  210  may be an electrically-powered fan, such as an axial fan, a centrifugal or squirrel cage-type fan, a cross-flow fan, a bladeless-type fan, and the like. In some embodiments, the suction generator  210  is configured to operate intermittently. For example, the suction generator  210  may be fully operational such that the suction generator  210  provides the designated air flow during the holding mode, but only partially operational (or not operational) during the ejection mode such that the designated air flow is not achieved. However, in other embodiments, the suction generator  210  continues to operate during the ejection mode. When exiting the applicator housing  206 , the air flow provided by the suction generator  210  exits in a direction as indicated by the arrow F 3  (shown in  FIG. 2A ) from a side of the applicator housing  206 . The direction F 3  is orthogonal to the mounting axis  291 . However, in alternative embodiments, the air flow may be in other directions and may exit through the suction side  208  or the loading side  222 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the blow generator  212  is coupled to the loading side  222 . The loading side  222  and the suction side  208  may face in opposite directions along the mounting axis  291 . The blow generator  212  may be positioned above the applicator housing  206 . The blow generator  212  is fluidly coupled to the loading side  222  through a flexible conduit or hose  224 . However, in other embodiments, the blow generator  212  may be coupled to other sides. 
     In particular embodiments, the blow generator  212  is an electric high-pressure blower. For example, the air flow provided by the blow generator  212  may be provided at a pressure of at least about 5 pounds per square inch (psi) (e.g., about 34.5 kiloPascals) or at least about 1 psi (e.g., 6.9 kiloPascals). In such embodiments in which the suction and blow generators  210 ,  212  are both electric, the label applicator  202  (and the corresponding system) may operate on electric power alone. As such, it is not necessary to fluidly couple the label applicator  202  to a complex pneumatic system, such as those that are already part of a building or structure and have fixed positions. In such cases, the label applicator  202  may be freely moved to any area or room unlike other label applicators that rely on pneumatic systems to control operations of the applicators. 
     As shown, the label applicator  202  may include only a single blow generator and only a single suction generator. In other embodiments, however, the label applicator  202  may include a plurality of blow generators and/or a plurality of suction generators to control the air flows through the suction side  208 . In such embodiments, the multiple blow generators and/or the multiple suction generators may be selectively operated to control a flow rate of the air flow through the suction side  208 . For example, for some label applications, only one of two blow generators may be operated while, for other label applications, two of two blow generators may be operated. 
     The grid plate assembly  226  includes a leading edge  211  ( FIG. 2A ) along the suction side  208 . As described below with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the leading edge  211  may be shaped to engage a label during the application operation to facilitate removing the label from the web. The grid plate assembly  226  may be removable and/or adaptable by an operator of the label applicator  202  or automatically by the system of which the label applicator  202  is a part. For example, the grid plate assembly  226  can be readily separated from a main housing portion  228  such that neither the grid plate assembly  226  nor the housing portion  228  are damaged or destroyed. Alternatively or in addition to, the grid plate assembly  226  may include an opening adapter (not shown) that is configured to change a configuration of the holes  209  ( FIG. 7 ) along the suction side  208  that are open to allow air to flow therethrough. The holes may be similar to the openings  109  ( FIG. 1 ). More specifically, the opening adapter may include a panel that is slidable (e.g., rotatable and/or axial). When moved to a different position or orientation, the slidable panel may open some holes and cover others. Whether alternative grid plates are used or whether an opening adapter is used, the holes may have different dimensions to control the flow of air. Accordingly, a flow rate of the air flow through the suction side  208  may be adjustable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the label applicator  202  may also include a valve mechanism  220  that operates in conjunction with the suction and blow generators  210 ,  212  to move air through the suction side  208 . The valve mechanism  220  may include one or more actuators, one or more valves, and one or more linkages that operatively couple the valve(s) and the actuator(s). The valve mechanism  220  and the suction and blow generators  210 ,  212  may be communicatively coupled to and controlled by a computing system that includes one or more processors. The computing system may be similar to the computing system  125  ( FIG. 1 ) and include an air-flow module and a valve-control module, such as the modules  126 ,  127  described above. The computing system may automatically operate the valve mechanism  220  and the suction and blow generators  210 ,  212  to control the air flows through the suction side  208  in a similar manner as described above with respect to the system  100  and, more particularly, the label applicator  102 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the valve mechanism  220 .  