WO2019161276A1

WO2019161276A1 - Systems and methods for labeling automation

Info

Publication number: WO2019161276A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/018316
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric J. Donaldson; Daniel L. SCHMITZ; Shawn L. NELSON; Cody A. KLATT
Original assignee: Computype Incorporated
Priority date: 2018-02-18
Filing date: 2019-02-15
Publication date: 2019-08-22

Abstract

An automated labeling system includes a Print and Apply Module (PAM) system. The PAM system includes an applicator arm configured to apply a label onto an item being conveyed by a transport system; a media module configured to adjust, via at least one servo motor, a tension of a media having the label for transfer to the applicator arm; and a Z-axis stage configured to adjust a height of the applicator arm before applying the label.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LABELING AUTOMATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional

Application No. 62/631,898, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LABELING AUTOMATION,” filed February 18, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to labeling, and more particularly, to systems and methods for the automation of labeling.

[0003] In certain industrial systems, goods, parts, packages, and the like, may be transported via conveyer belt systems. For example, a part may be packaged and then subsequently moved via the conveyer belt to a labeling station or system. In the labeling station, a label may be printed and then applied to the package, for example, to aid in identifying the part in package, to aid in the shipping the package, and so on. The conveyer belt may then move the now labeled package to another station, such as a shipping station. It would be beneficial to improve the automation of labeling systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed invention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In a first embodiment, an automated labeling system includes a Print and Apply Module (PAM) system. The PAM system includes an applicator arm configured to apply a label onto an item being conveyed by a transport system; a media module configured to adjust, via at least one servo motor, a tension of a media having the label for transfer to the applicator arm; and a Z-axis stage configured to adjust a height of the applicator arm before applying the label.

[0006] In a second embodiment, a method for automated application of labels includes adjusting, via at least one servo motor, a tension of a media having a label for transfer to an applicator arm; printing the label after the adjusting of the tension; and applying the label onto an item being conveyed by a transport system.

[0007] In a third embodiment, a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium include instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to adjust, via at least one servo motor, a tension of a media having a label for transfer to an applicator arm; print the label after the adjusting of the tension; and apply the label onto an item being conveyed by a transport system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is block diagram of an embodiment of an industrial facility having a transport system and an automated labeling system having a Print and Apply Module (PAM) system;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the PAM system of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the PAM system of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the PAM system of FIG. 1 positioned adjacent a conveyor belt system; [0013] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the PAM system of FIG. 1 positioned adjacent a conveyor belt system;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the media module system of the PAM system of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of embodiments of the media module and a tamp arm assembly of the PAM system of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a detail front perspective view of an embodiment of a tamp arm, an air knife, and a printer peel bar of the PAM system of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process that may be suitable for adding the automated labeling system of FIG. 1 into the industrial facility of FIG. 1; and

[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the process suitable for labeling items, such as tires, via the automated labeling system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0020] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles“a,”“an,”“the,” and“said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising,”“including,” and“having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods that may improve the labeling of certain goods, parts, packages and the like, during conveyance operations. In certain embodiments, the labeling is applied to vehicle tires, and the conveyance operations include transporting the vehicle tires via a conveyor belt. However, it is to be understood that the techniques described herein may be applied to other conveyance operations, including conveyance via tracks, via passageways, via robots (e.g., parts moved by robotic vehicles, including drones), via rollers, and so on. The techniques described herein may also apply the labels to packaged parts or goods (e.g., boxed goods, wrapped goods), as well as unpacked parts or goods. Indeed, a variety of conveyance systems and/or items to be labeled may be more flexibly and efficiently processed with the techniques described herein.

[0022] In certain embodiments, a portable Print and Apply Module (PAM) system is provided, suitable for printing a label and subsequently applying the printed label onto a conveyed item via a tamper or applicator arm. The PAM system may interface with an item identification system which may include one or more sensors suitable for detecting, for example, an item such as a vehicle tire moving through the conveyor belt system. Information about the vehicle tire (e.g., type of tire, diameter, height, etc.) may then be communicated to the PAM system. The PAM system may use the communicated information to print a label and to position the label for deployment via an applicator or tamp arm. As the vehicle tire traverses the PAM system, as further described below, the PAM system may actuate the tamp arm to affix the label onto the vehicle tire. The now labeled vehicle tire may then be processed by a secondary label affixing system, which may provide improved adhesion of the label onto the vehicle tire by applying a force, such as via spring-biased rollers, to“push” the label onto the vehicle tire.

