System and method for attaching a label to a food product

Abstract

Systems and methods of attaching a label to a food product include pulling a label on a two-part backing in a first direction to a peel point along a path including one or more rollers, the two-part backing including a first strip and a second strip. The two-part backing is removed from the label by a pair of stacked v-shaped first and second plates or by an angled nose roller by pulling the label out of the first and second strips using suction at a peel point.

Description

Background Art CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 351,873, filed on June 14, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of food processing and, more particularly, to the automated attachment of labels to food products. Technical Description

[0003] Food labels, such as produce labels attached to fruits and vegetables, provide important information to a variety of audiences. These labels indicate the food source, food type, reference number (e.g., PLU, SKU), pricing, proper care instructions (e.g., keep refrigerated), and other information depending on the application. Manually attaching labels to food can be time and labor intensive, so automated mechanisms are generally preferred. Automated food labeling is often a difficult task because the size and shape of food products such as fruits and vegetables often vary. In addition to labeling accuracy, space, speed, and energy savings are often important considerations, where food packaging and labeling facilities may be located in space-constrained or remote locations. Summary of the invention

[0004] Systems and methods for attaching labels to food products are provided. An example system includes a label applicator including a path including one or more rollers configured to convey a label on a two-part backing from a label reel in a first direction to a peel point, the two-part backing including a first strip and a second strip. The peel point includes a first plate for peeling the two-part backing from the label and directing the first strip to a second direction and the second strip to a third direction, the second direction and the third direction being different from the first direction; and a second plate configured to further direct the first strip and the second strip to a fourth direction different from any of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0005] In another example, a method for attaching a label to a food product includes conveying a label on a two-part backing including a first strip and a second strip in a first direction to a peel point along a path including one or more rollers. The two-part backing is removed from the label by pulling the label from the first strip and the second strip at the peel point using suction. The first strip and the second strip are continued to be pulled through a first plate to guide the first strip to a second direction and the second strip to a third direction, the second direction and the third direction being different from the first direction. The first strip and the second strip are further pulled through a second plate, the second plate being configured to further guide the first strip and the second strip to a fourth direction, the fourth direction being different from any of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0006] In another example, a label applicator includes a path including one or more rollers configured to convey a label on a two-part backing from a spool in a first direction to a peel point, the two-part backing including a first strip and a second strip; wherein the peel point includes: two angled nose rollers for removing the two-part backing from the label and guiding the first strip along a first strip path in a direction opposite to the first direction, and guiding the second strip along a second strip path in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0007] In another example, a method for attaching a label to a food product includes conveying a label on a two-part backing including a first strip and a second strip in a first direction to a peel point along a path including one or more rollers. The two-part backing is removed from the label by pulling the label from the first strip and the second strip using suction at the peel point. The first strip and the second strip each continue around an angled nose roller to direct the first strip and the second strip in a direction opposite to the first direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A system for attaching a label to a food product is depicted.

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram depicting a box of food that may be labeled by multiple label applicators operating in parallel.

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of a label applicator including one or more transverse peel rollers positioned between the v-shaped portions of the first and second plates for delivering labels on a two-part backing from a label roll.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a depiction Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a label applicator.

[0012] Figure 5 Yes Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram of additional views of an embodiment of a label applicator in FIG. 1 , which shows the relative positioning of the first plate, the transverse peel roller and the second plate at the peel point.

[0013] Figure 6 is a diagram depicting the path of a two-part backing bearing a label from the label spool to the peel point and the subsequent path of the first and second strips after the label is removed.

[0014] Figure 7 is a diagram depicting a front view of a label applicator, particularly showing the peel point.

[0015] Figure 8 is a diagram depicting the peel point of a label applicator for first and second strips having a two-part backing.

[0016] Fig. 9 A further view of the label applicator peel point is provided.

[0017] Fig.10 and Fig.11 The tensioning roller is depicted in different positions.

[0018] Fig.12 is a diagram depicting a method of attaching a label to a food product.

[0019] Fig.13 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of a label applicator including two angled nose rollers for delivering two-part backing-on labels from a label roll.

[0020] Fig.14 It is a depiction Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a label applicator.

[0021] Fig.15 Yes Fig.13 Figure 2 is a diagram of additional views of an embodiment of a label applicator in which the relative positions of the angled nose roller and the tape tension spring and the tape tension slider are shown to adjust the tension on the tape.

