Abstract: Labels or other segments or sheet material are wrapped around containers or other articles and adhered thereto by adhesive at the ends of the label. At each end pressure is applied by a vacuum drum acting on the end of the label to adhere it to the container. In between the container is caused to spin end is moved about the axis of the vacuum drum by direct contact of the drum with the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-round container labeling machine and corresponding method. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a labeling machine for applying a label to a non-round container or article where the non-round article has a series of corners located about its surface. The labeling machine according to the present invention includes a rotatable vacuum drum, the drum including engaging means for rotatably engaging the corners of the non-round articles. The labeling machine includes a label associated with the engaging means and a resilient roll on pad means. The labeling machine further includes means for rotating the non-round article between the drum and roll on pad means wherein the engaging means engages a first corner to rotate the article between the drum and the pad means such that the drum generates a torque which rotates the article as the drum rotates and which compresses the roll on pad means such that the pad means stores compressed torque energy.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to an apparatus for applying labels to hosiery, specifically sock stacks. The sock stack travels along a first conveyor and are deposited onto a second conveyor. The second conveyor carries the sock stack to a pair of rotatable clamps. The clamps hold the sock stack and stretch it. A pneumatic cylinder moves the pair of clamps upwardly into contact with an adhesive label. The socks are rotated 360 degrees drawing the label onto the sock stack to band the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of labeling cylindrical articles feeds labels onto a label drum. The labels have a formed curl such that the leading edge tends to curl away from the surface of the label drum. The article is fed onto the label drum and wrapped by engaging the article with the leading edge of the label and then wrapping the article. An uncut label web can be fed over an edge to impart the desired curl to the label web. The label web is then cut into labels, which are fed onto the label drum. Also, the tension of the label over the edge can be varied so as to vary the amount of curl imparted to the label.

Abstract: Method for applying heat shrinkable segments of material (16) (e.g., labels or ornamental bands) to articles (25) (e.g., containers or ornaments) which have convex surfaces. The segment (16) is attached at both ends by adhesive to the convex surface (46) (or the trailing end of the segment (16) may be lapped over and adhesively attached to the leading end of the segment (16)). The adhesive attachments are confined to a narrow sector, e.g., the sector of widest diameter, or a circumference of a sphere, leaving major portions of the segment (16) on either side of such narrow sector unattached. These major portions are then heat shrunk onto the convex surface (46).

Abstract: A medicine vial labeler includes a dispenser for printing and dispensing pressure sensitive labels and a label applicator assembly including a rotary drum and a pair of positioning arms. The positioning arms are shiftable from a release position to a holding position for positioning a vial in rotary contact with the drum in order to receive a label in the nip therebetween applying the label to the vial upon rotation of the drum. The positioning arms include a plurality of rollers of different diameters configured and spaced for holding and positioning vials of different diameters in rotary contact with the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying heat transfer labels, disposed on a web, to containers. In one embodiment, the apparatus is intended for round, non-tapered containers and comprises a continuously rotating turret, a container transport system for continuously delivering containers to and away from the turret and a web transport system for moving a web containing heat-transfer labels into position for label transferring. The turret includes a rotably driven shaft and a plurality of cup assemblies arranged in a circle around the shaft and coupled thereto. Each cup assembly includes a cup used to hold a container, the cup being rotably driven independently of the shaft and in a required direction. A nozzle assembly is associated with each cup assembly and is used to secure a container within its respective cup and, if necessary, to inflate the container to impart sufficient rigidity thereto for labelling. Each cup assembly and its associated nozzle assembly together define a container holding station.

Abstract: Method and system for decorating a round, oval or irregularly-shaped, open-ended article with a heat-transfer, wrap-around label supported on a carrier web. The system comprises a turret for positioning the open-ended article at a transfer location. The turret comprises a continuously rotating mandrel and a motor, the motor being coupled to the mandrel for continuously driving the rotation of the mandrel. The rotating mandrel is appropriately sized and shaped to be inserted into the open-ended article through the open end thereof and to follow the circumferential contour of the interior surface of the open-ended article when the open-ended article engages and rolls about the rotating mandrel. The system also includes a feed mechanism for positioning the label on the carrier web at the transfer location, the surface speed of the web matching that of the rotating mandrel.

Abstract: A labelling machine for treating vessels of different shapes or with different labels comprising a rotatingly drivable turntable with at least one labelling station disposed on its circumference with following wipe-on and pressure-applying elements, the turntable having rotary tables with one associated control element each, which cooperates optionally with one of several radial cams secured against rotation and disposed in axially staggered relationship in the direction of the rotary table axis, the control element associated to the rotary table and/or the radial cams are adjusted relatively to each other for change-over of one type of vessel and/or label to another one.

Abstract: In a labelling machine comprising at least one plate (1), which is adapted to carry out controlled rotations, and a plunger (2), which is adapted to carry out controlled upward and downward movements, the object to be labelled, e.g. a bottle (24), being fixed between said plate and said plunger such that it is secured against rotation relative thereto, the plunger has associated therewith a rotating means (3), which will rotate said plunger to a specific angular position and/or fix it in said angular position, if the plunger is not in contact with the object to be labelled. However, if the plunger is in contact with the object to be labelled, it will be decoupled from said rotating means, whereupon it can rotate freely together with the object to be labelled, which is driven by the plate. Such a rotating means can be established with the aid of simple structural means and permits a manifold use of asymmetric plungers having a preferred position. This is the case e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting containers having circular portions with any one of a number of different diameters first along an adhesive applying unit and thereupon past one or more units which apply labels all the way around the circular portions of the containers has a rotary turntable with a set of depending rotary supporting elements for discrete containers. The supporting elements are rotated about their own axes, while orbiting about the axis of rotation of the turntable, by two arcuate cams which are adjacent the path of orbital movement of the supporting elements and are tracked by roller followers provided on disc-shaped holders at the upper ends of the supporting elements. Adjustment of the apparatus for the transport of containers having circular portions of different diameters is effected by moving the cams in the circumferential direction of the turntable. The positions of the various treating units remain unchanged.

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 rotary decorating machine for bottles having an alignment structure formed adjacent their bottom periphery, wherein the machine has at least one decorating station. A rotating table is provided with a plurality of independently rotatable bottle receiving cups spaced from one another adjacent the outer periphery of the table. The rotating table is driven by a first motor, and the bottle receiving cups are independently rotatable by pinion gears attached thereto for enabling planetary rotation of the bottles relative to the rotating table. A lower gear is provided with a second drive motor for rotation independent of the rotating table, and the pinion gears attached to individual bottle receiving cups are intermeshed with that gear. Rotation of the lower gear independently effects the rotation speed and direction of the bottle receiving cups independent of the planetary rotation resulting from movement of the rotating table.

Abstract: A container positioning apparatus as may be used in a labeller is adapted to serve a variety of containers having different configurations. The apparatus comprises a container receptacle on which containers are placed and a support which is located below the receptacle. The container receptacle is supported by a spring so as to be elevatable with respect to the support. The support carries a plurality of pins which are resiliently urged upward. The pins are disposed in a manner to conform the configuration of containers to be positioned, and extend through pin openings formed in the container receptacle. When containers are placed on the container receptacle, which is then depressed, those pins which are located directly below the containers will be depressed together with the container receptacle, whereby those pins which surround the containers and projecting above the container receptacle are effective to position the containers.

Abstract: A device for the orienting of bottles or similar containers, in particular for treatment machines such as labeling or decoration machines, each treated bottle being provided with a mark intended to come into engagement with an associated element of the orientation device, is so adapted that the associated element exerts on the bottle, as long as it is not in engagement with its mark, a push which tilts it and brings at least one point of a generatrix of its side surface to rub by contact against at least one wall during the relative displacement of the bottle and the wall.

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: An apparatus is disclosed suitable for presenting a container at a labeling station where the container is oriented before, during or after the time a label is affixed to the container. The apparatus includes a turntable that is rotatable about a fixed axis. A turret is provided on the turntable for rotation about a turret axis substantially parallel to the fixed axis. The turret is adapted to receive a container. A cam follower carriage is mounted to the turntable for reciprocal movement along the turret axis and is operatively engaged with the turret for rotating the turret when reciprocated. Reciprocal movement is imparted to the carriage by a lower cam.

Abstract: Either filled or empty cylindrical containers enter this labeling machine upright on a conveyor which slides beneath them as they are restrained and accumulate in a straight line against a gate for individual admission to a synchronization wheel and timed release between a series of moving parallel belts and stationary pads which laterally engage the container and propel it at various linear and rotational speeds during certain stages of the labeling operation so that the container achieves its greatest linear speeds before and after labeling, its slowest linear but greatest rotational speed during labeling, and moderate linear speeds to enter and exit the machine, thereby resulting in virtual label transfer within one container revolution while maintaining a constant and continuous high speed labeling operation therein.

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: A labeling machine employing a turrent with pairs of axially aligned chucks which are rotatable about their common axis, means to move each pair of chucks farther apart for entry and exit of containers; such machine also having a vacuum drum rotatable about an axis parallel to the turret axis and a roll on pad spaced from and concentric to the vacuum drum to confine each container released by the turret and to roll each container on the cylinder surface of the vacuum drum. The roll on pad may have a rearward (downstream) extension to contact the container and rotate them.

Abstract: An apparatus for decorating the outer surface of a hollow article, such as a bottle, with a label, which includes a turret for transporting the article and a label from a loading to an unloading location while simultaneously rotating the article around its own axis which facilitates the label to be transferred to the outer surface of the bottle. The turret also includes nozzles which engage each article at the decorating station. Furthermore, air may be blown into the article through the nozzle to support the article in instances when said article is made of a plastic or other deformable material. The apparatus also includes an indexing station for turning the article to a preelected orientation before the application of the label. The article is preferably mounted in such manner that the label is not applied on a seam of the bottle.

Abstract: The device is designed to interact with a reference notch or projection (2) molded into bottles, and is applicable to rotary labeling units incorporating a turntable with a number of dishes (3) individually rotatable about vertical axes, on which the bottles are positioned in readiness for labeling; each dish operates in conjunction with a mechanical stop (18) capable of alternating between an at-rest position, and a position in which it engages the reference molding afforded by the bottle.

Abstract: The circular platform of a rotary bottle labeler comprises a plurality of pedestals (2) ranged around its periphery, rotatable about respective vertical axes; each pedestal shaft is connected to a stepping motor (1) and rotated through a given angle calculated by a microprocessor, this in turn in receipt of the output signal from a pulse generator (21) which is driven by the platform and serves to establish the angular position of the pedestals in relation to the axis of the platform. Pulses emitted by the generator are received and counted by the microprocessor, which is programmed to pilot rotation of the stepping motor, hence of the pedestal, in such a way that the bottle above is moved into a prescribed angular position in readiness to receive its label.

Abstract: This invention relates to a labelling machine for bottles which includes a bottle feeding mechanism to feed the bottles to a revolving bottle support platform. The support platform directs bottles to a labelling mechanism and an application mechanism prior to their removal by a bottle withdrawing mechanism. The bottles are maintained against undesired rotation on the support platform by axial force on the top of each bottle to produce contact between the bottom of each bottle disposed on a support plate for each bottle turntable on the revolving bottle support platform. The support plate includes a base portion and upper surface element having an upper contour in a central region thereof. The upper contour matches the bottom of the bottle for receipt of the bottom therein. The upper surface element is removably mounted on the base portion of the support plate and includes features for centering the upper surface element and the upper contour thereof on the base portion of the support plate.

Abstract: A wrapper to be wrapped around a stack of disc-like tablets includes a portion carrying a layer of heat-activatable adhesive, which is activated just prior to wrapping the wrapper around the stack to secure it in position on the stack. The heat activation is provided by a short, hot blast of air directed onto a surface of the wrapper opposite that on which the heat-activatable layer is located, whereby the applied heat must travel through a portion of the wrapper to reach the adhesive layer and activate it. The air blast is heated by heaters which include elongated heat exchangers having rectangular grooves or slots extending along the length of their outer surfaces, through which grooves the air blast is constrained to travel for efficient, rapid heating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a labelling machine for bottles which includes a bottle feeding mechanism to feed the bottles to a revolving bottle support platform. The support platform directs bottles to a labelling mechanism and an application mechanism prior to their removal by a bottle withdrawing mechanism. The bottles are maintained against undesired rotation on the support platform by axial force on the top of each bottle to produce frictional contact between the bottom of each bottle and an elastic support plate for each bottle turntable on the revolving bottle support platform. The support plate includes an elastic body and several block-shaped friction bodies imbedded therein and distributed over its surface. The friction bodies have exposed contact surfaces, which lie in the plane of the exposed surface 13 of the elastic material. Such a support plate includes a long service life and capable of providing a high degree of friction between the micro-cracked bottom of a bottle and the friction bodies.

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: Apparatus for applying labels to containers including a label application station having a label dispensing magazine for holding a stack of labels and releasing the end label of the stack through an opening formed in the magazine to a container. Means are provided for rolling containers past the magazine so that when a leading edge of an end label on a stack is adhered to a side of a container the label is rolled onto the container and withdrawn from the magazine. A plurality of retaining fingers extend in front of the magazine opening to retain the stack of labels in the magazine. Control arms associated with the retaining fingers are adapted to retract the retaining fingers out of label retaining position in response to contact with a container rolling past the magazine.

Abstract: An apparatus for decorating the cylindrical surface of an article, such as a bottle, with a label, which includes a turret for transporting the article and a label from a loading to an unloading location while simultaneously rotating the article around its own axis which facilitates the label to be transferred to the cylindrical surface of the bottle. The turret also includes nozzles which engage each article at the decorating station. Furthermore, air may be blown into the article through the nozzle to support the article in instances when said article is made of a plastic or other deformable material.

Abstract: A film supply apparatus is described which is to be disposed alongside a container transport line and adapted to supply a film strip to be affixed to the lateral side of each container fed along said transport line. The apparatus includes at least one film suction element having an arcuate suction surface adapted to hold the film strip in position under suction. The film suction element successively transfers a film strip to each container the result of a composite motion consisting of its motion toward and away from the container and the rotary motion thereof in the circumferential direction of its arcuate suction surface.

Abstract: In the application of a solvent to a plastic label carried on the surface of a vacuum drum, the solvent for the plastic label is transferred from a gravure roll to the label at finite areas on the label so that the label can adhere to the bottle to be labeled and to itself to form a complete sleeve label. The gravure roll is supplied from a fountain block with a part cylindrical face that engages the gravure roll in face to face contact. The fountain block is retained in a holder with spaced adjustment devices for adjusting the position of the fountain block in the holder.The fountain block holder is pivotally attached to each of a pair of spaced apart plates about a first axis and the pair of spaced apart plates are pivotally attached to a second pair of spaced apart plates about a second axis which is spaced from and extends parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A universal tax stamping assembly for applying tax stamp decals to the bottoms of cigarette packs in cartons utilizes a rotatable drum carton conveyor having carton pocket forming inserts. The cartons are placed within the pockets of the rotatable drum which is indexed past one or more tax stamp applying stations. Each station includes a ribbon roll assembly, having a plurality of individual rolls of tax stamp decal carrying ribbons and position adjusting spacers, if necessary. These ribbons are advanced by feed rollers underneath heater bars which transfer the decals to the cigarette packs. Several of these stations can be placed in a serial manner about the periphery of the rotatable drum with each station applying a different tax stamp decal to each cigarette pack. Variations in carton size and pack configuration are accommodated by the universal tax stamping assembly.

Abstract: In the application of a solvent to a plastic label carried on the surface of a vacuum drum, the solvent for the plastic label is transferred from a gravure roll to the label at finite areas on the label so that the label can adhere to the bottle to be labeled and to itself to form a complete sleeve label. The gravure roll is supplied from a fountain block with a part cylindrical face that engages the gravure roll in face to face contact. The fountain block is retained in a holder with spaced adjustment devices for adjusting the position of the fountain block in the holder.

Abstract: Improvement in the process and the apparatus for applying strip labels are made possible by a vacuum drum having a deformable outer surface controlled to be at least essentially cylindrical during initial application of a label to an article and selectively deformable to cause portions of a label thereon to be brought into contact with a glue applying roll. The apparatus uses a component vacuum drum where selective portions of the drum are replaced and other components repositioned to effect changeover from one label length to another.