FIG. 3  shows a configuration of the valve mechanism  220  during the holding mode  286  and a configuration of the valve mechanism  220  during the ejection mode  288 . With reference to  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 3 , the valve mechanism  220  may include an electric actuator  230  that is operatively coupled to a cover valve  232  and a diverter valve  234 . The actuator  230  may also be referred to as an electric motor. The actuator  230  includes a movable joint  237 , and the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  include movable joints  238 ,  239 , respectively. The cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  include body portions  233 ,  235 , respectively, that are configured to be disposed in the flow chamber  215  ( FIGS. 2B ,  4 , and  5 ). The body portions  233 ,  235  may also be referred to as baffles. During operation of the label applicator  202  ( FIG. 2A ), the body portions  233 ,  235  are configured to direct the air flow through the flow chamber  215 . To this end, the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  along with other components of the label applicator  102  may define flow channels. As used herein, the term “direct,” when used with respect to the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  and the respective body portions  233 ,  235 , includes at least one of changing a general direction of the air flow or impeding the air flow. Impeding the air flow may include fully blocking the flow of air or only substantially blocking the flow of air. 
     The valve mechanism  220  also includes linkages  260  and  262 . The linkage  260  mechanically and operatively couples the movable joints  237  and  238 . The linkage  262  mechanically and operatively couples the movable joints  238  and  239 . As shown, each of the linkages  260 ,  262  constitutes a single beam or bar that extends between the corresponding movable joints. In alternative embodiments, the linkages  260 ,  262  may include more than one beam and/or other parts. Moreover, the beam is not required to be linear as shown in  FIG. 3 . Instead, the linkages  260 ,  262  may be shaped (e.g., bent, twisted, and the like) as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable joints  237 - 239  may constitute projections or levers that rotate about axes of rotation  247 - 249  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), respectively. In alternative embodiments, however, at least one of the movable joints  237 - 239  may at least partially slide in an axial direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , when the valve mechanism  220  is configured for the holding mode as shown at  286 , the valve mechanism  220  is in a first configuration in which each of the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  and the actuator  230  have designated orientations with respect to each other. In the first configuration, the cover valve  232  is in a first position (or holding position) and the diverter valve is in a first position (or holding position). To more easily distinguish the positions, the first position for the cover valve  232  is hereinafter referred to as the first cover position, and the first position for the diverter valve  234  is hereinafter referred to as the first diverter position. The movable joint  237  is positioned such that the movable joints  238 ,  239  hold the body portions  233 ,  235  proximate or adjacent to each other. For example, the body portions  233 ,  235  may be substantially aligned such that the body portions  233 ,  235  form a common wall  240  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The common wall  240  may be configured to substantially block air flow. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portions  233 ,  235  overlap each other when forming the common wall  240 . In other embodiments, the body portions  233 ,  235  may contact each other end-to-end. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 3 , when the valve mechanism  220  is configured for the ejection mode as shown at  288 , the valve mechanism  220  is in a second configuration in which each of the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  and the actuator  230  have designated orientations with respect to each other. In the second configuration, the cover valve  232  is in a second cover position (or application position) and the diverter valve is in a second diverter position (or application position). In the illustrated embodiment, when the valve mechanism  220  transitions from the holding mode to the ejection mode, the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  move concurrently with respect to each other. For example, the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  may move during time periods that are at least partially overlapping. In some cases, the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  can only move at the same time. However, in alternative embodiments, the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  may be configured to move at separate times. 
