U.S. patent number 3,641,319 [Application Number 04/875,002] was granted by the patent office on 1972-02-08 for combination controller-label form for article labeling systems.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Xerox Corporation. Invention is credited to John V. McGuire.
United States Patent |
3,641,319 |
McGuire |
February 8, 1972 |
COMBINATION CONTROLLER-LABEL FORM FOR ARTICLE LABELING SYSTEMS
Abstract
An article labeling system including article supply means; an
addressing machine with article labeling head, said labels being in
the form of an endless sheetlike piece having at least one label
row with a control tape portion bearing control data for individual
labels extending therealong; and means for operating the labeling
system in accordance with the control data on the label form
control tape.
Inventors: |
McGuire; John V. (Deerfield,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Xerox Corporation (Rochester,
NY)
|
Family
ID: |
25365037 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/875,002 |
Filed: |
November 10, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/362; 156/350;
234/89; 281/2; 283/82; 235/487; 283/81 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65C
9/44 (20130101); B65C 9/1803 (20130101); G06F
40/174 (20200101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65C
9/00 (20060101); B65C 9/08 (20060101); B65C
9/18 (20060101); B65C 9/44 (20060101); G06F
17/24 (20060101); G06r 019/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;283/18-22
;235/61.11,61.112,61.115 ;234/89 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Robinson; Thomas A.
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A label form adapted for use in an article labeling system
comprising:
a sheet segregated into at least one disposable column and one use
column, said columns extending longitudinally of said sheet, said
use column having distinguishable areas of label information
adapted for later separation into individual address labels for use
in addressing articles, said label information areas being arranged
in said use column in at least two longitudinally extending label
rows;
said disposable column being reserved for electronically
recognizable instructions for controlling said labeling system in
the use of said labels;
said sheet disposable column having at least one electronically
distinguishable control track for said instructions, and;
at least one electronically distinguishable timing track adapted to
bear electronically recognizable timing information for matching
instructions on said control track with specific labels in said
label rows so as to correlate operation of the labeling system in
response to said instructions with the correct one of said
labels.
2. In an article labeling system adapted for use with uncut label
material including an addressing machine having an article labeling
head, means for supplying articles to be labeled to said addressing
machine labeling head, and means for separating said label material
into individual labels for use by said labeling head, the
combination of:
a source of uncut label material comprising a sheet having bodies
of information on one columnlike portion thereof representing
individual labels;
said labels being arranged in at least one longitudinally extending
row;
said sheet including a second adjoining columnlike portion adapted
to bear control data for regulating operation of said labeling head
and said article supplying means whereby to provide a predetermined
addressed article output in association with individual labels;
means for operating said labeling head and said article supplying
means in response to said control data, said operating means
including means for scanning said sheet second column for said
control data;
said separating means including means to remove said second column
for disposal before said labels are used by said labeling head;
and
means for feeding said sheet to said separating means.
Description
This invention relates to an article labeling system, and more
particularly, to a control means for article labeling systems.
In present day labeling systems, the computer finds increasing use
as the source of label information, such as the mailing lists used
by magazine subscription services. In this type of application, use
of the computer is extremely advantageous since the computer
permits ready updating of the mailing list in addition to
facilitating retrieval of the mailing list information, the latter
being in the form of computer printout. However, using the computer
simply to provide on demand, up-to-date mailing lists does not take
advantage of the capacity and ability of the computer to provide
numerous other information that could further enhance the
efficiency of a labeling system. For example, the computer can be
used to identify particular classes of persons in a mailing
program, such as persons whose subscriptions are expiring, or
persons who are doctors, etc. Further, a computer can be programmed
to reflect changes in address, normally changes in Zip Code, to
enable the labeled articles to be sorted according to destination,
or a computer can provide control data that will enable certain
quantities of unlabeled articles to be coupled with a single
labeled article destined for the same customer. It would be
advantageous therefore if some of the potential inherent in
computer-sourced labeling systems might be more efficaciously
used.
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved labeling system.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a labeling
system operated in response to control indicia on a disposable
portion of the label form.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved label form incorporating a tapelike portion adapted to
carry control information for a labeling system.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved
control for labeling systems in which the controlling information
comprises a computer generated program contained on the label
supply form itself.
This invention relates to a label form adapted for use in an
article labeling system, comprising: a sheetlike piece of
indeterminate length having distinguishable areas of label
information adapted to comprise individual labels, the labels being
arranged on the sheet so as to form at least one row, extending
longitudinally along the sheet, a portion of the sheet being
reserved for controlling instructions for the labeling system, the
reserved sheet portion paralleling the label row, whereby to
provide space for controlling instructions for each of the
labels.
This invention further relates to an article labeling system
comprising, in combination, an addressing machine with article
labeling head; means for supplying articles to be labeled to the
addressing machine; a source of labels comprising a sheetlike form
having bodies of information thereon representing individual
labels; the labels being arranged in at least one longitudinally
extending row; means for feeding the label form to the labeling
head; the label form including an integral control section
paralleling the row of labels and adapted to bear control data for
regulating operation of the labeling head and the article supplying
means whereby to provide a predetermined addressed article output
for each of the labels; and means for operating the labeling head
and the article supplying means in response to the control data
including means for scanning the label form control section for the
control data.
Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the ensuing
description and drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the article addressing machine and
article stacker used in the labeling system of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a view partially in section of the addressing machine and
article stacker shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the addressing machine and article
stacker shown in FIG. 1 with the label supply means;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the label feeding and cutting
mechanism for the addressing machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a label form adapted to be used with
the labeling system of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the control arrangement for the
labeling system of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an alternate control arrangement
for the labeling system of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view partially in section showing the details
of the label adhesive applying means for the addressing machine
shown in FIG. 1.
As used herein, "Zip Sort" is intended to refer to sorting or
separating of articles in accordance with their geographical
destination, normally on the basis of common Post Office Zip Code
number. However, other geographical bases may be envisioned, for
example, common town, common class, for example, doctors, age,
etc.
"Label Skip" refers to skipping or voiding the labeling of one or
more articles, the unlabeled articles normally being gathered,
i.e., stacked, in a group with a single identifying label therefor.
The identifying label may be placed on one of the articles of the
group, i.e., the last, or on the wrapping or banding material for
the article group.
"Article Skip" refers to skipping or voiding a label or labels, the
voided label or labels normally being stored by the addressing
machine for future use and reference.
In the accompanying drawings, the reference numeral 10 indicates an
article labeling system of the type usable with the present
invention. Article labeling system 10 includes an article
addressing or labeling machine 11 shown here coupled to an article
stacker 18. The addressing machine 11 has article feeder 12,
article transport 14, and labeling head 16. The article labels are
in the form of a sheetlike strip 20, called a label form, which is
normally generated by computer 22. As will appear, a portion 24 of
label form 20 is set aside for controlling instructions or indicia
to operate labeling system 10.
As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the address
information on label form 20, normally name and address, may be
transferred to the articles being labeled by imprinting, or by
other suitable image transfer processes, or by gluing the label
itself directly onto the articles.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, addressing machine 11 has
a supply magazine 27 for articles 25 to be labeled, magazine 27
including upstanding front wall or gate 28, sides 29, and rear wall
30. It is understood that articles 25 may comprise envelopes,
magazines, newspapers, or the like. The gate 28 is spaced a preset
distance above feeder shuttle 32 to provide controlled article
feeding, normally one article at a time. Magazine 27 is preferably
adjustable in size to permit various sized articles 25 to be
accommodated.
Article feeder 12 has a reciprocable shuttle 32 adapted on each
forward stroke thereof (the direction indicated by the solid line
arrow) to carry the bottommost article in magazine 27 forward under
gate 28 into the nip of feed roll pair 58. Shuttle 32 consists of a
platelike member having depending journals 33 for supporting
shuttle 32 on stationary rods 34. Shuttle 32 is driven by a
reciprocable slider 36 through drive latch 31 pivotally secured to
shuttle 32. Latch 31 has a driving lug 31' normally disposed within
a suitable driving recess in slider 36. Slider 36 is reciprocated
by motor 37 through a suitable eccentric mechanism 38. To stop
shuttle 32 and interrupt feed of articles 25 forward, a disconnect
stop 42, which is movable into the path of movement of depending
arm 47 of latch 31 on energization of solenoid 43, is provided.
Stop 42, when moved forward, intercepts latch arm 47 as shuttle 32
returns (the direction shown by the dotted line arrow of FIG. 2),
to swing latch 31 in a counterclockwise direction thereby
separating drive lug 31' from slider 36 and stopping shuttle
32.
