Bar code overlabeling system
US6419782B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/171
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic label printing and application system applies a custom label at a dynamically determined location on articles being moved along a conveyer. The system includes a bar code scanning system, preferably a group of bar code scanners each arranged to read at an assigned elevation above the conveyer belt. This configuration allows the system controller to generally determine the vertical height of pre-printed bar code on the article. The system uses photoelectric sensors to detect articles being moved along the conveyer, as well as an encoder and bar code scanning data to determine the horizontal position of the pre-printed bar code on the surface of the article. In this manner, the system dynamically determines both the vertical and horizontal position of the pre-printed bar code on the surface of the article. The system further includes a series of label printing and application stations that are configured to print customized labels on the surface of the article in a horizontal and vertical position to cover the pre-printed bar code, at least partially. In general, the stations are adjusted to apply labels at different elevations above the conveyer belt. The application el…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.