     The first and second cover positions are different, and the first and second diverter positions are different. For example, in the second configuration, the movable joint  237  has been rotated about 45° in a clockwise direction about the axis  247  with respect to the movable joint  237  in the first configuration; the movable joint  238  has been rotated about 45° in a clockwise direction about the axis  248  with respect to the movable joint  238  in the first configuration; and the movable joint  239  has also been rotated about 45° in a clockwise direction about the axis  249  with respect to the movable joint  239  in the first configuration. Although a direction and an amount of rotation is substantially the same for the movable joins  237 - 239  in the illustrated embodiment, the direction and/or the amount of rotation may be different. In the second configuration, each of the body portions  233 ,  235  are separate from each other so that air may flow therebetween. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show exposed side views of the label applicator  202  during the holding mode and the ejection mode, respectively.  FIGS. 4 and 5  show the flow chamber  215  of the applicator housing  206 , the suction generator  210 , and the valve mechanism  220 . Several arrows have been provided in  FIGS. 4 and 5  to indicate the flow of air through and out of the flow chamber  215  during the suction and ejection modes. 
     The applicator housing  206  includes various fluid ports where air may enter and/or exit the applicator housing  206  (or the flow chamber  215 ). Flow rate and direction of air flow through the fluid ports may be determined by the valve mechanism  220 , the suction and blow generators  210  ( FIG. 2B ),  212  ( FIG. 2A ), and dimensions of the fluid ports. For example, the fluid ports of the applicator housing  206  may include a suction vent  244 , a blow vent  246 , the one or more openings  209  ( FIG. 7 ) of the suction side  208 , and an air inlet  250 . The suction vent  244  defines a fluid port through which the air flow provided by the suction generator  210  exits the applicator housing  206  during the holding mode as shown in  FIG. 4 . The blow vent  246  defines a fluid port through which the air flow provided by the blow generator  212  ( FIG. 2A ) exits the applicator housing  206  during the holding mode as shown in  FIG. 4 . The one or more openings of the suction side  208  allow air to pass therethrough in either the first direction F 1  ( FIG. 4 ) during the holding mode or the opposite second direction F 2  ( FIG. 5 ) during the ejection mode. The inlet  250  defines a fluid port through which air is received from the blow generator  212  ( FIG. 2A ). 
     The valve mechanism  220  may selectively move the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  relative to the applicator housing  206  in the flow chamber  215 . For example, the valve mechanism  220  may move and hold a valve (e.g., the cover valve  232  or the diverter valve  234 ) at a first desired position for a designated time period or until a designated condition occurs. When the designated time period elapses or the designated condition has occurred, the valve mechanism  220  may move the valve to a different second desired position and hold the valve at the second desired position for a designated time period or until another condition occurs. The designated conditions may be, for example, a sensor (not shown) detecting that a label is being held against the suction side and/or a sensor detecting that a label has been ejected from the suction side or is attached to the target object. 
     Operation of the valve mechanism  220  may be controlled by a computing system (not shown) of the label applicator  202 . By way of example, the actuator  230  of the valve mechanism  220  may selectively move the cover valve  232  between the first and second cover positions and the diverter valve  234  between the first and second diverter positions as described above with respect to  FIG. 3 . The actuator  230  may move the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  simultaneously. 
     The valve mechanism  220  is configured to move the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  to different positions to form first, second, and third flow channels  251 - 253  through the flow chamber  215 . In particular, the first and third flow channels  251 ,  253  exist during the holding mode. In the holding mode, the cover valve  232  is in the first cover position, and the diverter valve  234  is in the first diverter position. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the suction generator  210  provides the air flow through the first flow channel  251  during the holding mode. The first flow channel  251  extends and flows from the one or more holes of the suction side  208  to the suction vent  244 . The air flow in the first flow channel  251  causes air that is exterior to the applicator housing  206  along the suction side  208  to flow in the first direction F 1  through the one or more holes and into the flow chamber  215 . The air then flows through the suction generator  210  and the suction vent  244 . During the holding mode, the air flow through the suction side  208  in the first direction F 1  causes a suction force. The suction force may be configured to pull a label  271  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ), such as the label  114 , toward the suction side  208  and hold the label against the suction side  208 . 