[0022] Fig.16 It is a depiction Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a front view of an embodiment of a label applicator in FIG. 1 , particularly showing two angled nose rollers.

[0023] Fig.17 A further view of the label applicator peel point is provided.

[0024] Fig.18 Depicted Fig.13 An embodiment of a label applicator in is used to attach a label to a food product. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a diagram depicting a system for attaching labels to food products. System 100 includes a label applicator 102 (sometimes referred to as a "cassette") configured to attach labels to food products. Applicator 102 is configured to receive a label roll 104 that holds a roll of labels and dispenses labels from the roll of labels for attachment to food products. Figure 1 In the example of , the food labels 106 are circular in shape. These labels 106 are adhesive on one side and include text on the other side for conveying information about the food associated with the label. Figure 1 In an example of a label, the backing on the label is a two-part backing prior to application, wherein the two-part backing takes the form of two parallel strips of backing material (e.g., siliconized paper), wherein both strips are in contact with and held together by the sticky side of the label until the label is peeled from the backing and applied to the food product. Once the label is removed from the backing, the label applicator delivers the two strips to a predetermined location for disposal (e.g., rolled onto one or more reels for strip disposal, delivered to a disposal bin).

[0026] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , labels on the two part backing are pulled from a label roll 104 along a path including one or more rollers (e.g., a tension roller 108, a scalloped idler roller 110) to a peel point 112. As further described herein, the peel point 112 includes a first plate for removing the two part backing from the labels and directing a first strip and a second strip of the two part backing into different directions, and then a second plate further directing the first strip and the second strip into yet another direction, wherein the strips are pulled in parallel (see 114) toward a predetermined area for disposal.

[0027] Figure 1Further depicted is a bellows unit 116, which is configured to pull a label from a two-part backing using suction at a peeling point 112. More specifically, the bellows unit 116 includes a plurality of sub-bellows 118. Each sub-bellows is configured to draw a single label from a two-part backing using suction at a peeling point 112. A specific sub-bellows 118 removes a label by applying suction to a non-adhesive side of a specific label to remove the label from the two-part backing at a peeling point 112, wherein the specific sub-bellows is in a first position (e.g., facing up). The specific sub-bellows is then rotated to a second position (e.g., facing down), wherein the specific sub-bellows is configured to attach the label to a specific food product, such as when the label applicator detects (e.g., using a vision system, a mechanical detection switch, a pressure sensor, a laser, or other optical triggering device) that a specific food product is at a specific sub-bellows in a second position (e.g., below a sub-bellows facing down). In an embodiment, when a specific food product is detected to be in place, the specific sub-bellows is configured to stretch while releasing the suction holding the label so that the sticky side of the label contacts the food product, thereby transferring the label from the specific sub-bellows to the specific food.

[0028] In an embodiment, Figure 1 The label applicator may be implemented adjacent to one or more additional label applicators so that labels may be applied to parallel food streams. Figure 1 The bellows unit of two adjacent label applicators (label applicators not shown) located to the right of the label applicator 102 is depicted. In an embodiment, the adjacent label applicators can simultaneously apply labels to multiple food products (e.g., foods on parallel conveyors, foods in different columns of a box of food). The label applicators 102 can be configured to apply labels to different types of food. For example, the label applicators can be configured to apply labels (e.g., brand owner labels, retailer labels, packing house labels) to kiwis one day and to melons the next day.

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagram depicting a box of food 100 that may be labeled by multiple label applicators operating in parallel. Figure 2A first box 100 is depicted, containing nine produce items held in a box configured to hold produce items in a 3x3 grid, such as by cardboard dividers or holders (e.g., cups) for individual produce items. It is noteworthy that the produce items in each box are somewhat irregular in size and shape. The boxes (including box 100) travel along a line in the direction indicated by arrow 102, such as along a conveyor belt. The boxes arrive at a plurality of label applicators arranged in parallel at 104, such that as a single box moves under the labeling machine 104, a plurality of label applicators simultaneously label the plurality of produce items contained in the box. For example, when each applicator senses a food item under it, it applies a label (indicated by an "L" in a circle) thereto, as shown in box 106 containing labeled produce items. All of the label applicators 104 may be configured to individually sense the presence of produce items in a suitable location for labeling, or the three depicted label applicators 104 may be configured to simultaneously apply labels based on the presence of a row of boxes detected to be in a location to be labeled. In an alternative arrangement, which may depend on the width of the label applicator fitting within the width of the columns of the box 106, the label applicators may be implemented in a staggered manner. For example, label applicator #1 and label applicator #3 may be aligned so as to simultaneously apply labels to produce in columns 1 and 3 of the box, while label applicator #2 may be positioned before or after these label applicators along the travel path. Such a staggered arrangement may require a longer travel path, which may be disadvantageous where space is at a premium, making a narrower label applicator 104 (e.g., a label applicator having a width close to the widest label to be processed) advantageous.

