Method and apparatus for sensing the length of label or tag media by detecting changes in relative thickness
US5486063A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/86
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and associated apparatus for determining edges of tags/labels carried by a backing strip over a fixed surface. The method comprises the steps of, disposing a sensor above the fixed surface measuring the distance to a surface passing beneath it and outputting a first signal reflecting the distance; receiving and amplifying the first signal to a usable level second signal and outputting the second signal; and, receiving and comparing changes in the second signal to a pre-established threshold amount and outputting a third signal indicating an edge has been found when the second signal changes more than the pre-established threshold amount. Contacting and non-contacting approaches to accomplishing the measurement are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.