Labeling machine and carrier

Abstract

The present application discloses a labeling machine (10) comprising: a label applicator device (12); a support structure (110); the invention provides a lifting mechanism (100). The lifting mechanism comprises: a driving system comprising a driving shaft (219); at least two belts (215, 216) operably connected to the drive shaft (219) and configured to displace the label applicator device substantially vertically along the support structure; a counterweight (2241) mechanically connected to one end of the at least two belts; and at least two tensioners (207, 208, 209, 210) associated with each belt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a labelling machine, and more particularly to a labelling machine and a carrier or lifting device for applying labels to an object in a vertical direction. The device of the present invention can generally be used in conjunction with an industrial printer, and in particular with a label printer. Background Art

[0002] Labeling machines are used to apply labels to packages or products. Some known labeling machines include a label dispenser that provides pre-printed labels from a source and an applicator that applies the pre-printed labels to the items. Other known labeling machines can print information on the label immediately before applying the printed label to the item. Such labeling machines may be referred to as print and apply (P&A) labelers. In some other known labeling machines, an overprinting function may be used to overprint portions of the label before the label is applied. At many production sites, products are packaged and placed on pallets. The height of the packages on the pallet may vary. When labeling products on a pallet, especially when labeling automatically, the challenge is to access different locations on the package, especially vertical locations, which requires a lift. Many lifts operate using compressed air. Currently, there is an increasing focus on sustainability, which requires compressed air-free solutions. The design of a compressed air-free lift is important for the following reasons:

[0003] Energy Efficiency: Compressed air systems consume a lot of energy, leading to increased operating costs. By eliminating the need for compressed air in the lift design, energy consumption can be reduced, resulting in increased energy efficiency and cost savings.

[0004] Environmental impact: Compressed air generation typically requires the use of environmentally polluting energy sources, such as fossil fuels. Minimizing or eliminating reliance on compressed air in lift design can help reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a greener and more sustainable environment.

[0005] Maintenance and Reliability: Compressed air systems involve complex components such as compressors, filters and valves that require regular maintenance and upkeep. Designing a lift without compressed air simplifies the system and reduces the number of components that can fail or require maintenance. This can increase the reliability and uptime of the lift, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

[0006] -Safety: Compressed air systems present potential safety risks, such as leaks, ruptures, or sudden pressure releases. By eliminating or reducing the use of compressed air in lift design, the associated safety hazards can be mitigated, creating a safer working environment for operators and users.

[0007] -Simplified Design and Installation: Lift designs that do not use compressed air can be simpler and more streamlined. They typically involve fewer components, simpler control systems, and a simpler installation process. This simplification can shorten installation time, reduce complexity during construction or retrofitting, and improve overall system performance.

[0008] - Reduced noise: Compressed air systems generate noise due to the operation of compressors, valves, and other pneumatic components. By eliminating or reducing reliance on compressed air, elevator designs can create a quieter, more comfortable environment for users and nearby passengers.

[0009] In summary, the design of compressed air-free elevators has advantages in energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, maintenance and reliability, safety, simplified design and installation, and reduced noise. These advantages make such elevator designs more cost-effective, more environmentally friendly, and more humane, helping to improve the overall performance of elevators.

[0010] To overcome these challenges, adopting appropriate labeling technology and automation solutions can help improve the efficiency and accuracy of product labeling on pallets. Therefore, one challenge is to design a lifting device that is safe, fast, consumes minimal power, does not use compressed air, and is compact. Summary of the invention

[0011] The disclosed labeling and lifting device provides solutions to the aforementioned challenges and provides a reliable and fast lifting device that can also be operated by a motor, ensuring the use of low and safe forces, low cost and low power consumption.

[0012] According to a first aspect, there is provided a labelling machine comprising: a label applicator device; a support structure; a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism comprising: a drive system, the drive system comprising a drive shaft, at least two belts, the at least two belts being operably connected to the drive shaft and configured to displace the label applicator device substantially vertically along the support structure; a counterweight, the counterweight being mechanically connected to one end of the at least two belts; and at least two tensioners associated with each belt.

[0013] According to a second aspect, there is provided a controller for controlling the operation of a labelling machine according to the first aspect.

[0014] According to a third aspect, there is provided a printing and applying system comprising a labelling machine and a label printer according to the first aspect.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect, an arm assembly is disclosed, comprising: a support structure; a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism comprises: a drive system, comprising a drive shaft, at least two belts, the at least two belts being operably connected to the drive shaft and configured to move an object substantially vertically along the support structure; a counterweight, the counterweight being mechanically connected to one end of the at least two belts; and at least two tensioners associated with each belt. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above aspects, the accompanying claims and / or the examples disclosed herein above and below may be appropriately combined with each other.

