A media processing device includes: a hopper for supporting a stack of media units (e.g. cards), the hopper including (i) a gate wall configured to abut leading edges of the media units and (ii) an outlet defined at an end of the gate wall; a pick roller at the outlet for engaging an outer one of the media units in the stack and dispensing the outer media unit from the hopper to a media processing path; the gate wall including a flexible gate at the outlet, the flexible gate configured to deflect toward the media processing path responsive to the outer media unit being driven into the flexible gate by the pick roller, wherein the outer media unit deflects when passing by the flexible gate, permitting the outer media unit to be dispensed from the hopper.

The invention relates to a mobile robot, to a supply system, and to a method for changing label rolls on a labeling assembly for labeling containers. The mobile robot accordingly comprises a vehicle unit for changing locations of the robot and a manipulator unit with a multi-axle manipulator and an associated end effector for manipulating label rolls. Because the end effector is designed to grip the outer circumference of the label rolls and emptied roll cores of label rolls so as to carry them, ergonomically problematic work steps when introducing label rolls can be accomplished exclusively by machine with a high degree of precision and in a material-saving manner.

Apparatus and method for the making of a pressure-sensitive adhesive stock for labels using a label production line, are disclosed. The stock comprises a first layer of facestock material configured to be die-cut to form the stock of labels surrounded by a matrix, the first layer being backed by a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive, which in turn is covered by a release liner. 5 The apparatus and method allow the matrix of the facestock to be peeled-off from the release liner on the label production line without stopping the label production line by merely slowing down the label production line. A pressure-sensitive adhesive stock free of the matrix of the facestock is therefore produced without lowering production yields.

An apparatus for connecting label tapes, the apparatus comprising a feed-through area through which the label tapes can be passed along a transport direction, a clamping element for clamping an area of a first label tape, a cutting device upstream of the clamping element for cutting a first label end of the first label tape, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive area of the first label end upstream of the clamping element, a connecting device for bringing a second label end of a second label tape to the first label end of the first label tape and for connecting the second label end to the first label end in the adhesive area.

A media processing device includes: a hopper for supporting a stack of media units (e.g. cards), the hopper including (i) a gate wall configured to abut leading edges of the media units and (ii) an outlet defined at an end of the gate wall; a pick roller at the outlet for engaging an outer one of the media units in the stack and dispensing the outer media unit from the hopper to a media processing path; the gate wall including a flexible gate at the outlet, the flexible gate configured to deflect toward the media processing path responsive to the outer media unit being driven into the flexible gate by the pick roller, wherein the outer media unit deflects when passing by the flexible gate, permitting the outer media unit to be dispensed from the hopper.

A tensioning control device having a first motor that applies a torque to a first end of a substrate in a first direction and a second motor that applies a torque to a second end of the substrate in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction is disclosed. In this manner, the first motor and the second motor apply torque to the substrate in opposing directions, thereby placing the substrate in tension. In one embodiment, the first motor applies a torque to the first end of the substrate that is equal to the torque applied to the second end of the substrate by the second motor. By placing the substrate in tension in this manner, an actuator is able to incrementally move the substrate in a forward direction and a backward direction independent of the tension applied to the substrate.

At a printer that feeds a continuous paper unwound from a paper sheet supply unit in a sheet-shape to a printing head portion side via a damper portion, and then prints on a label of the continuous paper, the damper portion is made of a transparent material.

A joining apparatus for supporting strips of adhesive labels comprises two modules each of which in turn comprises a conveying element of the respective supporting strip; a cutting element configured to cut a respective supporting strip; a joining element that can be configured in a first operating position, in which it keeps in position a respective supporting strip and/or a fixing element, and in a second operating position in which it abuts against the joining element of the other module so as to join the supporting strips; a locking element that can be configured between an active position and a passive position. In particular, at least one joining element can be removed from the respective module to allow the introduction of the fixing element even when the two modules are in the neared configuration to one another. The subject matter of the present patent application is also a joining process for supporting strips of adhesive labels.

An example disclosed herein includes a media cartridge. The media cartridge includes a housing configured to rotatably support a media roll. The media cartridge further includes a cartridge output within the housing configured to guide a media web from the media roll out of the housing. The media cartridge includes a spring and a media stop assembly configured to translate between a release position and a hold position. When the media stop assembly is in the hold position, the media web of the media roll is pinched between the media stop assembly and a surface and when the media stop assembly is in the release position, the media stop assembly is separated from the surface and the media web is free to move. The spring further biases the media stop assembly towards the hold position and is removable without opening the housing of the media cartridge.

The plant includes at least one support (3) for the reels (B1, B2 . . . . Bn) to be labeled, a label dispenser, a first labeling robot (11) adapted to take labels from the label dispenser and to insert them into the central openings of the reels arranged on the support, and a second handling robot (31) adapted to take the reels and to move them away from the support (3).