Abstract: A machine for labeling containers around their complete circumference. The machine has a driven rotating turntable with rotating plates that are positioned around its circumference. The plates accommodate the containers and, as they travel past a labeling station, are rotated at different individual speeds by means of a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes roller cams and a recessed cam in order to adapt to the cross-sections of the different containers. In order to provide a machine for labeling containers around their complete circumference in which the specific speed of the rotating plates can be considerably more rapidly and easily adapted to the cross-section of the containers being labeled, one section of the recessed cam consists of cam elements that are positioned at intervals, that are designed to yield, and that are adjustably supported.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding bottles along the surface of a rotating vacuum drum which holds plastic shrink labels until an individual label is rolled about the circumference of the bottle to form an overlapped seam. The bottles are of the style that have tapering shoulder and rounded heel joined by a cylindrical side wall. The rotational orientation of the bottle and label is maintained during roll-on of the label from the drum by a primary roll-on pad and the bottle with the label thereon is passed to an generally linear, secondary roll-on pad with the sleeve label bearing bottle moved along the secondary pad by a horizontally driven, vertically oriented belt. The secondary pad at locations along its length is provided with resilient vertically extending, contoured pads which also extend outward beyond the surface of the secondary pads so as to contact the formed overlap seam of the label to press the seam against the underlying bottle.

Abstract: Wrap-around labels are applied with a hot-melt adhesive in a labelling machine in which upstream of the label box, the containers have the glue or adhesive applied to them by at least one, and preferably two, alternately operable nozzles while the rotary plates on which the containers are mounted are temporarily held stationary. This provides for highly precise gluing and the containers can then be rotated counter to the direction of rotation of the turntable carrying the plates at the label box so that a precise removal of the wrap-around label from the box is effected without allowing glue to accumulate on other labels in the box and impairing the labelling operation.

Abstract: Cylindrical containers are rolled between two parallel belts which travel in opposite directions and engage diametrically opposite sides of the containers. One of the belts carries labels under the rolling containers so that the label is wrapped around it. The other belt moves at a somewhat greater velocity so that the container moves slowly downstream as they roll rapidly about their own axes. From the labeling belt, the drive belt continues to move the containers over a roll-on pad on which the label is pressed firmly in place.

Abstract: A labeling device in the nature of an attachment for application to a labeling machine of the type disclosed in Wesley U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A cylindrical vacuum drum for carrying a label held to its surface by vacuum past an adhesive applying roll to a position where the label will touch a container and the container will be rolled along the drum surface to thereby apply the label about the container. The drum is formed of metal and is mounted for rotation about its vertical axis. The drum has a rubberlike covering thereover with at least two raised areas in the cover, which underlie the leading and trailing edge of a label that is at a greater radius than the rest of the surface. These are the areas which serve to press the label against the adhesive roll or solvent applying gravure roll. These areas have very slightly depressed zones forming slight steps just in advance thereof with a row of vacuum ports extending through the cover at the base of said steps to effectively hold the leading edge of the label down and allow the trailing edge to bend upwardly away from the outer surface of the drum.

Abstract: A roll labeler for labeling containers one by one automatically is provided. A label sheet is supplied as uncoiled from a roll over a predetermined length and the label sheet is cut by a cutter thereby producing a cut sheet of label which is then glued while being transported and attached to the corresponding container. The labeler includes a feed roller for feeding the label sheet to the cutter intermittently and a mechanism for transporting containers to be labeled along a container transportation path. The labeler also includes a pair of driving sources: one driving source for driving the feed roller and the other driving source for driving the container transporting mechanism.

Abstract: A labeling device in the nature of an attachment for application to a labeling machine of the type disclosed in Wesley U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding plastic label stock, regardless of curling, to a label-wrapping station is disclosed. The apparatus and method include a first label guide means including a turning bar that directs the plastic label sheet from a supply roll towards a rotary vacuum drum in the label-wrapping station, knife means for cutting the label sheet into desired lengths to form labels, secondary guide means for guiding the label to the vacuum drum periphery, and final guide means to positively turn the label back into the drum periphery, especially during start-up, and regardless of curl.