[0016] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims and drawings, and some features and advantages will be obvious to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure described herein. This article also discloses a control unit, a computer-readable medium and a computer program product related to the above technical advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] With reference to the accompanying drawings, aspects of the present application cited as examples will be described in more detail below. With reference to the accompanying drawings, elements with the same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout.

[0018] Figure 1A and Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of a printing and applying system including a lifting device according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A or a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lifting device in 1B;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 View along line AA.

[0021] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary controller used in an apparatus according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the following disclosure, the lifting and supporting device will be described with reference to label and printed label applications. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the device has the potential for use in many other applications.

[0023] The term "industrial printer," also known as "industrial-grade printer," as used in this article can refer to types of printers that are specifically designed for heavy-duty printing tasks in industrial environments. These types of printers are designed to handle high volumes of printing, are typically fast, highly accurate, and able to print on a variety of materials such as paper, cardboard, labels, plastics, and metals. Industrial printers as referred to in this article are typically used in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and retail that require efficient, reliable printing solutions. They are often more rugged than standard office printers because they need to withstand harsher conditions and longer operating times.

[0024] Industrial label printers may use different printing technologies depending on the application. Some common types may include:

[0025] - Thermal Transfer Printers (TTP): These printers use heat to transfer the ink from the ribbon to the printing material, such as labels or tags. They are widely used in barcode printing and labeling applications.

[0026] - Direct Thermal Printers (DTP): These printers use thermal paper that turns black when exposed to heat, printing the desired pattern. They are often used to print receipts, shipping labels, or temporary labels.

[0027] -Inkjet printers: Industrial inkjet printers use inkjet technology to eject tiny droplets of ink onto a printing surface. They can print high-resolution images and are suitable for printing on a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, and metal.

[0028] -Laser Printers: Industrial laser printers use laser technology to create the desired prints. They are typically used for high-speed and high-volume printing applications, such as printing documents or product packaging.

[0029] - Thermal transfer printer (TTO printer): TTO printer uses thermal transfer printing method. The printer has a thermal print head, which contains a series of tiny heating elements. When the print head comes into contact with the thermal transfer ribbon (also called TTR or ink ribbon) and the packaging material, it selectively heats the ribbon to transfer the ink to the substrate, thus producing the desired print effect.

[0030] Industrial printers may also include additional features, such as advanced connectivity options, rugged housings, automatic label applicators, or integrated systems for data management and control. These features can increase their productivity, efficiency, and integration with other industrial processes.

[0031] The term "label" as used herein may include information carrier media that may be made from a variety of materials, depending on the specific requirements and application. Some common materials used for printer labels may include (but are not limited to): paper, synthetic materials, card stock, clear transparencies, thermal labels, and specialty materials.

[0032] Figure 1A and 1B 1 is a schematic diagram of a labeling system 10 including a lifting device 100 according to the present invention at an exemplary production site. A pallet conveyor 20 transports a pallet 21 loaded with goods 22 through a labeling station. In this case, the pallets are stacked together.

[0033] If it is a printing and applying system or label dispenser (11), the system 10 may include an industrial label printer 11 and a label applicator 12, such as the label applicator system disclosed in a parallel application entitled "Label Applicator Device and Method" (application number PCT / EP2023 / 071289), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] The lifting device 100 comprises a substantially tubular support structure or column 110, a drive housing 120, an outer carrier 130 and at least one carrier belt 140. According to the example, the column 110 is fixed, for example, to the floor of the production site, via end beams 15. However, the lifting device can also be arranged to be mobile, for example on a mobile platform of an AGV or the like.

[0035] In this example, the label printer 11 is arranged on a separate support structure 19 and is stationary, while the label applicator body 12 is arranged on an external carrier of the lifting device 100. In operation, the label printer 11 receives a signal from the controller ( Figure 1A-1B The label applicator 12 receives a label labeling signal and moves to the label receiving position through its label applicator arm 13 with a labeling pad 14 from the label printer 11 and receives the label. If the labeling position is in the correct vertical position, it swings its arm and applies the label to the item in the correct position on the pallet. If the labeling position is higher or lower, the lifting device 100 receives a signal from the controller to reposition the label applicator and reposition the label applicator to the correct vertical position for labeling, such as Figure 1B The lift repositions the applicator to the same height as the printer and label receiving station to receive new labels.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the printer may also be arranged on the same lift as the applicator or on a separate lift.