Shuttle 32 is preferably provided with suitable vacuum hold down
ports 40 (shown in FIG. 3) adjacent the discharge end thereof. A
control valve 41 controls the admission of vacuum to ports 40,
control valve 41 serving to admit vacuum to ports 40 on the forward
or feeding stroke of shuttle 32 (the direction of the solid line
arrow) and to close off the vacuum on the return stroke of shuttle
32 (the direction shown by the dotted line arrow).
The feed roller pair 58 provided between shuttle 32 and belts 44 of
article transport 14 serve to advance the articles 25 carried
forward by shuttle 32 onto article transport 14. Article transport
14 comprises one or more feed belts 44 supported by drive and idler
rollers 49, 50 respectively. Roller 49 is driven by motor 37
through suitable drive means (not shown).
To support articles 25 during the labeling operation, there is
provided opposite label transfer wheel 48 a resilient pressure
roller 55, the periphery of which is substantially level with that
of feed belt 44. As will appear, roller 55 cooperates with land
portion 83 of transfer wheel 48 to transfer label information to
articles 25 carried therepast by feed belt 44 of article transport
14. Pressure roller 55 is driven by motor 37 at the same speed as
article transport 14 through suitable drive means (not shown).
Referring to FIGS 1-4 inclusive, labeling head 16 includes a main
support 70 which is preferably both vertically and horizontally
adjustable relative to the base portion 70' of addressing machine
11. Support 70 carries a plurality of rotatable idler wheels 71
(seen in FIG. 4) which cooperate with interior support wheels (not
shown) and a pair of outer driving sprockets 73 to advance label
form 20 toward labeling head 16. Sprockets 73, which are suitably
supported on shaft 52, have teeth 73' engageable with perforations
61' in margins 61 of label form 20.
Label form 20, which is best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5 comprises label
section or area 60, control strip 24, and opposite side margins 61.
As will appear, control strip 24 and margins 61 are cut from form
20 by rotary knives 63 as form 20 is advanced toward labeling head
16. Form 20, sans control strip 24 and margins 61, is thereafter
cut crosswise into lengths 64 by guillotine 65. The label lengths
64 (seen best in FIG. 3), which are then fed sideways to transfer
wheel 48, are cut crosswise into individual labels 66 by roller
cutter 68.
As best seen in FIG. 4, rotary knives 63 have coacting shear
rollers 75 operatively supported therebelow on shaft 52. Knives 63
and rollers 75 coact to trim control strip 24 and the opposite
margin 61 from label form 20 as the form 20 passes between knives
63 and rollers 75. Shaft 52 is intermittently driven by suitable
means (not shown) to feed label form 20 forward as required.
Guillotine 65 comprises a reciprocable knife blade 74 with coacting
stationary shear blade 76 disposed therebelow. Knife blade 74 is
intermittently reciprocated by means of eccentric 77 to cut form 20
into lengths 64, which rest in downwardly inclined chute 79.
Eccentric 77 is rotated in timed relationship with sprocket wheels
73.
As seen best in FIGS. 2 and 3, the label lengths 64 are carried
along chute 79 toward transfer wheel 48 by pinch roller pair 80,
cutting and anvil rollers 68, 69 cooperating to cut length 64 into
individual labels 66. Cutting roller 68 has a suitable knife member
68' mounted thereon which cooperates with anvil roller 69 to cut
the label length 64.
Label transfer wheel 48, which is suitably supported for rotation
on support 70, has a radially projecting land 83 onto which
individual labels 66 from cutting and anvil rollers 68, 69 are
carried into transfer relation with articles 25 passing therebelow
on article conveyor 14. Land 83 is provided with suitable vacuum
holddown ports 84 selectively connected through suitable valve
means (not shown) with a suitable vacuum source to hold the
individual labels on land 83 while transfer wheel 48 rotates. Land
83 may include heating means (not shown) to facilitate transfer of
the label image where thermal-type label imprinting is
utilized.
A pickoff wheel 88 is mounted on support 70 adjacent transfer wheel
48 for rotation in timed relation with transfer wheel 48. Wheel 88
has holddown ports (not shown) provided therein with suitable valve
means (not shown) for admitting vacuum thereto so as to carry used
labels from transfer wheel 48 to label storage container 92.
Container 92 serves to store unused or nontransferred labels, the
latter in the case where the label information is transferred by
imprinting, for reuse or other disposition. It is understood that
where the labels 66 are physically attached to the articles 25,
wheel 88 and container 92 are normally unused and may be dispensed
with.
The operating components of labeling head 16, including label
transfer wheel 48, label pickoff wheel 88, cutting rollers 68, 69,
pinch roller pair 80, eccentric 77, and drive shaft 52, are driven
by motor 37 through suitable electromagnetic clutch means 62.
Article stacker 18 has one or more endless conveyor belts 94
arranged opposite to and below the discharge side of article
transport 14. Accordingly, articles on transport 14 drop downwardly
onto conveyor belts 94 one atop the other in stacks 96. In the
arrangement shown, stacker 18 is disposed generally at right angles
to article transport 14. A suitable drive motor 95 is provided to
index stacker 18. To limit the maximum height of the stacks 96 and
prevent overstacking, stacker 18 has a height sensor 97. As will
appear, sensor 97 serves, when the stack of labeled articles
reaches a predetermined height, to stop shuttle 32 and shutdown
labeling head 16 while actuating motor 95 to index conveyor belts
94 one article stack and present a fresh conveyor belt surface for
stacking. Other article stacking devices and arrangements may be
contemplated.
Where labels 66 are physically attached to the articles 25, a
suitable source of adhesive or glue 100 may be provided. An
applicator wheel 101 is arranged adjacent transfer wheel 48 so as
to contact the underside of the labels carried therepast on land 83
of transfer wheel 48 as the transfer wheel carries the label from
cutting roller 68 into contact with the article therebelow on
article conveyor 14. A suitable wiper (not shown) may be provided
to regulate the amount of glue entrained on wheel 101. Where the
label supply comprises precut or used labels 66' in container 92,
the vacuum porting and/or valving sequence of transfer wheel 48 and
pickoff wheel 88 are changed to enable pickoff wheel 88 to withdraw
labels from container 92 and transfer the precut labels 66' onto
land 83 of transfer wheel 48 for gluing thereof to articles 25.
Referring particularly to FIG. 5 of the drawings, the label form 20
there shown has individual informational areas, commonly referred
to as labels 66, grouped side-by-side four abreast. For convenience
of explanation, the individual labels have been designated 66a,
66b, 66c, 66d. As can be understood, however, the number of labels
across may vary from one to any convenient number. Control strip
24, which extends along one side of form 20, is of a width
sufficient to provide an imaginary control track 110a, 110b, 110c
and 110d (shown in phantom outline in the drawings) for each of the
labels 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, respectively as well as a timing track
114.
For purposes of explanation, control strip 24 with timing track 114
may be imagined as subdivided into four transverse widths 111a,
111b, 111c, 111d, representing each label 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d
respectively. When envisioned with control tracks 110a, 110b, 110c,
and 110d, and timing track 114, there is formed an imaginary grid
24' of boxlike spaces 112 opposite each label length 64. The
boxlike spaces 112 of grid 24' are available for addressing system
controlling data, such as cyphers 113 from computer 22. Timing
cyphers 117 are provided in the corresponding boxlike areas of
timing track 114.
A suitable reader 115 for scanning control strip 24, is provided,
preferably upstream of rotary knives 63. Reader 115 comprises any
suitable commercially available scanning device for sensing cyphers
113, 117 on tape 24. Reader 115 has individual heads 116a, 116b,
116c, and 116d for scanning control tracks 110a, 110b, 110c, and
110d respectively, and head 118 for scanning timing track 114.
Referring to FIG. 6, the output of scanning heads 116a, 116b, 116c,
116d is fed to a suitable delay counter 125 for storage pending the
arrival of the label associated therewith at transfer wheel 48 of
labeling head 16. A first stage of counter 125 is driven by timing
head 118 in response to advance of label form 20 forward toward
labeling head 16. This accommodates the period required for form 20
to reach guillotine 65 following scanning thereof by reader 115. A
second stage of counter 125 is driven in accordance with cyclic
operation of labeling head 16 from photoelectric-type pickup 124.
This accommodates the period required to cut and feed individual
labels 66 from guillotine 65 to transfer wheel 48.
Pickup 124 is arranged opposite an apertured tach wheel 122. Tach
wheel 122 is carried on shaft 37' of labeling head 16 for rotation
in conjunction with operation of labeling head 16. A suitable light
source 123 is disposed on the opposite side of wheel 122, light 123
serving to trigger pickup 124 each time an apertured portion of
tach wheel 122 comes opposite pickup 124. Delay counter 125
accordingly functions to store the control signals from heads 116a,
116b, 116c and 116d of reader 115 pending arrival of the labels at
transfer wheel 48 of labeling head 16.
Suitable control circuits 130, 131, 132, for "Zip Sort," "Article
Skip," and "Label Skip," respectively are provided. Additionally, a
control circuit 133 to shutdown the article labeling system 10 is
provided. It may be seen in this arrangement that "Zip Sort" is
based on data appearing in control track 110a, "Article Skip" on
data appearing in track 110b, "Label Skip" on data appearing in
track 110c, and system shutdown on data appearing in track
110d.
"Zip Sort" circuit 130 controls a circuit 141 for operating shuttle
disconnect solenoid 43. As explained, solenoid 43 serves to
interpose stop 42 in the path of movement of latch arm 47 thereby
disengaging latch 31 from slider 36 and stopping shuttle 32.
Circuit 130 additionally controls, through timer 138, operation of
stacker 18.
An article sensor 135 is provided. Sensor 135 is suitably disposed
above article transport 14 (see FIG. 2) so as to respond to the
feeding of articles by transport 14 to labeling head 16. The
operating circuit 136 for labeling head drive clutch 62 is
controlled by sensor 135 to effect stopping of labeling head 16
when the feed of articles 25 thereto is interrupted.
It is understood that the location of sensor 135 relative to
labeling head 16 may require suitable delay means in the sensing
circuit to delay shutdown of labeling head 16 while articles then
on article transport 14 are processed.
Timer 138 comprises any suitable two-stage timing circuit adapted
to control, through stacker circuit 139, starting and stopping of
stacker drive motor 95. As will be understood, actuation of stacker
18 is normally delayed while articles remaining on article
transport 16 following stopping of feeder shuttle 32 are processed.
The first stage of timer 138 serves to provide this delay by
delaying, for a predetermined interval, transmittal of the
actuating signal from "Zip Sort" circuit 130 to stacker control
circuit 139. The second stage of timer 138 tolls the interval
required for stacker 18 to index one cycle. Following that
interval, a signal from timer 138 stops stacker drive motor 95. At
the same time, timer 138 resets "Zip Sort" circuit 130 to permit
restarting of the addressing machine 11. "Article Skip" circuit
131, comprises a suitable counter, which is preferably adjustable,
driven or indexed in response to article movement, as by article
sensor 135. "Article Skip" circuit 131, which is preset to skip or
pass a predetermined number of articles 25 unlabeled past labeling
head 16, works through clutch circuit 136 to disengage clutch 62
and stop labeling head 16 while the preset number of articles pass.
Thereafter, the signal from circuit 131 reengages clutch 62 to
restart labeling head 16 and resume labeling operation. "Label
Skip" circuit 132 comprises a suitable adjustable counter, driven
or indexed in response to cyclic operation of labeling head 16 as
by pickup 124. Circuit 132 controls operation of article feeder
shuttle 32, circuit 132 operating solenoid circuit 141 to interpose
stop 42 and uncouple shuttle drive latch 31 to stop feeder shuttle
32 for a preset number of labeling head cycles. At the same time,
the signal from circuit 132 inhibits clutch circuit 136 to prevent
triggering of circuit 136 and disengagement of labeling head drive
clutch 62 by sensor 135 due to the interruption in the feed of
articles to labeling head 16. This permits labeling head 16 to
transfer the unused label or labels from label transfer wheel 48
thereof to storage chute 92 via pickoff wheel 88.
System shutdown circuit 133 comprises suitable circuitry adapted
when actuated to trigger solenoid circuit 141 and stop feeder
shuttle 32 as described before. The resulting interruption in the
feed of articles to labeling head 16 is responded to by sensor 135
which triggers clutch circuit 136 to disengage labeling head drive
clutch 62 to stop labeling head 16. With both feeder shuttle 32 and
labeling head 16 stopped, the labeling system 10 is effectively
shutdown.
Circuit 142 serves, on a signal from stack height sensor 97, to
trigger "Zip Sort" circuit 130 and stop addressing machine 11 and
index stacker 18 as described before. Following the requisite time
interval, timer 138 restarts the addressing machine 11.
In the exemplary arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6, a cypher 113
appears in track 110a of label width 111a. This reflects a change
in Zip Code with label 66a, it being understood that label 66a may
comprise the last label of a common Zip Code, or the first label of
a common Zip Code, or the only label in a certain Zip Code. As
label form 20 is advanced toward labeling head 16, and under reader
115, the signal from head 116a in response to the cypher is fed to
delay counter 125 where it is held pending the arrival of label 60a
at transfer wheel 48 of labeling head 16.
The pulselike signal output generated by timing head 118 on advance
of label form 20 forward drives or indexes the counter first stage
to toll the interval required for the label length 64 incorporating
the affected label 60a to reach guillotine 65. The second stage of
counter 125, which is indexed in response to operation of labeling
head 16 from photocell pickup 124, tolls the interval required for
the particular label 66a to move from guillotine 65 onto label
transfer wheel 48. When the affected label 66a reaches transfer
wheel 48, the delayed signal from counter 125 actuates "Zip Sort"
circuit 130. "Zip Sort"circuit 130 triggers solenoid circuit 141 to
energize disconnect solenoid 43 and disengage drive latch 31 to
stop feeder shuttle 32. Article sensor 135 senses interruption in
the feed of articles 25 to labeling head 16 and triggers clutch
circuit 136. Circuit 136 disengages labeling head drive clutch 62
to stop labeling head 16.
The signal from "Zip Sort" circuit 130 starts timer 138, and
following an interval adequate to allow the last articles on
article transport 14 to reach stacker 18, timer 138 triggers
stacker circuit 139 to start stacker drive motor 95. Motor 95
drives stacker conveyor belts 94 to move the completed stack aside.
Following a second timed interval, adequate to enable motor 95 to
index stacker 18, a signal from timer 138 resets "Zip Sort" circuit
130 thereby deenergizing solenoid 43 and restarting feeder shuttle
32. In addition, the signal from timer 138 resets stacker circuit
139 to stop stacker drive motor 95. With resumption in the feed of
articles 25 to labeling head 16, sensor 135 resets circuit 136 to
engage clutch 62 and restart labeling head 16.
It is understood that the preceding description presumes the
existence of a relatively short distance between article discharge
gate 28 and labeling head transfer wheel 48 so that no appreciable
lag exists between the time the signal from delay counter 125
actuates "Zip Sort" circuit 130, or circuits 131, 132, 133 for that
matter, and the article to be labeled with the affected label
reaches labeling head transfer wheel 48. Where the distance between
gate 28 and transfer wheel 48 is such that one or more unlabeled
articles are normally en route to label transfer wheel 48 on
article transport 14, delay counter 125 is adjusted to generate the
control signal stored therein prior to the time the affected label
reaches labeling head 16. This permits processing of the articles
remaining on article transport 14 to be completed following
stopping of shuttle 32. It is understood that where article sensor
135 is disposed proximate labeling head 16, labeling head 16 will
remain operative until the last article on transport 14 is
processed. Where sensor 135 is some distance upstream of labeling
head 16, a suitable delay device may be used to delay the signal
from sensor 135 pending completion of the processing of articles on
transport 14.
It is appreciated that a cypher 113 at any of the remaining widths
111b, 111c, 111d, of track 110a, corresponding to labels 66b, 66c,
66d respectively, provides "Zip Sort" for that label as described
above.
The presence of a cypher 113 in track 110b, as for example, in
width 111b corresponding to label 66b, is responded to by scanning
head 116b, the resulting signal being stored in delay counter 125.
As described, counter 125 delays the signal to permit the label 66b
to reach the transfer wheel 48 of labeling head 16. At that time,
the signal from counter 125 actuates "Article Skip" circuit 131
which in turn triggers labeling head drive clutch circuit 136 to
disengage clutch 62 and stop labeling head 16. "Article Skip"
circuit 131 holds labeling head 16 stopped while a preset number of
articles are carried by on article transport 14 to stacker 18.
Thereafter, circuit 131 resets clutch circuit 136 to reengage
labeling head drive clutch 62 and resume labeling operation. It is
understood that similar system operation results from a cypher in
widths 111a, 111c, 111d of track 110b for the labels 66a, 66c, 66d
associated therewith.
A cypher 113 in track 110c, for example, in width 111c for label
66c, calling for "Label Skip" and storing of the unused label, is
responded to by scanning head 116c. The control signal from head
116c is stored by counter 125, and following the requisite delay,
the delay signal from counter 125 actuates "Label Skip" circuit
132. Circuit 132 triggers solenoid circuit 141 to stop article
feeder shuttle 32 in the manner described heretofore for a preset
number of labeling head cycles. At the same time, the signal from
circuit 132 inhibits sensor circuit 136 to neutralize article
sensor 135.
With feeder shuttle 32 temporarily stopped, a gap results in the
feed of articles to labeling head 16 and the label or labels fed to
transfer wheel 48 during this period are unused. With the sustained
operation of labeling head 16, these unused labels are transferred
from wheel 48 to storage chute 92 by pickoff wheel 88. Following
the predetermined number of machine cycles, "Label Skip" circuit
132 resets solenoid circuit 141 to restart feeder shuttle 32 and
resume labeling. A similar result obtains where cyphers 113 appear
in widths 111a, 111b, 111d of control track 110c.
Where a cypher 113 appears in control track 110d, as for example,
in width 111d thereof, the signal from scanning head 116d,
following the requisite delay imposed by counter 125, actuates
circuit 133. Circuit 133 triggers solenoid circuit 141 to stop
feeder shuttle 32 as explained previously. With interruption in the
feed of articles 25 to labeling head 16, sensor 135 triggers clutch
circuit 136 to disengage labeling head drive clutch 62 and stop
labeling head 16. Labeling system 10 is accordingly effectively
shutdown. It is understood that suitable means (not shown) are
provided to restart the machine.
In the arrangement shown in FIG. 7, where like numerals refer to
like parts, there is incorporated into control strip 24 of label
form 20 a binary code system permitting addressing machine 11 to
generate bulk outputs, for example, various numbers of unlabeled
articles for each common label. Here, each of the control tracks
110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d represent a selected numerical value
with the label widths 111a, 111b, 111c and 111d corresponding to
the labels 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d respectively. In the exemplary
arrangement shown, control tracks 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d
represent integer additives 1, 2, 4 and 8 respectively. Other
numerical values may however be contemplated.
In this embodiment, the output of scanning heads 116a, 116b, 116c,
116d, are fed to a suitable encoder 160 having multiple output
gates a, b, c, d, representing each label 66a, 66b, 66c, or 66d,
respectively.
Timing head 118 drives a suitable programmer 164 serving to index
encoder 160 and correlate the output signal at gates a, b, c, d
thereof with the imaginary label widths 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d
being scanned by reader 115.
The output of encoder 160, which is representative of the specific
cypher combination or count sensed by heads 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d,
of reader 115 for a specific label 66a, 66b, 66c, or 66d, is stored
by delay counter 125' pending arrival of the particular label 66a,
66b, 66c, or 66d at transfer wheel 48 of labeling head 16. The
signal from delay counter 125 is fed to decoder 166.
Decoder 166 consists of a suitable counter having staged output
gates 1, 2. Following actuation, decoder 166, which is driven or
indexed by article sensor 135, generates a first control signal at
gate 1 on the next to the last article count (n-1) and a second
control signal at gate 2 on the last article count (n). As will
appear, the staged output of decoder 166 permits the last article
of a given article count, which is to be labeled, to be
distinguished from the unlabeled articles preceding it.
A suitable labeling head cycle counter 168, driven by photocell
124, is provided. Cycle counter 168 controls labeling head 16
through clutch circuit 170 to label the last article in a given
article count. Cycle counter 168 is controlled from gate 1 of
decoder 166 through a suitable delay circuit 167. Delay circuit 167
serves to accommodate the interval, if any, between the time the
next to the last article is sensed by article sensor 135 and the
time that article reaches labeling head 16.
Clutch circuit 170 operates labeling head drive clutch 62. Circuit
170 is controlled by delay counter 125, by decoder 166 via delay
circuit 167, and by cycle counter 168.
A suitable operating circuit 171 for shuttle solenoid 43 is
provided. The signal from gate 2 of decoder 166 controls circuit
171.
A stacker control circuit 174, operated by cycle counter 168 is
provided. The signal from stacker control circuit 174 operates both
stacker motor circuit 175 and a suitable timing circuit 176. Timing
circuit 176 serves, following an interval adequate for stacker 18
to index one article stack, to shut down stacker 18 while resetting
shuttle control circuit 171 and decoder 166 for the next cycle. In
the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 7, a pair of cyphers 113
appear in the imaginary label width 111c of tracks 110b, 110d. This
cypher arrangement calls for 10 articles (2+ 8) for the label 66c
associated with label width 111c, the first nine of which are to be
unlabeled. Label 66c is applied to the last or 10 th article by
labeling head 16 to address the resulting stack of unlabeled
articles.
As label form 20 advances past reader 115 in response to the
demands of labeling head 16, scanning heads 116b, 116d respond to
the cyphers 113 to generate a predetermined signal at the input
gates of encoder 160 representative of that particular cypher
combination, i.e., 10. Programmer 164, which is indexed by timing
head 118 with movement of label form 20, inhibits gates a, b, and d
of encoder 160 while the control strip width 111c is being scanned.
Accordingly, an output signal representative of the specific cypher
combination sensed for label width 111c, appears at gate c of
encoder 160. The signal from encoder 160 is held by delay counter
125' pending arrival of label 66c to labeling head transfer wheel
48.
Following the requisite delay, the control signal from delay
counter 125' sets clutch circuit 170 to assure that labeling head
drive clutch 62 is disengaged and labeling head 16 stopped. At the
same time, the control signal from counter 125' sets decoder
166.
As articles 25 are carried forward by article transport 14 to
labeling head 16 past sensor 135, the pulselike signal from sensor
135 indexes or drives decoder 166. On feed of the last article,
i.e., the 10 th article forward, the signal at gate 2 of decoder
166 triggers solenoid circuit 171 to operate latch stop 42 and
uncouple feeder shuttle 32 from driving slider 36. With feeder
shuttle 32 stopped, feed of articles 25 to labeling head 16 is
interrupted.
As the next to the last article moves past article sensor 135, a
control signal appears at gate 1 of decoder 166 and following the
delay imposed by circuit 167 to allow that article to pass labeling
head 16, the signal from decoder 166 resets clutch circuit 170 to
reengage labeling head drive clutch 62 and start labeling head 16.
At the same time, the signal from gate 1 of decoder 166 starts
label cycle counter 168. With operation of labeling head 16, the
next article, i.e., the 10 th article, is labeled.
Following a single labeling head cycle, counter 168 triggers clutch
control circuit 170 to again disengage drive clutch 62 and stop
labeling head 16. At the same time, the signal from counter 168
actuates stacker control circuit 174 to trigger circuit 175 and
start stacker drive motor 95 to index stacker 18. The signal from
circuit 174 also starts timer 176 which, following an interval
necessary for stacker 18 to remove the completed article stack,
stops stacker drive motor 95 while resetting decoder 166 and
solenoid control circuit 171 to restart article feeder shuttle
32.
It is understood that other cypher combinations will result in
similar operation of addressing machine 11 to provide predetermined
numbers of unlabeled articles with a single identifying labeled
article. To prevent overstacking, a suitable stack height control,
similar to that described in connection with the embodiment shown
in FIG. 6 of the drawing, may be provided.
Referring to FIG. 8 of the drawings, where like numerals refer to
like parts, a solenoid operated mechanism is there provided to
enable glue wheel 101 to be temporarily held out of operating
contact with land portion 83 of label transfer wheel 48. This
permits addressing machine 11, when using glue wheel 101, to
operate on the "Label Skip" mode.
In this arrangement, glue wheel 101 is supported on shaft 185
mounted in slotlike openings 186 in side supports 187. Supports 187
are in turn mounted on and supported by adhesive container 100. A
solenoid 190, operatively connected to glue wheel support shaft
185, serves when energized to retract glue wheel shaft 185 and
thereby draw glue wheel 101 out of the path of rotation of transfer
wheel land 83 to prevent application of glue to the labels carried
therepast on land 83. Suitable spring bias means (not shown) may be
provided to return wheel 101 to an operative position adjacent
transfer wheel 48 upon deenergization of solenoid 190. It is
understood that "Label Skip" circuit 132 (see FIG. 6) would serve,
when actuated, to operate solenoid 190 and withdraw glue wheel 101
in response to a control signal from scanning head 116c of FIG.
6.
In the FIG. 8 arrangement, the unused labels are transferred from
wheel 48 by pickup wheel 88 to label trough 92 where they may be
stored for later use as described heretofore. Where it is desired
to use labels 66' in trough 92, the vacuum controlling valve
sequence of transfer wheel 48 and/or pickup wheel 88 may be changed
to permit wheel 88 to withdraw labels 66' from trough 92 and
transfer the labels to land 83 of transfer wheel 48 for application
to articles 25.
While the invention has been described with reference to the
structure disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set
forth; but is intended to cover such modifications of changes as
may come within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *