Patent ID: 8640579

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: a feeding device configured for feeding a continuous tape along a path in an advancing direction; a cutting device configured for cutting a tape that advances along said path with a cutting line transverse to said advancing direction; a first sensor configured for emitting a plurality of first signals indicative of an image located on a tape that advances along said path; and a controller configured for performing the following operations: driving said feeding device to feed a tape along said path; receiving said plurality of first signals and comparing at least a part of said first signals with stored reference signals; and controlling said driving on the basis of said comparison; said first sensor comprising a plurality of sensitive elements spaced apart from one another in a direction that is transverse to said advancing direction, each of said sensitive elements being configured for emitting a signal that is indicative of a respective portion of said image, wherein said apparatus further comprises a third sensor configured for emitting at least a third signal indicative of an operating parameter of said cutting device, said operating parameter being a function of time or being variable during operation of said cutting device, said controller being configured for receiving said at least a third signal and for controlling said driving, not only on the basis of said comparison but also on the basis of said at least a third signal.