Method and apparatus for applying a label to a spool or reel
An apparatus for applying a label to a spool or reel containing wire and a wire tail extending from the spool or reel, the apparatus comprising a wire tail sensor, wherein the wire tail sensor identifies the location of the wire tail protruding from the spool or reel and a label application mechanism, wherein the labeling mechanism applies a label to the spool or reel and wherein the label does not contact the wire tail protruding from the spool or reel.
1. An apparatus for applying a label to a spool or reel containing wire and a wire tail extending from the spool or reel, the apparatus comprising:
a wire tail sensor; and
a label application mechanism, wherein an applied label does not contact the wire tail.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a gripping mechanism.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the gripping mechanism rotates the spool or reel.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a roller.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a sliding assembly coupled to the gripping mechanism.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wire tail sensor detects the wire tail location on the spool or reel.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control system, wherein the control system manages the automated functions of the apparatus.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the control system manages the manual input of operational parameters from a human operator, manages the wire tail sensor input from the wire tail sensor, and controls the operation and function of the apparatus.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a conveyor system.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the conveyor system comprises a belt-type conveyor.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the conveyor system comprises a roller conveyor.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the label application mechanism comprises a pneumatically actuated presser foot to affix the label to the spool or reel.
13. A method for applying a label to a spool with flanges containing a coil of wire, the method comprising:
detecting the wire tail protruding from the spool; and
applying a label to the spool with a labeling apparatus, wherein the label does not contact the wire tail.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of rotating the spool with a gripping mechanism.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the step of rotating the spool comprises orienting the spool with a second flange facing downward and a first flange facing upward.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the step of applying a label to the spool comprises applying a label to the spool with a pneumatically actuated presser foot.
17. The method of claim 13 , wherein the step of applying a label to the spool comprises applying a label near the edge of the first flange.
18. The method of claim 13 further comprising transferring the spool to the labeling apparatus.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the step of transferring the spool comprises transferring the spool with a conveyor system.
20. The method of claim 13 , wherein the step of detecting the wire tail comprises detecting the wire tail with a metal finger connected to a contact switch.