[0030] Figure 3 300 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a label applicator, which includes one or more rollers for conveying a two-part backing label from a label reel. The label applicator 300 includes a side plate 302 of a label reel receiver 303. The label reel receiver 303 is configured to receive a reel of a two-part backing label. The two-part backing / label is pulled from the label reel through a tensioning roller 304 suspended at the end of a tension arm 306. The tensioning roller 304 is installed at a radius equal to the length of the tension arm 306 from the center 305 of the label reel receiver, and the radius is greater than the radius of the entire reel label. The tensioning roller 304 is configured to maintain the tension on the two-part backing / label along the path from the label reel to the multiple rollers and wheels that move the two-part backing / label through the label applicator. The tension is applied by a tension arm spring 308, which maintains a substantially constant tension of the two-part backing along the path. The tension arm spring 308 is attached at 310 to a fixed point on the label applicator and to a point 312 on a member 314 rigidly connected to the tension arm 306, thereby forcing the tension arm to rotate on an arc 316 based on a balance of forces exerted by the tension arm spring 308 and the two-part backing / label running on the tensioning roller 304.

[0031] After passing through the tensioning roller 304, the two-part backing carrying the label runs under the scallop wheel idler roller 318 (e.g., a roller) and runs above the scallop wheel 320 (e.g., a roller with a scallop-shaped profile to guide the two-part backing / label or other texture to improve the grip of the two-part backing and label). In an embodiment, the two-part backing paper is cut into a scallop pattern. The scallop pattern can match the corresponding scallop pattern on the scallop wheel, so that the scallop wheel can apply tension to the backing paper. In addition, during the production process of the label reel, the scallop pattern can enable the manufacturer to nest the labels tightly together, thereby maximizing the labels per square meter of paper (e.g., before cutting the paper with multiple rows and columns of labels into strips carrying single columns of labels). The target tension of the tensioning roller 304 can be achieved via the tension arm spring 308 to maximize the interaction surface of the two-part backing / label with the scallop wheel idler roller 318 and / or the scallop wheel 320 to prevent slippage between these rollers 318, 320 and the two-part backing / label. In an embodiment, the two-part backing / label is then moved in a first direction (indicated at 324) over a peel plate idler ( Figure 3 326 where the two-part backing and label interact with the bellows to remove the label from the two-part backing using suction from the bellows on the non-adhesive side so that the bellows can then apply the sticky side of the label to the food product.

[0032] In embodiments further described herein, the peeling point 326 may include a first plate 328, a pair of transverse peeling rollers 330 oriented parallel to the first direction 324, and a second plate 332 for guiding the first and second strips of the two-part backing. After passing the peeling point 326, the first and second strips are directed in another direction 334 (e.g., a fourth direction as further described herein) opposite to the first direction 324, toward a sprocket 338. In embodiments, the first and second strips are conveyed along this direction 334 for disposal. Specifically, the first and second strips travel over the tape control rollers 336 and under the sprocket 338. The sprocket 338 may be driven by a motor that interacts with a sprocket drive gear 340 of the sprocket 338, wherein the motor and sprocket drive gear 340 are configured to pull the two-part tape through the label applicator (e.g., continuously if the presence of a food product for labeling can be consistently and reliably reproduced, in an intermittent manner, including periodic pauses, while waiting for the food product to reach its labeling position). In an embodiment, Figure 3As depicted, the sprocket 338 includes a protrusion (e.g., a tooth) for piercing each of the first and second strips after the label is removed to provide tension to the strips, and further providing tension to the two-part backing carrying the label before the label reaches the peeling point 326. The label applicator may also include a waste stripper 342 for deviating the first and second strips from the other parts of the label applicator toward a disposal point (e.g., one or more disposal rolls, a disposal box) to avoid entanglement with other mechanisms of the label applicator. In an embodiment, after loading a new label roll, the two-part backing with the label is routed (e.g., manually) through paths 304, 318, 320, 324 to the peeling point 326, and then the first and second strips are further routed to the sprocket 338 in the direction 334 above the belt control roller 336, where the first and second strips are pierced so that they can then be automatically and evenly pulled by the sprocket 338.