     The blow generator  212  ( FIG. 2A ) may continuously operate during the holding and ejection modes. The valve mechanism  220  and the applicator housing  206  are configured to provide the third flow channel  253  so that the air flow provided by the blow generator  212  may exit the flow chamber  215  during the holding mode. The air flow in the third flow channel  253  flows from the inlet  250  to the blow vent  246 . The flow rate through the third flow channel  253  may be greater than the flow rate through the first flow channel  251 . In alternative embodiments, the blow generator  212  does not operate continuously by operates intermittently. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the second flow channel  252  exists during the ejection mode. In the ejection mode, the cover valve  232  is in the second cover position, and the diverter valve  234  is in the second diverter position. In the second diverter position, the diverter valve  234  blocks the air from flowing through the blow vent  246 . In the second cover position, the cover valve  232  blocks the air from flowing through the suction generators  210  and/or the suction vent  244 . As shown, the air flow provided by the blow generator  212  may flow between the cover and diverter valves  232 ,  234  and exit through the suction side  208  in the second direction F 2 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the air flow provided by the blow generator  212  flows in an approximately linear direction between the inlet  250  and the one or more openings of the suction side  208 . The linear direction may be substantially along the mounting axis  291 . However, in alternative embodiments, the air flow through the second flow channel  252  is not substantially linear. 
     Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second flow channels  251 ,  252  include the one or more openings of the suction side  208 , but at different operating modes of the label applicator  202 . Each of the second and third flow channels  252 ,  253  include the inlet  250 , but also at different operating modes of the label applicator  202 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the air flows through the first and third flow channels  251 ,  253  are in substantially opposite directions. More specifically, the air entering the first flow channel  251  through the suction side  208  flows in a direction along the mounting axis  291  ( FIG. 2A ). The air entering the third flow channel  253  through the inlet  250  flows in an opposite direction along the mounting axis  291 . Likewise, the air exiting the first flow channel  251  flows in a direction along the lateral axis  292  ( FIG. 2A ), and the air exiting the third flow channel  253  flows in an approximately opposite direction along the lateral axis  292 . However, the above is simply one example and the first and second flow channels  251 ,  253  may have different configurations in other embodiments. 
     In particular embodiments, the cover valve  232  and the diverter valve  234  form the common wall  240  in the flow chamber  215  during the holding mode. The common wall  240  effectively separates the first and third flow channels  251 ,  253 . Moreover, in particular embodiments, the first and second flow channels  251 ,  252  may share a common region  270  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The common region  270  is a portion of the flow chamber  215  that extends from the common wall  240  to the suction side  208 . At least one of the cover valve  232  or the diverter valve  234  may move through the common region  270 . For example, the cover valve  232  moves through the common region  270  in the illustrated embodiment. 
     Although the above-described label applicator includes a diverter valve and a cover valve, in other embodiments, the label applicator may include only a diverter valve. For example, the diverter valve  234  may be sized and shaped to extend entirely across the flow chamber  215  thereby separating the first and third flow channels  251 ,  253 . In this position, the suction generator  210  may be activated to provide the suction force. For the subsequent ejection mode, the diverter valve  234  may then be moved to cover the blow vent  246 . The suction generator  210  may be deactivated. The blow generator  212  may generate an air flow through the suction side  208  that is sufficient for ejecting the label onto the target object. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are enlarged views that illustrate the grid plate assembly  226  being fed a label  271  from a web  272 . A label supplier may include a delivery panel  273  having a fold edge  274 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , as the web  272  rolls over the fold edge  274  as indicated by a curved arrow, the label  271  begins to separate (e.g., peel) from a release liner  275  to which the label  271  is adhered. As the web  272  continues to slide over the fold edge  274 , the label  271  continues to separate from (e.g., continues to peel off) the release liner  271 . The portion of the label  271  that is removed from the release liner  271  slides in a substantially axial manner along the suction side  208  as indicated by a straight arrow. In some embodiments, a trailing edge  276  of the label  271  may remain adhered to the release liner  275  due to, for example, excess adhesive. As shown in  FIG. 7 , in such embodiments, the leading edge  211  of the grid plate assembly  226  may have a curved contour that projects away from the remainder of the suction side  208 . In other words, the leading edge  211  may project in a direction along the mounting axis  291  ( FIG. 2A ). During an application operation, the label  271  slides under the projected leading edge  211  and may engage the leading edge  211 . At this time, the label applicator  202  ( FIG. 2A ) may be in the holding mode to draw the label  271  toward the suction side  208 . The leading edge  211  may facilitate separating the trailing edge  276  of the label  271  from the release liner  275 . For example, due to the shape of the leading edge  211 , the label  271  may be required to move along a path that causes the trailing edge  276  to separate from the release liner  275 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating a label application method  300  in accordance with one embodiment. The method  300  may be performed by, for example, the label application system  100  ( FIG. 1 ), the label applicators  102 ,  202 , or one or more systems/apparatuses. The method  300  may include positioning at  302  a label at a designated location, such as proximate to a suction side of an applicator housing. The suction side may have one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The applicator housing includes a flow chamber having a diverter valve and a cover valve disposed therein. The method  300  also includes moving at  304  the diverter valve to a first diverter position and the cover valve to a first cover position to form a first flow channel through the flow chamber. It is understood that the moving at  304  may occur before, after, or concurrently with the positioning at  302 . The method  300  also includes drawing at  306  the label toward the suction side by providing an air flow through the suction side in a first direction. The air flow in the first direction is provided by a suction generator when the first flow channel is formed. The method  300  also includes moving at  308  the diverter valve to a second diverter position and the cover valve to a second cover position to form a second flow channel through the flow chamber. The first and second flow channels are fluidly coupled to an exterior of the applicator housing through the suction side. The method  300  also includes ejecting at  310  the label away from the suction side by providing an air flow through the suction side in a second direction. The air flow in the second direction is provided by a blow generator when the second flow channel is formed. 
     As described above, the various embodiments described herein may be implemented using one or more computing systems. The computing system may include a processor (e.g., microprocessor). The processor may be connected to a communication bus. The computing system may also include a memory. The memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). The computing system further may include a storage system or device, which may be a hard disk drive or a removable storage drive such as a floppy disk drive, optical disk drive, and the like. The storage system may also be other similar means for loading computer programs or other instructions into the computing system. The instructions may be stored on a tangible and/or non-transitory computer readable storage medium, excluding signals, coupled to one or more servers. 
     As used herein, the term “computing system” may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based systems including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term “computing system.” 
     The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the computing system as a processing machine to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program or module. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program module (or module) within a larger program, or a portion of a program module. The software also may include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine. The program is complied to run on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. A 32-bit operating system like Windows XP™ can only use up to 3 GB bytes of memory, while a 64-bit operating system like Window&#39;s Vista™ can use as many as 16 exabytes (16 billion GB). 
     As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by a computing system, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types are exemplary only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program. 
     In one embodiment, a label applicator is provided that includes an applicator housing including a flow chamber and a suction side. The suction side has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The label applicator also includes a valve mechanism having a diverter valve and an electric actuator. The actuator is configured to selectively move the diverter valve in the flow chamber between a first diverter position when the valve mechanism is in a holding mode and a second diverter position when the valve mechanism is in an ejection mode. A label is held against the suction side during the holding mode and propelled away from the suction side during the ejection mode. The label applicator also includes a suction generator for providing a first air flow through the suction side of the applicator housing in a first direction during the holding mode. The diverter valve is in the first diverter position during the holding mode. The label applicator also includes a blow generator for providing a second air flow through the suction side of the applicator housing in a second direction during the ejection mode. The second direction is opposite the first direction, and the diverter valve is in the second diverter position during the ejection mode. 
     In one embodiment, a label applicator is provided that includes an applicator housing having a flow chamber and a suction side. The suction side has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The label applicator also includes first and second air flow generators that are fluidly coupled with the flow chamber. The first and second air flow generators are configured to generate first and second air flows, respectively, through the flow chamber. The label applicator also includes a valve mechanism that is positioned in the flow chamber to direct the first and second air flows through the flow chamber of the applicator housing. The valve mechanism includes a diverter valve and an electric actuator. The actuator is configured to move the diverter valve within the flow chamber to a holding position to direct the first air flow generated by the first air flow generator through the suction side into the flow chamber to hold a label to the suction side. The actuator is also configured to move the diverter valve within the flow chamber to an application position to direct the second air flow generated by the second air flow generator through the suction side to force the label away from the suction side toward a target object in order to apply the label to the target object. 