[0037] Figure 2 The enlarged circled portion in FIG. 1 is schematically shown, showing a cross-sectional view of a portion of the drive housing 120 and the column 110 . Figure 3 is along Figure 2 The lifting device 100 includes sensors 201-204 (sensors 202 and 204 are in the Figure 2 ), at least two springs 205 / 206 (spring 206 on the back is not shown), a first tensioner 207 (tensioner 208 on the back is not shown), a tensioner 209 on the second side (tensioner 210 on the back is not shown), a system controller 103, a motor 212, at least two redundant belts 215 and 216, a brake 217, a pulse encoder 218, a main drive shaft 219, a calibration sensor 222, a magnet 223, an internal carrier 224, a counterweight 2241, and a drive belt 225. The drive belts 215 and 216 may include any other drive means, such as a chain, etc. In Figure 2 In the drawings, each belt has a path that extends around the drive shaft (the underside of the shaft in the figure, so to speak), continuing to the pulleys or bearings 2071 and 2091 of the tensioner on the left and right side of the drive shaft 219 before the belt is connected to the lifting carrier 130 and 224. The tensioner can have a stop device to limit the bearing movement.

[0038] Here, the first and second tensioners refer to the direction in which the belt moves toward or away from the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates, and can be changed.

[0039] The inner carrier 224 includes a counterweight 2241 of a balancing system. At least two redundant belts 215 and 216 connect the inner and outer carriers 224 and 130. The counterweight 2241 maintains tension in the belts 215 and 216. The motor 212 is connected to the main drive shaft 219 that drives both belts. As described above, each belt 215 / 216 includes one tensioner 207 / 208 on a first side of the main drive shaft 219 and one tensioner on a second side 209 / 210 of the main drive shaft. If both belts 215 and 216 are adjusted equally, all tensioners remain in their fully compressed position during normal operation. If there is a slight difference in the belt adjustment, the tensioner will maintain tension in the less tensioned belt. Two springs 205 and 206 are provided to maintain tension in the tensioners.

[0040] All four tensioners may have respective sensors 201, 202, 203 and 204 for detecting when each respective tensioner has reached its fully decompressed position. This may only occur when starting a check procedure and belt braking.

[0041] Typically, the primary function of a tensioner is to counteract the natural relaxation or elongation of a belt, chain, or other flexible element over time due to wear, temperature changes, or other factors. By applying and maintaining the correct tension, the tensioner ensures proper operation and prevents the system from slipping, excessive vibration, or premature wear. In some exemplary embodiments, a spring tensioner may be used.

[0042] The brake 217 is arranged to engage on the main drive shaft 219 in the event of a power failure or fault, thereby holding the outer carrier 130 in place when the lifting device is closed. In one embodiment, for example, when a fault occurs, a signal can be transmitted to the production line to stop the production line to prevent product damage, operator / personnel risk, etc.

[0043] The motor 219 drives the main drive shaft via a reduction drive belt 225 (or other transmission device).

[0044] The system controller 103 continuously compares the motor drive motion with the result read out by the pulse encoder 218 on the main drive shaft 219. If at any time there is a significant deviation, the brake is activated and the lock lift is locked / disabled. Another solution is to use a distance sensor to check if the internal carrier is moving according to the motor motion.

[0045] A plurality of wheels, bearings or casters 250 may be provided on the interior, exterior and counterweight to support and / or facilitate mobility and maneuverability of the components.

[0046] Thanks to the selection of a counterweight that is properly balanced with the load, the lifting device can be operated with a motor / actuator, ensuring operation with low and safe forces, low cost and low power consumption.

[0047] A calibration sensor 222 (e.g. of the Hall type or any other sensor that detects the presence and magnitude of a magnetic field) detects when the external carrier approaches its upper position. Therefore, for this purpose, a magnet 223 is placed in the external carrier. This sensor is used during the start-up process to ensure that, for example, belt wear does not affect the positioning of the external carrier. Of course, other detection methods can be used, such as distance measurement, laser sensors or similar methods.

[0048] All sensors provide sensor data to the system controller, and the motors as well as the brakes are controlled by the system controller.

[0049] A safety check procedure may be performed at each startup, for example including the following steps:

[0050] 1. Check the brake and transmission. Activate the brake and run the motor. Make sure that the bracket and belt are not moving, for example, check whether a corresponding angle change is detected on the main drive shaft. If both the motor and the main drive shaft are moving, the brake is faulty. If the motor is moving but the main drive shaft is not moving, the transmission is faulty / the drive belt is broken. When the motor is directly connected to the main drive shaft, you can ensure that the brake is working properly by making sure that the motor drive shaft does not respond to motor activation.

[0051] 2. Check the second tensioner sensor 203 and 204. Run the outer carriage until the inner carriage, along with the counterweight, reaches its bottom position. Make sure that both sensors 203 and 204 transition from the deactivated state to the activated state due to low belt tension. During this operation, the calibration sensor is checked, which the system uses as a reference point for the position of the outer carriage. The sensor is placed so that it should pass the outer carriage near the top. If this does not happen, the belt is too long or the calibration sensor is faulty. However, the outer carriage must not pass the calibration sensor too much either, as this indicates that the belt is too short. When the belt is too short, the outer carriage will reach its upper stop position, which will prevent the inner carriage from reaching its bottom position and this safety check point will be invalidated. In this step, the pulse encoder is checked. If any of sensors 203 and 204 or the calibration sensor 222 transitions without pulses from the pulse encoder, it means that the pulse encoder is faulty. In summary, this step will ensure that sensors 203 and 204 and the pulse encoder are functioning properly, check that the belt is the correct length, check that the calibration sensor is functioning properly, and set a position reference for the external carrier.

[0052] 3. Check output tensioner sensors 201 and 202. Run the outer bracket to its bottom position and ensure that sensors 201 and 202 transition from the deactivated state to the activated state due to low belt tension.

[0053] 4. Calibrate the motor force expected to be applied. Record the current usage throughout the process to get a baseline of expected resistance. Use this method to detect blockages during normal operation.

[0054] As mentioned above, the operation of the lifting device is controlled by the controller, including controlling the drive motor, receiving sensor or encoder signals from various sensors or communicating with, for example, the printer and applicator device. The controller can be independent or part of the field controller.

[0055] A user interface may also be provided that communicates with the controller, allowing configuration settings, speed adjustment and monitoring of the lifting operation.

[0056] For these purposes, a sensor system may be included in the lifting device and / or in the disclosed print and apply or label only application scenarios, including optical sensors, proximity sensors, or a combination thereof to accurately detect the presence and positioning of an object to enable efficient label application.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, a lock or pin may be provided for servicing in the upper position to allow removal of the applicator, thereby upsetting the balance, and the pin / lock may allow the operator to work in a low position, thereby reducing lift forces, for example, to avoid injury therefrom.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, two or more drive shafts may be used to operate the belt.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, a lifting device may be employed to carry / lift one or more of a marking device, a printer (eg, a laser printer, an inkjet printer), or any other operating device.

[0060] Figure 4 An exemplary controller 103 is schematically shown. The controller 103 can communicate with various sensors of the printer, such as encoders for motors 132, 152, 162, and 170. The controller can be independent or part of the printer controller mentioned above. The controller 103 described above (in which the methods and systems described herein can be implemented) can include a bus 1310, a processor 1032, a memory 1033, a read-only memory (ROM) 1034, a storage device 1350, an input device 1035, an output device 1037, and a communication interface 1038. The bus 1031 allows communication between components of the controller 103. The bus can be any of several types of bus structures, which can be further interconnected to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and / or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The controller 103 can also include one or more power supplies (not shown). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the controller 103 can be configured in a variety of other ways and can include other or different elements.

[0061] The processor 1032 may include any type of processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes instructions. The processor 1032 may include, for example, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a circuit containing a processing component, a group of distributed processing components, a group of distributed computers configured for processing, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of functions designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor may also include computer executable code that controls the operation of the programmable device. The processor 1032 may also include logic that can receive and compile instructions and interpret different signals and generate outputs to, for example, speakers, displays, etc.

[0062] Memory 1033 may include random access memory (RAM) or another dynamic storage device for storing information and instructions for execution by processor 1032. Memory 1033 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by processor 1032. Memory 1033 may be one or more devices for storing data and / or computer code to complete or facilitate the methods described herein. Memory may include database components, object code components, script components, or other types of information structures for supporting various activities described herein. Any distributed or local memory device may be used with the systems and methods of this specification. Memory may be communicatively connected to a processor device (e.g., via a circuit or any other wired, wireless, or network connection), and may include computer code for executing one or more processes described herein. The memory may include non-volatile memory 1034 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.) and volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and accessed by a computer or other machine with a processor. A basic input / output system (BIOS) may be stored in the non-volatile memory 1034 and may include basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the controller.

[0063] ROM 1034 may include conventional ROM devices and / or other static storage devices for storing static information and instructions for processor 1032. Storage device 1350 may include a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding drive and / or some other type of magnetic or optical recording medium for storing information and instructions and its corresponding drive. Storage device 1350 may also include a flash memory (e.g., an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) device for storing information and instructions.