[0023] The techniques described herein include complete servo driven motion, which may provide for a desired label media supply torque, a desired take-up torque, as well as for rotation of the tamper arm and movement in Z-axis of the tamper arm, as further described below. The label be applied by using torque setpoint(s), for example so that the applicator arm extends to a set torque level and then returns to a “home” position. The applicator arm may be manufactured of a flexible material, such as carbon fiber, plastics, thin metal, and so on, to beneficially enable over flexing. Over-flexing of the applicator arm may aid in closing a gap between the application arm and a printer peel bar, as further described below, to improve handoff of the label and reduce or eliminate jams. By providing for the labeling automation system described herein, a more flexible and efficient labeling may be provided, suitable for working with a variety of conveyance systems and items to be labeled.

[0024] It may be beneficial to describe an overview of the techniques described herein as used during operations. Accordingly and turning now to FIG. 1, the figure is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an industrial system 10 having a transport system 12. Also shown are an automated labeling system 14 having an item identification system 16 communicatively coupled to a portable Print and Apply Module (PAM) system 18. The automated labeling system 14 additionally includes a secondary label affixing system 20 which may be disposed adjacent the PAM system 18. Also shown is a control system 22 of the automated labeling system 14, which may provide for control operations for the automated labeling system 14. The control system 22 may be communicatively and/or operatively coupled to one or all of the components of the automated labeling system 14, including the identification system 16, the PAM system 18, and the secondary label affixing system 20.

[0025] The control system 22 may also be communicatively and/or operatively coupled to one or more components of the industrial system 10, including the transport system 12, supervisory control and data acquisition (SC AD A) systems, human-machine interface (HMI) systems, manufacturing execution system (MES), distributed control system (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), logistical systems, shipping systems, supply chain management systems, and so on. Some or all of the systems aforementioned may be disposed in a cloud 24, including the control system 22. [0026] During operations, items 26 may be conveyed via the transport system 14. The transport system 14 may include conveyer belts, passageways, tracked systems, rollers, and so on, suitable for moving the items 26 through the industrial system 10. The items 26 may include any number of parts, goods, commodities, and so on, either packaged (e.g., box, wrapped, etc.) or unpackaged. The items 26 may come in different sizes and shapes (e.g., circular, oblong, square, etc.) and may be transported in some cases abutting each other and/or overlapping each other.

[0027] The item identification system 16 may include or may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 28 used in observing the items 26 as they traverse the industrial system 10 via the transport system 12. The items 26 may have barcodes, RFID tags, and the like, to aid in the identification of the items 26, as well as to provide other information (e.g., shipping information, tag information, and the like) related to the items 26. The sensors 28 may include cameras, infrared sensors, bar code readers, RFID readers, radar sensors, optical sensors, and so on, which may detect the type of item, geometry (e.g., height, width, length, shape), and so on, as well as detect the item’s location in the transportation system 12 (e.g., location in a conveyer belt system). When the items 26 are tires, the item identification system 16 may, for example, detect tire crown position, tires that are touching each other, diameter of the tires, height of the tires, and the like.

[0028] The sensed data, including location data, may then be provided to the PAM system 18 and/or to the control system 22. The control system 22 may execute or include an item queue system 30 (e.g., software system), which may track all the items 26 in the transport system 12, for example, to provide for the current location and current speed of the items 26. As the items 26 approach the PAM system 18, the control system 22 may use a positioning system 32 to reposition the incoming items 26. For example, arms may“nudge” the incoming item 26 towards a side of a conveyor belt for better labeling by the PAM system 18. As the item 26 traverses the PAM system 18, the PAM system 18 may print a label and position the label onto an applicator arm for disposal on the item 26. The applicator arm may also be positioned along a Z-axis for improved label placement. [0029] The applicator arm may then be activated to“slap” the label onto the item, for example via torque setting techniques further described below. The applicator arm may be manufactured of a flexible material, such as carbon fiber, plastics, thin metal, and so on, to beneficially enable over-flexing when“slapped” onto the item 26. Over-flexing of the applicator arm may aid in closing a gap between the application arm and a printer peel bar, as further described below, to improve handoff of the label and reduce or eliminate jams.

