Tamp pad for label printer applicator

• Main Authors: CHRISTOPHER M TERRY, STEVEN M DODS
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 09.06.2004
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: CONVEYING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS,CABLES; LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES; PACKING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; STORING; TRANSPORTING

A tamp pad for a label applicator permits use of a single, reconfigurable pad for use with labels of different sizes. Such a pad is used in a label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and carrying the labels to and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator. The tamp pad includes a first surface configured to receive a label and secure the label thereto by a vacuum. The first surface has a plurality of vacuum openings arranged in at least two series of openings. Each of the openings in a series is aligned with one another and the openings of each series are spaced from the openings of each other series. A second surface has a vacuum channel and at least two depending sub-channels formed therein. The vacuum and sub-channels are configured for receipt of a blocking element to prevent communication of the vacuum through a selected one of the series of openings. One or more blocking elements are configurable to prevent communication of the vacuum through those vacuum openings uncovered by the label received on the pad, without significant loss of vacuum through the uncovered vacuum openings.