[0064] The input device 1035 may include one or more conventional mechanisms for allowing a user to input information to the controller 103, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a directional pad, a mouse, a pen, voice recognition, a touch screen, and / or a biometric recognition mechanism, etc. The output device 1037 may include one or more conventional mechanisms for outputting information to the user, including a display, a printer, one or more speakers, etc. The communication interface 1038 may include any transceiver-type mechanism that enables the controller 103 to communicate with other devices and / or systems. For example, the communication interface 1038 may include a modem or an Ethernet interface to a LAN. Alternatively, or in addition, the communication interface 1038 may include other mechanisms for communicating over a network (e.g., a wireless network). For example, the communication interface may include a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver and one or more antennas for sending and receiving RF data.

[0065] The controller 103 is consistent with the content of the present application and provides a platform through which various functions of the labeling machine can be controlled independently or in combination with the printer. The controller 103 can also display information related to the labeling status of the printer related information.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 103 may perform various processes in response to the processor 1032 executing the instruction sequence contained in the memory 1033. Such instructions may be read into the memory 1033 from another computer-readable medium (e.g., storage device 1350) or from a separate device through the communication interface 1038. It should be understood that the computer-readable medium may include one or more storage devices or carrier waves. Executing the instruction sequence contained in the memory 1033 causes the processor 1032 to perform the described actions. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuits may be used instead of or in combination with software instructions to implement aspects consistent with the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0067] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude the existence of other elements or steps than those listed, and the word "a" or "an" before an element does not exclude the existence of multiple such elements. It should also be noted that any figure mark does not limit the scope of the claims, the content of the application can be at least partially implemented by hardware and software, and multiple "devices", "units" or "equipment" can be represented by the same hardware.

[0068] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific aspects and are not intended to limit the content of this application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. It should be further understood that the terms "including", "comprising", "containing" used herein specify the presence of the features, whole pieces, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, whole pieces, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0069] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0070] Relative terms such as "lower" or "upper" or "above" or "below" or "horizontally" or "vertically" may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another element as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms and the above terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there can be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0071] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which this application belongs. It should also be understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0072] Software and web implementations of various embodiments of the disclosed methods can be implemented through standard programming techniques, wherein rule-based logic and other logic are employed to implement various database search steps or processes, association steps or processes, comparison steps or processes, and decision steps or processes. It should be noted that the terms "component" and "module" as used herein and in the following claims are intended to cover implementations using one or more lines of software code, and / or hardware implementations, and / or devices for receiving manual input.

[0073] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; on the contrary, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present application and the appended claims. In the drawings and the specification, the disclosed aspects are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and the scope of the inventive concept is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A labeling machine (10), comprising: - a label applicator device (12); - a support structure (110); - a lifting mechanism (100), the lifting mechanism comprising: - a drive system comprising a drive shaft (219), - at least two belts (215, 216) operably connected to the drive shaft (219) and configured to move the label applicator device substantially vertically along the support structure; - a counterweight (2241) mechanically connected to one end of said at least two belts; and - At least two tensioners (207, 208, 209, 210) associated with each belt.

2. The labeling machine according to claim 1, wherein: For each belt, one tensioner is arranged on a first side of the drive shaft (219) and one tensioner is arranged on a second side of the drive shaft.

3. The labeling machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tensioners are configured to adjust each belt equally so that all tensioners remain in a fully compressed position during normal operation.

4. The labeling machine according to claim 3, wherein: The tensioner is configured to maintain tension in the less-tensioned belt in the event of a difference in belt adjustment between the belts.

5. A labelling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor (201, 202, 203, 204) associated with each tensioner.

6. A labelling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a brake (217) configured to engage on the drive shaft.

7. A labelling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The drive system also includes an actuator configured to rotationally drive the drive shaft.

8. A labelling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor (222) configured to detect when a carrier carrying the label applicator approaches its upper position.

9. The labeling machine according to claim 8, wherein: The sensor is configured to detect the presence and magnitude of a magnetic field.

10. A controller for controlling the operation of a labelling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A controller according to claim 10, arranged to continuously compare the actuator drive movement with readings from a pulse encoder (218) on the drive shaft (219) and to activate the brakes in the event of significant deviation.

12. A printing and applying system comprising a labelling machine and a label printer (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A lifting assembly, comprising: - a support structure (110); - A lifting mechanism (100), comprising: - a drive system comprising a drive shaft (219), - at least two belts (215, 216) operably connected to the drive shaft (219) and configured to move the object substantially vertically along the support structure; - a counterweight (2241) mechanically connected to one end of said at least two belts; and - At least two tensioners (207, 208, 209, 210) associated with each belt.

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