[0030] In some embodiments, the secondary label affixing system 20 may be activated, for example, to apply a second force via spring biased rollers onto the label. The second force may more firmly affix the label onto the item 26. The now labeled item 26 may then be conveyed to other stations, for example, for shipping.

[0031] Certain techniques described herein advantageously improve on the application of labels into the items 26. For example, the PAM system 18 may include portable and repositionable embodiments that may enable the PAM system 18 to be retrofitted to a variety of industrial systems 10, for example as shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, the figure is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the PAM system 18, further illustrating certain features such as lockable casters 50, which may be used to position the PAM system 18 at a desired location. Adjustable feet 52 are also shown, which may then be used to raise or lower the PAM system 18 to a height suitable for applying labels.

[0032] The figure also illustrates an environmental control unit 56 which may provide cooling for the PAM system 18. For example, an electronics module 58, a media module 60, and a power supply module 62 may be cooled and maintained at a desired temperature via the environmental control unit 56, thus improving media and electronic life. The electronics module 58 may include, for example, control components of the control system 22 such as PLCs, processors, memories, data storage devices, and the like, useful in executing computer instructions for the automation of labeling. The media module 60 may include rolls of labels to be printed as well as ink to be used in printing. The media module may also include a printer (e.g., inkjet printer, laser printer, thermal printer) for printing of the labels during labeling operations. The power supply module 62 may convert incoming power (e.g., 120 volts, 240 volts AC power) into power AC and/or DC suitable for the operation of the various modules 56, 58, 60, and a human machine interface (HMI) system 64.

[0033] The HMI system 64 may be used to interface with the automated labeling system 14 and/or the industrial system 10. That is, the HMI system 64 may be used to enter inputs and to display data for the automated labeling system 14 and/or the industrial system 10. In the depicted embodiment, the HMI system 64 is disposed on an adjustable arm system 66 which may enable swiveling and/or pivoting of the HMI system 64, as well as enable the HMI system 64 to be disposed at a desired height on the arm system 66. A stack light and annunciation system 68 is also shown, which may be used to indicate machine status, media levels, alerts, alarms, and so on.

[0034] Turning now to Fig. 3, the figure is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the PAM system 18 illustrating exhaust slots 80 for the environmental control unit 56, as well as inlet slots 82 that may be used to provide cabinet inlet air (e.g., via a replaceable filter) to create positive pressure clean air inside of the PAM system 18. The positive pressure clean air may enhance the life of the electronics as well as of the media. Because the figure includes same elements as those in FIG. 2, the same elements are depicted with same numbers.

[0035] Also shown (with panel removed) are an applicator arm module 84. The applicator arm module 84 includes an applicator or tamper arm 86, which may be used to apply labels to the items 26. Further details of the applicator arm module 84 and the applicator or tamper arm 86 are described below. The PAM system 18 may be moved via the casters 50 and positioned on an edge of a conveyor belt for labeling operations, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0036] More specifically, FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the PAM system 18 positioned adjacent a conveyor belt system 90. Because the figure includes same elements as those in FIGS. 2 and 3, the same elements are depicted with same numbers. In the depicted embodiment, the item 26 to be labeled is a vehicle tire having a barcode 92 and moving in a direction 94. As mentioned earlier, the tire 26 may have been inspected by the item identification system 16, for example via the barcode 92, to determine certain item properties (e.g. tire crown position, tires that are touching each other, diameter of the tires, height of the tires, and the like). The tire 26 may have also been positioned via the positioning system 32 so as to be moved closer to a proximal edge of the conveyer belt where the PAM system 18 is located. The PAM system 18 may then automatically set certain adjustments, such as a desired Z axis height for the applicator arm 86. The Z axis height may be set without changing a media module height of the media module 60.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the PAM system 18 may use the queue system 30 to determine the current location and speed of the items 26. The queue system 30 may track the current location, and the current velocity for all items in the transport system 12. In certain embodiments, one or more encoders 95 may be used by the queue system 30 to derive conveyor speed. Indeed, the queue system 30 may provide precise location determination so that the applicator arm 86 may be activated when the item 26 is at a desired location. Additionally or alternatively, sensors (e.g., optical sensors, radar, laser sensors, cameras, etc.) may observe as the item 26 begins traversing the PAM system 18 and the sensors may be used to activate the applicator arm 86. Once the label has been applied to the item 26, the secondary label affixing system 20 may be used to further affix the label onto the item 26 via rollers.

