WO2008147925A2

WO2008147925A2 - Methods and apparatus for produce labeling

Info

Publication number: WO2008147925A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/064602
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Meyerhofer; Wayne Loynes
Original assignee: Futurelogic, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-05-22
Filing date: 2008-05-22
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: WO2008147925A3

Abstract

A system for produce labeling which may include one or more label printers, one or more scanning devices, one or more label applicators, one or more conveyor systems, a host system and/or external controller, a network, a display device, and media where a label printer may generate one or more labels using media for placement on produce such as fruit; a scanning device may scan a barcode generated by a label printer on a label; a label applicator may apply one or more labels to produce; a conveyor system may move produce; a host system and/or external controller may transmit signaling and data among one or more components of the system; a network may transmit signaling and data to and from one or more locations; and a display device may display printer status information.

Description

Methods and Apparatus for Produce Labeling

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

60/939,454 filed May 22, 2007 the contents of each of which is incorporated by reference as if stated in full herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to label printers and more specifically to labeling of produce such as fruit. Background

[0003] There currently exist various systems and apparatus for the labeling of produce. These systems and/or apparatus include a label printer for generating produce labels, a label applicator for applying a label on produce, and a produce grading device for grading produce.

[0004] However, most of these systems and/or apparatus function in a standalone environment or with a specific device, meaning that, for instance, a computerized system for a label applicator only operates with one or more label applicators. Another example is a produce grading device used to grade produce but not connected to a computerized system. Both examples do not provide connectivity to a host system for data exchange with the other components used in the labeling of produce or with other locations of the same business.

DEFINITIONS

[0005] For the purposes of this document the following definitions apply:

[0006] "Label Printer" - a printing device used to print and/or encode a label.

[0007] "Printer Controller" - a device internal or external to a printer which controls print jobs and receives and/or transmits data, among other functions.

[0008] "Labels" - an identifying or descriptive marker that is attached to produce such as fruit. May include text, graphics, barcodes, and/or other indicia. [0009] "Media" - media used in a label printer for printing, reading and/or writing labels such as media with a magnetic stripe, media with a layer of writable and erasable thermally sensitive film, and media containing Radio Frequency active, passive, or both elements.

[0010] "Media Container Device" - a device to hold media and/or media webbing such as a media cartridge or media cassette.

[0011] "Host System" - a server, a computer connected to a network, or a stand alone computer which is used for application and data storage, file transfers, signaling and data transmission or processing.

[0012] "Network" - a hardware and software data communication system such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) which may be wired or wireless. The network may tie together a host system and other components of the system for produce labeling, such as a label printer at one or multiple locations of a business and/or associated entities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention provides methods and an apparatus to form a complete system which interfaces with all components used in produce labeling. In one embodiment of the invention, the invention detects when a component is added or removed. In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer interfaces with other locations of a business and/or associated entities.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, a dirty print head is cleaned. In yet another embodiment of the invention, barcodes are scanned and verified using a barcode printed on a label.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, a produce label printer includes a label printer used for label generation and a media container device for media storage, a scanning device for barcode scanning, a label applicator for label application, a display device for data viewing, and a host system for component communication and data transmission.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, a system for produce labeling includes one or more label printers, one or more scanning devices, one or more label applicators, one or more conveyor systems, a host system and/or external controller, a network, a display device, and media where a label printer generates one or more labels using media for placement on produce such as fruit; a scanning device may scan a barcode generated by a label printer on a label; a label applicator for applying one or more labels to produce; a conveyor system for moving produce; a host system and/or external controller for transmitting signaling and data among one or more components of the system; a network for transmitting signaling and data to and from one or more locations; and a display device for displaying printer status information.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer generates one or more labels on media for placement on produce such as fruit, the label printer includes one or more print heads, one or more media container devices, a media feeding transport system, and a cleaning device, among other components.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer includes a print head operatively connected to a media container device to allow for the easy cleaning of the print head when the media container device is disconnected from a label printer.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer includes one or more print heads, each print head may be rotated, moved, or pivoted in one position to generate labels and another position to clean the print head.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, one or more the print heads may be removably operatively connected to the label printer or any component thereof for the detachment of the print head.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer may be removably operatively connected to a media container device such as a media cartridge or cassette for the simplified cleaning of the print head and replenishment of media.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, a media container device includes an integrated print head, peeler bar, gearing, sprockets, a cleaning device, and tensioning to control the amount of travel and slack of the media to allow an empty media container device to be serviced offline by removing the old media webbing/backing, cleaning the print head, and loading new media.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, a media container device includes an integrated print head, peeler bar, gearing, sprockets, a cleaning device, and tensioning to control the travel of the media to loop over the print head. [0024] In another embodiment of the invention, a media container device includes a pass through to allow a label printer to engage manually or automatically when the media container device is installed onto the printer.

