Modular RFID label dispensing apparatus
First Claim
1. An apparatus for selecting and deselecting radio frequency identification (RFID) labels disposed on a first carrier surface of a web carrier comprising:
- a frame having a working end; and
a retractable peeler being pivotally mounted on the frame adjacent the working end, said peeler being rotatable between an advanced position forward of the working end for engaging a second surface of the web opposite the carrier surface causing the label to separate from the web, and a retracted position behind the working end disengaging the second surface of the web;
the working end for engaging the second surface of the web when the peeler is in the retracted position so that the label remains disposed on the first surface when the peeler is so retracted.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for accepting operative RFID labels for application to an object, and for rejecting inoperative labels. The RFID labels are peelably adhered to a carrier web. When operative, the RFID label produces a response to an input signal. A tranceiver produces the input and is responsive to the output to activate a peeler. The peeler is pivotally mounted for rotation between an extended position and a retracted position. When extended, the peeler engages the web to separate the RFID label therefrom in response to the RFID output. When retracted, the peeler disengages the web whereby the RFID label remains adhered thereto.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus for selecting and deselecting radio frequency identification (RFID) labels disposed on a first carrier surface of a web carrier comprising:
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a frame having a working end; and
a retractable peeler being pivotally mounted on the frame adjacent the working end, said peeler being rotatable between an advanced position forward of the working end for engaging a second surface of the web opposite the carrier surface causing the label to separate from the web, and a retracted position behind the working end disengaging the second surface of the web;
the working end for engaging the second surface of the web when the peeler is in the retracted position so that the label remains disposed on the first surface when the peeler is so retracted. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A control system for an RFID selector apparatus having a peeler mounted for selectable engagement with a web carrying a plurality of RFID labels peelably secured to a carrier surface thereof, said selector for selecting the RFID labels for application to an object when the label is operative, and deselecting the RFID label when it is not operative, said labels, when operative, being responsive to produce an output signal indicative of operability in response to an input signal, the control system comprising:
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a signal generator for generating the input signal for each RFID label;
a transponder operative for transmitting the input signal and for receiving the output signal of the RFID label;
a peeler drive operatively coupled to the transceiver, being responsive to the output signal for extending the peeler for engagement with the web in response to the RFID output, and for retracting the peeler for disengaging the peeler from the web in the absence of the output signal from the RFID. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method for selecting and deselecting radio frequency identification (RFID) labels disposed on a first carrier surface of a web carrier comprising the steps of:
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stimulating each RFID with an input signal and sensing an output indicative of an operative RFID;
positioning a retractable peeler to a peel position in response to the output indicative of an operative RFID; and
positioning the peeler to a reject position in the absence of the output. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. An apparatus for selecting and deselecting radio frequency identification (RFID) labels being disposed on a first surface of a web comprising:
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a frame having a bearing surface and a working end; and
a retractable peeler, the retractable peeler being pivotally mounted on the frame adjacent the working end, and positionable between an advanced peel position forward of the working end and a retracted position behind the working end, the peeler for engaging a second surface of the carrier web opposite the first surface for causing the label to separate from the web when the peeler is in the peel position forward of the working surface; and
the peeler being retractable to the retracted position behind the working surface for disengaging the second surface of the web;
the peeler comprising at least one wedge having a distal peeler edge for engaging the second surface of the web, and a proximal pivot portion pivotally secured to the frame such that the peeler edge is rotatable about the pivot between the peel position and retracted position;
the bearing surface for engaging the second surface of the web and the working end including a relatively smooth radiused surface for engaging the second surface when the peeler is in the retracted position so that the label remains disposed on the first surface when the peeler is so retracted.
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Specification