Labeling conveyor system and labeling method

Abstract

A labeling conveyor system and a method for labeling parcels at high throughput are provided. A split conveyor selectively directs parcels to different labeling machines according to predetermined parcel characteristics such as height. A parcel sensor determines the characteristic of each parcel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to powered conveyors, and more particularly to conveyor systems and methods for affixing labels to packages being conveyed by a labeling machine. Background Technology

[0002] The trend of online shopping has driven the development of the logistics industry. Accurate and rapid order delivery requires efficient material handling in warehouses, distribution centers, and last-mile delivery hubs. In some material handling systems, a continuous stream of packages is tagged and conveyed to delivery teams, who then sort the packages based on the information on the tags. Because packages vary in height (including shorter ones), labelers are positioned above the conveyor and affix labels to the top of the packages. However, to accommodate packages of different heights, the labelers must move vertically to get close enough to each package to correctly affix the label, and then move upwards if necessary to avoid colliding with the next taller package. This vertical movement, necessary to effectively label packages of varying heights, is a major bottleneck limiting system throughput. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A conveyor system embodying the features of the present invention includes a diversion conveyor, a package sensor, an actuator, and a first labeling machine and a second labeling machine. The diversion conveyor extends in width from a first side to a second side and includes a conveyor belt that advances from upstream to downstream along a conveying direction. The diversion conveyor has a diversion element that engages with packages. The package sensor identifies characteristics of each package. The actuator engages the diversion element to selectively guide each package across the width of the conveyor belt to a first lateral position or a different second lateral position, depending on the identified package characteristics. The first labeling machine is positioned along the diversion conveyor to affix a label to the package at the first lateral position; and the second labeling machine is positioned along the diversion conveyor to affix a label to the package at the second lateral position.

[0004] Another version of a conveyor system for labeling packages includes: an alignment conveyor that aligns packages along a first side of the alignment conveyor; and a diversion conveyor that extends in width from the first side to a second side. The diversion conveyor includes a conveyor belt that advances from upstream to downstream along a conveying direction. The conveyor belt includes freely rotatable package support conveyor rollers rotatable about an axis parallel to the conveying direction. The diversion conveyor receives aligned packages from the alignment conveyor along the first side of the diversion conveyor. A first labeling machine positioned along the diversion conveyor affixes a label to the package conveyed along the first side of the diversion conveyor. A second labeling machine positioned along the diversion conveyor affixes a label to the package conveyed along the second side of the diversion conveyor. A plowshare raised above the diversion conveyor along the first side has a gap height that allows packages shorter than the gap height to pass through to reach the first labeling machine and prevents packages taller than the gap height from passing through. The plow-like object has an inclined upstream surface that diverts packages blocked above the conveyor rollers toward the second side of the diversion conveyor for labeling by the second labeling machine.

[0005] Another version of a conveyor system includes: a diversion conveyor extending in width from a first side to a second side; and a package height sensor that measures the height of each package. The diversion conveyor includes a conveyor belt advancing from upstream to downstream along a conveying direction and has package-supporting conveyor belt rollers capable of rotating about an axis parallel to the conveying direction. An actuator having an angle-adjustable actuated roller contacting the conveyor belt rollers selectively changes the direction of rotation of the conveyor belt rollers toward the first side or the second side to selectively guide each package across the width of the conveyor belt to a first lateral position or a different second lateral position, depending on the height of each package. A first labeler is positioned along the diversion conveyor to affix labels to packages at the first lateral position that are below a predetermined height. A second labeler is positioned along the diversion conveyor to affix labels to packages at the second lateral position that are above the predetermined height.

[0006] A method for labeling various types of parcels, the method comprising: (a) determining the height of each parcel in a parcel flow; (b) comparing the height of each parcel with a predetermined height; (c) conveying each parcel with a height less than the predetermined height to a first labeling machine, the first labeling machine affixing a label to the top of the parcel from above; and (d) conveying each parcel with a height greater than the predetermined height to a second labeling machine, the second labeling machine affixing a label to one side of the parcel. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a top plan view of one version of a labeling conveyor system embodying the features of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 This is an isometric drawing of another version of the labeling conveyor system that embodies the features of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged isometric view of the transmission section of the labeling conveyor system.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Isometric drawing of the labeling machine in the labeling conveyor system.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A front view of the labeling conveyor system.

