CA1196812B - Labelling machines - Google Patents
Labelling machinesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1196812B CA1196812B CA000477680A CA477680A CA1196812B CA 1196812 B CA1196812 B CA 1196812B CA 000477680 A CA000477680 A CA 000477680A CA 477680 A CA477680 A CA 477680A CA 1196812 B CA1196812 B CA 1196812B
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- label
- data receiving
- printing
- hand
- processing means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
- B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C11/00—Manually-controlled or manually-operable label dispensers, e.g. modified for the application of labels to articles
- B65C11/02—Manually-controlled or manually-operable label dispensers, e.g. modified for the application of labels to articles having printing equipment
- B65C11/0289—Manually-controlled or manually-operable label dispensers, e.g. modified for the application of labels to articles having printing equipment using electrical or electro-mechanical means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K1/00—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion
- G06K1/12—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching
- G06K1/121—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching by printing code marks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F3/0286—Forms or constructions provided with adaptations for labelling machines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C2210/00—Details of manually controlled or manually operable label dispensers
- B65C2210/0002—Data entry devices
- B65C2210/0013—Keyboards; Touchscreens
- B65C2210/0018—Keyboards; Touchscreens permanent
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/17—Surface bonding means and/or assemblymeans with work feeding or handling means
- Y10T156/1702—For plural parts or plural areas of single part
- Y10T156/1705—Lamina transferred to base from adhered flexible web or sheet type carrier
- Y10T156/1707—Discrete spaced laminae on adhered carrier
- Y10T156/171—Means serially presenting discrete base articles or separate portions of a single article
Abstract
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO LABELLING MACHINES
ABSTRACT
A labelling machine has a push button switch, actuation of which causes a label to be printed by a thermographic printing head with selected data which has been stored in a microprocessor by operation of a keyboard. The printed label is fed by an electrically powered drive mechanism controlled by the microprocessor to a dispensing position from which the label can be applied to an article and a further label is advanced from a supply to the printing head. The label supply is a continuous strip of separated labels with self-adhesive covered by a backing strip which is peeled away as the printed label reaches the dispensing position. Spaced optically or magnetically detectable markings on the label strip are detected in the machine to provide signals to the microprocessor for obtaining registration of each label with the printing head.
ABSTRACT
A labelling machine has a push button switch, actuation of which causes a label to be printed by a thermographic printing head with selected data which has been stored in a microprocessor by operation of a keyboard. The printed label is fed by an electrically powered drive mechanism controlled by the microprocessor to a dispensing position from which the label can be applied to an article and a further label is advanced from a supply to the printing head. The label supply is a continuous strip of separated labels with self-adhesive covered by a backing strip which is peeled away as the printed label reaches the dispensing position. Spaced optically or magnetically detectable markings on the label strip are detected in the machine to provide signals to the microprocessor for obtaining registration of each label with the printing head.
Description
r)o ck e t M - 3 9 8 -C
~ 6~
IM~'~OVEMENI'S IN C~ REI.A'I'ING TO LABELLING MAC~IINES
Ba ~ und of the Invention The invention relates to labelling machines of the kind used for example in supermarkets and other stores to apply to each article on display for sale an adhesive label indicating the price of the article.
Such machines comprise a receptacle for a supply of labels to be printed, a printing headr control means for selecting data to be printed by the printing head, and mechanism actuable to effect printing of a label at the o printing head with the selected data and advance of the printed label to a dispensiny position from which it can be dispensed for application to the article. At the same time another label is advanced from the supply to the printed head for the next operation.
In such known rnachines, the labels have been fed from a roll of the unprinted labels mechanically, in response to manual actuation o~ a lever associated with a handle of the machine, and the printing operation is effected mechanically by means of inked printiny elernents.
Machines of this kind have a disadvantage that the printin~3 head rec~uires to be filled with ink from time to time, which requires an interru~tion of work and involves handling, and possible spillaye, of tlle ink; it is moreover tiring for the operator to repeatedly m~nually actuate both the label eediny and printiny mechanisln.
The invention accordinc3;Ly has an object the provision of a labelling rnachine which is easier to employ than known machines at least in that it does not involve the use of ink.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a 30 labellinc3 machine which can be employed with a minimum of physical effort.
6~
Doc~et M-3~8-C
It is also an object o~ the invention to provide a labelling machine having extensive facilities for printing data on labels received within the machine.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a labelling machine having means for recording information about the use thereof and for displaying and/or transmitting the information to data treatmerlt and/or storage means.
It is moreover an object of the invention to provide a labelling machine having means Eor electrically or optieally o detecting Eeatures of a strip oE labe.ls received therein and for effecting registration of individual labels w.ith elements of the machine in accordance with such detected features.
It is furthermore an object oE the invention to provide a continuous strip of Labelling material Eor use in a machine of the invention, and in particular such a continuous strip having spaced magnetical.Ly or optically detectab:Le markings for detection in the machine to assist registration of labels with parts thereof.
Summary of the Invention .
I'he invention aecordin(31y provides a labelling maehine of the kinc3 described in which the printing head is a thermo-graphie printing head Eor printing labels of heat sensit.ive material, the machine having electrie eontrol means for eon-trolling, and an e:leetric power source Eor energising, the therrnographie printing head.
Aecord.ing to a curther Eeature oE the invention, the eontrol means comprise a keyboard for input of selected data intc) a microproeessor providing outputs for the thermographic printing head, anc] a switch operable as by means oE a push button to efEect printing of the selected data onto a label.
1)o~k~t M-3'~
Accordiny to ano~her feature of the invention, the feed mechanism can comprise rollers drivable by an electric motor, preferably a ste~ping motor. The motor can be powered by the same electric power source as the printing head and can be under the control o~ a signal derived from the micro-processor in response to operation of the switch.
In this way~ the machine is made much easier to operate, as the physical input re~uired to advance the labels is replaced by an electric drive.
~eeording to another Eeature of the invention, the machine can be provided with a data register for reeeiving and storing information relating to use of the machine, and at least one of display means for display of the stored information and output means Eor transfer of the stored information to an external compllter or data storage means, for use in stock eontrol and/or accountiny proeedures.
Aeeording to another t:eature of the invention, the maehine is arranged for printing and dispensing labels from a eontinuous strip thereof, and a sensor ean be provided for optieally or rneehanieally c1eteeting spaeed markings on the strip and supplyin(J in response thereto signals to the mieroproeessor to adjust the feed meehanism to obtain rec~istration oE the printed data Witt1 the individual labels of the strip.
Aeeordin(~ to another ~eature of the invention, the maelline ean be provided with an input to the mieroproeessor in adclition to the keyboard for input of data whieh is to be printed on eaeh label to-~ether with the seleeted data.
In this Wdy, part oE the information ean be invariable or prearranc3ed, in not bein~3 direetly under the user's eontrol, the seleeted part being selected by the user to relate to the partieular artieles bein(3 :Labelled. Thus the label ean be printed with the name of the store as well as the artiele 8~
Docket M-39~-C
price. The machine can also be arrarlged to print each label with a bar code or the like for mechanical reading if desired.
The machine of -the invention can be arranged to print more than one line of alpha-numeric or other symbols.
The prior art labelling machine described in the introduction employs labelling material comprising a strip of sheet material haviny pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, and a backing strip overlying the ac3hesive, the strip oE sheet material having equispaced transverse cuts or lines of weakness defining Labels therebetween, and the backing strip being separable to permit securement of each label to an article.
According to the invention there is provided, for use in the machine of the invention, labelling material of this kind in which the strip oE sheet material has on the other side thereof a dye responsive to heat to chanye or display colour.
~ ccording to a Eurtller feature of the invention the labelling material, Eor use in a machine oE the invention havin~
the optical or magnetic detectin(~ means mentioned above, can be provided with an optically or maynetically detectable markings on the strip of sheet material or the backing strip in predetermirled relation to the division.s between the labels.
rt`he edges of the labelling machine can be notched or otherwise shape(l to co-operate with the feeding mechanism of the klbelLing machirle of the system, but the mechdnical complications oE su~h arrangements can be avoided in accordance with the inventiorl by n~ans oE this Last mentioned Eeature.
Brief Descri~on oE the Drawi~
__ _ ___ _ _ . __ _ _ _ _ _ Figure l is a schematic sectional side view of an illustrative labelling machine embo(-3ying the invention;
Fi~ure 2 shows the circuit arrangements of the labelling machine in schematic block diagram form; and Doclcet ~1-398-C
Fiyure 3 is a schelTIatic perspective view of a label strip for use in the machine in accordance with the invention.
Machine Structure _ _ ____ The labelling machine illustrated comprises a housing 1 shaped with an opening to provide a handle portion 2 at its upper right hand side as shown in figure 1. Immediately beneath the handle portion 2, the housing interior provides space for reception of an electric energy source in the form of one or more batteries 3, with door means (not shown) permitting o replacement thereof. The energy source may instead be a rechargeable power pack in which event terminals are provided for recharging as by connection to the main supply. Centrally of the housing 1, there is located a magazine 4 for labels to be printed and dispensed by the machine. In the illustrated machine, the labels are provided in a form of a rolled strip S of paper or other thermographic material which is led by a feed mechanism generally forwardly from the magazine to a thermographic printing head 6/ and a dispensing position.
Door means (not shown) in the housing 1 permits ready replacernent of the rolled label strip 5 when exhausted and convenient threadiny of the free end of the strip through the feed mechanism.
As appears frorn figure 1, the paper strip 5 is led upwardly from the periphery of the roll by guide means 7 and is then turned through 180 to travel pas-t an optical sensing mèans ~ the nature and function of which will be described below. ~'he paper strip is then engaged between a drive roller 9 and an idler roller 10 of the feed mechanism and emerges from the nip of these rollers to 30 advance ~orwardly to between the printing head 6 and a print support 11.
Do c k e t M - 3 ~ ~3 - C .~
Althou(~h s},own as a fixed guide over which the paper strip slides, the print support 11 may include a support roller.
In either event, the print support is shaped to bring the strip in engagement with heatable elements of the thermographic print headO
After printing at the printiny head 6, the strip continues forwardly out of the housing 1 to beneath a dispensing roller 12, by which it can be wiped on to an article to be labelled. The paper strip is preferably self-adhesive, that o is, it carries an adhesive layer on the surface opposite that which is printed, and this adhesive layer is initially covered by a backing strip 14 which must be separated from the label strip S itself before this can be applied to an article. For this purpose, the print support 11 is provided with a relatively sharp edye around which the backing strip 14 is turned rear wardly back into the machine to be received between the driv roller 9 and a second idler roller 15. From these rollers, the backing strip 1~ is fed rearwardly and downwardly outwardly of the machine through an aperture in the housing 1.
I'he drive roller 9 is driven by electric motor 16, which can be a stepping motor, accommodated at the ~ront of the housin~ above the dispensing roller L2. The machine operates under control of electronic circuitry, shown schematically in fi~ure 2, located at the top of the housing 1 beneath a keyboard 19 provided with push-buttons 18 by which data can be entered into the circuitry. The machine is actuated by means of a push button operated main control switch 20 positione(3 rearwardly of the keyboard so that it call be pressed by the thumb of an operator holding the machine with his fingers around the handle portion 2.
Instead of the feeding mechanism shown, the machine of the invention can incorporate a solerloid operated escapement drive for the label strip.
Docket M-398-C
Control Arrangements ~ __ The illustrated labelling machine operates under the control of the electronic circuit arran(3ement shown in schematic block diagram form in figure 2. Central to the circuit is a microprocessor 21 which is preferably a single silicone chip ; including within its monolothic structure a read only memory (~OM), a random access memory (RAM), instruction registers, address registers, a central control logic section, and data and input and output means. .he microprocessor 21 receives inputs from the keyboard 19, the push-button switch 20, and from the sensor 8. It provides outputs to a step motor drive eontrol unit 22 which effects operation of the step motor 16, and to the printing head 6. The circuit includes a cloek 24 arranged to provide a pulse train for co~ordinating the operations carried out within the microprocessor.
Printin~L~eacl The printing head 6 is d solid state thermographic printing head, but a hot needle or a thiek or t.hin film thermographic printing head c~uld be employed. The printing ~o head 6 comprises a plate nlounting a matrix or array of protuberant printing elelnents, together with connections to line driver eircuit elements 25, 2h and dot driver element 27, eonneeted to receive sign~l.ls 'crt>ln the microprocessor 21.
The microproeessor 2:L .is arran(Jed to supply to the driver elements 25, 26 and 27 sigr)als such that certain heating elements of the printing head, selected in dependence on a progranune establistled by operation of the keyboard 19, receive currents suElicient to heat these elements to a termperature at which colour is developed or changed on the label strip 5 over the small area in contact with the heatiny elements. Typical.:Ly, the printing head may carry twelve groups each eomprising seven rows each of five heating elements, so that a twelve character line can be printed at the time.
c~
Docke t M-3 9~-C
After a line has been printed, the stepping motor 16 of course advances the label strip by such an amount that the area of the paper on which the next line of characters is to be printeci is in engagement with the printing element matrix. The printing head can comprise any appropriate number of heating elements, the numbers of connections to the head 6 shown in figure 2 beiny merely illustrati~e. The printing head can be arranged to print characters composed of a dot matrix in any desired comblnation and to print any number of characters sequentially lo or simllltaneously in a line or column as desired.
The Label Strl~
As shown in figure 3, the label strip S comprises a length of paper or plastics material 28 having coated on one surface a suitable heat sensitive coating 29 which changes or cdevelops colour in response to the application of the heat.
The strip material 28 is coated on the opposite side with a layer 30 of adhesive material to provide a self adhesive or pressure sensitive coating. Laminatec3 on to the adhesive layer 30 is a paper or plastics backing strip 31 coated with an adhesive resistant surface in engagement with the adhesive layer, so that the backing strip can be readily peeled away.
The laminated label and backing strips are separated off into label portions all of equal length, by lines of weakness or complete or partial transverse cuts 32 made in the label strip only. During the operation by which these cuts are formed, an ink strip or other mark preEerably in exact coincidence with each cut 32 is printed either on the label or on the backing strip. rl'he ink strip is such that it can be read by the optical sensor 8 in the machine. Instead oE an ink strip 30 to be sensed optically, a magnetic strip or other mark can be provided for detection by a magnetic sensor in the machine.
Æither arrangement permits the sensor to provide a signal to the microprocessor so that the feed of the label strip can be adjusted to correct for any departure from registration of the printed information with the longitudinal edges of the label portions.
_g_ Docket M-3~-C ~ 8~2 Operation The illustrated labelling machine is primarily intended for the Labelling of articles in stores and supermarkets, and the information to appear on labels dispensed by the machine comprises at a minimum tile price of the article. BeEore printing and applying a batch of labels, the user operates the keyboard 19 to set up in the microprocessor a programme for printing the desired price information on each label of the label strip 5.
The price selected is stored within the microprocessor 21, and o each time the operator actuates the main push-button switch 20 a printing and dispensing cycle is performed, by which a label printed with the selected price appears below the dispensing roller, 12.
At the beginning of the cycle, the leading edye of a label portion of the strip 5 will be just beyond a narrow transverse portion of the label enyage~ between the heating elements of the printing head 6 and the print support 11.
In response to a print co~nand signal froln the push-button switch 20, the microprocessor 21 supplies to the driver 20 elements 25, 26 and 27 signals for energising selected heating elements in accordance with the stored printing programme deterrnined by the user. Printing of the desired price informa-tion on the label is thus efEected. The microprocessor then supplies a signal to the motor control unit 22 to energize the motor 16 to advance the strip 5 until such time as the next ink strip on the strip is detected by the sensor 8. The resultant signal to the mlcroprocessor 21 causes this to stop energisation of the motor so that advarlce of the strip ceases. The positions o~ the sensor 8, the printing head 6, the support :Ll and the roller 12 along the path of the strip 5 are such that the printed label is now beneath the roller 12 with the backing strip 31 peeled away over about g5% of the length of the label and the cut 3~ separating the printed label from the next following label of the strip is at the position of the leading edge of the now printed label before the cycle began. The Docket M-398-C
printed label can be applied to an article and the push button switch 20 pressed again to start another cycle.
As will be further described below, the labelling machine of the invention can be provided with many advantageous facilities beyond the capacity to print a single line of price information.
Additional Information Thus the labelling machine so far described can readily be adapted to print information additional to the readily o adjustable price information put into the machine by operation of the keyboard 19. The price information will of course normally contain one or more fixed elements, in the form of symbols identifying at least the major unit of the currency in which the price is expressed. Such additional information can comprise further variab:le or sel~cted information present by the user by means of the keyboard 19 or by other means less readily accessible than the keyboarc3, Eor examp:Le the machine can be provided with an input means 23 not normally available to the operator which can be reached or rendered operative only 20 by opening the housing 1 or by use of a key. ~lternatively or in addition fixed inEormation to be prin~ed may be determined on manufacture o~ the machine.
The fixed or invariable additional information can comprise for example the name of the vendor or a sales slo~an.
The additional variable or preset information can include for example unit price data, information as to the nature of the article (Eor example, its weight or volume or the number of items packed withir~ it), and calendar information (for example, the date of packa~ing, the date by which the article should be 30 sold or used, or the date by which a warranty Otl the article expires).
Docke~ M-398-C
In addition, the label can be printed with alpha numeric data k1entifying the article in some suitable code, for stock control purposes. The label may also be printed with data relatin~ to the article coded in a bar code, for reading electrically or optically, as at a check-out counter, the information being fed into a automatic cash register and/or into a computer for stock control purposes.
Multiline P _ntin~ ~
It will be evident that the additional information -o will normally be required to be printed on more than one line, and the illustrated machine can be readily modified for multiline printing, on labels of sufficient lengthl by arranging for the multiprocessor 21 to advance the strip 5 throu~h a series of steps each corresponding to a printed line, the length of only the last advance being covered by a signal from the sensor 8.
Colour Printing The labelling machine of the invention and the label strip it uses can also be readily modified to obtain a label printed in two colours. In the modification, the single dye coating 29 of the surface of the label strip 2~ is replaced by three layers of coating material. The heatin~ elements of the printing head 6 are arranged to be heated selectively either to a higher or to a lower tempe~ature. If a heating element recei~es current such that it is heated only to the lower temperature, the heat transferred to the label strip is sufficient to develop the colour oE the outermost layer only~
If the current supplied is sufEicient to raise the temperature to the higher level, not only is the colour in the outer layer developed, but so is the colour in the inrlermost layer. The intermediate layer is also responsive to this level of temperature to permit flow of the activated dye from innermost to the outermost layer, so that a second colour different from ~12-Docket M-398-C
that of the outerrnost layer on its own appears at the coated surface oE the strip. ~~
The microprocessor 21 can be readily adapted to effect printing of a label with a plurality of lines of information in different colourst or even to print in different colours on a ~ingle line.