[0038] The items 26 may be labeled even if they are touching or otherwise abutting against each other, as shown in FIG. 5. More specifically, the figure is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the PAM system 18 positioned adjacent the conveyor belt system 90. Because the figure includes same elements as those in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the same elements are depicted with same numbers. In the depicted embodiment, there are two item 26 to be labeled, e.g., two tires 26 that are touching each other and moving in a direction 94 via the conveyor belt system 90. The item identification system 16 may determine that both items 26 are touching, while the queue system 30 may track the location of both items 26. As illustrated the tires 26 are of different sizes. Accordingly, the control system 22 may first adjust the Z-axis height of the applicator arm 86 based on the first tire 26, apply the label to the first tire 26, adjust the Z-axis height of the applicator arm 86 based on the second tire 26, and apply the label to the second tire 26. The secondary label affixing system 20 may then further affix the label onto the items 26 as the items 26 move by. By utilizing servo motors for adjustment of the Z-axis height and for actuation of the applicator arm 86, the techniques described herein may enable faster movement suitable for handling items 26 that may be closely spaced or touching.

[0039] Servo motor motion maybe used throughout the automated labeling system 14 to provide for desired torque values and for the speed of actuation that may be achieved. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of further details of an embodiment of the media module 60 using via servo motors 100, 102. More specifically, the servo motor 100 may be under closed loop tension control (e.g., using PID) of a media supply roll 104 while the servo motor 102 may be under closed loop tension control (e.g., using PID) of a liner take-up roll 106. As depicted, additional tension may be provided via a supply dancer assembly post 108 and/or a take-up dancer assembly post 109. More specifically, each of the posts 108, 109 may include a spring providing a bias force that returns the posts 108, 109 to a starting position. As take-up is provided, for example via motors 100 and/or 102, the posts 108, 109 may move away from their starting“home” positions.

[0040] The distance the posts 108, 109 moves may be representative of a torque on the media roll. It may be desired to provide a given torque (e.g., take-up media roll torque) so that a printer 110 (e.g., thermal printer, laser printer, inkjet printer) may experience a smaller and non-varying media roll torque as opposed to different torques as the media gets printed and transferred from roll 104 to roll 106. Accordingly, the servo motors 100, 102 may be controlled (e.g., via the control system 22) to keep the posts 108 and/or 109 at a desired distance, for example, by using position sensors that measures a distance of the post 108 and/or 109 from the “home” position. By providing a substantially similar torque regardless of how much media has been printed on a current roll, the printer 110 may experience a longer life and may more efficiently print media using longer and/or larger width rolls. Indeed, the printer 110 may now be aided by the motors 100, 102 in taking up media as opposed to having to use its own motor by itself to“pull” media during printing. [0041] Also shown are the tamp arm assembly 84 and the tamp arm 86 (arm is shown extended). A Z-axis stage 112 is additionally shown, suitable for moving the tamp arm 86 and a vacuum box 114 in the Z-axis via servo motor 116. In operation, the printer 110 may print a label, which may then be peeled onto the tamp arm 86 via a peel bar. A suction force provided by the vacuum box 114 via fans may adhere the label to the tamp arm 86 through slots 118. In certain embodiments, the slots 118 may be adjustable to provide for different suction strengths. Likewise, the vacuum box may also provide for an adjustable suction force. Once the Z-axis stage 112 moves the tamp arm 86 and the vacuum box 114 to a desired height, the tamp arm 86 may be activated to“slap” the printed label onto the item 26. Accordingly, the item 26 may now include the printed label.

