Apparatus and method for labeling a layup of sheet material
US6655436B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/171
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A labeling head includes a printing unit and an applicator foot assembly for printing and applying labels onto a layup of material. The printing unit is integral to the labeling head and prints each label prior to applying the label to the layup. The applicator foot assembly transfers the printed label onto the layup. The labeling head of the present invention can be used either with a cutter, a spreader or as a standalone unit. The labeling head of the present invention prints and prepares labels while the cutter head cuts the part. Once the part is cut, the labeling head applies the prepared label onto the cut part. The labeling head also includes a layup height sensor allowing the labels to be applied to layup having varying heights.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.