[0033] Figure 4 is a diagram depicting a bottom view of a label applicator. The label applicator is positioned (eg, on an elevated platform) so that a two-part backing comprising a label can travel from the scallop wheel in a first direction 324 toward a peel point 326. Figure 4 Shown is a reference Figure 3 A peel plate idler 322 is depicted but not shown, wherein the peel plate idler 322 helps align the two-part backing with the label with the first plate 328 of the peel point 326. Figure 4 An embodiment is shown in which the first plate 328 (and the second plate 332 , not shown) include a v-shaped portion 402 .

[0034] As described above, at the stripping point 326, the bellows unit ( Figure 4 One of the sub-bellows (not shown) applies suction to the non-adhesive side of the label to pull the label out of the two-part backing. The first strip and the second strip of the two-part backing are respectively directed over the sides of the peeling v-shape of the first plate 328 so that the first strip is directed in the second direction 404 and the second strip is directed in the third direction 406. The second direction 404 ( Figure 4 Middle Upward) and Third Direction 406 ( Figure 4 The second direction 404 and the third direction 406 are both perpendicular to the first direction 324 (and Figure 4 In an embodiment, the second direction 404 and the third direction 406 are opposite directions outward from the centerline 410 of the label applicator. Figure 4 Further shown is a transverse peeling roller 330 configured to guide the first and second strips from the first plate 328 to the second plate 332 ( Figure 4 not shown). Figure 4Also shown is a drive gear 408 for applying a rotational force to one or more of the scallop wheel 320 and the sprocket 338 to pull the two-part backing, label, and first and second strips through the label applicator.

[0035] Figure 5 326. The two-part backing carrying the label is advanced along the bottom of the label applicator to a peeling point 326. At the peeling point, the sub-bellows of the bellows unit use suction on the non-adhesive side of the label to pull the label from the two-part backing. The peeling process is assisted by a first plate 328 having a v-shaped portion that guides the first strip of the two-part backing into a second direction 404 using one leg of the v-shaped portion and the second strip into a third direction 406 using the other leg of the v-shaped portion. The first strip is routed around the first transverse peel roller 330a ( Figure 5 The second strip is routed around the second transverse peeling roller 330b ( Figure 5 The first strip extends below the bottom of the second plate 332 (inwardly in the fifth direction 502 toward the centerline 410) to the first leg of the v-shaped upper plate 332, which guides the first strip along the fourth direction 334 toward the sprocket 338. Similarly, the second strip extends below the bottom of the second plate 332 (inwardly in the sixth direction 504 toward the centerline 410) to the second leg of the v-shaped upper plate 332, which guides the first strip along the fourth direction 334 toward the sprocket 338, wherein the fourth direction 334 is opposite to the first direction 324 and is perpendicular to each of the second direction 404, the third direction 406, the fifth direction 502, and the sixth direction 504.

[0036] Figure 66 is a diagram depicting the path of a two-part backing / label 608 from a label reel to a peeling point and the subsequent path of the first and second strips after the label is removed. The right side shows a side view of the label applicator, and the left side shows a front view of the label applicator. The band path along which the label is attached is shown in a dark bold line 301. The reel 602 of the label is supported by a reel roller 604, which interacts with the inner surface of the label reel core 606. The two-part backing / label 608 is pulled above the tensioning roller 304 supported by the tension arm 306. The scallop wheel idler 318 ("nip roller") promotes a high (e.g., 180 degrees plus, 270 degrees) contact between the two-part backing / label 608 and the scallop wheel 320, which can be powered to help drive the two-part backing 608 and the label along the path. The two-part backing / label 608 runs under the peel plate idler 322 to align with the peeling point 326. The peel point includes a v-shaped first plate 328 for directing the first and second strips into directions 404, 406, respectively, after the label is removed, a pair of transverse peel rollers 330 for directing the first and second strips upward 610, and a v-shaped second plate 332 for directing the first and second strips into directions 502, 504, respectively, before directing the first and second strips into a fourth direction 334 toward a tape control roller 336 and a sprocket 338. A waste tape peeler 342 directs the first and second strips away from the other components of the label applicator for disposal.

[0037] Figure 7 326 includes a first plate 328 that facilitates the removal of two portions of the backing from the label. The v-shaped first plate 328 guides the first strip to move in the second direction 404 and guides the second strip to move in the third direction 406. The first strip travels around the outside of the first transverse peeling roller 330a and below the second plate 332 along the fifth direction 502 toward the centerline of the label applicator. Similarly, the second strip travels around the outside of the second transverse peeling roller 330b and below the second plate 332 along the sixth direction 504 toward the centerline. The v-shaped second plate transitions the first and second strips from below the second plate 332 to above the second plate 332, thereby transitioning the first and second strips to travel in the fourth direction.

[0038] Figure 8 8 is a diagram depicting the peel point of a label applicator including a first strip 802 and a second strip 804 of a two-part backing. Figure 8 In the figure, sub-bellows 118a is removing labels from the two-part backing, while another sub-bellows 118b has removed labels 119 from the backing and is transitioning to the bottom label application position. The third sub-bellows 118c has a label ready for application. Figure 8The paths of the first and second strips after being peeled from the label via suction from the sub-bellows and the change in direction of the first plate are depicted. The first strip 802 and the second strip 804 are pulled away from the centerline of the label applicator via the legs of the bottom first plate. The first strip runs from the top of the first plate, around the outside of the first transverse peel roller 330a, and runs underneath the top second plate toward the centerline of the label applicator. Similarly, the second strip 804 runs from the top of the first plate, around the outside of the second transverse peel roller 330b, and runs underneath the top second plate toward the centerline of the label applicator. When transitioning from the bottom to the top of the second plate, the first strip 802 and the second strip 804 are pulled evenly in the fourth direction 334.

[0039] Fig. 9 A further view of the peel point of the label applicator is provided. The peel point 326 includes a v-shaped first plate 228 for guiding the first and second strips 802, 804 from direction 324 to directions 404, 406, respectively, after the label is removed. A pair of transverse peel rollers 330a, 330b are configured to guide the first and second strips 802, 804, respectively, upward to the second plate 332. The v-shaped upper second plate guides the first and second strips to directions 502, 504, respectively, and the strips are then directed in a fourth direction 334 toward the belt control wheel and sprocket for disposal.

[0040] Fig.10 and Fig.11 is a diagram depicting the tensioning roller in different positions. Fig.10 The tension roller 304 is depicted being pulled relative to the tension arm spring 308. Fig.11 Due to the intermittent nature of label application, in some embodiments, the level of tension applied to the tension roller 304 by the two-part backing carrying the label may fluctuate. The tension roller 304, guided by the tension arm spring 308, maintains consistent tension on the two-part backing / label as it passes through the scallop wheel idler roller 318 and the scallop wheel 320, preventing the two-part backing / label from slipping or tangling.

[0041] Fig.121 is a diagram depicting a method of attaching a label to a food product. At 1202, a label on a two-part backing is pulled in a first direction to a peel point along a path including one or more rollers, the two-part backing including a first strip and a second strip. At 1204, the two-part backing is removed from the label by using suction to pull the label from the first strip and the second strip at the peel point. At 1206, the first strip and the second strip are further pulled through a first plate to guide the first strip to a second direction and the second strip to a third direction, the second direction and the third direction being different from the first direction. At 1208, the first strip and the second strip are further pulled through a second plate, the second plate being configured to further guide the first strip and the second strip to a fourth direction, the fourth direction being different from any of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0042] Fig.13 is a diagram depicting another embodiment of a label applicator. Fig.13 The embodiment in includes one or more rollers for conveying labels on a two-part backing from a label roll 104, wherein one or more rollers are angled nose rollers 1330. The label applicator 1300 includes a side plate 302 of a label roll receiver (not shown, the view is blocked by the label roll 104). The label roll receiver is configured to receive a roll 1344 of labels on a two-part backing. The belt path along which the labels are attached is shown with a dark bold line 1301. The labels on the two-part backing are fed around a tension idler roller 1303 and a tensioning roller 1304. The tensioning roller 1304 is configured to maintain tension on the two-part backing along the path. The tension is applied by a belt tension spring (not visible from the angle shown), which maintains a substantially constant tension on the two-part backing / label along the path.

[0043] After passing through the tensioning roller 1304, the two-part backing / label runs under a scallop wheel idler roller 318 (e.g., a roller) and runs over a scallop wheel 320 (e.g., a roller having a scallop-shaped profile to guide the two-part backing carrying the label or other texture to improve the grip of the two-part backing and label). As described herein, the two-part backing paper can optionally be cut into a scallop pattern, for example, to match a corresponding scallop pattern on a scallop wheel, so that the scallop wheel can apply tension to the backing paper. The target tension of the tensioning roller 1304 can be achieved via a tension arm spring 308 to maximize the interaction surface of the two-part backing / label with the scallop wheel idler roller 318 and / or the scallop wheel 320 to prevent slippage between these rollers 318, 320 and the two-part backing / label. In an embodiment, the two-part backing then travels in a first direction (indicated at 324) under the peel plate idler 322 and then traverses two angled nose rollers 1330 (1330a and 1330b) to a peel point 1326, wherein the peel plate idler 322 and alignment protrusions 1327 can help align the two-part backing and label with the two angled nose rollers 1330 that serve as the peel point 1326. At the angled nose rollers 1330, the two-part backing / label interacts with the sub-bellows to remove the label from the two-part backing using suction from the sub-bellows on the non-adhesive side so that the sub-bellows can then apply the adhesive side of the label to the food product.

[0044] After passing through the angled nose rollers 1330 (1330a and 1330b), the first and second strips, now separated from the labels, are directed in another direction 334 opposite the first direction 324, toward a sprocket 338, for example, for disposal. Specifically, the first and second strips travel over the strip control rollers 336 and under the sprocket 338. The sprocket 338 can be driven by a motor that interacts with a sprocket drive gear 340 of the sprocket 338, wherein the motor and sprocket drive gear 340 are configured to pull the two-portion strip through the label applicator (e.g., continuously if the presence of a food product for labeling can be consistently and reliably reproduced, in an intermittent manner, including periodic pauses while waiting for the food product to reach its labeling position). In an embodiment, as Fig.13As depicted, the sprocket 338 includes protrusions (e.g., teeth) for piercing each of the first and second strips to provide this tension to the strips after the label is removed, and further provides tension to the two-part backing carrying the label before the label reaches the angled nose rollers 1330 (1330a and 1330b) and the peel point 1326. The label applicator may also include a waste strip peeler 342 for deflecting the first and second strips away from other parts of the label applicator toward a disposal point (e.g., one or more disposal rolls, a disposal bin) to avoid entanglement with other mechanisms of the label applicator. In an embodiment, after loading a new label roll, the two-part backing with the labels is routed (e.g., manually) through paths 1303, 1304, 318, 320, in direction 324 to a peel point 1326 and angled nose rollers 1330 (1330a and 1330b), and then the first and second strips are further routed in direction 334 over a tape control roller 336 to a sprocket 338, separated by an alignment protrusion 1327, where the first and second strips are pierced so that they can then be automatically and evenly pulled by the sprocket 338.

[0045] Fig.14 It is depicted from Fig.13 The label applicator is positioned (eg, on an elevated platform) so that the two-part backing / label can travel from the tensioning roller 1304 in a first direction 324 toward the angled nose rollers 1330a, 1330b. Fig.14 The peel plate idler 322 and alignment protrusion 1327 are shown, which help align the two-part backing with the label with the angled nose rollers 1330a, 1330b of the peel point 1326. As described above, at the peel point 1326, the bellows unit ( Fig.14 One of the sub-bellows of the two-part backing (not shown) applies suction to the non-adhesive side of the label to pull the label out of the two-part backing. The first and second strips of the two-part backing are directed over each of the angled nose rollers 1330a, 1330b, respectively, so that the first strip is directed along the first strip path 1404 in a direction opposite to the first direction 334, and the second strip is directed along the second strip path 1406 in a direction opposite to the first direction 334. The alignment protrusion 1327 is located between the first strip path 1404 and the second strip path 1406. Advantageously, the angled nose rollers help minimize the overall friction between the two-part backing strip and the various elements of the label applicator, and keep the power required to operate the label applicator within the capabilities of standard motors and drive electronics. Fig.14 Also shown is a drive gear 1408 for applying a rotational force to one or more scallop wheels and sprockets to pull the two-part backing, label, and first and second strips through the label applicator.

[0046] Fig.15 1326, wherein the two-part backing / label is guided along the bottom of the label applicator to a peel point 1326, wherein the alignment protrusion 1327 assists in the alignment of the two-part backing carrying the label. At the peel point 1326, the sub-bellows of the bellows unit uses suction on the non-adhesive side of the label to pull the label from the two-part backing. The first strip is routed around the first angled nose roller 1330a ( Fig.15 Similarly, the second strip is routed around the second angled nose roller 1330b ( Fig.15 Although Fig.13 and Fig.14 The view depicted in does not depict the angled nose roller as being angled, but in Fig.15 15, angled nose rollers 1130a, 1330b are angled downward from centerline 1510 at an angle of about 15° to about 35° to facilitate removal of labels from the two-part backing. The first strip runs under sprocket 338 between strip control rollers 336. Similarly, the second strip runs under sprocket 338 between strip control rollers 336. Strip tension spring 1308 maintains tension on the two-part backing along the path. The tension level is applied by strip tension slider 1311, which maintains a substantially constant tension on the two-part backing along the path.

[0047] Fig.16 30 is a diagram depicting a front view of a label applicator. The tape tension idler roller 303 and sprocket 338 are as depicted. The peel point 1326 includes a first angled nose roller 1330a and a second angled nose roller 1330b, which facilitates the removal of two portions of the backing from the label. The first tape runs around the outside of the first angled nose roller 1330a, and the second tape runs around the outside of the second angled nose roller 1330b.

[0048] Fig.17 is a diagram depicting the peel point of a label applicator having a first and second strip having a two-part backing. Fig.18 In FIG. 1 , sub-bellows 118a is removing label 119 from a two-part backing (first strip 120a shown), while sub-bellows 118b has removed label 120 from the backing and is transitioning to the bottom label application position. A third sub-bellows 118c has a label ready for application. Fig.18 Depicted is the path of the first and second strips 120a, 120b after being peeled from the label via suction from the sub-bellows.With the help of the alignment protrusions 1327 of the label applicator, the first and second strips 120a, 120b are pulled back along the center line.

[0049] Fig.18A further view of the label applicator is provided.A pair of angled nose rollers 1330a, 1330b are configured to direct the first and second strips of the two-part backing back toward the tape control roller 336 to be between the tape control roller and the sprocket 338.

[0050] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail for illustrative purposes based on what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it should be understood that such details are only for that purpose and that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but rather is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.

Claims

1. A system for attaching a label to a food product, comprising: A label applicator, the label applicator comprising: a path including one or more rollers configured to transport labels on a two-part backing from a spool in a first direction to a peel point, the two-part backing including a first strip and a second strip; The stripping points include: a first plate for removing the two-part backing from the label and directing the first strip into a second direction and directing the second strip into a third direction, the second direction and the third direction being different from the first direction; A second plate is configured to further guide the first strip and the second strip to a fourth direction different from any one of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the two-part backing is held together along the path by the label, wherein the label has an adhesive side that engages both the first strip and the second strip when on the path.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second direction and the third direction are opposite to each other, and wherein the fourth direction is opposite to the first direction.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first strip and the second strip are transported along the fourth direction for disposal.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the peel point further comprises a first peel roller for guiding the first strip between the first plate and the second plate, and a second peel roller for guiding the second strip between the first plate and the second plate.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first plate and the second plate each include a v-shaped portion for changing the direction of the first strip and the second strip.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the first plate is configured to transition the first strip and the second strip from the first direction to the second direction and the third direction, the second direction and the third direction being opposite directions outward from the centerline of the label applicator; wherein the first peeling roller and the second peeling roller are configured to guide the first strip and the second strip in an upward direction and then in an opposite inward direction toward the centerline to the second plate; wherein the second plate is configured to transition the first strip and the second strip from the opposite inward direction to the fourth direction.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the two-part backing is moved along the path by a drive roller that pulls the first strip and the second strip uniformly in the fourth direction.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first and second strips are pierced by the drive roller to achieve the pulling.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a roll receptacle configured to receive the roll of labels on the two-part backing; Wherein the path includes a tensioning roller configured to maintain tension on the two portions of the backing along the path from the reel to the peel point.

11. The system of claim 10 further comprising a spring applying a force to the tensioning roller for maintaining a substantially constant tension in the two-part backing along the path, wherein the tensioning roller is mounted at a radius from the center of the spool receiver that is greater than the radius of the full spool.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the path further comprises a scallop wheel, a nip roller, and a belt control roller between the tension roller and the peel point.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a bellows unit, wherein the bellows unit is configured to use suction at the peel point to pull the label out of the two-part backing.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the bellows unit comprises a plurality of rotating sub-bellows, each sub-bellows being configured to suck up a single label from the two-part backing using suction and to attach the single label to the food product by releasing the suction.

15. A system as described in claim 14, wherein the specific sub-bellows is configured to remove the label by applying suction to the non-adhesive side of the label to remove the label from the two-part backing at a first position, wherein the specific sub-bellows is configured to rotate to a second position, and wherein the specific sub-bellows is configured to attach the label to the specific food product when a specific food product is detected at the specific sub-bellows in the second position.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the specific sub-bellows is configured to extend when the label is attached to the specific food product.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of label applicators arranged to simultaneously label a plurality of food products contained within a single container.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the food product comprises produce.

19. A method of attaching a label to a food product, comprising: pulling a label on a two-part backing including a first strip and a second strip in a first direction along a path including one or more rollers to a peel point; removing the two-part backing from the label by pulling the label from the first and second strips using suction at the peel point; continuing to pull the first strip and the second strip through the first plate to direct the first strip into a second direction and the second strip into a third direction, the second direction and the third direction being different from the first direction; The first and second strips are further pulled through a second plate configured to further direct the first and second strips to a fourth direction that is different from any of the first, second, and third directions.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising directing the first strip from the first plate to the second plate using a first peel roller; and directing the second strip from the first plate to the second plate using a second peel roller.

21. A system for attaching a label to a food product, comprising: A label applicator, the label applicator comprising: a path including one or more rollers configured to transport labels on a two-part backing from a spool in a first direction to a peel point, the two-part backing including a first strip and a second strip; The stripping points include: Two angled nose rollers for removing the two-part backing from the label and directing the first strip along a first strip path in a direction opposite to the first direction and directing the second strip along a second strip path in a direction opposite to the first direction.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the two-part backing is held together along the path by the label, wherein the label has an adhesive side that engages both the first strip and the second strip when on the path.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the first strip and the second strip are conveyed along a first strip path and a second strip path, respectively, for disposal.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein the peel point further comprises an alignment protrusion positioned along between the first tape path and the second tape path.

25. The system of claim 1 wherein the two-part backing is moved along the path by a drive roller that pulls the first strip and the second strip uniformly in the direction opposite to the first direction.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the first and second strips are pierced by the drive roller to effectuate the pulling.

27. The system of claim 21, further comprising: a roll receptacle configured to receive the roll of labels on the two-part backing; Wherein the path includes a tensioning roller configured to maintain tension on the two portions of the backing along the path from the reel to the peel point.

28. The system of claim 27 further comprising a spring applying a force to the tensioning roller for maintaining a substantially constant tension in the two-part backing along the path, wherein the tensioning roller is mounted at a radius from the center of the spool receiver that is greater than the radius of the full spool.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein the path further comprises a scallop wheel, a nip roller, and a belt control roller between the tension roller and the peel point.

30. The system of claim 21, further comprising a bellows unit, wherein the bellows unit is configured to use suction at the peel point to pull the label out of the two-part backing.

31. The system of claim 20, wherein the bellows unit comprises a plurality of rotating sub-bellows, each sub-bellows configured to suck up a single label from the two-part backing using suction and attach the single label to the food product by releasing the suction.

32. A system as described in claim 31, wherein the specific sub-bellows is configured to remove the label by applying suction to the non-adhesive side of the label to remove the label from the two-part backing at a first position, wherein the specific sub-bellows is configured to rotate to a second position, and wherein the specific sub-bellows is configured to attach the label to the specific food product when a specific food product is detected at the specific sub-bellows in the second position.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the specific sub-bellows is configured to extend when the label is attached to the specific food product.

34. The system of claim 21, wherein the system comprises a plurality of label applicators arranged to simultaneously label a plurality of food products contained within a single container.

35. The system of claim 21, wherein the food product comprises produce.

Images