Abstract: A method of labeling containers utilizing a labeler having multiple port vacuum drum is disclosed. The multiple port vacuum drum has a first cavity which is supplied with one level of vacuum suitable for picking up label segments from a cutter with limited tension. The vacuum drum has a second cavity which is supplied with another, higher level of vacuum suitable for firmly griping the label segments as an adhesive of the like is applied to the label segment. The second cavity may be further divided into a label application segment with lower vacuum pressure. The cutter drum has an arcuate cavity to which vacuum is supplied at the end first contacting the labeling material web with reduced vacuum being provided at the label cut off point and label release point.

Abstract: An improved method for making a release agent delivery device for delivery of release agent to a roller is disclosed for use in laser printers, plain paper copiers, facsimile machines, and similar printing apparatus. The delivery apparatus comprises an absorbent textile core filled with release agent, a permeable membrane surrounding the textile core to form a sheathed wick member, and a mounting sleeve adapted to attach the sheathed wick member in operative contact with the printer. The apparatus has numerous operational advantages over existing oil delivery apparatus, including providing multiple contact surfaces for longer operational life before replacement, ease in cleaning and regeneration, improved durability and reduced wear, and more compact and versatile operation.

Abstract: A composite structure such as a roller door comprises a plurality of rigid slats (1) arranged parallel with one another and spaced apart transversely in an array, the array of slats being sandwiched between upper (3) and lower (4) flexible sheets fixed together in the spaces (5) between adjacent slats to form flexible hinge portions. Preferably the structure is formed by advancing the array of slats (1), in the longitudinal direction of the slats through means which applies the upper and lower flexible sheets to the upper and lower surfaces of the slats and bonds the flexible sheets to the upper and lower surfaces of the slats, then passing the resulting assembly, still in the longitudinal direction of the slats, through apparatus which bears on the flexible sheets and deforms them, in the interstices between the slats, until the upper and lower sheets come together in said interstices and are bonded to each other where they come together.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated apparatus for automatic placement of a retroreflective sheeting material on markers used for the channelization of traffic. The apparatus includes a spool member to dispense the retroreflective sheeting and receive the liner material removed from the retroreflective sheeting during dispensing. The apparatus also includes a roller mechanism for advancing and positioning the retroreflective sheeting. A drive mechanism for regulating the advancement and position of the retroreflective sheeting to provide a precise length of the retroreflective sheeting according to the size of the marker is also included in the apparatus. The apparatus also comprises a positioning mechanism for automatically configuring a length of the retroreflective sheeting against the marker so that the retroreflective sheeting is precisely affixed the marker.

Abstract: A tubular sheath made from plastic material used for the mechanical and/or thermal protection of electric cabling is wrapped in a strip of sound-insulating material, the lateral parts of which have been inserted inside the sheath through the slit. The width of the strip, preferably produced from felt, is substantially equal to the sum of the external and internal perimeters of the plastic sheath.

Abstract: Leaks can be sealed quickly by methods employing a flexible patch applied by a resilient applicator that can be caused to exert sufficient force against the patch and the leaking surface to stop fluid flow while a leak sealant is curing. The resilient applicator comprises a resilient deformable member having a wall that defines a cavity for receiving the patch entirely within the cavity together with a leak sealant for application to the leak.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying thin film polymer labels to small cylindrical articles such as dry cell batteries without label mismatching is disclosed. A label transport drum is rotatably mounted on a frame. Cut labels are supplied to the surface of the label transport drum as the drum is rotated. An adhesive is applied onto the area adjacent the leading edge of the label while the label is moving with the drum, and a solvent is applied onto an area adjacent the trailing edge of the label. Cylindrical articles are conveyed in tangential spinning engagement with the label transport drum and into rotative engagement with the adhesive on the leading edge of the label so as to transfer the label onto the article as the label is moved into engagement with the rotating article. A pressure plate imparts pressure against selected sides and ends of the article during wrapping to prevent mismatching of the label as the label wraps around the article.

Abstract: An improvement in a device for applying heat-transferrable decalcomania to a generally curved container surface such as a mug comprising a multiple segment tightening band surrounding a cushioned blanket surrounding a heating element, the segments being hingedly connected so that the band firmly applies the cushioned blanket heating element against the decalcomania and the contiguous curved container surface to effect transfer of the decalcomania design to the container surface.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus for forming a flower pot or flower pot cover from a sheet of material by engaging a sheet of material about the outer surface of a mold, die or pot. The cover forming apparatus includes a plurality of pivotable forming members resting in a surface which supports a sheet of material upon which is positioned a flower pot mold or flower pot. When the forming members are pivotally moved from the storage position to an extended position, the forming members cause the sheet of material to be appressed to or engaged with the mold or pot. The article formed in accordance with the present invention may be separable from the mold or pot and usable as a flower pot or flower pot cover or may be more or less securely attached to the pot by adhesive, cohesive, barbs, friction pinches or other securing means thereby forming a decorative cover connected to a flower pot.

Abstract: Containers for beverages are rotated about their own axes and are simultaneously transported past a water applying sponge and thereupon past an applicator of labels which completely surround the peripheral surfaces of the respective containers so that the leader of each label is overlapped by its trailing end. The films of water which are applied by the sponge reduce the likelihood of slippage of labels relative to the peripheral surfaces during draping of the labels, and such films evaporate when the application of labels is completed so that the labels surround but do not adhere to the containers. The trailing ends of the labels are coated with adhesive which bonds them to the respective leaders.

Abstract: A luggage case is provided with a removable protective covering for wrapping a first length of plastic sheeting from a dispenser (80) in one direction and a further length in a direction at 90 degrees to the first direction. The sheeting covering the case handle and wheels is cut away to enable manual use of the case. Apparatus for use in providing the protective covering includes a rotatable pedestal on which the case rests and clamping plate assembly vertically positionable to releasably secure the case to the pedestal during wrapping.

Abstract: A handled, open-ended, single layer, elastic and resilient thermal insulator for cylindrical beverage containers made in the form of a flat rectangular strip of foamed cross-linked polyolefin which is slightly longer than the circumference of the container to be insulated and has a pair of overlapping inter-engaging tabs at its opposite end portions and integral closed handle elements extending radially outwardly from above and below the tabs when the strip is applied to such a container. The insulator is made by a method in which a generally rectangular strip is cut from a panel of such flexible expanded thermal insulating material and, at the same time, a U-shaped cut is made in the interior of each of the opposite terminal portions of the strip to thereby produce flexible tabs, with the open end of each of the U-shaped cuts facing each other.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby water is used to transfer labels onto containers in automatic high-speed labeling machines thereby leaving no glue residue on a container's surface, and making them amenable for recycling. The method further provides for adjustment of water's surface tension if necessary by surfactants to cause wettability of a variety of surfaces undergoing labeling, but said label is permanently attached to the container by friction, rather than by glue, after evaporation of the water.

Abstract: Machine and method for labeling cylindrical containers wherein a rotary vacuum drum transports the labels from a pick up station to a release station, containers are moved, in sequence, to said release station and into tangent contact with the leading end of a label on the vacuum drum, each container is held in contact with the label While the vacuum drum continues to rotate and meanwhile spinning the container oppositely to the rotation of the vacuum drum.

Abstract: A method of securely attaching for indefinite periods banners of flexible plastic electrostatically chargeable material to flagstaffs and then onto smooth non-porous surfaces, which may be the painted exteriors of vehicle bodies, and vice versa, without the use of separate adhesives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a cover (C) to a roller (R) or other device to be covered. A tube (15), cylindrical section, or other shape of cover material is inserted in a fixture (3) and each end of the tube is sealed to the fixture. A wall (21) of the fixture and a wall (23) of the tube form a chamber (19) which is evacuated so the tube expands against the wall of the fixture. A roller or other device to be covered is inserted into the fixture. The vacuum is then removed. The tube wall falls away from the side of the fixture and collapses around the outer surface of the roller.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a polystyrene label to a surface of a polystyrenic article. The process comprises applying a thin film of a terpenoid compound to the polystyrene, the terpenoid compound having a boiling point between 150.degree. C. and 260.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of adhering a decorative paper to a cubic structure such as a box. A double-face adhesive sheet is prepared to have an upper and lower release papers, and the lower release paper is entirely peeled off to adhere thereto a decorative paper. A cut is formed on the upper release paper to form a desired shape of non-adhesive portion and surrounding adhesive portion. The upper release sheet at the surrounding adhesive portion is peeled off and the cubic structure is positioned on the non-adhesive portions. Then, the adhesive portion is bent inside of the cubic structure and adhered to the interior of the cubic structure.

Abstract: A method for making a roller sleeve assembly comprising providing a metal sleeve, forming apertures extending radially through the sleeve, bonding a flexible sleeve to the exterior of the metal sleeve and permitting the flexible sleeve material to fill certain of the apertures. The invention further contemplates a method for making a roller assembly comprising sliding the above-described sleeve assembly onto a hub comprising a circular wall with ribs extending normally therefrom, and providing locking plates and cooperative pins for locking the sleeve assembly onto the hub, with the pins disposed partly in the locking plates and partly in other of the sleeve assembly apertures.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying wrap-around labels to containers, such as bottles, where the label is wrapped around the container and a vertical heat seal seam is formed as the containers are moved in a linear path on a conveyor. The containers are held in engagement with the conveyor surface with one side of the containers being beyond the edge of the conveyor on the side where heat seal bars are brought into contact with the overlap to form a heat sealed seam. The containers are also held down against the conveyor during the period of movement of the containers to the exit end of the conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating a container structure such as a flower pot cover. The invention comprises a frame supporting a reciprocating mandrel and a feed bed, said feed bed having an aperture positioned such that said reciprocating mandrel reciprocates into and out of said aperture; a roller for feeding a substrate across said feed bed and aperture; a die fixed to said frame in proximity to said aperture, said die cutting a form from said substrate, said form having a central section and a plurality of surrounding sections created by a plurality of radial slits cut by said die, said radial slits extending outward from said central section, each of said surrounding sections folding to form a sidewall of said container structure when said reciprocating mandrel pushes said cut form through said aperture; and ultrasonic weld heads for sealing said sidewalls so as to form a container a flower pot cover.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a label about a container by employing a solvent activated adhesive composition. The method includes either a shrink wrap method, a mandrel wrapping method or a method employing a preformed roll of flat seamed tubular film. The roll of flat seamed tubular film is bonded at its seam by solvent activated adhesive. A roll for any of these methods with such adhesive, and a container covered by a film which includes strips of such adhesive is provided. A preferred adhesive comprises thermoplastic polyurethane with or without suitable additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the manufacture of insulating chutes. The apparatus comprises means for winding plies of insulating material on to cores; means for curing the insulating material wound on the cores; means for removing cured insulating material from the cores; and means of or returning empty cores to the winding step. The object is to make the operation of this kind of apparatus more efficient than previously. The object is achieved in such a manner that the cores (12) are arranged in groups on an endless transporter (1), whereby empty spaces corresponding to the number of cores in a group are left between the groups of cores, and the transporter is arranged to move step by step a distance corresponding to the interspace between individual cores in a group when the first core in each group reaches the winding means, and a distance corresponding to the interspace between the groups when the last core in each group leaves the winding step.

Abstract: A catalytic converter block is wrapped in a loose laminate of plastics material and a mat fibrous material, the plastics material being secured to the block at one end and continuing beyond the mat of fibrous material to cover same completely. The plastics material is secured under tension so as to compress the fibrous material to facilitate fitting in a casing for the converter block.

Abstract: Composite tube, which is a sandwich structure, comprising a plurality of fiber strata, each made of epoxy-saturated fibers, and at least one layer of a honeycomb material sandwiched between. The fiber strata and the honeycomb layers are in alternating sequence. Each fiber stratum may include a fiber web surrounded by a fiber cable, which consists essentially of a large number of twisted fibers arranged in the axial direction and parallel to each other. The composite tube of this invention is very light in weight, yet has tensile strength and other mechanical properties corresponding to those of conventional tubes made of steel. The tube of this invention is especially useful as a guide roller or an expansion shaft.

Abstract: A masking tape (10), for example for spray-painting, comprises a strip (11) of tearable material such as paper having an upper face, a lower face; a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (12) covering said lower face of said strip from one side edge thereof to the opposite side edge; a second pressure sensitive layer (13) applied to said upper face of said strip, said second layer having a longitudinal extent co-extensive with that of said strip and a transverse extent less than half that of said strip and being positioned close to one edge (11B) of said strip; and a release liner (14) covering said second adhesive layer. The masking tape is to be fixed to a surface to be painted in such a position that the free-edge (11A) of said strip forms a border to the area to be painted. The release liner is removed and a masking paper is fixed to said adhesive layer and cut clean along the inner edge thereof.

Abstract: An underground storage tank assembly and method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A steel primary fluid storage tank is provided having an outer, peripheral surface. A secondary fluid storage container being formed of curable plastic material and having a substantially smooth inner surface is tightly secured about the outer, peripheral surface of the primary fluid storage tank. The interstitial spaces formed between the outer surface of the primary container and the inner surface of the secondary container permit the desired migration of fluid therethrough to allow the detection of any fluid leaking through the primary tank or secondary tank. Various methods for forming the secondary fluid storage container are disclosed. The outer surface of the primary tank and/or the inner surface of the secondary fluid storage container may be textured for applications requiring enhanced fluid migration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying one or more reflective sleeves to a traffic cone. The sleeve is supported on a platform and the traffic cone is positioned in contact with one end edge of the sleeve and rotated to wind the sleeve onto the traffic cone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed placement of labels onto containers by a continuous motion. The label stock is transferred to a rotary vacuum drum, carried by rotation of the vacuum drum to a glue application station and then to a label application station where the glue coated labels are wrapped onto containers. As the containers reach the labeling position they are already rotating so that their surfaces are moving at the same speed as the drum surface. The labeled containers are then discharged onto a conveyor where they are held against rotation and stabilized by a pair of parallel belt drives.Glue is imprinted onto each label by a roller with a patterned surface. The roller picks up glue as it rotates past a glue bar surface which emits glue from a tapered exit. The tapered configuration causes build up of suitable pressure so as to force the glue into the pattern on the glue roller. A downstream edge of the glue bar surface acts as a doctor to spread and wipe off excess glue.

Abstract: Machine and method for applying plastic labels and the like to containers, e.g. metal coffee cans, which have chimes or reinforcement grooves, in which the containers, after application of a plastic label, is caused to pass between a roll down pad and a belt, the roll down pad having a rib for each chime and or groove. The ribs are heated to improve the effectiveness of labeling.

Abstract: A surgical prosthesis is disclosed having a textured exterior surface formed of non-absorbent material substantially free of pores and interstices. The invented device is usable for mammary and other implants. Various methods of manufacturing the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for and method of applying heat-transferrable decalcomania to a generally cylindrical cup portion of a handled mug comprises tightly wrapping a flexible sheet-like heating blanket around at least a major portion of the circumferential surface of the cup portion over which the decalcomania has been laid, thereby pressing the decalcomania against the cup portion. Heat is generated at the blanket in an amount sufficient to transfer the decalcomania to the cup portion.

Abstract: A cartonless recyclable packages for protectively enclosing a product, such as photographic film, comprises a recyclable plastic container and mating cap with recyclably compatible plastic labels thereon bearing product information. One such label on the cap has readily tearable tab portions extending therefrom and tautly secured to the container, to tear apart when the cap is first removed. A second label, secured to the container and overlapping the tearable tab portions, includes inner and outer sheets separably adhered together. The outer sheet can be peeled back to reveal information on the interfacing surfaces of both sheets, and then re-adhered to the inner sheet. A third label, separably adhered to the first label on the cap, may be peeled away and re-adhered to some other surface for reference after the product has been removed.

Abstract: A pull strap handle (10) for an automotive interior is fully cushioned by forming a foamed resin cushion (20) that is fit around and over both faces of a strap (15) for the handle. A backing bar (30) is then positioned to extend over cushion (20) and be spaced from strap (15), and a resin cover (25) is wrapped over the cushion and over backing bar (30) so that edges of the cover overlap adjacent the backing bar. Then a dielectric bonding bar (31) presses the overlapping edges of cover (25) against the metal backing bar so that the cover edges are dielectrically bonded together in a seam that preferably has the same surface texture pattern as the rest of the cover material, so as to be inconspicuous. Then backing bar (30) is slid endwise out from under cover (25), to leave the seam (32) spaced from strap (15) by the thickness of cushion (20) which can extend all around and over both faces of the strap. Handle ( 10) is then completed by forming the strap and providing end anchorages, as is generally known.

Abstract: A method for attaching a label to an outer surface of a package. The label is printed by a printer onto a label web, the label is separated from the web, and tacked to the wrap of the package. The label printed is introduced onto a suction plate, which is arranged on an end of a pivoted swing arm, with a printed side of the label facing the suction plate so that an rim of the label web extends over a pressure roller. Vacuum is applied to the suction plate in order to hold the label, the label is separated from the label web by a shear device and an adhesive precoat is applied on an unprinted side of the label. The package is moved, and the pivoted swing arm is rotated against the package by an actuator (5) so that one edge of the label is brought into an adhering contact with the outer surface of the package by the line pressure exerted by the pressure roller.

Abstract: A direct electrostatic printing (DEP) device is utilized for printing wrong reading images on a transparent substrate. An adhesive coating on the transparent substrate precludes toner bounce during printing and enables the transparent substrate to be affixed to a substrate such as an envelope such that the wrong reading images are right reading.

Abstract: Labelling machine comprising a cylindrical vacuum drum, a feed screw located in relation to the vacuum drum to move cylindrical containers from a starting point to a release point past the vacuum drum with their cylinder axes parallel to the cylinder axis of the vacuum drum and in tangent contact with the vacuum drum, and a continuous drive belt located to contact the sides of containers opposite their sides in contact with the feed screw, said belt serving to spin the containers from the starting point to the release point.

Abstract: A fabric web having a high modulus of elasticity is used as a spring element in an upholstered article such as a seat or a bed. The fabric web is joined to a metal rod serving as a frame member of the upholstered article by an end portion of the fabric web, which is folded on itself over the metal rod to provided folded and unfolded layers that are united together by means of a heat-fusible resin film. The heat-fusible resin film is held against the inner surface of the folded end portion of the fabric web and fused by high-frequency welding. The folded end portion of the fabric web is protected by the intermediary film against damage which would otherwise be caused by abrasive contact with a rust layer on the metal rod. The film sandwiched between the folded and unfolded layers has opposite ends folded and fused over the unfolded layer of the fabric web for reinforcing marginal edges of the fabric web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, for the application of solvent reactive, heat-shrink film or labels, to a container having a curvilinear, frusto-conical, or other irregular aspect to the configuration of its outer wall. Adhesive and solvent are applied, respectively, to the leading and trailing ends of a label in preparation for full wrap-applying same to a container. The leading end of the label is brought into adhesive contact with the container, and the container is spun about its axis to wrap the label therearound. At least a portion of the label seam, adjacent the irregular wall aspect of the container, is left free-standing or unsupported by the container wall. To ensure a positive seal within this unsupported seam portion, compressive forces are applied thereto as the trailing end of the label comes into initial contact with the underlying leading end. Thereafter, the label is subject to heat, causing the unsupported portions of the label to shrink and conform to the irregular configuration of the container.

Abstract: A method for fixing a plurality of permanent magnets to an inner cover of bedclothing such as a comforter filled with down and the like comprises the steps of: providing a patch assuming a suitable shape such as a circular shape and the like; applying a bonding-agent sheet to the patch; fixing temporarily a permanent magnet to a center of the bonding-agent sheet to prepare an assembly consisting of the patch, the bonding-agent sheet and the permanent magnet; placing the assembly on a cover of bedclothing in a condition in which the permanent magnet of the assembly abuts on the cover of bedclothing; placing a platen having a hole for receiving the permanent magnet of the assembly therein on the assembly; heating the platen to melt the bonding-agent sheet of the assembly so as to bond the path of the assembly to the cover of bedclothing.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing and repairing utility poles and the like, including the steps of placing gasket layers above and below the area to be repaired and a resin pervious layer, such as fiberglass, between the two gaskets followed by the step of wrapping the area from the lower gasket to a point near the upper gasket with a resin impervious layer, such as duct tape. Next, a liquid resin is preferably injected under pressure into the space between the utility pole and the resin impervious layer. Holes may be drilled to guide the resin into the interior of the pole, and injection tubes may be inserted into the hole to further direct the resin into the interior of the pole. The resin is then allowed to cure. Preferably, vertical grooves are formed in the exterior of the pole, and reinforcing rods are placed therein before the resin is injected.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for providing uniform fin-type back seals with flexible packaging material for use in conjunction with form-fill-and-seal machines is disclosed which utilizes a moveable tucker plate disposed between the mated edges of the flexible packaging material and the body of the packaging material. When sealing, the tucker plate moves against the body of the packaging material and prevents lateral movement of such material during the sealing operation. The tucker plate is joined to a sealing platen in a manner which maintains a fixed distance between the tucker plate and the sealing platen until a threshold sealing pressure is exceeded.

Abstract: A fabric web having a high modulus of elasticity is used as a spring element in an upholstered article such as a seat or a bed. The fabric web is joined to a metal rod serving as a frame member of the upholstered article by an end portion of the fabric web, which is folded on itself over the metal rod to provided folded and unfolded layers that are united together by means of a heat-fusible resin film. The heat-fusible resin film is held against the inner surface of the folded end portion of the fabric web and fused by high-frequency welding. The folded end portion of the fabric web is protected by the intermediary film against damage which would otherwise be caused by abrasive contact with a rust layer on the metal rod. The film sandwiched between the folded and unfolded layers has opposite ends folded and fused over the unfolded layer of the fabric web for reinforcing marginal edges of the fabric web.

Abstract: Wrap around article (10) for wood preservative treatment of wood poles, posts and the like, including an outside backing sheet (12) which has an inwardly and downwardly folded mounting flap (18) at the upper end thereof. A single or series of generally flat pockets or bags (30) on the inside of which is an absorbant pad (40). Wood preservative solution is added to the bag (30) and held in the pad (40) and the bag is sealed. The bags are attached to the flap (18). When the wrap around article (10) is to be applied, the inside faces of the bags are cut away exposing the pads soaked with the wood preservative. Upon installation the pads (40) contact substantially all of the circumference of the pole and the wood preservative penetrates the pole wood. In another form the pad material (40') is wrapped around the treatment zone, the pad saturated with wood preservative solution and then the backing (12') is secured over the pad.

Abstract: A method of making wraparound fabric article comprises positioning a closure member(s) at an edge portion of a sheet of fabric (1), and welding or bonding (a) fibres of the fabric adjacent to the closure member so as to trap the closure member by preventing of reducing relative movement of fibres at the edge portion (2). Preferably, the method involves attaching two closure members to the fabric, by which the article can be held in a wrapped around configuration.

Abstract: The invention is a method of fabricating a fuser member by securing a generally cylindrical member of rubber around a core, the cylindrical member including metal oxides and having an outer surface with a plurality of holes that trap toner particles, typically in the 30 to 200 micron diameter range, and covering the outer surface of the cylindrical member with a layer of elastomer impregnated with metal oxides, the layer of elastomer filling a majority of the holes in the 30 to 200 micron diameter range and decreasing the number of metal oxide particles exposed on the surface of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: Turret type labeling machine with pairs of chucks arranged coaxially and rotated orbitally about the machine axis while spinning about their individual axes. Containers are gripped between each pair of chucks, such containers having at one or both ends an inwardly sloping portion. Labels are wrapped around each spinning container with one or both edges unattached and overlapping the sloping end portion or portions. One or both chucks of each pair has an extension which provide an extension of the body surface of the container so that the projecting edge or edges of the label lies against the extension.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of film cartridges which have a substantially cyclindrical wall, a film opening extending along a generating line of the cylinder and caps at the ends, one plate per cartridge is separated from a flat strip of material to form the cartridge wall, which strip of material contains the plates for several cartridges and has a width corresponding to the circumference of a cartridge wall, and the said strip of material is fitted continuously with a sealing material along at least one of the edges for the film opening before the plates are separated, the said sealing material being delivered to the strip of material in the form of endless band of sealing strips which are bonded to the strip of material as they pass through a glueing station.

Abstract: In a labeling machine for a can or bottle, a label on a vacuum drum is wiped on the reverse face near one edge with a solvent and also is sprayed on the reverse face near the other edge with an adhesive, the label then being wrapped around and affixed to the can or bottle to expose the obverse face of the label. Mechanism for accomplishing these actions and for synchronizing adhesive spraying and wrapping speed is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of applying wrap-around labels to bottles or containers where the label is formed into a complete sleeve with a heat-sealed seam on the container as the containers are moved in a linear path on a conveyor. The bottles and conveyor pass between a continuously moving set of retractable, electrical heat-seal bars and vacuum label handling heads. The vacuum heads receive individual labels from a strip supply of labels and carry the labels into position opposite a bottle on the conveyor. The label is folded about the bottle and the opposed heat-seal bar is advanced into contact with the overlapped edges of the label and held there for a time sufficient to complete the full height heat seal of the label. The heat bar is contoured to the same shape as the external profile of the container over the label height.