Linerless label applicator

Abstract

A linerless label applicator for forming and applying a discrete, pressure sensitive adhesive linerless label to a document is adapted to receive and advance a plurality of documents, one at a time, along a document path through the applicator. The applicator includes a label storage and feed section, a label cutting section and a label application section. The storage and feed section stores the label material in roll form thereon and feeds the material through a feed assembly into the cutting section. The label cutting section includes a label drive assembly, a label guide assembly and a cutting assembly. The drive assembly includes a feed roller and a plasma coated idler roller which contacts the label adhesive and prevents adhesion thereto. The guide assembly includes a fan/vacuum manifold which retains the non-adhesive side of the label material in contact with the cutting assembly surfaces. The cutting assembly includes self-lubricating stationary and moveable blades adapted to coact with one another to cut the label material into predetermined, discrete labels. The moveable blade is mounted to the cutting section by a parallelogram drive linkage which facilitates reciprocating and transverse movement of the blade to effect the label cut. The application section includes a vacuum provided paddle to hold the label in place while being cut and to transfer the label to a passing document. The application section includes a compression mechanism for compressing the label to the document.