Labeling machine, label applying system and method

Abstract

The present application relates to a labeling system (100) for applying a label (148) on an object. The labeling system comprises: a label feeder (110) comprising a label tape having labels on a carrier and a label output to release the labels from the carrier; a labeling machine (120) comprising: an application device (124) having a label receiving surface (125) configured to receive labels from a label output of the label feeder; the label adsorption device (123) is communicated with the label receiving surface (125); and an actuator (121) in operative connection with the application device (124), configured to move the application device (124) between a label receiving position and a label application position. The actuator (121) is configured to: place the application device (124) in the label receiving position such that the label receiving surface (125) is substantially parallel to a label running direction from the label output; and the actuator is configured to move the applying device from the label receiving position to the label applying position when the label feeder drives the carrier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to transferring labels from a source location to an object. In particular, the present application relates to labeling machines and labeling systems, and label application methods. The labeling machines and teachings of the present application may be applied to industrial printers. Although the present application may be described with respect to printers, the present application is not limited to use with printers, and may also be applied to any pre-printed label feeder and applicator device. Background Art

[0002] Labelling machines are used to apply labels to packages or products. In addition to applying labels, some known labelling machines include a label dispenser that supplies pre-printed labels from a source location, and an applicator that applies the pre-printed labels to the items. Other known labelling machines may print information on the label just before applying the printed label to the item. Such labelling machines may be referred to as print and apply labelling machines. In some other known labelling machines, an overprint function may be used to overprint portions of the label before the label is applied.

[0003] The label printer or stand-alone label applicator may include a belt drive that delivers the label web from the supply reel support to the take-up reel support. The belt drive may have a drive roller of known diameter that can be precisely driven to achieve the desired linear movement of the label web along the backing paper path. The label web may be pressed against the drive roller by a pressure roller to reduce the risk of slippage between the drive roller and the label web. The label may be peeled from the moving backing paper by passing the tensioned label web around a label peeling nozzle or peeling sheet or label separation nozzle at a predetermined optimal tension.

[0004] There is a growing demand for sustainable products and solutions at all stages of product manufacturing. Label printers, especially industrial label printers, are used at various points in the production line and are incorporated into sustainability requirements. Industrial label printers are specifically designed for heavy-duty, continuous use in large-scale labeling operations commonly found in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. These printers can produce thousands of labels per day. In addition, industrial label printers can also include label application components, collectively referred to as print and apply (P&A) machines.

[0005] Current P&A machines rely on compressed air for reliable operation. FIG. 1 shows an example label printer 10 in communication with a label applicator portion 11. The applicator portion 11 includes an application surface 12 that receives a label 13 dispensed from the label printer 10 after printing the label. Typically, a stream of compressed air (indicated by arrows) from a nozzle 14 is used to direct or push a label 13 printed by a print head 15 of the label printer to the applicator's surface 12. Without compressed air, the label may move away from the surface and fail to be applied to a product.

[0006] This reliance on compressed air can come with several disadvantages. Firstly, processes using compressed air tend to be less energy efficient. This is mainly due to factors such as heat loss and air leaks. Additionally, there are significant costs associated with maintaining a compressed air system, which further exacerbates these disadvantages.

[0007] In some stand-alone label dispensers or P&A machines, a fan may be used to blow and direct the labels onto the applicator, which requires additional parts.

[0008] There is no completely reliable airless P&A or label supply solution on the market today. This is due to the traditional method of feeding labels from the printer to the applicator. Typically, the labels are fed at an angle away from the applicator surface and then an airflow (compressed air or fan generated) is used to hold the label to the surface, which is called gas assist or supported airflow. Applicators are often equipped with suction solutions, such as negative pressure generated by vacuum or suction fans, to hold the label on the applicator surface during printing and application.

[0009] In this "traditional" method, while labels are printed and fed to the applicator, the applicator remains stationary in a designated "home" position, which is usually located slightly below the dispensing edge or peel bar. Once the printing process is complete, the label is separated from the backing paper or liner and automatically positioned in a position just below the dispensing edge or peel bar, maintaining a safe distance from other labels and backing paper or liner. This separation is critical and can lead to potential errors in the production process if not designed correctly, preventing the label from being easily peeled from the backing paper and being guided and attached to the applicator surface in the label receiving position (home position). This reliable "home" position has been effectively achieved by operating the applicator using pneumatic or other drive components with fixed end positions. This process has proven effective in ensuring consistent and reliable operation.

[0010] As mentioned previously, the applicator can use a vacuum created by compressed air, or use a fan to create a suction effect to hold the label on the applicator surface. However, it is not easy to replace the compressed air used to push the label back into the applicator. Some solutions use fans to replace the support airflow / air assist, but fans are not suitable for creating local high air pressure used to guide the label to the applicator surface. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present application proposes an apparatus and method that eliminates the use of airflow to direct labels onto a portion of the surface of an applicator, thereby reducing the additional parts and costs required to generate and direct compressed air, such as in an applicator or printer.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the above object is achieved by a labeling system configured to apply a label to an object. The labeling system includes: a label feeder including a label strip having a label on a carrier and a label output for releasing the label from the carrier; a labeling machine including: an application device having a label receiving surface configured to receive a label from the label output of the label feeder; a label adsorption device connected to the label receiving surface; and an actuator operatively connected to the application device, configured to move the application device between a label receiving position and a label applying position. The actuator is configured to: place the application device in the label receiving position so that the label receiving surface is substantially parallel to a label running direction from the label output; and the actuator is configured to move the application device from the label receiving position to the label applying position when the label feeder drives the carrier.

[0013] According to a second aspect, the above object is achieved by a labeling machine configured to apply a label to an object. The labeling machine includes: an application device having a label receiving surface, which is configured to receive a label from a label output of a label source; a label adsorption device in communication with the label receiving surface; and an actuator operatively connected to the application device, which is configured to move the application device between a label receiving position and a label applying position. The actuator is configured to: place the application device in the label receiving position so that the label receiving surface is substantially parallel to the label running direction from the label output; and start the movement of the application device from the label receiving position to the label applying position when a label is being fed and not fully received on the label receiving surface.

[0014] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of applying labels to an object by a labelling machine, wherein labels are fed to the labelling machine from a label output. The method comprises: receiving the labels on a label receiving face of the labelling machine substantially parallel to a direction of label travel from the label output; and receiving the labels on a label receiving face of the labelling machine substantially parallel to a direction of label travel from the label output.

[0015] This application offers many advantages, here are some non-exhaustive examples:

[0016] According to some exemplary embodiments, the device of the present application can prevent the next label from colliding with the label on the applicator pad, thereby providing additional safety for label application. The device of the present application saves time in print and apply applications because the label can be applied while the printer continues to print the next label.

[0017] It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the above aspects, the accompanying claims and / or examples disclosed before and after this may be appropriately combined with each other.

[0018] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art directly therefrom or learned by practicing the disclosure described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] With reference to the attached drawings, various aspects of the present application cited as examples will be described in more detail below.With reference to the attached drawings, elements with the same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout the description.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing and applying system according to the prior art;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a printing and application system implementing the methods and apparatus described herein;

[0022] Figure 3 Depicted Figure 2 The enlarged dotted rectangular part in the figure;

[0023] Figure 4-9 Schematically illustrates label feeding according to the teachings of the present application;

[0024] Fig.10 Schematically shows another embodiment of label feeding according to the teachings of the present application;

[0025] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing a sensor device and a controller in an exemplary P&A system according to one aspect of the present application is shown;

[0026] Fig.12 A schematic front view of a label printer according to one aspect of the present application is shown;

[0027] Fig.13 The exemplary steps of the method of the present application are shown; and

[0028] Fig.14 It is shown Fig.11 A block diagram of an exemplary controller in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The term "industrial printer", also known as "industrial-grade printer", used in this article can refer to a class of printers that are specifically designed for heavy-duty printing tasks in industrial environments. These printers are designed to handle high volumes of printing, typically with high speed and accuracy, and are 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, which require efficient and reliable printing solutions. They are often more rugged than standard office printers because they need to withstand harsher conditions and longer operating times.

[0030] Industrial label printers may use different printing technologies depending on the application. Some common types may include:

[0031] - Thermal Transfer Printers (TTP): These printers use heat to transfer ink from a ribbon to a printing material such as a label or tag. They are widely used in barcode printing and labeling applications.

[0032] -Direct Thermal Printers (DTP): These printers use thermal paper that darkens when exposed to heat, creating the desired print. They are often used to print receipts, shipping labels, or temporary labels.

[0033] -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 such as paper, plastic, and metal.

[0034] -Laser Printers: Industrial laser printers use laser technology to create the desired print content. They are typically used for high-speed and high-volume printing applications.

[0035] Industrial printers may also include additional features such as advanced connectivity options, rugged housings, automatic label applicators, inline verification, imaging solutions or integrated systems for data management and control. These features increase their productivity, efficiency and ability to integrate with other industrial processes.

[0036] The term "label" as used herein may include information carrier media that may be made of 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, cardstock, clear transparencies, thermal labels, and specialty materials.

[0037] The term "label backing paper" or "liner" as used herein may include a carrier that can be made of different materials and have different sizes. A carrier may include a protective layer that covers the adhesive side of a label before it is applied to a surface. It is designed to be easily peeled off so that the label can be stuck in place.

[0038] In the following disclosure, reference is made to a "print and apply" application, i.e. an application in which a printer (particularly a label printer, especially an industrial label printer) prints on a label carried on a backing paper and dispenses it to an applicator, which applies the label to a product. However, the applicator may also communicate with a dispenser that dispenses pre-printed labels.

[0039] In the following disclosure, reference is made to a thermal printer that prints on labels using a thermal ribbon. However, the teachings of the present application are applicable to communication with any type of suitable printing technology and / or label dispenser.

[0040] To eliminate the airflow required to direct the label to the applicator surface, it is recommended that:

[0041] - Feeding / printing labels at a small or zero angle, i.e. relative to the receiving surface, so that there is no need to push the label towards the applicator;

[0042] - Control the position of the applicator so that it is in one position during the first part of the feeding / printing process and then moves to a second or intermediate position at the end of the feeding / printing process. This second position can be about 0.1-10 mm, preferably 1-4 mm, most preferably 1-2 mm away from the first position and can be switched to the second position when only 1-3 mm of feeding / printing is left. The distance can be in any direction, depending on the feeding position of the printer-applicator.

[0043] Figure 2 An exemplary P&A system 100 is shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Magnified view of the area indicated by the middle dashed line.

[0044] The exemplary illustrative system 100 includes an exemplary label printer 110 and an exemplary applicator 120 .

[0045] The label printer 110 includes a print head 130 , a label material supply reel 140 mounted on a supply reel support 141 , a take-up reel 142 , a ribbon supply reel 150 , a ribbon take-up reel 151 , and a plurality of rollers 143 , 144 and 145 .

[0046] The label web is passed from the supply reel 140 along a web path 146 around a first roller 143 , around one side of a second roller 145 , around the label peeling nozzle 116 , and wound onto the take-up reel 142 .

[0047] The ribbon extends from the supply spool 150, passes through the printing element (not shown) of the print head 130, and is wound onto the take-up spool 151. During the printing operation, the ink on the ribbon is transferred to the label substrate to be printed. To achieve the transfer of ink, the print head contacts the ribbon, which contacts the label substrate and is pressed against the roller 144.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the number of rollers may be more or less than three. In some exemplary embodiments, the ribbon drive system and the label drive apparatus may include additional components for extending the web.

[0049] The applicator 120 includes an applicator actuator 121 , an applicator arm 122 , a label adsorption device 123 , and an applicator portion 124 including a label receiving surface 125 .

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the applicator actuator 121 may include a motor with a suitable gear configuration to move the actuator arm 122. In another exemplary embodiment, the actuator may include a pneumatic device. In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator arm may be connected to any position on the applicator part. In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator may be mounted on the top or integrated with the arm or applicator.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the label adsorption device 123 may include a vacuum generating pump or a fan, which generates suction through holes (not shown) on the surface of the label receiving surface 125 and adsorbs the label to the surface 125. In some exemplary embodiments, static electricity may be used, that is, the surface 125 may be positively or negatively charged, and the label is oppositely charged, so that it is adsorbed to the surface 125.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, applicator portion 124 can be made of metal or plastic (or a suitable rigid or flexible material) and include an internal lumen for generating and / or distributing a vacuum.

[0053] The system 100 according to the present application is configured to apply a tag 148 to an object (not shown).

[0054] Figure 4 Shown with Figure 3 The same elements with a label 148 being printed and in its path of travel through the peel nozzle 116. The label has begun to be peeled from the moving web by causing the label backing paper to pass under tension around the peel nozzle 116. The applicator portion and its label receiving surface 125 are slightly above the path of travel of the peeled label 148. Obviously, in the case of a label dispenser application, the printhead portion is not present and no printing occurs.

[0055] exist Figure 5In the process, the label 148 is further peeled off and fed with its non-adhesive side to the label receiving surface 125. At this time, the label adsorption device 123 is in operation and adsorbs the label to the surface 125. The adsorption device 123 can be started at a lower power so as not to interfere with the feeding of the label to the surface. In this embodiment, the label is fed at a small or zero angle, that is, relative to the label receiving surface, so there is no need to push the label towards the applicator. In the first part of the feeding / printing process, the applicator is in its first position (label receiving or initial position). The term "initial position" refers to a position of the applicator portion 124 in which the applicator surface is close to the feed point of the printer or label dispenser when receiving a label. Therefore, the initial position is the distance between the applicator surface and the label discharge point, which is at least the thickness of one label.

[0056] according to Figure 6 , the majority of the labels are fed onto the label receiving surface.

[0057] exist Figure 7 In the process of printing, the label is almost completely peeled off the backing paper and moved to the surface. The applicator has started to move to the second position, that is, passing a position substantially aligned with the label feed level, indicated by a dotted line. The detection process of the label end attached to the backing paper will be described in detail below. When only, for example, 1-3 mm of the label remains to be fed / printed, the applicator can start to move to the second position.

[0058] Figure 8 Depicts the end of the feeding / printing process, when only the end edge of the label is attached to the backing paper.

[0059] exist Fig. 9 In the process, the entire label is peeled off from the backing paper, and the applicator has reached its second position, which can be about 0.1-10 mm, preferably 1-4 mm, and most preferably 1-2 mm away from the first position. This distance can be in any direction, depending on the feed position of the printer-applicator.

[0060] After the label applicator receives the entire label, that is, when the label is completely torn off the backing paper, it will continue to move until the label is applied to the surface of the object to be labeled with its adhesive side. When the label is applied, the applicator will reposition to the aforementioned first position to receive a new label.

[0061] Fig.10 Another embodiment of the print and feed portion of an exemplary label printer is shown, wherein the label web path 146 is at a negative angle (with respect to Figure 3 Compared to the print head, the stripping nozzle 116 is directed in the direction of the print head, but is straightened after the print head 130 by the nose 135 having contact and guide surfaces and the front part 1161 of the stripping nozzle 116.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the label may be fed upwardly in the direction of the label receiving surface. The label may also be fed at a small negative angle, i.e. away from the surface of the label receiving surface. Thus, the feeding angle relative to the label receiving surface may be -3°≤feed angle≤10°.

[0063] Fig.11 An exemplary controller 200 configured to control the operation of the applicator 120 is schematically shown. According to this example, the controller receives sensor signals from two sensors 170 and 175. The controller 200 may also receive signals from the printer controller 119. In one embodiment, the controllers 119 and 200 may be merged.

[0064] The sensor 170 is a position sensor for measuring the position or displacement of the arm 122. The sensor 170 may include one of the following, but is not limited to: a potentiometer, a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), an optical encoder, a Hall effect sensor, a capacitive / inductive proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a magnetic encoder, etc.

[0065] The sensor 175 may include a gap sensor for detecting or measuring the distance or gap between two tags. In one example, the sensor 175 may include a transmitter 176 and a receiver 175. The sensor 175 may include one of the following, but is not limited to: an optical sensor, a capacitive / inductive proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, an eddy current sensor, a variable differential transformer (LVDT), or a Hall effect sensor, etc.

[0066] In operation, the sensor(s) 175 detect the gaps between labels and provide a signal to the controller 200. The controller may obtain information regarding the printing speed and the label feed speed from the printer controller 119. By obtaining information regarding when the leading edge of the label 148 passes the sensor 175, the size of the gap between labels (if necessary), the label size (length or width, depending on the label feed direction), and the label feed speed, the controller calculates when to activate the applicator actuator to begin moving the applicator from the home position.

[0067] The controller 200 operates the applicator actuator 121 and receives position information of the applicator arm 122 from the position sensor 170. The position signal may be an absolute signal, i.e., when the applicator arm 122 is at a particular position or displacement, such as information about how the arm is moved. After the label is applied, the process of receiving a new label on the applicator and applying the label may include, for example, Fig.12 The flowchart shows the exemplary steps:

[0068] (1) The controller may receive a signal (or calculate) to determine whether the applicator portion 124 is in an initial position to receive a label;

[0069] (2) if not, the applicator is moved until the controller receives a signal from the sensor 170 confirming the initial position of the applicator and the applicator portion 124 is moved to reach the initial position;

[0070] (3) When the applicator is in the initial position, the controller 200 instructs the printer to print and / or feed labels;

[0071] (4) The controller calculates and monitors the label being fed y=Lx (L=label length, x=predetermined length left on the backing paper) onto the applicator surface;

[0072] (5) When the label is in the y position, the controller instructs the actuator 121 to move the applicator;

[0073] (6) the controller monitors the movement of the applicator until it reaches a second position;

[0074] (7) When the applicator reaches position 2, the label is completely peeled off the backing paper and the applicator is instructed to apply the label to the product;

[0075] (8) The controller monitors the position of the arm 122 to detect whether a label has been applied. Other sensors here can provide additional information about label application.

[0076] (9) When the label application is confirmed, the applicator moves to the initial position.

[0077] Fig.13 An exemplary configuration of a gap sensor 175 for label gap detection according to one embodiment is shown. According to the configuration, a media sensor 175 including two parts, namely a transmitter part for sending signals and a receiver part 175 for receiving signals, is arranged in such a way that one part is located in a part below the path through which the label network passes, and the other part of the sensor is located at a position where at least two parts form a triangle vertex and the signal path forms a triangle side, so that the vertex angle is different from 90 degrees. The transmitter part can be arranged on the bottom support member 117, and the receiver is arranged on the support wall plate 118.

[0078] Fig.142 is a block diagram of an exemplary controller 200 described above. The controller 200 may include a bus 210, a processor 220, a memory 230, a read-only memory (ROM) 240, a storage device 250, an input device 260, an output device 270, and a communication interface 280. The bus 210 allows communication between the components of the controller 200. The bus can be any of several 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 200 may also include one or more power supplies (not shown). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the controller 200 may be configured in a variety of other ways and may include other or different elements.

[0079] Processor 220 may include any type of processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes instructions. For example, processor 220 may include 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 distributed processing component group, a distributed computer group configured for processing, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor may also include computer executable code that controls the operation of the programmable device. Processor 220 may also include logic that can receive and compile instructions and interpret different signals, and may also generate outputs to, for example, speakers, displays, etc.

[0080] The memory 230 may include a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device for storing information and instructions for execution by the processor 220. The memory 230 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processor 220. The memory 230 may be one or more devices for storing data and / or computer code that completes or facilitates the methods described herein. The memory may include a database component, an object code component, a script component, or other types of information structures to support various activities herein. Any distributed or local memory device may be used in conjunction with the system and method of this description. The memory may be connected to the processor device in communication (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 240 (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 the desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer or other machine with a processor. A basic input / output system (BIOS) may be stored in the non-volatile memory 240 and may include basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the controller.

[0081] ROM 240 may include conventional ROM devices and / or other static storage devices for storing static information and instructions for processor 220. Storage device 250 may include a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding drive and / or some other type of magnetic or optical recording medium and its corresponding drive for storing information and instructions. Storage device 250 may also include a flash memory (e.g., an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) device for storing information and instructions.

[0082] The input device 260 may include one or more conventional mechanisms that allow a user to input information to the controller 200, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a directional key, a mouse, a pen, voice recognition, a touch screen, and / or a biometric recognition mechanism, etc. The output device 270 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 280 may include any transceiver-like mechanism that enables the controller 200 to communicate with other devices and / or systems. For example, the communication interface 280 may include a modem or an Ethernet interface connected to a LAN. Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface 280 may also include other mechanisms, such as a serial or parallel port or for communicating over a network (such as 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.

[0083] The controller 200 consistent with the present application provides a platform through which to control various functions of the applicator independently or in combination with the printer. The controller 200 can also display printer-related information related to the label application status.

[0084] According to an exemplary implementation, the controller 200 can execute various processes in response to the processor 220 executing the instruction sequence contained in the memory 230. These instructions can be read into the memory 230 from another computer-readable medium (such as storage device 250) or from a separate device through the communication interface 280. It should be understood that the computer-readable medium may include one or more memory devices or carrier waves. Executing the instruction sequence contained in the memory 230 causes the processor 220 to perform the operations described. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuits can be used instead of or in combination with software instructions to implement aspects consistent with the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0085] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific aspects and are not intended to limit the present application. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items. It should also be understood that when the terms "include", "comprise", "have" and / or "contain" are used herein, it indicates the presence of the features, whole pieces, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, whole pieces, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0086] 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.

[0087] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms and the terms discussed above are intended to include 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. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0088] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art 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 this specification and the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0089] Software and web implementations of various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented through standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish various database search steps or processes, correlation 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 include implementations using one or more lines of software code, and / or hardware implementations, and / or devices for receiving manual input.

[0090] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the above aspects and the 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. Aspects have been disclosed in the drawings and the specification 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 system (100) configured to apply a label (148) to an object, the labeling system comprising: - a label feeder (110) comprising a label web having labels on a carrier and a label output for releasing the labels from the carrier; - a labelling machine (120), comprising: - an application device (124) having a label receiving surface (125) configured to receive a label from a label output of said label feeder; - a label adsorption device (123) in communication with the label receiving surface (125); and - an actuator (121) operatively connected to the application device (124) and configured to move the application device (124) between a label receiving position and a label application position; Wherein, the actuator (121) is configured as: - placing the application device (124) in the label receiving position so that the label receiving surface (125) is substantially parallel to the direction of label travel from the label output; and The actuator is configured to move the application device from the label receiving position to the label applying position when the label feeder drives the carrier.

2. The labeling system according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is further configured to start moving the application device from the label receiving position to the label application position when an end of the label contacts the carrier.

3. A labelling system according to claim 1 or 2, configured to move the application device (124) from the label receiving position to the label application position, wherein the positions are located on opposite sides of the label output.

4. A labelling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The label adsorption device (123) is one or more of a fan, a vacuum generating device or an electrostatic charging device.

5. The labeling system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller (200) configured to control the movement of the application device.

6. The labeling system according to claim 5, wherein: The controller (200) is configured to communicate with a controller of the label feeder and receive a control signal from the label feeder.

7. A labelling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The feeding angle α of the label feeder relative to the label receiving surface is -3°<α<+10°, preferably -1°<α<+1°, wherein the direction of the positive angle is toward the label receiving position.

8. A labelling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The label supplier is a label dispenser.

9. A labelling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The label feeder is a label printer.

10. The labeling system according to claim 9, wherein: The label printer is an industrial label printer.

11. A labelling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The label feeder includes a label peeling portion having a surface configured to peel a label from the carrier, and the label peeling portion is arranged substantially parallel to the label receiving surface.

12. A labeling machine (120) configured to apply a label (148) to an object, the labeling machine comprising: - an application device (124) having a label receiving surface (125) configured to receive labels from a label output of a label source; - a label adsorption device (123) in communication with the label receiving surface (125); and - an actuator (121) operatively connected to the application device (124) and configured to move the application device (124) between a label receiving position and a label application position; Wherein, the actuator (121) is configured as: - placing the application device (124) in the label receiving position so that the label receiving surface (125) is substantially parallel to the direction of label travel from the label output; as well as - initiating movement of the applying means from the label receiving position to the label applying position while a label is being fed and not fully received on the label receiving face.

13. A labelling machine according to claim 12, arranged to move the application device (124) from the label receiving position to the label application position, wherein the positions are located on opposite sides of the label output.

14. A labelling machine according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a controller (200) configured to control movement of the application device.

15. The labeling machine according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The label adsorption device (123) is one or more of a fan, a vacuum generating device or an electrostatic charging device.

16. A method of applying labels to an object by means of a labelling machine (120), wherein labels are supplied to the labelling machine from a label output, the method comprising: - receiving the label on a label receiving surface of the labelling machine substantially parallel to the direction of travel of labels from said label output; as well as - receiving the labels on a label receiving surface of the labelling machine substantially parallel to the direction of travel of labels from said label output.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: - determining whether the label receiving surface is in a label receiving position to receive a label; - if the label receiving surface is not in the label receiving position, moving the label receiving surface until the label receiving surface is in the label receiving position and receiving a label from the label feeder; - feeding the label by the label feeder to the label receiving surface by a distance y, wherein y=Lx, L=label length, x=predetermined length to be left on the label carrier; - moving the label receiving surface when the label is in the y position, and continuing to move the label receiving surface until the label is peeled off from the carrier; - continue moving until the label is applied; and - returning the label receiving surface to the label receiving position.

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