Abstract: A banding and labeling system for containers includes a central drum which is heated for activation of adhesive coating provided on bands and labels which are to be secured to containers. The drum is provided with carrying elements employing suction, referred to as mouthpieces, which include pockets for holding literature and support bands in appropriate positions for securing the literature to containers. Dispensers are mounted peripherally around the drum at successive work stations for transference of banding materials, labeling materials, and literature packets to the mouthpieces as the drum rotates. At a final work station, a conveyor transports the containers to the drum whereupon the banding and labeling materials are secured to the containers during rotation of the containers between the drum and pressure pads which engage the adhesive coatings to the outer surfaces of the containers.

Abstract: A container labeling machine for applying one or the other of normal length body labels or extra-length boy labels has a rotating rotary table with container supporting controllable rotary plates. Adjacent its periphery is arranged a first labeling station for applying the normal length labels with a rotating labeling cylinder and a second labeling station for the extra-length labels with a stationary label container contacting the path of rotation of the containers. Two independent drives are provided for rotating the plates, one of which regulates the positioning and/or rotation of the rotary plates in the area of the first labeling station, and the second for continuous rotation of the rotary plates in the area of the second labeling station. The rotary plates are selectively connectible with the first or second drive. The two labeling stations and their common brush-on station overlap one another, whereby a very short total treatment stretch is possible.

Abstract: A device for the application of labels onto the periphery of cylindrical containers, which are advanced at intervals from each other, comprises a continually rotating drum which carries a stationary gripping member and a movable gripping member, which receive cold glue from a glue supply device and grip the uppermost label from the stack of labels to transmit this label to one of the advanced containers. The movable gripping member is movable under the control of a cam arrangement toward the front end of the label being transmitted and carries that front end therealong whereas the stationary gripping member while passing the rear end of the label applies glue to that rear end.

Abstract: A pail labeling machine is disclosed which applies labels to the sides of pails and particularly those having a bail. A continuously moving conveyor is provided which has a loading station, a labeling station and a discharge station. Positioned above the conveyor is a bail guide which maintains the pail bail in an upright position. The bail of the pail is guided in an upright position by the bail guide into a segment of a bail guide carried by a turret of a pail rotation drive mechanism positioned at the labeling station. The pail is arrested in its movement on the conveyor at the labeling station by a pair of rollers which swing into the path of the pail. The bail engaged by the segment of bail guide carried by the turret and rotated by the pail rotation drive mechanism is utilized to rotate the pail as a label is fed from a labeling machine into contact with the side of the pail. The label is in this manner rolled into place upon the side of the pail.

Abstract: A label applicator for labeling articles moving along a path which includes a label retaining device for retaining labels at a label retaining station, a label dispenser for dispensing labels onto the label retaining device, a rotatable wheel for use in orienting articles at the label retaining station, a label transfer device for blowing a leading portion of the label on the label retaining means onto an article at the label retaining station while allowing a trailing portion of the label to remain on the label retaining device so that movement of the article past the label retaining station pulls the trailing portion of the label from the label retaining device, and a label wrap device downstream of the label retaining station for applying the trailing portion of the label to the article.

Abstract: Upwardly conically tapered containers having glue on their peripheries are conveyed horizontally in succession through a labeling station while being rotated on their vertical axes. A stack of curved labels having their longer edges arranged lowermost at the labeling station receive constant forward pressure applied to the rear of the stack while the forward end of the stack is being engaged and held by a system of top and bottom adjustable knives which establish a twisted configuration to the labels in the stack. The arrangement allows each leading label in the stack to be taken therefrom by a rotating tapered container and to be applied to the tapered periphery of the container with the leading and trailing ends of the label substantially perfectly aligned and registered. A range of container sizes having varying degrees of taper can be accommodated by the labeling apparatus.

Abstract: A labeling machine has a rotationally driven wheel on which there are can supporting disks supported for rotation on respective shafts. Each shaft has a gear composed of a circular member having angularly spaced apart rollers that engage in the teeth of stationary cam rings. Consecutive sections of the teeth have increasingly large pitches in the direction of wheel rotation so that by engagement of the rollers in the teeth the rotational velocity of the cans supported on the shafts increases. The label holder is mounted on an arm and is concentric with the axis of the wheel. By unclamping the arm and rotating it to proximity with one of the toothed cam sections, the can will be rotating with a particular peripheral velocity that results in a can of the proper diameter to roll onto a label without any skidding or slipping action such that the label will always be picked up at its leading edge by means of a glue strip which has been previously applied to the can.