     In one aspect, the second air flow generator includes an electric high-pressure blower. The high-pressure blower may be secured to the applicator housing. Also, the applicator housing and the high-pressure blower may be transportable as a unit. 
     In another aspect, the applicator housing may have a blow vent. The diverter valve may direct the second air flow provided by the second air flow generator through the blow vent when the diverter valve is in the holding position. 
     In another aspect, the valve mechanism includes a cover valve. The cover valve may be configured to direct the first air flow provided by the first air flow generator. The cover valve may be configured to be in a corresponding holding position when the diverter valve is in the corresponding holding position and in a corresponding application position when the diverter valve is in the corresponding application position. The cover valve and the diverter valve may be configured to be moved concurrently. In some cases, the cover and diverter valves are substantially aligned with each other to form a common wall when the label is held to the suction side. 
     In another aspect, a first flow path is formed when the diverter valve is in the holding position and a second flow path is formed when the diverter valve is in the application position. The flow chamber may include a common region that is shared by the first and second flow paths. 
     In another aspect, the first and second air flow generators are operable such that air pressure along the suction side is configured to draw a label against the suction side during a holding mode and configured to eject the label from the suction side during an ejection mode. 
     In another embodiment, a label applicator is provided that includes an applicator housing having a flow chamber and having a suction side and a blow vent. Each of the suction side and the blow vent has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The label applicator also includes an electric high-pressure blower that is coupled to the applicator housing and is configured to provide an air flow through the flow chamber. The label applicator also includes a valve mechanism having a diverter valve and an electric actuator. The actuator is configured to selectively move the diverter valve between holding and application positions. The diverter valve directs the air flow provided by the high-pressure blower through the blow vent when in the holding position and through the suction side when in the application position to apply a label to a target object. 
     In one aspect, the diverter valve substantially impedes the air flow provided by the high-pressure blower through the blow vent when in the application position. 
     In another aspect, the high-pressure blower is operable such that air pressure along the suction side when the diverter valve is in the application position is sufficient to eject a label away from the suction side so that the label is pressed against a target object. 
     In another aspect, the air flow provided by the high-pressure blower flows in an approximately linear direction between a port that fluidly couples the high-pressure blower to the applicator housing and the suction side. 
     In another aspect, the label applicator includes a suction generator for providing an air flow through the suction side during a holding mode in which the label is held to the suction side. The diverter valve is in the holding position during the holding mode. The valve mechanism may include a cover valve, wherein the cover valve is configured to direct the air flow provided by the suction generator during the holding mode. The cover valve may be configured to be in a corresponding holding position when the diverter valve is in the corresponding holding position and in a corresponding application position when the diverter valve is in the corresponding application position. The cover and diverter valves may also be substantially aligned with each other to form a common wall during the holding mode. 
     In another embodiment, a label application method is provided that includes positioning a label along a suction side of an applicator housing. The suction side has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The applicator housing includes a flow chamber having a diverter valve and a cover valve disposed therein. The method also includes moving the diverter valve and the cover valve to corresponding holding positions to form a first flow channel through the flow chamber. The method also includes drawing the label toward the suction side by providing a first air flow through the first flow channel and through the suction side in a first direction, wherein the first air flow in the first flow channel is provided by a suction generator. The method further includes moving the diverter valve and the cover valve to corresponding application positions to form a second flow channel through the flow chamber. The first and second flow channels are fluidly coupled to an exterior of the applicator housing through the suction side. The method also includes ejecting the label away from the suction side by providing a second air flow through the second flow channel and through the suction side in a second direction. The air flow in the second flow channel is provided by a blow generator. 
     In one aspect, the diverter valve also forms a third flow channel through the flow chamber when the first flow channel is formed. The third flow channel being fluidly coupled to a blow vent of the applicator housing and the blow generator. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the inventive subject matter without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the inventive subject matter, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventive subject matter should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the inventive subject matter and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of inventive subject matter, including making and using any applicators or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present inventive subject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.