A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock; a take-up spool support adapted to take up a portion of the label stock; a movable element which defines a portion of a web path between the supply spool and the take-up spool support; a sensor configured to produce a sensor signal indicative of the position of the movable element; a controller configured to receive the sensor signal and output a brake assembly control signal based upon the sensor signal; and a brake assembly configured to apply a braking force to one of said spool supports based upon the brake assembly control signal, the braking force resisting rotation of said one of said spool supports. The controller is configured to control the brake assembly based upon the sensor signal so as to cause the moveable element to move towards a desired position.

A robotic labeling system includes a package locating system, a package identification system having a scanning device configured to scan an identification tag on the package to identify an orientation of the package in the labeling station, and a label application system including a label printer and a label applicator. The label printer prints at least one label for the package. The label applicator includes a multi-axis robot having an arm movable in three-dimensional space. The label applicator has a portrait end effector coupled to the arm configured to transport the label from the label printer to the package in a portrait orientation. The label applicator has a landscape end effector coupled to the arm configured to transport the label from the label printer to the package in a landscape orientation. The label applicator is operated based on the orientation of the package in the labeling station as determined by the scanning device.

A robotic labeling system includes a package locating system, a package identification system having a scanning device configured to scan an identification tag on the package to identify an orientation of the package in the labeling station, and a label application system including a label printer and a label applicator. The label printer prints at least one label for the package. The label applicator includes a multi-axis robot having an arm movable in three-dimensional space. The label applicator has a portrait end effector coupled to the arm configured to transport the label from the label printer to the package in a portrait orientation. The label applicator has a landscape end effector coupled to the arm configured to transport the label from the label printer to the package in a landscape orientation. The label applicator is operated based on the orientation of the package in the labeling station as determined by the scanning device.

A system moves items, like containers and/or pallets, through a label printing station. The station has a label printer that prints adhesive labels; and a robot arm terminating at a movable end with a suction pad or vacuum device and sensors. The station has sensors configured to measure a height of the item; and a processor coupled to receive the height of the item, to control the robot arm and label printer, and to receive label information from a server. The processor has a memory containing code that computes desired label positions based on height of the container/pallet. A method of labeling an item includes printing an adhesive label with the label information obtained from a server; receiving the adhesive label on a suction pad or vacuum device attached to a movable end of a robot arm, and determining a first labeling position from measured height of the container/pallet.

A system moves items, like containers and/or pallets, through a label printing station. The station has a label printer that prints adhesive labels; and a robot arm terminating at a movable end with a suction pad or vacuum device and sensors. The station has sensors configured to measure a height of the item; and a processor coupled to receive the height of the item, to control the robot arm and label printer, and to receive label information from a server. The processor has a memory containing code that computes desired label positions based on height of the container/pallet. A method of labeling an item includes printing an adhesive label with the label information obtained from a server; receiving the adhesive label on a suction pad or vacuum device attached to a movable end of a robot arm, and determining a first labeling position from measured height of the container/pallet.

An apparatus and method for labelling packs including an advancement device for transporting a pack in a transporting direction, a dispensing device for dispensing a label into a dispensing position, and an application device for applying the dispensed label to the pack. A punch including a punch shank and punch foot moves the dispensed label from a receiving position, where the punch foot receives the label, to a discharging position, where the label is applied to the pack by the punch foot. The punch shank is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis transverse to the transporting direction, and is movable axially in a guide element. The punch shank is connected to a lifting element of a lifting device via an articulation. The lifting element is movable parallel to a direction angled relative to the transporting direction. A first drive with a motor drives the lifting element.

An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying a sticker label to a waste container during waste collection operations. The apparatus can include an xyz-positioner, and a sticker labeling dispenser, wherein the xyz-positioner is disposed on a waste collection vehicle, and wherein the sticker labeling dispenser is disposed on the xyz-positioner, and wherein the xyz-positioner is configured to move the sticker labeling dispenser along x, y, and z coordinates and into proximity with the waste container during operations of the waste collection vehicle, such that the sticker label can be applied to the waste container.

An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying a sticker label to a waste container during waste collection operations. The apparatus can include an xyz-positioner, and a sticker labeling dispenser, wherein the xyz-positioner is disposed on a waste collection vehicle, and wherein the sticker labeling dispenser is disposed on the xyz-positioner, and wherein the xyz-positioner is configured to move the sticker labeling dispenser along x, y, and z coordinates and into proximity with the waste container during operations of the waste collection vehicle, such that the sticker label can be applied to the waste container.

Printing systems may include a rotatable tamp head that may be repositioned, as necessary, in order to cause a label to be printed in a specific location or in a certain alignment on an object. Such tamp heads may be repositioned as necessary where the label may cross a seam, a crease, a fold or another surface feature which might cause the label to be bowed or damaged in transit. The tamp head may be positioned in a manner that would enable any information, markings or bar codes thereon to remain legible and intact even if the label is applied across such a surface feature. An orientation of the object may be determined using one or more sensors aligned at various angles with respect to a direction of travel of the object.

Printing systems may include a rotatable tamp head that may be repositioned, as necessary, in order to cause a label to be printed in a specific location or in a certain alignment on an object. Such tamp heads may be repositioned as necessary where the label may cross a seam, a crease, a fold or another surface feature which might cause the label to be bowed or damaged in transit. The tamp head may be positioned in a manner that would enable any information, markings or bar codes thereon to remain legible and intact even if the label is applied across such a surface feature. An orientation of the object may be determined using one or more sensors aligned at various angles with respect to a direction of travel of the object.