[0012] Figure 6 This is an isometric drawing of another version of the labeling conveyor system that embodies the features of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A top view of the labeling conveyor system.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the diversion conveyor in the labeling conveyor system.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a top plan view of a portion of another version of the diversion conveyor in a labeling conveyor system, where a section of the conveyor belt is cut to show the centering actuator.

[0016] Figure 10 It has a reject label chute Figure 6 Isometric drawing of the labeling conveyor system.

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A top view of the labeling conveyor system.

[0018] Figure 12 This is an isometric drawing of a slatted labeling conveyor system that embodies the features of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Isometric view of the slats of the slat-type labeling conveyor system.

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 Isometric view of a portion of the actuator system of a slatted labeling conveyor system.

[0021] Figure 15 This is an isometric drawing of a cross-belt labeling conveyor system that embodies the features of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Isometric drawing of the bracket of a cross-conveyor belt labeling conveyor system.

[0023] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 An isometric view of a cross-conveyor belt labeling conveyor system, in which multiple labelers are located on each side of the conveyor. Detailed Implementation

[0024] One version of the labeling conveyor system is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, system 20 includes a feed conveyor 22 that feeds packages to a diversion conveyor 24 that extends in width from a first side 26 to a second side 27. The diversion conveyor 24 includes two side-by-side conveyor belts 28 and 29 with different widths and lengths. However, the two conveyor belts 28 and 29 may have the same length or width. Alternatively, the diversion conveyor 24 may be implemented using a single conveyor belt extending in width from the first side 26 to the second side 27. Both the feed conveyor 22 and the diversion conveyor 24 transport packages from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction 30.

[0025] Throughout the description and claims, the term "package" is used as a general term to encompass packaging, cartons, boxes, plastic bags, flat mail, envelopes, and any container to be disposed of.

[0026] A package scanner 32 (such as a camera or barcode reader) scans a package as it passes over the feed conveyor 22. The scanned information is transmitted to the controller 34 via data line 33 to identify each package. When a package passes the measurement position 38 on the feed conveyor 22, a package height sensor 36 measures the height of the package. The height measurement result is transmitted to the controller 34 via data line 39.

[0027] The controller 34 can be a single programmable processor or a network of two or more processors. This controller executes program steps in an associated program memory to identify each package, record the height of each package, and compare the height of each package with a predetermined height. If the height of the package is less than the predetermined height, the controller 34 sends a signal via control line 40 to the actuator in the diversion conveyor 24 to guide the package to a first lateral position, thereby receiving a label from the first labeler 42. Conversely, if the height of the package exceeds the predetermined height, the controller 34 sends a signal via control line 40 to the actuator to guide the package to a second lateral position, thereby receiving a label from the second labeler 44. Utilizing knowledge of the speeds of the conveyors 22, 24 from the shaft encoder, such as the lateral position of the packages when they are fed onto the diversion conveyors and the package markings, the controller 34 precisely tracks the packages and controls their trajectories on the diversion conveyors.

[0028] In this example, a first labeler 42, located on the first side 26 of the diversion conveyor 24, is positioned above the conveyor to affix a label to the top of a short package as it passes by. A second labeler 44, located on the second side 27 of the diversion conveyor 24, affixes a label to the outermost part of a tall package. However, similar to the first labeler 42, the second labeler 44 can be positioned above the diversion conveyor 24 to affix a label to the top of a taller package. Although the two labelers 42, 44 are shown as being located on the first side 26 and the second side 27 of the diversion conveyor 24, the first lateral labeling position or the second lateral labeling position can be positioned closer to the center of the diversion conveyor, provided that the labeler is a top labeler. The diversion conveyor can even have a third package height range and guide packages within that range to the third lateral labeling position and onto the third labeler. After the label is affixed to the short package by the first labeler 42, the first conveyor belt 28 diverts the package to the second conveyor belt 29 for downstream processing. The controller 34 assigns labels to packages and signals the labeler via label control line 46 to affix the assigned labels as the packages pass by. The controller 34 also controls a downstream actuator that guides the low-profile packages to the second conveyor belt 29 after the labels have been affixed.

[0029] Although in this example, controller 34 is shown receiving information from both package scanner 32 and package height sensor 36, a scanner could be used instead of a height sensor if package characteristics other than height are used to separate packages for labeling. For example, scanner 32 could be used to measure package size, package length, or package type, such as corrugated boxes or plastic bags, and the packages assigned to the labeling machines by controller 34 based on these characteristics. Alternatively, controller 34 could count packages sequentially based solely on the package number indicated by scanner 32 as they pass the package sensor on feed conveyor 22, directing each odd-numbered package to the first labeling machine 42 and each even-numbered package to the second labeling machine 44. Therefore, either package scanner 32 or package height sensor 36 could be used alone or together as a package sensor, sending a package sensor signal identifying the characteristics of each package to the controller.

[0030] Figures 2 to 5 The labeling conveyor system separates packages by height without using package height sensors. Instead, plowshares 50 are positioned along a first side 52 of a diversion conveyor 54, which includes a conveyor belt 55 having package support rollers 56 that rotate freely about an axis of rotation extending parallel to the conveying direction 58. The plowshares 50 are spaced apart by a gap 60 above the top of the conveyor rollers 56. A feed alignment conveyor 61 aligns the package flow so that packages collide with or pass under the plowshares. The height of the gap 60 allows low packages 62 to pass under the plowshares 50. After passing through the gap 60, the low packages 62 are labeled by a first labeler 64. The labeler 64 affixes a label to the top of the low package at a first lateral position across the width of the diversion conveyor 54. The plowshares 50 prevent high packages 63 from being accommodated by the gap 60. The front face 66 of the plowshare 50 is inclined toward the conveying direction 58, and the freely rotating conveyor roller 56 across the conveyor belt 55 guides the intercepted high package 63 to the second side 53 of the diversion conveyor belt 54. The conveyor roller 56 is not rotated by an actuator. As the conveyor belt 55 advances along the conveying direction 58, the anti-inclination front face 66 of the plowshare 50 causes the conveyor roller 56 to contact the bottom of the high package 63, rotating the package toward the second side 53 and translating the package toward that second side. After the high package 63 has traveled past the inclined face 66 of the plowshare, the momentum of the package further carries the package on top of the conveyor roller 56, allowing the package to reach the second lateral position across the conveyor belt 55 for labeling by the second labeling machine 65. As described in more detail later, the actuation zone may alternatively be positioned along the second side to actuate the conveyor roller 56, translating the high package against the sidewall of the second side 53.

[0031] The first labeling machine 64 affixes label 68 to the top of the short package. The second labeling machine 65 affixes label 68 to the outermost edge of the tall package 63. Labeling machines 64 and 65 do not need to contact packages 62 and 63. Instead, they use jet-like pneumatic pressure to blow label 68 onto packages 62 and 63 over a short distance. Since the tall package 63 is conveyed along the second side 53 of the conveyor 54, the second labeling machine 65 does not need to retract to avoid colliding with the tallest package or change its position to affix the top label at a different height. The outermost edges of the tall packages 63 are close enough to the second labeling machine 65 that the second labeling machine can remain stationary. If the height of the plowshare gap 60 is small, the distance from the top of the conveyor roller 56 to the label opening 69 of the first labeling machine is also small, and the first labeling machine 64 can also be stationary. If the gap height is not so small, the first labeling machine 64 can be moved. However, the range of movement can be small. By minimizing or completely eliminating the range of movement of the two labeling machines 64 and 65, the parcel throughput is significantly improved.

[0032] and Figures 2 to 5 The conveyor belt rollers 56 in the passive diverting conveyor 54 are different. Figures 6 to 8 In the labeling conveyor 70, the conveyor belt rollers 56 are engaged by an actuation system that selectively engages and actuates the conveyor belt rollers along the length of the conveyor and across its width in multiple braking zones, rotating them toward a first side 72 or a second side 73 of the diversion conveyor 74. In this way, packages can be guided across the width of the conveyor as the conveyor 74 advances in the convergence direction 75. Therefore, the conveyor belt rollers 56 serve as diversion elements engaged by the actuation system.

[0033] The package is passed through the package sensor 76 on the feed conveyor 78. Figure 6The package sensor 76 illustrated is a light curtain used by the controller to determine the height of packages 62, 63. If these packages are individual, the controller can also determine the length of the package in the conveying direction based on the light curtain signal. Other package height sensors, such as a rangefinder and camera above the feed conveyor 78, or a side-mounted camera or photoelectric sensor, can also be used to measure package height. Package length can be measured by a camera or photoelectric sensor. Once packages 62, 63 are transferred from the feed conveyor 78 to the diversion conveyor 74 via the conveyor surface 80 (which can be a plate, roller, or narrow conveyor belt roller), the controller sends control signals to the actuators 82 in each transport channel actuator area below the identified package to selectively engage the conveyor belt roller 56. This engagement causes the conveyor belt roller 56 to rotate toward either the first side 72 or the second side 73 of the conveyor, depending on the height of the package. The shorter package 62 is guided to the first side 72 for labeling by the first labeling machine 64, which affixes a label to the top of the package. The high package 63 is guided to the second side 73 for labeling by the second labeling machine 65, which affixes the label to the outermost part of the package as it passes by.

[0034] Suitable actuator 82 for roller conveyor belt 55 Figure 8 As shown. Actuator 82 includes an array of angle-adjustable casters 84. Each array defines an actuator zone. All casters 84 in each zone are adjusted together to a first angle in which the rotation axes of the casters and the rotation axes of the conveyor belt rollers 56 are tilted clockwise toward each other, so that the conveyor belt rollers rotate toward one side of the diverter conveyor 74 as the conveyor belt 55 is advanced. When the controller commands actuator 82 to adjust its casters 84 to a second angle (in which the rotation axes of the casters and the rotation axes of the conveyor belt rollers 56 are tilted counterclockwise toward each other), the conveyor belt rollers rotate toward the opposite side.

[0035] The plowshare 50 is positioned slightly upstream of the conveyor roller 56 of the first labeling machine 64 to prevent the labeling machine from colliding with the high package 63, which might be mistakenly guided to a first lateral position on the conveyor belt 55 aligned with the labeling machine. As... Figure 2 In the system, the plowshare 50 is raised above the conveyor roller 56 across a certain gap, which allows the low package 62 to pass through and reach the first labeling machine 64.

[0036] An optional camera 86, acting as a lateral position sensor, senses the lateral position of the low package 62. The controller receives the lateral position signal from the sensor 86 and, as needed, commands the actuator 82 to align the low package 62 with respect to the first labeler 64 to ensure that the label is affixed to a convenient position on top of the package.

[0037] Alternative versions of the diversion conveyor, such as Figure 9 As shown. The centering actuator 67 is located below the conveyor belt 55 upstream of the labeling machine 71 in the centering zone of the diverting conveyor. The centering actuator 67 and the labeling machine 71 may be located at or spaced apart from the side of the diverting conveyor. The centering actuator 67 is located at other positions below the conveyor belt 55, with an angle-adjustable roller actuator (82, Figure 7 The difference lies in the fact that the actuated casters 77 and 79 in the array rotate about non-adjustable fixed axes that are inclined toward the conveyor direction 75. The actuated casters 77 on the first side of the centering array are angled along a first direction so that the conveyor belt rollers 56 they engage rotate toward the opposite second side of the array. The actuated casters 79 on the second side of the array are angled along a second direction so that the conveyor belt rollers 56 they engage rotate toward the second side. The effect is that packages laterally positioned on the conveyor belt 55 to enter the centering zone are centered relative to the actuator 67. This centering zone is correctly laterally aligned with the labeler 71 so that small packages 62 guided to this centering zone are delivered to the labeler 71 in the corresponding position to receive the label in a convenient position on top of the package. This centering zone eliminates the need for... Figure 7 The optional position sensing camera 86.

[0038] Extension 89 of the diversion conveyor 54 Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the extension includes another roller conveyor belt 90 with caster actuation areas. This roller conveyor belt 90 spans a conveyor plate 92 or one or more conveyor rollers, receiving packages 62, 63 from an upstream conveyor belt 55. However, the extension can be implemented as an extension of the conveyor belt 55, rather than a separate conveyor belt 90. Optional quality control cameras 94, 95 are positioned along a diversion conveyor 89 downstream of the first labeler 64 and the second labeler 65 to generate digital images of the labels 68 on the packages at the first and second lateral positions. These digital images are sent to a controller. If the controller cannot identify a label or the label is missing, the controller commands actuators in the area below the diversion conveyor to guide packages with missing, unidentifiable, or otherwise defective labels from one or both sides of the diversion conveyor extension 89 to a discard label conveyor 96. If enough packages are missing labels, the controller can set an alarm or otherwise alert the operator that there may be a problem with the labeling machines 64, 65 or the label adhesive. (Labels falling onto conveyor belts 55, 90 may be stuck on the conveyor rollers.) The rejected packages can then be manually returned to the feed conveyor or recycled back to the feed conveyor by a recycling conveyor (not shown). The reject label conveyor 96... Figure 10 and Figure 11The chute is shown, but can be implemented as, for example, a conveyor belt, an electric conveyor, or a gravity roller. Alternatively, rejected packages can be conveyed from the downstream end of the conveyor system to a reject conveyor or a reject collection container.

[0039] Figure 12 It shows a kind of Figure 6 The difference between this and other labeling conveyor systems lies in the fact that the diversion element in the diversion conveyor 100 is a package support slat 102. The slat 102 is supported on a guide rail 104, the end of which is attached to a chain 106 driven by a sprocket motor (not shown). Depending on whether a package is being distributed to the first labeler 64 or the second labeler 65, the slat 102 is selectively driven laterally across the width of the diversion conveyor 100.

[0040] like Figure 13 As shown, each slat 102 has a pin 108 protruding from its bottom. The pin 108 extends through a laterally elongated space 110 between continuous guide rails 104 supporting the slats 102. The pin 108 is selectively engaged and guided by an actuator guide network 112 in the groove, as... Figure 14 As shown. The actuator diverter 114, controlled by the controller, pivots counterclockwise to guide the pin 108 of the slat 102 carrying the short package 62, instead of diverting it along the first side 118 of the diverter conveyor 100 to the first guide rail 116 for entry into the first labeling machine 64. The controller pivots the diverter 114 clockwise to guide the pin 108 of the slat 102 carrying the tall package 63 into the second guide rail 117, which guides the slat to the second side 119 of the diverter conveyor 100 for entry into the second labeling machine 65. In the return path of the slat conveyor, a conventional guide network returns the slat 102 to the position on the first side 118 to receive packages aligned at the first side via the feed conveyor 78.

[0041] Another alternative version of the diversion conveyor is as follows: Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, the supporting diversion element is a cross conveyor belt 120. Each cross conveyor belt 120 is trimmed and tensioned around rollers 122 supported on a bracket 124. Optional small idler roller beds 132 support the cross conveyor belt 120 on the return trip with low-friction rolling contact. The bracket has wheels 126 that travel on guide rails 128. The brackets 124 are connected end-to-end to form a continuous chain. One of the rollers 122 is powered by a motor (not shown) in the bracket. The tensioning engagement of the rollers 122 with the cross conveyor belt 120 drives the cross conveyor belt laterally across the width of the diversion conveyor 130. In this way, the motor and the electrically driven roller 122 act as actuators, selectively driving the cross conveyor belt in either direction. The motor in each bracket 124 is powered inductively via one or both of the conductive metal guide rails 128 and the metal wheels 126, or via a battery (not shown) mounted in the bracket. Control signals from the controller are transmitted wirelessly or resistively via rails 128 and wheels 126 to the motor to guide the cross conveyor 120 to deliver packages to their assigned first labeler 64 or second labeler 65. The feed conveyor 78 does not need to align the packages for delivery to the cross conveyor diversion conveyor 130. Instead of a motor-driven cross conveyor, a cross conveyor with pins extending downwards from the cross conveyor during the lower return stroke can be braked by a guide network, similar to a slatted conveyor.

[0042] Figure 17 The labeling conveyor system 140 shown further increases throughput by utilizing additional labeling machines 64' and 65' to supplement the upstream labeling machines 64 and 65. In this configuration, the controller commands each labeling machine to label each other package passing by. If more than two labelers are used on each side, the controller commands the labelers to apply labels in a polling manner. In this way, each package is labeled only once. Although multiple labeling machines are shown with a cross-belt diversion conveyor, they can be used with any of the diversion conveyors described.

[0043] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 The quality control camera and waste label conveyor shown can be used with any of the labeling conveyors described in detail or other labeling conveyors. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The lateral position sensor 86 shown can be used with Figure 15 Used together with the cross conveyor belt diversion conveyor 130. Figure 6 The protective plowshare 50 described in the diversion conveyor 74 can be used in slatted and cross conveyor labeling systems.

Claims

1. A conveyor system, the conveyor system comprising: The diversion conveyor extends in width from a first side to a second side and includes a conveyor belt that advances from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction, and has a diversion element that engages with the package. Package sensors that identify the characteristics of each package; An actuator engages the diversion element to selectively guide each package in the package to a first lateral position or a different second lateral position across the width of the conveyor belt, based on the identified characteristics of the package. A first labeling machine is positioned along the diversion conveyor to affix a label to a package at the first lateral position; A second labeling machine is positioned along the diversion conveyor to affix labels to packages at the second lateral position.

2. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the package sensor senses the height of each package as an identified characteristic.

3. The conveyor system according to claim 2, wherein the package sensor is a light curtain, a photoelectric sensor, a camera, or a rangefinder.

4. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the package sensor senses the shape of each package or the type of each package as an identified characteristic.

5. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the identified characteristic is the order of the packages.

6. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the diversion element is a wrap-around support conveyor roller rotatable about an axis parallel to the conveying direction, and wherein the actuator includes an angle-adjustable actuation roller that contacts the conveyor roller to selectively change the direction of rotation of the conveyor roller toward the first or second side of the diversion conveyor.

7. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the diversion element is a wrapping support slat, and wherein the actuator selectively guides the slat across the width of the diversion conveyor to translate the wrapping.

8. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the diversion element is a package-supporting cross conveyor belt that translates the package across the width of the diversion conveyor, and wherein the actuator selectively advances the cross conveyor belt across the width of the diversion conveyor to translate the package.

9. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the first lateral position is along the first side of the diverting conveyor, and the second lateral position is along the second side of the diverting conveyor.

10. The conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor system comprises: At least two first labeling machines, the at least two first labeling machines being spaced apart along the conveying direction at the first lateral position; The system includes at least two second labeling machines spaced apart along the conveying direction at the second lateral position, wherein the at least two first labeling machines apply labels to the package in a cyclic manner at the first lateral position, and the at least two second labeling machines apply labels to the package in a cyclic manner at the second lateral position to increase throughput.

11. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the first labeler affixes a label to the top of the package, and the second labeler affixes a label to the side of the package.

12. The conveyor system of claim 11, wherein the second labeling machine is located on the second side of the diversion conveyor, and the first labeling machine is located between the first side and the second side of the diversion conveyor.

13. The conveyor system of claim 11, wherein the actuator engages the diversion element to guide packages with a height less than a predetermined height to the first position for labeling by the first labeling machine, and to guide packages with a height greater than the predetermined height to the second position for labeling by the second labeling machine.

14. The conveyor system of claim 11, the conveyor system comprising a lateral position sensor that senses the lateral position of the package, wherein the actuator engages the diversion element to align the package to be labeled by the first labeler with the first labeler, such that the label is affixed to a convenient position on the top of the package.

15. The conveyor system of claim 11, the conveyor system comprising a centering zone of the diversion conveyor, the centering zone being laterally located between the first side and the second side of the diversion conveyor, and wherein the first labeling machine is located at a lateral position between the first side and the second side of the diversion conveyor, wherein a package to be labeled by the first labeling machine is guided through the centering zone to be delivered to the first labeling machine so that the label is affixed to a convenient position on top of the package.

16. The conveyor system of claim 1, the conveyor system comprising a plow-like object located at a first lateral position upstream of the first labeling machine and spaced above the diversion conveyor with a gap of less than a predetermined height to prevent packages of greater than the predetermined height from colliding with the first labeling machine, wherein the plow-like object has an inclined surface arranged to divert packages to be blocked toward a second side of the diversion conveyor.

17. The conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor system comprises: A first quality control camera and a second quality control camera are positioned along the diversion conveyor at a first lateral position and a second lateral position downstream of the first labeling machine and the second labeling machine, respectively, to generate an image of the label on the package; The actuator engaged with the diversion element selectively guides packages with defective or missing labels away from the first side of the diversion conveyor; A defective label conveyor, positioned along the first or second side, to receive packages with defective labels from the diversion conveyor.

18. The conveyor system of claim 17, wherein the defective label conveyor is located at both the first side and the second side, and wherein the actuator selectively guides packages with defective labels to the defective label conveyor at both the first side and the second side.

19. The conveyor system of claim 1, the conveyor system comprising a feed conveyor that feeds packages to the diversion conveyor, wherein the package sensor identifies the characteristics of the package as each package passes a sensing position on the feed conveyor.

20. The conveyor system of claim 1, the conveyor system comprising a controller that receives a package sensor signal from the package sensor, the package sensor signal indicating the characteristic of each package, and selectively controls the actuator according to the identified characteristic of the package to guide each package in the package to the first lateral position or the second lateral position.

21. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the diversion conveyor comprises two conveyor belts side by side.

22. A conveyor system, the conveyor system comprising: An alignment conveyor aligns the package along a first side of the alignment conveyor; A diversion conveyor extends in width from a first side to a second side and includes a conveyor belt that advances from upstream to downstream along a conveying direction. The conveyor belt includes freely rotatable package support conveyor rollers that are rotatable about an axis parallel to the conveying direction. The diversion conveyor receives aligned packages from the alignment conveyor along the first side of the diversion conveyor. A first labeling machine is positioned along the diversion conveyor for affixing labels to packages conveyed along the first side of the diversion conveyor. A second labeling machine, positioned along the diversion conveyor, is used to affix labels to packages conveyed along the second side of the diversion conveyor; A plow-shaped object, raised along the first side span gap to above the diversion conveyor, the plow-shaped object having a gap height that allows packages with a height less than the gap height to pass through to reach the first labeling machine and prevents packages with a height greater than the gap height from passing through; The plow-like object has an inclined upstream surface that diverts packages blocked above the conveyor rollers to the second side of the diversion conveyor for labeling by the second labeling machine.

23. The conveyor system of claim 22, wherein the first labeler affixes a label to the top of the package, and the second labeler affixes a label to the side of the package.

24. A conveyor system, the conveyor system comprising: A diversion conveyor extends in width from a first side to a second side and includes a conveyor belt that advances from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction, and has wrap-around support conveyor belt rollers capable of rotating about an axis parallel to the conveying direction. Package height sensor, which measures the height of each package; An actuator having an angle-adjustable actuation roller that contacts the conveyor belt roller to selectively change the direction of rotation of the conveyor belt roller toward the first side or the second side, so as to selectively guide each package in the packages to a first lateral position or a different second lateral position across the width of the conveyor belt, depending on the height of each package. A first labeling machine is positioned along the diversion conveyor and is used to affix labels to packages at the first lateral position that are at a height below a predetermined level. A second labeling machine, positioned along the diversion conveyor, is used to affix labels to packages at a second lateral position that is above the predetermined height.

25. The conveyor system of claim 24, the conveyor system comprising a feed conveyor that delivers the package to the diversion conveyor, and wherein the package height sensor measures the height of the package as each package passes a measurement position on the feed conveyor.

26. The conveyor system of claim 24, wherein the first lateral position is along the first side of the diverting conveyor, and the second lateral position is along the second side of the diverting conveyor.

27. The conveyor system of claim 24, wherein the first labeler affixes a label to the top of the package, and the second labeler affixes a label to the side of the package.

28. The conveyor system of claim 27, the conveyor system comprising a plow-like object located at a first lateral position upstream of the first labeling machine and spaced apart above the diversion conveyor by a gap with a height less than the predetermined height to prevent packages with a height greater than the predetermined height from colliding with the first labeling machine, wherein the plow-like object has an inclined surface arranged to divert packages to be diverted toward a second side of the diversion conveyor.

29. The conveyor system of claim 24, wherein the conveyor system comprises: A first quality control camera and a second quality control camera are positioned along the diversion conveyor at a first lateral position and a second lateral position downstream of the first labeling machine and the second labeling machine, respectively, to generate an image of the label on the package; The angle of the adjustable actuator contacting the conveyor roller is selectively adjusted so that the conveyor roller rotates in a direction that guides packages with defective or missing labels away from the first side of the diversion conveyor. A defective label conveyor, positioned along at least one of the first or second sides of the diversion conveyor, to receive packages with defective labels from the diversion conveyor.

30. The conveyor system of claim 24, wherein the diversion conveyor comprises two side-by-side conveyor belts.

31. A method for labeling various types of packages, the method comprising: Determine the height of each package in the package flow; The height of each package is compared with a predetermined height; Each package with a height less than the predetermined height is conveyed to a first labeling machine, which affixes a label to the top of the package from above; Each package exceeding the predetermined height is conveyed to a second labeling machine, which affixes a label to one side of the package.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the method comprises: Center each package with a height less than the predetermined height relative to the first labeling machine.

33. The method according to claim 31, wherein the method comprises: Imaging the labels affixed to the package by the first labeling machine and the second labeling machine; And remove packages with unclear labels.

34. The method according to claim 31, wherein the method comprises: To prevent packages exceeding the predetermined height from colliding with the first labeling machine.

Images