Summation and Display The circuit illustrated in figure 2 can if required include additional data rec~ister means 34 as shown, for totalling ~
lo the number of labels printed with a particular item of selected ~-data. The additional data register 34 may have the capacity for accumulating a plurality of totals each representating the number of times for which the machine has been used to print labels bearing respective different items of information.
Information thus stored can be displayed at command on the machine by means of a digital display 35 provided on the keyboard for stock control and/or accounting purposes, and/or conveyed from the machine to a computer interface by means o~ a suitable plug and socket connection 36, for the 5tored data to be used in a computerized stock control and accounting system. The digital display on the machine can be constitutecl by liquid crystal or light emittiny diodes, or a gas discharge display.
Althouyh the invention has been described with particular refere~nce to a hand-held machine by which self adhesive labeLs can be appLied manually to an article, the machine can instead be incorporated in a check weigher, the price information printed on the label being derived from the measured weight oE a package, and the known price per unit weight, as calculated by the check weigher.
Docket M--3 98-C
Although the label material is advantageously made self adhesive, in this way so that it can be attached by the adhesive to the article to be price labelled, it is also within the invention to provide labelling material which can be subsequently attached to an article by means of a thread or string or metal or plast ics staple .
~ 6~
IM~'~OVEMENI'S IN C~ REI.A'I'ING TO LABELLING MAC~IINES
Ba ~ und of the Invention The invention relates to labelling machines of the kind used for example in supermarkets and other stores to apply to each article on display for sale an adhesive label indicating the price of the article.
Such machines comprise a receptacle for a supply of labels to be printed, a printing headr control means for selecting data to be printed by the printing head, and mechanism actuable to effect printing of a label at the o printing head with the selected data and advance of the printed label to a dispensiny position from which it can be dispensed for application to the article. At the same time another label is advanced from the supply to the printed head for the next operation.
In such known rnachines, the labels have been fed from a roll of the unprinted labels mechanically, in response to manual actuation o~ a lever associated with a handle of the machine, and the printing operation is effected mechanically by means of inked printiny elernents.
Machines of this kind have a disadvantage that the printin~3 head rec~uires to be filled with ink from time to time, which requires an interru~tion of work and involves handling, and possible spillaye, of tlle ink; it is moreover tiring for the operator to repeatedly m~nually actuate both the label eediny and printiny mechanisln.
The invention accordinc3;Ly has an object the provision of a labelling rnachine which is easier to employ than known machines at least in that it does not involve the use of ink.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a 30 labellinc3 machine which can be employed with a minimum of physical effort.
6~
Doc~et M-3~8-C
It is also an object o~ the invention to provide a labelling machine having extensive facilities for printing data on labels received within the machine.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a labelling machine having means for recording information about the use thereof and for displaying and/or transmitting the information to data treatmerlt and/or storage means.
It is moreover an object of the invention to provide a labelling machine having means Eor electrically or optieally o detecting Eeatures of a strip oE labe.ls received therein and for effecting registration of individual labels w.ith elements of the machine in accordance with such detected features.
It is furthermore an object oE the invention to provide a continuous strip of Labelling material Eor use in a machine of the invention, and in particular such a continuous strip having spaced magnetical.Ly or optically detectab:Le markings for detection in the machine to assist registration of labels with parts thereof.
Summary of the Invention .
I'he invention aecordin(31y provides a labelling maehine of the kinc3 described in which the printing head is a thermo-graphie printing head Eor printing labels of heat sensit.ive material, the machine having electrie eontrol means for eon-trolling, and an e:leetric power source Eor energising, the therrnographie printing head.
Aecord.ing to a curther Eeature oE the invention, the eontrol means comprise a keyboard for input of selected data intc) a microproeessor providing outputs for the thermographic printing head, anc] a switch operable as by means oE a push button to efEect printing of the selected data onto a label.
1)o~k~t M-3'~
Accordiny to ano~her feature of the invention, the feed mechanism can comprise rollers drivable by an electric motor, preferably a ste~ping motor. The motor can be powered by the same electric power source as the printing head and can be under the control o~ a signal derived from the micro-processor in response to operation of the switch.
In this way~ the machine is made much easier to operate, as the physical input re~uired to advance the labels is replaced by an electric drive.
~eeording to another Eeature of the invention, the machine can be provided with a data register for reeeiving and storing information relating to use of the machine, and at least one of display means for display of the stored information and output means Eor transfer of the stored information to an external compllter or data storage means, for use in stock eontrol and/or accountiny proeedures.
Aeeording to another t:eature of the invention, the maehine is arranged for printing and dispensing labels from a eontinuous strip thereof, and a sensor ean be provided for optieally or rneehanieally c1eteeting spaeed markings on the strip and supplyin(J in response thereto signals to the mieroproeessor to adjust the feed meehanism to obtain rec~istration oE the printed data Witt1 the individual labels of the strip.
Aeeordin(~ to another ~eature of the invention, the maelline ean be provided with an input to the mieroproeessor in adclition to the keyboard for input of data whieh is to be printed on eaeh label to-~ether with the seleeted data.
In this Wdy, part oE the information ean be invariable or prearranc3ed, in not bein~3 direetly under the user's eontrol, the seleeted part being selected by the user to relate to the partieular artieles bein(3 :Labelled. Thus the label ean be printed with the name of the store as well as the artiele 8~
Docket M-39~-C
price. The machine can also be arrarlged to print each label with a bar code or the like for mechanical reading if desired.
The machine of -the invention can be arranged to print more than one line of alpha-numeric or other symbols.
The prior art labelling machine described in the introduction employs labelling material comprising a strip of sheet material haviny pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, and a backing strip overlying the ac3hesive, the strip oE sheet material having equispaced transverse cuts or lines of weakness defining Labels therebetween, and the backing strip being separable to permit securement of each label to an article.
According to the invention there is provided, for use in the machine of the invention, labelling material of this kind in which the strip oE sheet material has on the other side thereof a dye responsive to heat to chanye or display colour.
~ ccording to a Eurtller feature of the invention the labelling material, Eor use in a machine oE the invention havin~
the optical or magnetic detectin(~ means mentioned above, can be provided with an optically or maynetically detectable markings on the strip of sheet material or the backing strip in predetermirled relation to the division.s between the labels.
rt`he edges of the labelling machine can be notched or otherwise shape(l to co-operate with the feeding mechanism of the klbelLing machirle of the system, but the mechdnical complications oE su~h arrangements can be avoided in accordance with the inventiorl by n~ans oE this Last mentioned Eeature.
Brief Descri~on oE the Drawi~
__ _ ___ _ _ . __ _ _ _ _ _ Figure l is a schematic sectional side view of an illustrative labelling machine embo(-3ying the invention;
Fi~ure 2 shows the circuit arrangements of the labelling machine in schematic block diagram form; and Doclcet ~1-398-C
Fiyure 3 is a schelTIatic perspective view of a label strip for use in the machine in accordance with the invention.
Machine Structure _ _ ____ The labelling machine illustrated comprises a housing 1 shaped with an opening to provide a handle portion 2 at its upper right hand side as shown in figure 1. Immediately beneath the handle portion 2, the housing interior provides space for reception of an electric energy source in the form of one or more batteries 3, with door means (not shown) permitting o replacement thereof. The energy source may instead be a rechargeable power pack in which event terminals are provided for recharging as by connection to the main supply. Centrally of the housing 1, there is located a magazine 4 for labels to be printed and dispensed by the machine. In the illustrated machine, the labels are provided in a form of a rolled strip S of paper or other thermographic material which is led by a feed mechanism generally forwardly from the magazine to a thermographic printing head 6/ and a dispensing position.
Door means (not shown) in the housing 1 permits ready replacernent of the rolled label strip 5 when exhausted and convenient threadiny of the free end of the strip through the feed mechanism.
As appears frorn figure 1, the paper strip 5 is led upwardly from the periphery of the roll by guide means 7 and is then turned through 180 to travel pas-t an optical sensing mèans ~ the nature and function of which will be described below. ~'he paper strip is then engaged between a drive roller 9 and an idler roller 10 of the feed mechanism and emerges from the nip of these rollers to 30 advance ~orwardly to between the printing head 6 and a print support 11.
Do c k e t M - 3 ~ ~3 - C .~
Althou(~h s},own as a fixed guide over which the paper strip slides, the print support 11 may include a support roller.
In either event, the print support is shaped to bring the strip in engagement with heatable elements of the thermographic print headO
After printing at the printiny head 6, the strip continues forwardly out of the housing 1 to beneath a dispensing roller 12, by which it can be wiped on to an article to be labelled. The paper strip is preferably self-adhesive, that o is, it carries an adhesive layer on the surface opposite that which is printed, and this adhesive layer is initially covered by a backing strip 14 which must be separated from the label strip S itself before this can be applied to an article. For this purpose, the print support 11 is provided with a relatively sharp edye around which the backing strip 14 is turned rear wardly back into the machine to be received between the driv roller 9 and a second idler roller 15. From these rollers, the backing strip 1~ is fed rearwardly and downwardly outwardly of the machine through an aperture in the housing 1.
I'he drive roller 9 is driven by electric motor 16, which can be a stepping motor, accommodated at the ~ront of the housin~ above the dispensing roller L2. The machine operates under control of electronic circuitry, shown schematically in fi~ure 2, located at the top of the housing 1 beneath a keyboard 19 provided with push-buttons 18 by which data can be entered into the circuitry. The machine is actuated by means of a push button operated main control switch 20 positione(3 rearwardly of the keyboard so that it call be pressed by the thumb of an operator holding the machine with his fingers around the handle portion 2.
Instead of the feeding mechanism shown, the machine of the invention can incorporate a solerloid operated escapement drive for the label strip.
Docket M-398-C
Control Arrangements ~ __ The illustrated labelling machine operates under the control of the electronic circuit arran(3ement shown in schematic block diagram form in figure 2. Central to the circuit is a microprocessor 21 which is preferably a single silicone chip ; including within its monolothic structure a read only memory (~OM), a random access memory (RAM), instruction registers, address registers, a central control logic section, and data and input and output means. .he microprocessor 21 receives inputs from the keyboard 19, the push-button switch 20, and from the sensor 8. It provides outputs to a step motor drive eontrol unit 22 which effects operation of the step motor 16, and to the printing head 6. The circuit includes a cloek 24 arranged to provide a pulse train for co~ordinating the operations carried out within the microprocessor.
Printin~L~eacl The printing head 6 is d solid state thermographic printing head, but a hot needle or a thiek or t.hin film thermographic printing head c~uld be employed. The printing ~o head 6 comprises a plate nlounting a matrix or array of protuberant printing elelnents, together with connections to line driver eircuit elements 25, 2h and dot driver element 27, eonneeted to receive sign~l.ls 'crt>ln the microprocessor 21.
The microproeessor 2:L .is arran(Jed to supply to the driver elements 25, 26 and 27 sigr)als such that certain heating elements of the printing head, selected in dependence on a progranune establistled by operation of the keyboard 19, receive currents suElicient to heat these elements to a termperature at which colour is developed or changed on the label strip 5 over the small area in contact with the heatiny elements. Typical.:Ly, the printing head may carry twelve groups each eomprising seven rows each of five heating elements, so that a twelve character line can be printed at the time.
c~
Docke t M-3 9~-C
After a line has been printed, the stepping motor 16 of course advances the label strip by such an amount that the area of the paper on which the next line of characters is to be printeci is in engagement with the printing element matrix. The printing head can comprise any appropriate number of heating elements, the numbers of connections to the head 6 shown in figure 2 beiny merely illustrati~e. The printing head can be arranged to print characters composed of a dot matrix in any desired comblnation and to print any number of characters sequentially lo or simllltaneously in a line or column as desired.
The Label Strl~
As shown in figure 3, the label strip S comprises a length of paper or plastics material 28 having coated on one surface a suitable heat sensitive coating 29 which changes or cdevelops colour in response to the application of the heat.
The strip material 28 is coated on the opposite side with a layer 30 of adhesive material to provide a self adhesive or pressure sensitive coating. Laminatec3 on to the adhesive layer 30 is a paper or plastics backing strip 31 coated with an adhesive resistant surface in engagement with the adhesive layer, so that the backing strip can be readily peeled away.
The laminated label and backing strips are separated off into label portions all of equal length, by lines of weakness or complete or partial transverse cuts 32 made in the label strip only. During the operation by which these cuts are formed, an ink strip or other mark preEerably in exact coincidence with each cut 32 is printed either on the label or on the backing strip. rl'he ink strip is such that it can be read by the optical sensor 8 in the machine. Instead oE an ink strip 30 to be sensed optically, a magnetic strip or other mark can be provided for detection by a magnetic sensor in the machine.
Æither arrangement permits the sensor to provide a signal to the microprocessor so that the feed of the label strip can be adjusted to correct for any departure from registration of the printed information with the longitudinal edges of the label portions.
_g_ Docket M-3~-C ~ 8~2 Operation The illustrated labelling machine is primarily intended for the Labelling of articles in stores and supermarkets, and the information to appear on labels dispensed by the machine comprises at a minimum tile price of the article. BeEore printing and applying a batch of labels, the user operates the keyboard 19 to set up in the microprocessor a programme for printing the desired price information on each label of the label strip 5.
The price selected is stored within the microprocessor 21, and o each time the operator actuates the main push-button switch 20 a printing and dispensing cycle is performed, by which a label printed with the selected price appears below the dispensing roller, 12.
At the beginning of the cycle, the leading edye of a label portion of the strip 5 will be just beyond a narrow transverse portion of the label enyage~ between the heating elements of the printing head 6 and the print support 11.
In response to a print co~nand signal froln the push-button switch 20, the microprocessor 21 supplies to the driver 20 elements 25, 26 and 27 signals for energising selected heating elements in accordance with the stored printing programme deterrnined by the user. Printing of the desired price informa-tion on the label is thus efEected. The microprocessor then supplies a signal to the motor control unit 22 to energize the motor 16 to advance the strip 5 until such time as the next ink strip on the strip is detected by the sensor 8. The resultant signal to the mlcroprocessor 21 causes this to stop energisation of the motor so that advarlce of the strip ceases. The positions o~ the sensor 8, the printing head 6, the support :Ll and the roller 12 along the path of the strip 5 are such that the printed label is now beneath the roller 12 with the backing strip 31 peeled away over about g5% of the length of the label and the cut 3~ separating the printed label from the next following label of the strip is at the position of the leading edge of the now printed label before the cycle began. The Docket M-398-C
printed label can be applied to an article and the push button switch 20 pressed again to start another cycle.
As will be further described below, the labelling machine of the invention can be provided with many advantageous facilities beyond the capacity to print a single line of price information.
Additional Information Thus the labelling machine so far described can readily be adapted to print information additional to the readily o adjustable price information put into the machine by operation of the keyboard 19. The price information will of course normally contain one or more fixed elements, in the form of symbols identifying at least the major unit of the currency in which the price is expressed. Such additional information can comprise further variab:le or sel~cted information present by the user by means of the keyboard 19 or by other means less readily accessible than the keyboarc3, Eor examp:Le the machine can be provided with an input means 23 not normally available to the operator which can be reached or rendered operative only 20 by opening the housing 1 or by use of a key. ~lternatively or in addition fixed inEormation to be prin~ed may be determined on manufacture o~ the machine.
The fixed or invariable additional information can comprise for example the name of the vendor or a sales slo~an.
The additional variable or preset information can include for example unit price data, information as to the nature of the article (Eor example, its weight or volume or the number of items packed withir~ it), and calendar information (for example, the date of packa~ing, the date by which the article should be 30 sold or used, or the date by which a warranty Otl the article expires).
Docke~ M-398-C
In addition, the label can be printed with alpha numeric data k1entifying the article in some suitable code, for stock control purposes. The label may also be printed with data relatin~ to the article coded in a bar code, for reading electrically or optically, as at a check-out counter, the information being fed into a automatic cash register and/or into a computer for stock control purposes.
Multiline P _ntin~ ~
It will be evident that the additional information -o will normally be required to be printed on more than one line, and the illustrated machine can be readily modified for multiline printing, on labels of sufficient lengthl by arranging for the multiprocessor 21 to advance the strip 5 throu~h a series of steps each corresponding to a printed line, the length of only the last advance being covered by a signal from the sensor 8.
Colour Printing The labelling machine of the invention and the label strip it uses can also be readily modified to obtain a label printed in two colours. In the modification, the single dye coating 29 of the surface of the label strip 2~ is replaced by three layers of coating material. The heatin~ elements of the printing head 6 are arranged to be heated selectively either to a higher or to a lower tempe~ature. If a heating element recei~es current such that it is heated only to the lower temperature, the heat transferred to the label strip is sufficient to develop the colour oE the outermost layer only~
If the current supplied is sufEicient to raise the temperature to the higher level, not only is the colour in the outer layer developed, but so is the colour in the inrlermost layer. The intermediate layer is also responsive to this level of temperature to permit flow of the activated dye from innermost to the outermost layer, so that a second colour different from ~12-Docket M-398-C
that of the outerrnost layer on its own appears at the coated surface oE the strip. ~~
The microprocessor 21 can be readily adapted to effect printing of a label with a plurality of lines of information in different colourst or even to print in different colours on a ~ingle line.
Summation and Display The circuit illustrated in figure 2 can if required include additional data rec~ister means 34 as shown, for totalling ~
lo the number of labels printed with a particular item of selected ~-data. The additional data register 34 may have the capacity for accumulating a plurality of totals each representating the number of times for which the machine has been used to print labels bearing respective different items of information.
Information thus stored can be displayed at command on the machine by means of a digital display 35 provided on the keyboard for stock control and/or accounting purposes, and/or conveyed from the machine to a computer interface by means o~ a suitable plug and socket connection 36, for the 5tored data to be used in a computerized stock control and accounting system. The digital display on the machine can be constitutecl by liquid crystal or light emittiny diodes, or a gas discharge display.
Althouyh the invention has been described with particular refere~nce to a hand-held machine by which self adhesive labeLs can be appLied manually to an article, the machine can instead be incorporated in a check weigher, the price information printed on the label being derived from the measured weight oE a package, and the known price per unit weight, as calculated by the check weigher.
Docket M--3 98-C
Although the label material is advantageously made self adhesive, in this way so that it can be attached by the adhesive to the article to be price labelled, it is also within the invention to provide labelling material which can be subsequently attached to an article by means of a thread or string or metal or plast ics staple .
Claims (51)
1. A hand-held labeling machine, comprising:
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including an electrically selectable printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the electrically selectable printing head, and means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the printing head to print the selected data on the label.
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including an electrically selectable printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the electrically selectable printing head, and means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the printing head to print the selected data on the label.
2. A hand held labeling machine, comprising:
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including an electrically selectable printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means including a stepping motor for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the electrically selectable printing head, and means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the printing head to print the selected data on the label.
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including an electrically selectable printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means including a stepping motor for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the electrically selectable printing head, and means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the printing head to print the selected data on the label.
3. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 2, wherein the feeding means includes means for sensing the position of the composite web, and means responsive to the sensing means for controlling the data receiving and processing means to terminate operation of the stepping motor when a Label is in label applying relationship with respect to the label applying means.
4. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor.
5. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor having a read only memory.
6. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor having a read only memory and a random access memory.
7. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor having a random access memory.
8. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 3, wherein the composite web has means adapted to be sensed by the sensing means.
9. A hand-held labeling machine, comprising:
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including an electrically selectable printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the electrically selectable printing head, means including display means coupled to the data receiving and processing means for displaying data entered by the keyboard, and means including switch means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the printing head to print the selected data on the label.
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including an electrically selectable printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the electrically selectable printing head, means including display means coupled to the data receiving and processing means for displaying data entered by the keyboard, and means including switch means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the printing head to print the selected data on the label.
10. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements coupled to the data receiving and processing means.
11. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements coupled to the data receiving and processing means.
12. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor having a read only memory, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements coupled to the data receiving and processing means.
13. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor having a read only memory and a random access memory, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements coupled to the data receiving and processing means.
14. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means including a microprocessor having a random access memory, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements coupled to the data and receiving and processing means.
15. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 3, wherein the composite web has means adapted to be sensed by the sensing means, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements coupled to the data receiving and processing means.
16. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 9, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements coupled to the data receiving and processing means.
17. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements, and line driver circuit elements and dot driver circuit elements coupling the data receiving and processing means and the printing elements.
18. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements, and line driver circuit elements and dot driver circuit elements coupling the data receiving and processing means and the printing elements.
19. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor having a read only memory, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements, and line driver circuit elements and dot driver circuit elements coupling the data receiving and processing means and the printing elements.
20. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor having a read only memory and a random access memory, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements, and line driver circuit elements and dot driver circuit elements coupling the data receiving and processing means and the printing elements.
21. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the data receiving and processing means including a microprocessor having a random access memory, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements, and line driver circuit elements and dot driver circuit elements coupling the data receiving and processing means and the printing elements.
22. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 3, wherein the composite web has means adapted to be sensed by the sensing means, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements, and line driver circuit elements and dot driver circuit elements coupling the data receiving and processing means and the printing elements.
23. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 9, wherein the electrically selectable printing head includes a plurality of printing elements, and line driver circuit elements and dot driver circuit elements coupling the data receiving and processing means and the printing elements.
24. A hand-held labeling machine, comprising:
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having thermographic labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including a thermographic printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, and means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the thermographic printing head to print the selected data on the label.
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having thermographic labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including a thermographic printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, and means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the thermographic printing head to print the selected data on the label.
25. A hand-held labeling machine, comprising:
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having thermographic labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including a thermographic printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means including a stepping motor for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, and means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the thermographic printing head to print the selected data on the label.
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having thermographic labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including a thermographic printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means including a stepping motor for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, and means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the thermographic printing head to print the selected data on the label.
26. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 25, wherein the feeding means includes means for sensing the position of the composite web, and means responsive to the sensing means for controlling the data receiving and processing means to terminate operation of the stepping motor when a label is in label applying relationship with respect to the label applying means.
27. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 22, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor.
28. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 23, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor.
29. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 24, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor.
30. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 25, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor.
31. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in claim 26, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor.
32. A hand-held labeling machine, comprising:
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having thermographic labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including a thermographic printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, means including display means coupled to the data receiving and processing means for displaying data entered by the keyboard, and means including switch means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the thermographic printing head to print the selected data on the label.
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having thermographic labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including a thermographic printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, means including display means coupled to the data receiving and processing means for displaying data entered by the keyboard, and means including switch means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the thermographic printing head to print the selected data on the label.
33. A hand-held labeling machine as defined in either claim 25 or 32, wherein the thermographic print head includes a plurality of printing elements electrically coupled to the data receiving and processing means.
34. A hand-held labeling machine, comprising:
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having thermographic labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including a thermographic printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means including a microprocessor coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, means including switch means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the thermographic printing head to print the selected data on the label and to operate the feeding means, and means coupled to the microprocessor for terminating operation of the feeding means when a printed label has been advanced into label applying relationship relative to the label.
a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having thermographic labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, the housing further having means for holding a source of electrical energy, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including a thermographic printing head powered by the source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means including a microprocessor coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, means including switch means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the thermographic printing head to print the selected data on the label and to operate the feeding means, and means coupled to the microprocessor for terminating operation of the feeding means when a printed label has been advanced into label applying relationship relative to the label.
35. A hand-held labelling machine, comprising: a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, means for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, characterized by means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, the printing means including a thermographic printing head with a matrix or array of electrically selectable dot heating elements powered by a source of electrical energy and suitable for printing bar codes on a thermographic label at the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, and means for causing the data receiving and processing means to select and energize dot heating elements in the matrix or array of dot heating elements in the thermographic printing head to print the selected data on the label in a form including a bar code when required.
36. A hand-held labelling machine as defined in claim 35, and further comprising means for providing a signal representative of the position of a label, and the receiving and processing means being responsive to the output of the signaling means to insure registration of each label with the printing head prior to printing.
37. A hand-held labelling machine as defined in either claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes means for storing selected data, and wherein the means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the printing head includes switch means operated by the user and electrically coupled to the data receiving and processing means to print on a label a representation of the selected data stored in the storing means each time the switch is operated.
38. A hand-held labelling machine as defined in either claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the advancing means includes a stepping motor.
39. A hand-held labelling machine as defined in claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the advancing means includes a stepping motor, means for sensing the position of the composite web, and means responsive to the sensing means for controlling the data receiving and processing means to terminate operation of the stepping motor when a label is in label applying relationship with respect to the label applying means.
40. A hand-held labelling machine as defined in claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the composite web has means adapted to be sensed by the sensing means, wherein the advancing means includes a stepping motor, means for sensing the position of the composite web, and means responsive to the sensing means for controlling the data receiving and processing means to terminate operation of the stepping motor when a label is in label applying relationship with respect to the label applying means.
41. A hand-held labelling machine as defined in either claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor.
42. A hand-held labelling machine as defined in claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor, and wherein the microprocessor includes a read only memory.
43. A hand held labelling machine as defined in either claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor, and wherein the microprocessor includes a random access memory.
44. A hand-held labelling machine as defined in either claim 35 or claim 36, including line driver circuit elements and dot driver circuit elements coupling the data receiving and processing means and the dot heating elements.
45. A hand held labelling machine as defined in either claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the data receiving and processing means includes a microprocessor, wherein the means for causing the data receiving the processing means to operate the thermographic printing head also causes operation of the advancing means and includes switch means and means coupled to the microprocessor for terminating operation of the advancing means when a printed label has been advanced into label applying relationship relative to the label applying means.
46. A hand-held labelling machine as defined in either claim 35 or claim 36, including display means coupled to the data receiving and processing means for displaying data entered by the keyboard.
47. A hand-held labelling machine, comprising a housing having a manually engageable handle, the housing having means for holding a label supply roll composed of a composite web having labels releasably adhered to a backing strip, means including a keyboard mounted on the housing for entering selected data to be printed, means including a thermographic printing head powered by a source of electrical energy for printing on a label at a printing position, means for peeling a printed label from the backing strip, label applying means disposed adjacent the peeling means, means for advancing the backing strip to peel a printed label from the backing strip at the peeling means and advance the printed label into label applying relationship with the label applying means and to advance another label to the printing position, means coupled to the keyboard for receiving and electrically processing data representative of the selected data entered by the keyboard, wherein the receiving and processing means includes means for storing the selected data, signaling means electrically coupled to the receiving and processing means for providing a signal representative of the position of a label, the receiving and processing means being responsive to the output of the signaling means to insure registration of each label with the printing head prior to printing, means electrically coupling the data receiving and processing means and the thermographic printing head, and means including a switch operated by the user and electrically coupled to the data receiving and processing means for causing the data receiving and processing means to operate the printing head to print on the label a representation of the selected data stored in the storing means each time the switch is operated.
48. The labelling machine of claim 47, wherein the backing strip advancing means includes a stepping motor.
49. The labelling machine of claim 48, wherein the backing strip advancing means further includes means for sensing the position of the composite web and means responsive to the sensing means for controlling the data receiving and processing means to terminate operation of the motor when a label is in label applying relationship with respect to the label applying means.
50. The labelling machine of claim 49, wherein the composite web is provided with means adapted to be sensed by the sensing means.
51. The labelling machine of claim 47, wherein the printing head includes a plurality of dot heating elements coupled to the data receiving and processing means and wherein the backing strip advancing means includes an electric motor.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB3181277 | 1977-07-28 | ||
| GB31812/77 | 1977-07-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1196812B true CA1196812B (en) | 1985-11-19 |
Family
ID=10328791
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA307,848A Expired CA1098371A (en) | 1977-07-28 | 1978-07-21 | Labelling machines |
| CA000477680A Expired CA1196812B (en) | 1977-07-28 | 1985-03-27 | Labelling machines |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA307,848A Expired CA1098371A (en) | 1977-07-28 | 1978-07-21 | Labelling machines |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4264396A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0000657B2 (en) |
| JP (2) | JPS5815376B2 (en) |
| CA (2) | CA1098371A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2860938D1 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK76285A (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3471357A (en) * | 1960-07-28 | 1969-10-07 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Protective film,method of adhesively securing it to a paper base and resulting laminate |
| US3453648A (en) * | 1967-08-29 | 1969-07-01 | Milgo Electronic Corp | Thermal printing device |
| GB1364627A (en) * | 1970-07-28 | 1974-08-21 | Visutronic Ltd | Transfer materials |
| US3721601A (en) * | 1970-11-12 | 1973-03-20 | Avery Products Corp | Address labeler means |
| IT939793B (en) * | 1971-09-06 | 1973-02-10 | Olivetti & Co Spa | WRITING DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC CALCULATING MACHINES |
| US3997384A (en) * | 1972-02-10 | 1976-12-14 | Victor Kuring | System for making color-coded index tabs |
| US3845850A (en) * | 1973-02-22 | 1974-11-05 | Bowmar Instrument Corp | Thermal printer |
| US3960642A (en) * | 1974-06-05 | 1976-06-01 | Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. | Apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels |
| AT337218B (en) * | 1973-09-07 | 1977-06-27 | Dymo Industries Inc | DEVICE FOR PRINTING AND DISPENSING LABELS OF A STEP-BY-STEP TAPE OF LABELS |
| US4109777A (en) * | 1976-08-02 | 1978-08-29 | Research Fuels, Inc. | Ticket printer |
-
1978
- 1978-07-21 DE DE7878300187T patent/DE2860938D1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-07-21 CA CA307,848A patent/CA1098371A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-07-21 EP EP78300187A patent/EP0000657B2/en not_active Expired
- 1978-07-27 US US05/928,522 patent/US4264396A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1978-07-28 JP JP53091623A patent/JPS5815376B2/en not_active Expired
-
1984
- 1984-02-23 JP JP59033314A patent/JPS59187534A/en active Pending
-
1985
- 1985-03-27 CA CA000477680A patent/CA1196812B/en not_active Expired
- 1985-10-10 HK HK762/85A patent/HK76285A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| HK76285A (en) | 1985-10-18 |
| DE2860938D1 (en) | 1981-11-12 |
| CA1098371A (en) | 1981-03-31 |
| EP0000657B1 (en) | 1981-08-12 |
| JPS5434800A (en) | 1979-03-14 |
| EP0000657A1 (en) | 1979-02-07 |
| JPS59187534A (en) | 1984-10-24 |
| JPS5815376B2 (en) | 1983-03-25 |
| US4264396A (en) | 1981-04-28 |
| EP0000657B2 (en) | 1988-12-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| NARE | Reissued | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |