US4383880A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Web transport system with electro-optical label detection
Assignee: Dennison Manufacturing Co
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Filing: 1981-12-11
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Granted: 1983-05-17
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Expires: 2001-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A label carrier web transport for use in heat transfer decorators and the like, in which labels are optically registered to control web transport. A timing assembly coordinates the rotation of a cam shaft with the actuation and deactuation of clutch and brake assemblies within a metering roll. An optical scanner trained on the web registers a predetermined contrast location to actuate the brake and deactuate the clutch, subject to the presence of an enabling signal from the timing assembly. The metering roll, in combination with a reciprocating label shuttle, provides intermittent web motion to achieve controlled label advance. An alternative label transport system incorporates a capstan web drive in lieu of the metering roll, with a microprocessor to control various machine functions including intermittent web transport.
Inventors
- 👤 Friedrich H. H. Geurtsen
- 👤 Waldemar S. Kebbel
- 👤 Manfred Meyer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:15
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65C; B65C9/00; B65C9/08; B65C9/18; B65C9/1865; B65C9/1869; B65C9/1873; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T156/00; Y10T156/17; Y10T156/1702; Y10T156/1705; Y10T156/1707; Y10T156/171
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
An improved label transfer machine characterized by periodic operation within labelling cycles, of the type including a web bearing a plurality of labels, means for routing the web through a transport path past a transfer site, and means for transferring labels onto articles at the transfer site, wherein the improvement comprises means for controlling the transport of the web comprising: electro-optical registration means for generating a timing signal in response to a predetermined optical contrast within the labels; means for periodically generating an enabling signal at a first point with each labelling cycle; means for periodically generating a disabling signal at a second point with each labelling cycle; means for initiating web motion in response to a given disabling signal; and means for halting web motion in response to a given timing signal, subsequent to an enabling signal but prior to the next disabling signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
An improved label transfer machine characterized by periodic operation within labelling cycles, of the type including a web bearing a plurality of labels, means for routing the web through a transport path past a transfer site, and means for transferring labels onto articles at the transfer site, wherein the improvement comprises means for controlling the transport of the web comprising: electro-optical registration means for generating a timing signal in response to a predetermined optical contrast within the labels; means for periodically generating an enabling signal at a first point with each labelling cycle; means for periodically generating a disabling signal at a second point with each labelling cycle; means for initiating web motion in response to a given disabling signal; and means for halting web motion in response to a given timing signal, subsequent to an enabling signal but prior to the next disabling signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improved label transfer machine of claim 1, wherein the timing signal is generated in response to the detection of a predetermined light to dark transition within a label.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improved label transfer machine of claim 1, wherein the timing signal is generated in response to the detection of a predetermined dark to light transition within a label.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The improved label transfer machine of claim 1 wherein the routing means includes a capstan for intermittently pulling the web through the transport path at a controlled tension; and a rewind reel for collecting the web, frictionally driven by said capstan.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improved label transfer machine of claim 4 further including drive means for rotating the capstan and for synchronously conveying articles through the labelling site.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The improved label transfer machine of claim 4 wherein the capstan is mounted on a rotating capstan drive shaft and includes internal clutch and brake assemblies, respectively to engage the capstan with its drive shaft and to halt the rotation of the capstan.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The improved label transfer machine of claim 6 wherein the capstan clutch is actuated by a given disabling signal, and wherein the capstan brake is actuated by a given timing signal subsequent to an enabling signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The improved label transfer machine of claim 4, further comprising label feed means located upstream of the labelling site for periodically accumulating a web surplus, and for periodically releasing the web surplus at a controlled tension.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The improved label transfer machine of claim 8, wherein the label feed means accumulates a web surplus in response to a given timing signal received subsequent to an enabling signal but prior to the next disabling signal, and releases the web surplus in response to the next disabling signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
71 words
The improved label transfer machine of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of logic gates which receive said timing signal, enabling signal, and disabling signal, wherein said logic gates: initiate an enabled state in response to an enabling signal, generate a start web signal and end any enabled state in response to a disabling signal, and generate a halt web signal in response to a timing signal during an enabled state.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-05-16 | 1986-11-15 | 1987-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-05-16 | 1990-11-15 | 1991-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-05-16 | 1994-11-15 | 1995-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |