Importance

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Abstract

A label dispensing apparatus of the invention dispenses labels from a feed roll of label web. The label web is comprised of backing and labels that are spaced apart from each other and adhered along a length of the backing. The apparatus includes a feed spindle for rotatably supporting the roll of label web. A label stripper is adapted to cause the labels to be stripped away from the backing. A take-up spool is adapted to receive the backing. A motor rotates the take-up spool effective to unwind the label web from the feed roll and to wind the backing onto the take-up spool. A holding roller is adapted to receive labels that have been stripped from the backing by the label stripper. The apparatus includes a workstation at which a plurality of articles are deposited. The workstation is adapted to enable an operator to remove one of the labels from the holding roller and to place the removed label on one of the articles. A gap sensor is adapted to sense the presence or absence of gaps between the labels on the backing and to send a signal indicating stoppage of the motor responsive thereto. A label presence sensor is adapted to sense the absence of a label from the holding roller and to send a signal indicating starting of the motor responsive thereto. Control devices are adapted to receive the signals from the label presence sensor and the gap sensor and to control starting and stopping of the motor, which in turn starts and stops rotation of the take-up spool. The invention may include two label dispensing devices used at the workstation. The invention also includes a method of operating the label dispensing device.

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First Claim