[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, a media container device includes a removable cover to protect media from contamination, dust, and humidity, the removable cover allowing the placement of new media within the housing of the media container device and allowing the removal of waste media web backing.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, a media container holds and uses media which is on a roll.

[0027] In another embodiment of the invention, a media container device holds and uses media which is fan-folded.

[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of media container devices where one media container device houses blank media and another media container device holds waste media web backing after a label is generated and detached from media.

[0029] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer may be operatively connected to a media feeding transport system to feed and load media into the printer wherein the feeding and loading are performed automatically.

[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, a media feeding transport system includes one or more guides and/or one or more rollers which may provide a path to feed and load media into the printer.

[0031] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer may be operatively connected to a media feeding transport system, the printer comprising a mechanism by which media may be automatically fed and loaded. The mechanism retracts out of the backing/webbing path when the leader strip portion of media is fed through the printer and fastened to a take-up section of a media container device.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, media for use with a media feeding transport system includes a leader strip portion with tractor- type feed holes.

[0033] In another embodiment of the invention, media includes media of a fan-folded type whereby such media may be utilized in a box-style packaging and fed and align through a media container device or label printer thereby providing a simplified design requiring less motors, gears, and tensioning apparatus.

[0034] In another embodiment of the invention, media includes a protective overlay to protect one or more print heads from glue build-up from printing one or more labels on the media; such media may allow printing through the webbing/backing to the opposite site of the media thereby keeping the print head or print heads away from the glue and allow the sticky side exposed to assist in the direct application of the label to produce.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, media includes a chemical-based adhesive whereby the adhesive reacts to heat or a spectrum of light after the label printer prints one or more labels.

[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, media includes an adhesive which may be activated after printer to protect one or more print heads from glue build-up from printing one or more labels on the media.

[0037] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer includes one or more cleaning devices to facilitate the cleaning of dirt and glue build-up on one or more print heads, each cleaning device performs a cleaning prior to and after labels are generated by the label printer.

[0038] In another embodiment of the invention, a cleaning device includes one or more cleaning strips or cleaner cartridges, the cleaning device further may be constructed of material that is reusable and refillable or material that is sealed, not refillable and disposable.

[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, a cleaning device are incorporated into media to reduce external servicing and cleaning of one or more print heads.

[0040] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer may be operatively connected to a scanning device such as a camera or scanner to scan a barcode printed on a label to verify barcode readability and/or print quality and to detect missed and/or bad barcodes.

[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer may be operatively connected to a scanning device such as a camera or scanner, the printer and scanning device operatively connected to a host system and/or external controller and/or network where data and signaling related to the printer and/or scanning device, and/or scanned barcodes and/or print quality may be transmitted to and from the host system, external controller, network, a combination of all, or a combination of any.

[0042] In another embodiment of the invention, procedures is used in a method of barcode scanning to scan barcodes to verify barcode readability and to detect missed and/or bad barcodes.

[0043] In another embodiment of the invention, procedures is used in a method of scanning to verify print quality.

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, a host system, external controller, network, a combination of any, or a combination of all to transmit signaling and data to the label printer and other components of a produce labeling system (such as conveyor, applicator, produce grader, display device, scanning device, etc.) to halt activity such as printing from the printer and/or other components when barcode readability is reduced or a missed or bad barcode is detected.

[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, a host system, external controller, network, a combination of any, or a combination of all transmit commands, program instructions, and/or information to an operatively connected label printer, label applicator 140, conveyor system, and/or scanning device.

[0046] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer may be operatively connected to a label applicator, the printer further may be operatively connected to a conveyor system for sorting and processing produce, the printer may be located at a position adjacent to a drop location of the conveyor system, the printer and applicator may be located at a position below the conveyor system, the printer generating labels for produce, the applicator applying one or more labels to produce at such a time when the produce drops or falls from the conveyor system, for example, during sorting and processing.

[0047] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer may be positioned below a cup or other type holder of a conveyor system, the printer further may be operatively connected to a label applicator, the printer and label applicator may be located at a position below the conveyor system, the printer generating labels for produce, the applicator applying one or more labels to the bottom of produce at such a time when produce is positioned in the cup or other type holder of a conveyor system. [0048] In another embodiment of the invention, a label printer may be operatively connected to a display device; the display device displays printer status information, media information, label information, print quality information, and/or barcode information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:

[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a label printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 2a is an illustration of a cleaning device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 2b is an illustration of another cleaning device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a media container device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 4a is an illustration of a label printer and other components of one type conveyor system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 4b is an illustration of a label printer and other components of another type conveyor system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 5 a is an illustration of one type of media in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 5b is an illustration of another type of media in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a barcode scanning process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a media feeding transport system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and [0060] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a system for produce labeling in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a label printer 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A label printer 100 includes a print module 102, one or more media container devices 106, and a printer controller 108. Any designated component may be optional.

[0062] The print module 102 includes one or more print heads 104, one or more cleaning devices 110, and one or more sensors 112. The print module 102 may be removably and electronically operatively connected to the printer controller 108 and removably, mechanically and electronically operatively connected to one or more media container devices 106.

[0063] Each print head 104 generates labels for the label printer 100. Each print head may be removably operatively connected to allow the detachment of each print head for placement and use in another label printer without affecting system functionality. The one or more print heads may include a thermal print head, a laser print head, or a combination of such.

[0064] Sensors 112 is used to detect the print quality of media, media jammed, media out, and media low as well as errors within the print module 102.

[0065] Each cleaning device 110 is used to facilitate the cleaning of dirt and glue build-up on one or more print heads. Each cleaning device may perform a cleaning prior to and after labels are generated by the label printer. Additional details on each cleaning device are described in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b.

[0066] In the operation of one embodiment of label printer 100, the print module 102 receives printer control signals from the printer controller 108. In response to the printer control signals, the print module 102 prints on media under the control of the printer controller 108. At any time, the printer controller 108 may signal one or more cleaning devices 110 to clean one or more of the print heads 104. This may include while the print module 102 is printing.

[0067] The one or more independently controlled media container devices 106 store media and provide media to the print module 102 on command from the printer controller 108. In operation, a media container device receives control signals from the printer controller 108. In response to the control signals, a media container device feeds media to the print module 102.

[0068] One or more of the media container devices 106 may be operatively connected to one or more sensors 114 to detect the quantity of media stored in each media container device. The sensors sense the quantity of media stored in a media container device 106 and transmit media count signals to the printer controller 108 for further processing. Each media container device also may be operatively connected to a read/write static memory 116 for semi-permanent storage of media information about media in one or more media container devices.

[0069] A media container device 106 may hold and house blank media for use in generating labels. Additionally, a media container device may hold waste media web backing after a label is generated and detached from media. A media container device includes a cartridge or cassette (not shown). Additional details of an exemplary media container device are described in FIG. 3 while media are described in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b.

[0070] In another embodiment of the invention, a print head 104 may be operatively connected to a media container device 106 to allow for the easy cleaning of the print head when the media container device is disconnected from a label printer.

[0071] The printer controller 108 includes a processor operatively connected to a main memory 120 by a system bus 122. The printer controller 108 also may include a storage memory 122 operatively connected to the processor by the bus. The storage memory stores programming instructions, which the processor may load into the main memory and execute to implement the features of a label printer as described herein. The storage memory also may include printer and media information stored and used by the processor. The printer and media information may include information received by the printer controller 108 about the status of the print module 102, the status of one or more media container devices 106, and the status and identity of any media in one or more media container devices.

[0072] The printer controller 108 may also include one or more Input/Output (I/O) devices 124 operatively connected to the processor by the system bus 122. An I/O device is used by the printer controller 108 to transmit control signals to the print module 102 and one or more media container devices 106. An I/O device also is used by the printer controller 108 to receive status signals from the print module 102 and/or one or more media container devices 106, such as signaling that media is low or media is empty.

[0073] The printer controller 108 may also include procedures 126 which are used, for example, as a method to scan barcodes to verify barcode readability and to detect missed and/or bad barcodes, either at a predetermined interval, a random interval, or based on signaling received from a host system and/or external controller.

[0074] Additionally, in a printer using multiple print heads, procedures 126 is used to rotate, move, or pivot one or more print heads in a first position to print labels on media and in another position away from media such as in a position to clean a print head.

[0075] In one embodiment of a printer with multiple print heads, one print head may be engaged with media for printing while another print head may be rotated or pivoted for example, 180 degrees, away from media to allow cleaning or servicing without affecting system functionality.

[0076] In another embodiment of a single print head, the print head may be rotated or pivoted for example, 90 degrees, away from media to allow cleaning or servicing without affecting system functionality.

[0077] One or more communication devices 130 may be operatively connected to the system bus 122 for use by the printer controller 108 to communicate with external devices, for instance, a host system 128, external controller 132, network 134, conveyor system 136, scanning device 138, display device 139, and label applicator 140, among others not shown. The printer controller 108 may use one or more communication devices 130 for example, to receive commands, program instructions, and information from the external devices. In addition, the printer controller 108 may use the communication devices 130 to transmit printer status information, among other information for example, to a host system 128, external controller 132, or network 134.

[0078] Other communication devices 130 may also be used by the printer controller 108 to couple in a secure fashion over a network 134 for administrative or other purposes. The network 134 may be, for example, a local area network or a wide area network, either wired or wireless. The network may be at one or more locations of a business and/or associated entities. [0079] The printer controller 108 may use one or more communication devices 130 to transmit and receive signaling to and from a conveyor system 136 and host system 128 for example, to halt activity such as printing by a label printer or preventing movement of produce on a conveyor system 136 when barcode readability is reduced or a missed or bad barcode is detected. Additional details of a first type conveyor system are described in FIG. 4a while a second type conveyor system is described in FIG. 4b.

[0080] The printer controller 108 may use one or more communication devices 130 to communicate with a scanning device 138 such as a camera or a scanner. The scanning device 138 may scan a barcode printed on a label by a label printer to verify barcode readability and to detect missed and/or bad barcodes. Data related to the printer, scanning device 138, or scanned barcode may be transmitted to and from a host system 128. Additional details of a scanning device 138 are described in FIG. 4a while one exemplary barcode scanning process is described in FIG. 6.

[0081] The printer controller 108 may use one or more communication devices 130 to communicate with a label applicator 140, for example, to transmit and receive signaling and data related to the number of labels applied to each piece of produce.

[0082] Additional communication devices 130 and channels may be provided for communication with other peripheral devices as needed. For example, one communication device may be provided with a local communications port, accessible from an exterior of a label printer that a technician may use to communicate with the printer controller 108 during servicing using an external controller 132. The external controller 132 may communicate with the printer controller 108 using an infrared link, other short-range wireless communication link, or a hard link with an external connector in a secure manner.

[0083] The processor 118 may be further operatively connected to an encryption/decryption module 142 that is used to encrypt and decrypt messages encoded using an encryption standard. This enables the printer controller 108 to engage in secure transactions with external devices.

[0084] The processor 118 further may be operatively connected to a display device (not shown) that is used to display printer status information, media information, and/or label information. The processor 118 may access the display device either as a component through the bus or as an external device through a communications device using a high level communications protocol. In addition, the printer controller 108 may also include program instructions to perform encryption/decryption services as well. For example, the display may used to display an "as-scanned" version of the most recently printed and scanned label or of a bad barcode detected during a barcode scanning process. The processor 118 may access the display device either as a component through the I/O device or as an external device through a communication device.

[0085] As illustrated, the printer controller 108 is shown as being operatively connected to the print module 102 and media container device. The printer controller 108 may be mounted in a variety of ways and are incorporated into various components of either the label printer 100 or, for instance, a host system 128 operatively connected to the label printer. For example, the printer controller 108 may be attached to and supported by the print module 102, a media container device 106, an external controller 132, or a host system 128, among others as may be required to mechanically integrate the label printer.

[0086] The foregoing description of the printer controller 108 of label printer 100 is provided by way of example and not of limitation, it being understood that controller could be implemented in a variety of ways without deviating from the spirit of the invention. For example, the controller could be constructed from hardware such as hardwired circuits in a single device or in multiple devices such as integrated circuits mounted on a printed circuit board. Alternatively, controller could also be constructed from a combination of hardware and software components stored in a memory and that are executed by a processor.

[0087] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are illustrations of a cleaning device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Illustrated in FIG. 2a is a cleaning device 200 of a strip-type form having a cleaning strip 202 while FIG. 2b is a cleaning device 240 of a cartridge-type form. Each type of cleaning device are incorporated into the print module 102 of Fig. 1.

[0089] Each type of cleaning device may include surface cleaning material such as foam or other material known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the cleaning device 240 of FIG. 2b may include a container 242 used to hold liquid which may be drawn to the surface cleaning material 244 to clean a print head or media. [0090] A cleaning device includes material that is reusable and refillable or material that is sealed, not refillable and disposable.

[0091] Each cleaning device is used to facilitate the cleaning of dirt and glue build-up on one or more print heads. Each cleaning device may perform a cleaning prior to and after labels are generated on media by the label printer.

[0092] Additionally, a cleaning device are incorporated into media to reduce external servicing and cleaning of one or more print heads.

[0093] In the operation of one embodiment of the invention, prior to media entering a print head to generate a label, one or more cleaning devices may apply a liquid solution to a print head or media to reduce or remove dirt and glue build-up. In another embodiment of the invention, one or more cleaning devices may apply a liquid solution to a print head after a label is generated.

[0094] The cleaning device or devices is used at predefined intervals or at all times. In a preferred embodiment, each cleaning device is used to automatically clean a print head or media. In another embodiment of the invention, each cleaning device may be use to manually clean a print head or media.

[0095] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a media container device 300, similar to the media container devices 106 of Fig. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Any designated component may be optional.

[0096] A media container device 300 may include all the components as described in Fig. 1. A media container device 300 includes a media supply 302, a media waste take up 304, an integrated print head 306, a peeler bar 308 for peeling a label 310 off of web backing 312, gearing such as a first gearing 314 and a last gearing 316, drive sprockets 318, a cleaning device 320, and a tensioning device 322.

[0097] The media supply 302 is used to house and provide new media 324 such as labels. The media waste take up 304 is used to house web backing 312 or empty media supply once a label 310 is peeled or removed by the peeler bar 308.

[0098] The print head 306 is used to generate labels on media 324. [0099] The peeler bar 308 is used to remove labels from media 324 to allow the label 310 to be applied by the label applicator to produce.

[00100] The gearing such as first gearing 314 and last gearing 316, sprockets 318 and tensioning 322 are used, for example, to guide media 324 from a media supply 302 to a media waste take-up 304.

[00101] The cleaning device 320 is used to clean dirt and glue build-up on one or more print heads 306. Additional details of the cleaning device 320 are described in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b.

[00102] Any or all of these components are used to control the amount of travel and slack of media 324 thereby allowing an empty media container device 300 to be serviced offline by removing the old media webbing/backing 312, cleaning the print head 306, and loading new media 324. Any or all of these components are used to control the travel of media 324 to loop over the print head 306. Additionally, any or all of these components may form one embodiment of a media feeding transport system. Another embodiment and further details of a media feeding transport system are described in FIG. 7.

[00103] A media container device 300 may further include a cover (not shown) which is removable to protect the media from contamination, dust, and humidity. The removable cover may also facilitate the placement of new media within the housing of the media container device and allow the removal of waste media web backing 312.

[00104] FIG. 4a is an illustration of a label printer and other components of one type conveyor system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[00105] Illustrated are a plurality of label printers 402 and 404, each operatively connected to a label applicator 406 and 408, a scanning device 410 and 412, and a conveyor system 414. Also shown are a plurality of bins, 414 and 416, and produce such as produce 418. Any designated component may be optional.

[00106] Each label printer is used to generate labels using media. Each label applicator is used to apply one or more labels to one or more pieces of produce. Each scanning device is used to scan a barcode printed on a label and/or the print quality of a label. The conveyor system is used to transport, sort, and process produce. In this embodiment, the conveyor system includes a plurality of drop spots, 420 and 422, where produce drops or falls from the conveyor system into a bin. Each bin is used to store produce after one or more labels are applied to produce. The arrow 424 indicates the direction of movement of the produce along the conveyer system.

[00107] The scanning devices may scan for a barcode and/or print quality after printing. In one example, a scan may be performed every 100 or so labels. In another example, an automated system is used to auto detect a barcode and/or print quality. If a barcode and/or print quality is missing or bad, the system may be synchronized to halt printing by the printer, applying the label by the label applicator, and stopping movement in the conveyor system. Additional details on a scanning process are described in FIG. 6.

[00108] The printer among other components may be located at a position adjacent to a drop location of the conveyor system. The printer, label applicator, and scanning device may be located at a position below the conveyor system.

[00109] In operation, as produce moves along the conveyor system such as indicated by the arrow 424, produce may drop or fall from the conveyor system during sorting and processing. At any time, the printer may generate one or more labels. As produce drops or falls, the label applicator applies the one or more labels to the produce. Additionally, the scanning device scans one or more labels at any time.

[00110] FIG. 4b is an illustration of a label printer and other components of another type conveyor system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Any designated component may be optional. The components illustrated may include those described in FIG. 4a.

[00111] Illustrated are a label printer 500, an operatively connected label applicator 502, a scanning device 504, a conveyor system 506, and produce such as produce 508.

[00112] In this embodiment of the invention, the conveyor system comprises a plurality of cups 510 that are used to hold produce in place during movement on the conveyor system. The printer, label applicator, and scanning device may be located at a position below the conveyor system.

[00113] In operation, as produce moves along the conveyor system such as indicated by the arrow 512, the produce may be positioned within a cup of the conveyor system. The produce may pass over the label printer and label applicator. At any time, the printer may generate one or more labels. As produce passes over, the label applicator may apply one or more labels to the bottom of the produce. Additionally the scanning device may scan one or more labels at any time.

[00114] FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are illustrations of media in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[00115] The media 600 used with a label printer as illustrated in FIG. 5a may be media which is on a roll while the media 640 of FIG. 5b may be fan-folded. The fan-folded media may be utilized in a box-style packaging and fed and aligned through a media container device or label printer thereby providing a simplified design requiring less motors, gears, and tensioning apparatus.

[00116] Additionally, either media includes a leader strip portion, 602 and 642, with tractor- type feed holes. In one embodiment of the invention, the leader strip portion with tractor- type feed holes are in a position at a first end of media to allow auto-loading of media by an autoloading mechanism. This auto-loading mechanism retracts out of the backing/webbing path once the leader has been fed through the system through the take-up section.

[00117] In another embodiment of the invention, the entire length of media includes tractor- type feed holes.

[00118] In one embodiment of the invention, media includes a protective overlay to protect one or more print heads from glue build-up from printing one or more labels on the media; such media may allow printing through the webbing/backing to the opposite site of the media thereby keeping the print head or print heads away from the glue and allow the sticky side exposed to assist in the direct application of the label to produce.

[00119] In another embodiment of the invention, media includes a chemical-based adhesive whereby the adhesive reacts to heat or a spectrum of light after the label printer prints one or more labels.

[00120] In another embodiment of the invention, media includes an adhesive which may be activated after printer to protect one or more print heads from glue build-up from printing one or more labels on the media.

[00121] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a barcode scanning process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [00122] As illustrated, the process 700 begins (702) with the scanning (704) of a barcode. Once a barcode is detected, a determination (706) is made if the barcode is readable. If so, the process returns to scanning of a barcode where additional barcodes may be scanned. If not, a host system (not shown) is notified (708) after which one or all components may be halted (710). For example, if a barcode is not readable, the host system may signal a label printer to stop generating labels. The host also may signal a conveyor system to stop moving as well signal a label applicator to stop applying one or more labels to produce.

[00123] Additionally, a scanned version of the barcode may be transmitted to a display device for use by personnel, for example to determine the cause of the illegible barcode.

[00124] After halting any or all components, the process continues with determining and correcting (712) the cause of illegible barcode. Once the determination and correction are made, the process may return or loop back to scan for barcode where additional barcodes are scanned.

[00125] The barcode scanning process is used at predefined intervals, random intervals, based on signaling from a host system, network, or external controller, among others, or at all times.

[00126] Additionally, this process is used to detect print quality of generated labels.

[00127] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a media feeding transport system 800 combined with a label printer 806 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Any designated component may be optional.

[00128] The media feeding transport system illustrated in FIG. 7 may include one or more components described in FIG. 3. Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention, a media container device 800 may include one or more pass-throughs 802 and 804, to allow an operatively connected label printer 806 to manually or automatically engage the media container device when installed onto the label printer.

[00129] A media feeding transport system is used to feed and load media into the printer. For example, the feeding and loading may be performed automatically using a mechanism which can pull media, or the feeding and loading may be performed manually. The mechanism is used to automatically feed and load media. The mechanism retracts out of the backing/webbing path when the leader strip portion of media is fed through the printer and fastened to a take-up section of a media container device. [00130] A media feeding transport system includes one or more guides or gears such as Gearing First and Gearing Last and/or one or more rollers which may provide a path to feed and load media into the printer. For example, the media feeding transport system includes any or all components from gearing first through gearing last.

[00131] A media feeding transport system 800 operatively connected to a label printer 806 includes a media supply 902, a media waste take up 904, a print head 906, a peeler bar 908 for peeling a label 910 off of web backing 912, gearing such as a first gearing 914 and a last gearing 916, drive sprockets 918, a cleaning device 920, a tensioning device 922, and one or more rollers 924.

[00132] The media supply 902 is used to house and provide new media 924 such as labels. The media waste take up 904 is used to house web backing 912 or empty media supply once a label 910 is peeled or removed by the peeler bar 908.

[00133] The print head 906 is used to generate labels on media 924.

[00134] The peeler bar 908 is used to remove labels from media 924 to allow the label 910 to be applied by the label applicator to produce.

[00135] The gearing such as first gearing 914 and last gearing 916, sprockets 918 and tensioning 922 are used, for example, to guide media 924 from a media supply 902 to a media waste take-up 904.

[00136] The cleaning device 920 is used to clean dirt and glue build-up on one or more print heads 906. Additional details of the cleaning device 920 are described in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b.

[00137] Any or all of these components are used to control the amount of travel and slack of media 924 thereby allowing an empty media container device 900 to be serviced offline by removing the old media webbing/backing 912, cleaning the print head 906, and loading new media 924. Any or all of these components are used to control the travel of media 924 to loop over the print head 906. Additionally, any or all of these components may form one embodiment of a media feeding transport system.

[00138] In operation, media such as that of FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b are inserted into a label printer. A mechanism in the printer pulls the media using the leader strip portion with tractor-type feed holes to automatically feed and load the media through the media feeding transport system. [00139] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a system 1000 for produce labeling in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A component or a plurality of components may be optional.

[00140] System 1000 for produce labeling includes a host system 1002, one or more label printers 1004, label applicator 1006, scanning device 1008, conveyor system 1010, labels 1012, and produce 1014. The host system may be a host system, external controller, network, a combination of any, or a combination of all.

[00141] In operation, the host system is used to transmit and receive signaling and data to and from the label printer and other components of a produce labeling system (such as conveyor, applicator, or produce grader, display device, scanning device, etc.) for example, to halt activity such as printing from the printer and/or other components when barcode readability is reduced or a missed or bad barcode is detected. Additionally, the host system is used to transmit commands, program instructions, and/or information to an operatively connected label printer, label applicator, conveyor system, and scanning device. Additionally, information such as an error in a component may be transmitted to a host system from a component.

[00142] Although the present invention has been described in certain specific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application and the claims' equivalents rather than the foregoing description.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A produce label printer, comprising: a label printer for generating a label; a media container for media storage, the media container coupled to the label printer; a scanner for scanning a barcode printed on the label by the label printer; a label applicator for applying to produce the label generated by the label printer; a display for viewing data printed to the label by the label printer; and a printer controller configured to control the label printer, the media container, the scanner, the label applicator and the display.

2. The produce label printer of Claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to detect when a component is added or removed from the label printer.

3. The produce label printer of Claim 1, further comprising a communication device, wherein the controller is further configured to interface with other locations of a business and/or associated entities using the communication device.

4. The produce label printer of Claim 1, further comprising a print head cleaner for cleaning a print head of the label printer.

5. The produce label printer of Claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to verify the barcode scanned by the scanner.

6. The produce label printer of Claim 1, wherein the media container holds and uses media that is on a roll.

7. The produce label printer of Claim 1, wherein the media container holds and uses media that is fan-folded.

8. The produce label printer of Claim 1, wherein the media includes a protective overlay to protect a print head of the label printer from glue build-up from printing the label on the media; the media allowing printing through webbing or backing supporting the label to the opposite site of the media thereby keeping the print head or print heads away from the glue and allow a glue side of the label to be exposed to assist in the direct application of the label to the produce.

9. The produce label printer of Claim 1, wherein the media includes a chemical- based adhesive whereby the adhesive reacts to heat or a spectrum of light after the label printer prints the label.

10. The produce label printer of Claim 1, wherein the media includes an adhesive which may be activated after printer to protect one or more print heads from glue build-up from printing one or more labels on the media.

11. A method of operating a produce label printer; comprising: generating a label for application to produce, the label including a barcode; scanning the barcode; determining if the barcode is illegible based on scanning the barcode; and halting operation of the produce label printer when the barcode is determined to be illegible.

12. The method of operating a produce label printer of Claim 11, further comprising notifying a host system when the barcode is determined to be illegible.

13. The method of operating a produce label printer of Claim 11, further comprising halting operation of a conveyor system when the barcode is determined to be illegible.