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Automatic label splicing apparatus

  • US 6,792,987 B2
  • Filed: 02/22/2003
  • Issued: 09/21/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
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First Claim
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1. In a splicing apparatus having a dual unwind apparatus mounted on a frame, wherein said dual unwind apparatus comprises a turret rotatably mounted on the frame, wherein the improvement comprises:

  • a) the splicing apparatus comprises label splicing apparatus for preparing a trailing end of a depleted first running roll of labels and for splicing said depleted roll of labels to a fresh second standby roll of labels to provide continuous delivery of labels to a selected automatic labeling apparatus;

    b) the labels are carried on a web formed in a roll;

    c) the dual unwind apparatus comprises a first running roll of labels mounted on a web and a second standby roll of labels mounted on a web, wherein said turret is moveable between a first running position and second running position for alternately arranging the second standby roll of labels on top as a new running roll and arranging the first running roll on the bottom for replacement with a new roll;

    d) the dual unwind apparatus comprises a central shaft having a reflector that only is visible at terminus of the web of a running roll;

    e) sensing means comprising a photoelectric cell for detecting the central shaft of the turret when visible at terminus of the web of a running roll;

    f) loop control means comprising drive apparatus arranged for unwinding the first running roll of labels and maintaining a constant loop of labels in a loop box in association with a loop sensing means comprising a output loop detector for monitoring and controlling the loop of labels size in said loop box;

    g) the label splicing apparatus comprises a splicing station comprising;

    i) a lower splice plate associated with indexing means moveable between a splice ready position and an upper splice position having a positioning means for holding a leading end of the web of said second standby roll of labels wherein said lower splice plate indexes up between a first position to a second compression position for pressing the web of said running roll and said standby web together;

    ii) a cutter back plate pivotally mounted on the frame to swing between a first idle position and a second cut position for trapping the trailing end of a depleted first roll of labels;

    iii) cutting means comprising a moveable blade for severing a trailing end of the depleted first running roll of labels at a point between adjacent labels, moveable between a cut position and a retracted position along a cutter slot; and

    iv) upper splice plate, fixedly mounted on a fan housing having upper positioning means comprising an air register for holding the trailing end of the depleted first running roll of labels in place awaiting splicing by means of compression by the lower splice plate pressing the web of said deplete first running roll of labels and the web of said second standby roll of labels; and

    h) registration apparatus for controlling splice sequence comprising;

    i) a controller for regulating speed of said drive means comprising a variable speed motor associated with a rubber pull roll for putting said webs in registration; and

    ii) sensing means comprising a slot scanner for locating divisions between labels;

    whereby the web of said standby roll is held in a ready position for splicing end to end with the web of said running roll such that splicing rolls of labels is accomplished without reducing speed of labeling at rates of operation comparable to said selected automatic labeling equipment.

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