Semi-automatic syringe label applicator
A label applicator for applying a label to a cylindrical portion of an object may comprise a roller and a label handler, with the roller rotating the object to which the label is being applied and the label handler separating a label from its backer and extending the label towards the object being rotated by the roller. The distance between the label handler and the object rotated by the roller is less than a length of the label. The label applicator may further comprise a printer, such as a thermal transfer printer, which may be configured to print labels for a plurality of objects to which different labels are applied consecutively.
1. A label applicator for applying a label to a cylindrical segment of an object, the applicator comprising:
a roller for rotating the segment of the object;
a label handler, wherein a label extending from the label handler contacts the segment of the object rotated by the roller;
a labeling zone; and
a motorized arm for moving the roller into contact with the segment of the object,
wherein the roller contacts the segment of the object after the object enters the labeling zone, and
wherein a single motor moves the motorized arm and rotates the roller consecutively, such that when the roller contacts the segment, the arm stops moving and the roller begins to rotate.
2. The label applicator of claim 1 further comprising a slip clutch for transmitting power from the single motor to one of the motorized arm and the roller.
3. The label applicator of claim 1 further comprising a bracing element, wherein the segment of the object is secured between the roller and the bracing element, and wherein the label has a length, and wherein the distance between the label handler and the segment of the object is less than the length.
4. The label applicator of claim 1 further comprising a detector for detecting the presence of the object.
5. The label applicator of claim 1 further comprising a printer.
6. The label applicator of claim 5 wherein the label has a length and wherein the distance between a printer head of the printer and the label handler is less than the length.
7. The label applicator of claim 5 wherein the printer is a thermal transfer printer.
8. The label applicator of claim 5 further comprising a processor, wherein the processor transmits printing instructions to the printer for a plurality of objects to which labels are applied consecutively, and wherein the printing instructions for consecutive objects are different.
9. The label applicator of claim 5 wherein the label is printed at the printer and applied to the object, and wherein there is no label queue.
10. The label applicator of claim 1 wherein the label handler is a stripper for removing a label from a backing.
11. The label applicator of claim 10 wherein the backing of the label is bent around the stripper such that the label separates from the backing.
12. The label applicator of claim 11 wherein a label backing take up reel is rotated to pull the backing around the stripper.
13. A label applicator for applying a label to a cylindrical segment of an object, the applicator comprising:
a roller for rotating the segment of the object;
a label handler, wherein a label extending from the label handler contacts the segment of the object rotated by the roller;
a labeling zone;
a printer; and
a processor, wherein the processor transmits printing instructions to the printer for a plurality of objects to which labels are applied consecutively, and wherein the printing instructions for consecutive objects are different,
wherein the roller contacts the segment of the object after the object enters the labeling zone, and
wherein the printing instructions are determined by a detected feature of the object.
14. The label applicator of claim 13 wherein the detected feature is a diameter of the cylindrical segment.