[0042] In one embodiment, the applicator arm 86 may be“overflexed” on the vacuum box 114. That is, a gap between the applicator arm 86 and the peel bar may be closed so that there is no gap. Because the applicator arm 86 may be flexible, the applicator arm 86 may bend (e.g., bend against the vacuum box 114 based on force applied by servo motor) to close a gap between the arm 86 and the peel bar 150 and, in some cases, abut against the peel bar 150. Then, the label is placed on the arm 86 with aid from the vacuum box 114. Once the label is on the arm 86, the arm 86 is pulled away from the peel bar 150. This“overflexing” enables a tail edge of the label (e.g., which overhangs the back end of the tamp arm by small amount such as between 0.1 mm and lOmm) to better clear the printer or other obstruction when the arm 86 is then assembly having the arm 86 is then moved into location (e.g., up or down) to apply the label.

[0043] Turning now to FIG. 7, the figure is a front perspective view of embodiments of the media module 60 and the tamp arm assembly 84. Because the figure includes same elements as those in FIG. 6, the same elements are depicted with same numbers. In the depicted embodiment, further details of label placement tools are shown. For example, an air knife 130 is shown, used in assisting a motion of the printed label onto the tamp arm 86 (shown extended). Also shown is an enclosed tamp arm servo motor 132, which may be used to activate or otherwise quickly rotate the tamp arm 86 outwardly onto the item 26, and to then bring the tamp arm 86 to its starting (e.g.,“home”) position for loading of another label. The tamp arm servo motor 132 remains stationary, thus reducing cycle time. Indeed, the Z-axis stage 112 is in charge of moving the tamp arm 86 and the vacuum box 114 to desired heights while the tamp arm servo motor 132 may be repositioning the tamp arm 86. Flexible bellows 134 are also shown, useful in providing protection for a tamp arm shaft. The Z-axis stage 112 may move the tamp arm 86 and/or the vacuum box 114 without moving the entire media module 60. That is, the media module 60 may remain at the same, static height during operations, while the tamp arm 86 and/or the vacuum box 114 move.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a detail front perspective view of an embodiment of the tamp arm 86, the air knife 130, and a printer peel bar 150. Because the figure includes same elements as those in FIGS. 6 and 7, the same elements are depicted with same numbers. The printer peel bar 150 may peel an adhesive label from a media roll with the assistance of the air knife 130 to be disposed onto the tamp arm 86. As illustrated, there is a gap 152 between the printer peel bar 150 and the tamp arm 86. In order to close the gap 152, additional rotation of the tamp arm 86 may enable the tamp arm 86 to“reach” into the printer peel bar 150, effectively closing the gap 152. The tamp arm 86 may then reverse to pull the label way from the printer peel bar 150. Such extension may enable the label to be fully supported by the tamp arm 86, and may provide additional clearance for Z-axis motion of the tamp arm 86, if such Z-axis motion is desired.

[0045] The tamp arm 86 may then be actuated via the servo motor 132 to quickly “slap” the printed label onto the item 26 without having to stop the item 26. As the now labeled item 26 continues traversing the PAM system 18 in the direction 94, the secondary label affixing system 20 may deploy rollers 154 to further engage the item 26 and to add a secondary force suitable for more firmly affixing the printed label onto the item 26.

[0046] We have a label present sensor may be disposed the vacuum box 144 that “peeks out” between the slots in the tamp arm 86. This sensor detects if a label is present (when it shouldn’t be) or if it is not present (when it should be). With this present/not present information the control system 22 can alert the user to remove the label, stop the system 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, etc. A“dump plate” may also be provided, so that the control system 22 may automatically“dump” a label (e.g., if the lable shouldn’t be on the tamp arm 86) onto the“dump plate”. In one embodiment, the servo motor may move the applicator arm 86 to its highest position and actuate the arm 86 to deposit the label on a“dump plate” which can collect unwanted labels. The user may then clear the stack of unwanted labels that are sequentially deposited on top of each other, over time.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process 200 that may be suitable for adding the automated labeling system 14 into the industrial system 10. The process 200 or portions of the process 200 may be implemented as computer code or instructions stored in memory and executable by a processor. In the depicted embodiment, the process 200 may place (block 202) the PAM system 18 and the item identification system 16 in the industrial system 10. For example, the PAM system 18 may be moved to be adjacent to the conveyor belt system 90 and the item identification system 16 may be placed upstream of the PAM system 18.

[0048] The process 200 may then configure (block 204) the PAM system 18 and the item identification system 16. For example, the PAM system 18 may be height adjusted based on the height of the conveyor belt system 90, the sensors 28 may be adjusted based on the type of items 26 to be sensed, data may be entered into the PAM system 18 and/or identification system 16 based on the type of items 26 to be labeled, the type of media to use, and so on. In certain embodiments, the HMI 64 may be used to enter configuration information, for example, into the control system 22, PAM system 18, and/or item identification system 16. It is to be noted that in certain embodiments, the control system 22 may be disposed inside of the PAM system 18 and be already pre-connected to the PAM system 18.

[0049] The process 200 may additionally connect (block 206) the PAM system 18 and the item identification system 16 to each other as well as to one or more systems of the industrial system 10 and/or cloud 24. The connection may be through wired techniques (e.g., Ethernet cable, coax cable, USB cable, optical cable, and so on) and/or through wireless techniques (e.g., Wi-Fi, mesh networking, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and so on). The process 200 may then operate (block 208) the PAM system 18 and the item identification system 16 to label items transported via the transport system 12. In certain embodiments, the operation of the PAM system 18 and the item identification system 16 may follow a process 300 shown in FIG. 10.

[0050] More specifically, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the process 300 suitable for labeling items 26, such as tires, via the automated labeling system 14. In the depicted embodiment, the process 300 may detect (block 300) a tire 26, for example via sensors 28. The item identification system 16 may the scan (block 304) the tire barcode 92 to retrieve tire information. The item identification system 16 may additionally derive information about the tire 26 based on sensed information without having to read the barcode 92. For example, a camera may read tire text disposed on a tire sidewall and having a variety of tire information. The retrieved and/or derived information may include tire crown position, tires that are touching each other, diameter of the tires, height of the tires, type of tire, shipping information, manufacturing information, tire size, thread type, tire manufacturer, and so on.

[0051] A computing device included in the control system 22, in the item identification system 16, and/or in the PAM system 18 (e.g., personal computer) may then log (block 306) the retrieved and the derived information. The tire information retrieved via sensors 28 and/or derived may then be registered (block 308) in certain data structures, such as arrays. It is to be understood that a variety of other data structures may be used to register or otherwise store (block 308) the information, such as database tables, object-oriented classes, linked lists, records, unions, and so on.

[0052] In certain embodiments, blocks 302, 304, 306, and 308 may be repeated multiple times before any Z-axis movement of the tamper arm 86. The process 300 may then send (block 310) a print signal to the printer 110. The print signal may include information to be printed onto a label. The process 300 may then control (312) tension or torque in the media via adjustments of the servo motors 100 and/or 102. For example, PID techniques (e.g., PID loop control) may be used to apply control loops suitable for maintaining a desire torque in the rolls 104, 106 of the media.

[0053] The control system 22 (e.g., PLC included in the control system 22) may then trigger (block 314) printing of the label once the desired controls (block 312) for the media are achieved. If needed, the Z-axis stage system 112 may then reposition (block 316) the tamper arm 86 and the vacuum box 114 to a height more suitable for applying the now printed label. The process 300 may then trigger (block 318) the tamper (e.g., applicator) arm 86, for example based on sensed position for the tire 26 that is now traversing the PAM system 18.

[0054] The triggering (block 318) may pick up the label and“slap” the label onto the tire 26. As mentioned earlier, label pickup may include additional rotation to cover gap 152 with a reverse rotation to pull the label away from the printer peel bar 150. The tamper arm 86 may then be rotated at high speed to“slap” the label onto the tire 26. Subsequently, the tamper arm 86 may be returned (block 320) to the home position and the Z-axis height may be returned (block 320) to the home position.

[0055] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An automated labeling system, comprising:

a Print and Apply Module (PAM) system, comprising;

an applicator arm configured to apply a label onto an item being conveyed by a transport system;

a media module configured to adjust, via at least one servo motor, a tension of a media having the label for transfer to the applicator arm; and

a Z-axis stage configured to adjust a height of the applicator arm before applying the label.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the Z-axis stage is configured to adjust the height of the applicator arm to a desired label application height without changing a media module height of the media module.

3. The system of claim 1, comprising an identification system having at least one sensor, the at least one sensor configured to detect a property of the item, wherein the identification system is configured to transmit the property of the item to the PAM, and the PAM is configured to print the label based at least on the property of the item.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the item comprises a vehicle tire and wherein the property of the item comprises tire crown position, diameter of the vehicle tire, height of the vehicle tire, shipping information, manufacturing information, vehicle tire size, thread type, tire manufacturer, or a combination thereof.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the identification system is configured to detect the item at a location distant from the PAM system and wherein the identification system is configured to transmit the property of the item to the PAM via wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof.

6. The system of claim 1, comprising a secondary label affixing system disposed at a downstream location separate from the PAM system and configured to apply a second force to the label after the applicator arm applies the label.

7. The system of claim 6, comprising a conveyor system configured to transport the item, and a positioning system configured to reposition the item on the conveyor belt upstream of the PAM to move the item closer to the PAM.

8. The system of claim 1, comprising a control system operatively coupled to the PAM and configured to control the PAM to apply the label, wherein the control system comprises a queue system configured to track an item speed and an item location of the item in a transport system.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the PAM comprises a vacuum box configured to provide a suction force during application of the label, and wherein the PAM is configured to overflex the applicator arm to close a gap between the applicator arm and a peel bar during application of the label.

10. A method for automated application of labels, comprising:

adjusting, via at least one servo motor, a tension of a media having a label for transfer to an applicator arm;

printing the label after the adjusting of the tension;

overflexing the applicator arm to close a gap between the applicator arm and a peel bar;

placing the label onto the applicator arm;

adjusting a height of the applicator arm, via a Z-axis stage, and applying the label onto an item being conveyed by a transport system.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising adj usting, via the Z-axis stage, the height of the applicator arm to a desired label application height without changing a media module height of a media module, wherein the media module comprises a printer configured to print the label.

12. The method of claim 10, comprising detecting a property of the item before printing the label, and printing the label based on the property of the item, wherein the item comprises a vehicle tire and wherein the property of the item comprises tire crown position, diameter of the vehicle tire, height of the vehicle tire, shipping information, manufacturing information, vehicle tire size, thread type, tire manufacturer, or a combination thereof.

13. The method of claim 10, comprising applying a secondary for to the label now disposed on the item at a location separate from the applicator arm.

14. The method of claim 10, comprising repositioning the item on a conveyor belt as the item is being moved by the conveyor belt so that the item is closer to the applicator arm after the repositioning.

15. The method of claim 10, detecting that the label is an improper label after placing the label onto the applicator arm, and removing the label from the applicator arm by applying the label to a dump plate.

16. A tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to:

adjust, via at least one servo motor, a tension of a media having a label for transfer to an applicator arm;

print the label after the adjusting of the tension;

place the label onto the applicator arm;

adjust a height of the applicator arm, via a Z-axis stage, and apply the label onto an item being conveyed by a transport system.

17. The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 16, comprising instructions configured to overflex the applicator arm to close a gap between the applicator arm and a peel bar before placing the label.

18. The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 16, comprising instructions configured to adjust, via the Z-axis stage, the height of the applicator arm to a desired label application height without changing a media module height of a media module, wherein the media module comprises a printer configured to print the label.

19. The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 16, comprising instructions configured to detect a property of the item before printing the label, and printing the label based on the property of the item, wherein the item comprises a vehicle tire and wherein the property of the item comprises tire crown position, diameter of the vehicle tire, height of the vehicle tire, shipping information, manufacturing information, vehicle tire size, thread type, tire manufacturer, or a combination thereof.

20. The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 16, comprising instructions configured to reposition the item on a conveyor belt as the item is being moved by the conveyor belt so that the item is closer to the applicator arm after the repositioning, and to detect that the label is an improper label after placing the label onto the applicator arm, and remove the label from the applicator arm by applying the label to a dump plate.