Abstract: A method of applying outwardly disposed images to the interior surfaces of transparent and opaque enclosures with limited interior access includes preparing the image to be interiorally mounted in the enclosure, at least partially rolling the image, inserting the rolled imaged through the access, unrolling the image, and adhering the image to the inside surface of the enclosure with liquid adhesive.

Abstract: The inventive labeling device employs a vacuum belt transport having a motor-driven endless belt, for conveying a label from a proximal end to a distal end of the transport. Initially, a chute is disposed between the label dispenser and the vacuum belt transport, which is capable of receiving a label dispensed by the label dispenser and holding it until the vacuum belt transport returns to a label receiving position and can accept the new label. This combination of a vacuum belt transport and a chute allow the labeler to dispense a new label while the previous label is still being applied to an article, thereby greatly increasing the labeling capacity of the labeler.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a label to the interior surface of a hollow body is provided. The applicator includes an applicator rod, which is connected to a source of negative pressure and is adapted to retain the label by means of the negative pressure. The applicator rod co-operates with an inflatable member. The inflatable member is positioned so as to force a label that is retained on the applicator rod against the inner surface of the hollow body when the applicator rod is inserted into the hollow body via an opening and the inflatable member is inflated. The inner surface of the hollow body and the label co-operate so that the label will adhere to the inner surface as the label is forced against this surface. The applicator is particularly well suited for use in a bicycle registration system. Used in such a system, the applicator functions to apply a label which adheres to the interior tube of a bicycle frame.

Abstract: A system for applying labels to objects includes an object supply for supplying objects substantially equally spaced and aligned in single file for labeling. The system also includes a label applicator for applying a label to an object from the object supply and a label supply for supplying the labels to the label applicator. Each of the labels are joined at an end to at least one other of the labels. The system also includes a labeling finisher to detach the end of each label from the at least one other label and to smooth the end of each label onto their respective object.

Abstract: A labeling assembly for applying labels carried on a substrate to a sequential series of moving documents is provided. The assembly transports the document in a generally vertical end on end orientation down a conveying path and peels the label from the substrate to position the peeled label in a generally vertical orientation. The labeling assembly also includes a paddle having a front surface with vacuum ports for attaching and releasably retaining the peeled label on the front surface. An actuating mechanism pivots the paddle to force an end of the retained label into contact with the document. Upon contact, the downstream end of the retained label adheres to the document and the label is pulled off the paddle. As the label is pulled off the paddle the contact between the end of the paddle presses the label against the document.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying seals to articles has a rotary table having heads, and an article guide provided along the periphery of the rotary table. Each head is provided with a holding-moving mechanism for holding an article and moving the article on and along the article guide together with the head, and a labeling mechanism for applying a label to the article which is being transferred together with the head. The article is held by the holding-moving mechanism and moved together with the head. During the transfer of the article, the label is applied to the article. The article can be applied with the label while the article is being continuously transferred without being moved intermittently, whereby the apparatus can be easily operated at a high speed.

Abstract: An improved device and method for applying labels to contoured product panels. More specifically, the present invention incorporates a rotating cam which is cut to profile the product panel to be labeled and guides the peeler plate along and in close proximity with the product's surface without actually contacting it. This allows better control of the label application and subsequent wiping than was previously possible. Additionally, this device can label contoured surfaces not previously possible using conventional methods.

Abstract: A label sticking apparatus comprises, for example, three pushing devices. The pushing devices serve to press the label held by the sucking plate against an object to be labeled. The pressing device includes pressing rods. The pressing rods are held by a holding member with each one coil spring. A label pressing member is attached to the lower end of the pressing rod. The label pressing member has a hollow and tubular body made of a soft material. The holding member is attached to the forward end of a rod of an actuator comprising a cylinder etc. Under the holding member, a stopper for suddenly stopping the holding member is disposed.

Abstract: Manually operable label-transfer apparatus characterized by a transit path for a tractor-feedable backing strip which has labels or similar adhesive-backed pieces laminated thereon, and also providing a bin. The path has up-path first and down-path second stations, and the bin adjoins the first station. The apparatus has tractors at the second station, a pusher in the bin, and manual crank-drive means associated with the tractors and the pusher. The tractors engage the strip and, driven by the drive means, advance the strip down-path from the first station and over a delaminator with an edge and around a sharp turn. The strip, as drawn past the turn, is bent and experiences a direction reversal of between 160.degree. and 180.degree.; and, in this action, the labels successively separate or peel from the strip, and, a guide on the apparatus successively guides each separated label toward an operably proximal position relative to the first station.

Abstract: The invention provides that labels are applied to containers. The labels have a pressure sensitive side and they are applied by a machine so as to lie tangentially to the bottle necks. The bottles then move through the machine and as they so move, a camming means which moves with the bottle engages the label and wraps it round the bottle neck. The camming means comprises a pair of arms which operate scissor like but in sequence as the bottles move through the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels at selected locations thereon to such diverse artifacts as audio and video cassettes, compact and floppy discs, and envelopes and to a wide variety of other artifacts. The labels are peeled from a continuous backing supplied in roll or fanfold form by pulling the backing around the sharp edge of a peeler which is automatically elevated at an appropriate point in the operating cycle of the apparatus to facilitate the loading and unloading of the artifacts being labeled. A roller cooperates with the peeler in stripping the labels from the backing; and that roller, a second roller, or a brush is used to press the label onto the artifact being labeled. The artifact is supported by an interchangeable insert from a rectilinearly displaceable carriage.

Abstract: A method of and device for applying foil to a container that has a closure over its upper surface, and especially to a bottle with a head that along with its cap is to be wrapped all the way around with a blank, especially of foil, by applying the blank around the head while leaving part of the blank to project beyond it, wrapping the sleeve-shaped extension to one side against the upper surface of the cap to create an outer cap cover, and pressing it down, especially with a resilient pad.

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: A device for smoothing and pressing down in labeling machines, intended for the point of a blank of foil wrapped around the neck and head of a bottle with the point projecting at the head, and having a pot-like housing that can be moved axially against the head of the bottle and accommodates an elastic sponge structure. To allow the device to handle the blank of foil gently, apply it uniform and smooth to the head of bottle even in the vicinity of depressed zones of the head, and to prolong its life, the face of the sponge structure toward the head of the bottle has a recess that in the pressing-down position embraces at least the head of the bottle on all sides subject to slight tension.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching tax stamps to the ends of packages of cigarettes in open cartons. The stamps are fed one at a time from a roll of stamps. The end stamp is cut from the strip and is immediately applied by a heater to the end of a package. The heater remains in contact with the stamp for a preset time. The cartons containing the packages are fed manually. The cutter means and the heater are actuated simultaneously by a switch means which may be operated either manually, or by a cam means which is moved by the carton as it advances past the stamp applying apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is constructed such that a label adhering means for holding and releasing a label is arranged at the other end of an arm with its one end being rotatably held in such a manner as its direction is not varied and that a label adhering may be performed under a stable stepped operative relation between a label issuing position of a label printer and a label adhering position in the adhered object.

Abstract: In equipment that is intended for applying a blank of foil to bottles and that includes a turntable, at least one labeling station, a rotating transport star that has accommodations for the bottles and is positioned downstream of the turntable, and a rotating transfer-and-application device consisting of several similar units distributed around its circumference with elements that fold and press down the ends of the blank extending beyond the head of each bottle, the pressure-application elements and if necessary the folding elements are, as they revolve, kept outside the circumference of the elements on the turntable that accommodate the bottle. This avoids collisions at this point. The axis of rotation of the pressure-application elements and the axis of rotation of the output star are accordingly mutually eccentric in such a way that the orbits of the accommodations and of the pressure-application elements coincide along one segment.

Abstract: A bell-shaped vacuum foot subtends from a vertically extending tube to receive a printed label in a first orientation from the label dispenser which is located to one side of and at a higher elevation than a conveyor which is transporting articles to be labeled. The label carrying vacuum foot is moved laterally away from the dispenser through a downwardly smoothly curving diagonal path devoid of any abrupt directional changes. If required, the tube is simultaneously operated to rotate the label into a preselected second orientation as it is being lowered upon the article to be labeled. The vacuum foot thus moves through shorter distances and is better enabled to maintain the label in the intended placement orientation. The apparatus of the invention employs a lesser number of parts and performs the intended function in substantially lesser time compared to the mechanisms of the prior art.

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 label applicator device receives a label from a label printer and applies the label to a package by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive which coats one side of the label. The applicator device includes a label support means which receives a label with the adhesive coated side facing upward. The label support means includes a pair of fingers upon which the label rests. A label transfer nozzle is pivoted about a horizontal axis beneath the label support means into a first position in which it is received between the pair of fingers and engages the printed side of the label by means of a partial vacuum supplied through a vacuum port in the transfer nozzle. The transfer nozzle is then pivoted into a second position in which the adhesive coated side of the label is facing generally downward. The applicator device includes an applicator head which moves downward, removing the label from the transfer nozzle and pressing it into contact with the surface of a package.

Abstract: A label applying apparatus for use in an automatic labeling system for transferring labels sequentially supplied on an elongated carrier strip to articles conveyed therepast. The carrier strip is fed by a strip transport means past a separation station which separates the labels from the strip. The label applying means comprises a bellows and a control means for alternately pressurizing and evacuating the bellows to respectively extend and contract it. The bellows is mounted for movement from a first location to a second location in synchronism with the carrier strip. When contracted, the bellows engages a label at said first location up-path from the separation station and holds it by vacuum as it moves through the separation station toward said second location. The bellows is then extended at said second location beyond the separation station to thrust the label against an article conveyed therepast.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus and a method for the foil-capping of bottles with a patch of metal foil having a point and an adhesive back, comprising(a) adhering each patch to the neck of a bottle by its central area with the upper area of the foil projecting above the bottle neck,(b) applying the laterally projecting patch ends so that they overlap one another,(c) folding down the area of each patch projecting above the bottle neck to the bottle side away from the patch point, and(d) simultaneously pressing down and smoothing the folded down patch area onto the top side and all about the circumferential margin adjacent thereto.A neater tear-free arrangement of the foil about the top and sides of the neck of the bottle results.

Abstract: In a known bottle labeling machine having means for inking type and for contacting the type with a label for marking the label, there is provided an applicator for applying a label to a bottle without contacting the printed portion of the label. In addition a radiation source such as an ultraviolet lamp is provided adjacent the bottle path, the bottles being turned so that the labels, printed with an ultraviolet-sensitive ink, face the ultraviolet lamp.

Abstract: An improved pressure pad attached to a plunger mechanism of a splicer utilized on an automatic cassette tape loading machine. The pad has a multiplicity of intersecting slots in its bottom surface and at least one aperture penetrating its thickness. The aperture is connected to a vacuum passageway so as to provide communication between the slots and a vacuum source. The slots provide even distribution of a suction force to the splicing tape as it is applied to the tapes to be spliced.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for simultaneously applying individual outserts to multiple containers of pharmaceuticals includes a conveyor (12) for advancing the containers along an input path and magazines (22) containing the outserts. The containers are stopped in groups by a gate assembly (18) opposite to a transfer assembly (20) including a rotatable pick up arm (72) mounted for reciprocation between a retracted position adjacent to the magazines (22) and an extended position adjacent to the container input path. Vacuum cups (76) are provided on the pick up arm (72) for engaging the outserts, and pinion and a drive pin arrangement (100, 102) is utilized to control rotation of the pick up arm to reorient the outserts only during an intermediate portion of travel between linear motion at the extended and retracted positions to facilitate proper engagement between the outserts and the vacuum cups.

Abstract: A label applicator device for applying a label to the surface of a substantially rectangular package in a selected orientation includes a package conveyor for presenting a package at an applicator station, control means for manually selecting a first or a second label orientation, and applicator means. The applicator means is responsive to a control means and receives a label at an output station. The applicator means applies the label to the surface of the package in a first orientation with respect to the package or in a second orientation with respect to the package. The second orientation is rotated approximately 90.degree. with respect to the first orientation. The applicator means includes a cam and cam follower arrangement which provides for rotation of a portion of an applicator head which engages each label.

Abstract: A label applicator is described for seizing a printed, adhesive backed label and for applying the label to a commodity. The applicator includes a pick-up head for vacuum-seizing a portion of the label by its non-adhesive side and for swinging the label to a label transfer station. At the latter station, the pick-up head releases its grip on the label and an applicator head vacuum-seizes another portion of the non-adhesive side of the label and then applies the label to the commodity.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for labelling containers such as bottles and for placing groups of the containers in a crate. A labelling station includes an arm having at least two label-engaging portions separated by resilient neck portions which permit flexing as labels are placed on the container by the label-engaging portions. Also a bottle delivery system is provided having guide elements for grouping in fours. Each group guides a bottle into a pocket of a crate.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically sequentially applying labels to objects characterized by a plate having an edge defining a V shaped region. A strip transport means moves a label strip comprised of first and second parallel carrier strip portions, having labels adhered thereto bridging said portions, along the upper surface of the plate toward the apex of the V shaped region. The strip transport means then pulls the two carrier strip portions in diverging directions around the edge portions of the V shaped region to thus release the label bridging the carrier strip portions at that point. The label strip has index marks therealong which cooperate with the strip transport means to prevent any cumulative differential linear movement between the carrier strip portions. The index marks comprise points on the strip whose physical characteristics, such as optical, magnetic, electrical or structural enable the marks to be readily distinguished by a sensor from other areas on the strip.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels, coupons or the like to articles transported serially along a predetermined path of movement comprising storage means for the labels, delivery means for removing individual labels from the storage means and bringing the labels into contact with the articles, and applicator means for positively engaging the labels to hold them on the articles after delivery.

Abstract: A sleeve forming apparatus wherein a rectangular sheet of thermoplastic material is formed into a tubular shape having overlapped end portions that are sealed together so as to minimize the lap thickness of the seam. Also disclosed is a method of forming a tubular shape wherein the seam area is worked to minimize its thickness while preserving its liquid-tight characteristics.

Abstract: In a labeling station for applying labels onto objects, having at least one pickup element mounted eccentrically on a rotatable carrier for movement about an axis, a gripper cylinder comprising a rotating carrier having eccentrically disposed gripping and pressing elements thereon, which elements are tangent to the circulation path of the pickup elements approximately in synchronism, the labels being transferred by the gripping and pressing elements to objects moved along a transport path, the part of the gripper cylinder which carries the pressing elements being eccentrically mounted on the gripper-cylinder shaft in such a way that the areas to be labeled of the objects are tangent to or slightly intersected by the path of rotation of the pressing elements, and the part carrying the pressing elements and the part carrying the gripping elements rotate with the same angular velocity, the improvement comprising means for adapting the rotative speed of the pressing elements to the path speed of the areas to be l

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically applying reinforcing tabs to sheets in a loose-leaf binder includes a projecting tab guide sized to fit within a ring of the loose-leaf binder and adapted to apply a reinforcing tab between the edge of the sheet and a hole in the sheet through which the ring passes. Pressure-sensitive adhesive-back reinforcing tabs are separated from the carrier strip as the strip passes around a deflecting edge adjacent to an end of the tab guide. An inclined pressure foot presses the separated tab onto the sheet to attach it thereto.

Abstract: A device for the pressing of gummed labels or foils against objects which are moved along a straight or curved path, comprises one or more pressing elements disposed one behind the other and movably advanced in synchronism with the objects along a path that is convexly curved with respect to the first path. Each pressing element has a pliable pressure pad disposed at the level of the area which is to be provided with the foil and situated at varying distances from the pressing element. The pressure pad comprises a plurality of elements disposed side by side, which independently of one another exert a point or line pressure during the pressing action.

Abstract: An article labelling machine, especially for labelling cheeses, comprises a conveying means for conveying the articles to be labelled and a labelling means.The articles to be labelled are fed one-by-one to a stirrup which ensures the automatic centering of the articles with respect to a label-applying head overlying the stirrup. The stirrup and the label-applying head are movable as an assembly, transversely with respect to the direction of advance of the conveying means, from a position in which the label-applying head receives a label to a transversely displaced position in which the label is applied to an article and the labelled article is discharged from the machine.

Abstract: There is provided a new arrangement for pressure sensitive labels mounted along a carrier strip, and also a new method and means for removing these labels from the carrier strip and applying them to a product. The label carrier strip is divided down its middle forming separable halves, with the labels mounted over both halves. The separable halves carrier strip is pulled along a plate towards a V-shaped notch in one edge of said plate. The V is somewhat wider than the carrier strip. At the notch, the two halves of the carrier strip bend and are drawn through the V-shaped notch, each half over a different side of the V. This causes the two carrier strip halves to follow divergent paths from each other, and also from the label, forcibly releasing the label from the carrier strip halves. The label is thereby forced to continue in a straight line over and past the V-shaped notch until it is free of the carrier strip. It cannot follow the carrier strip halves through the V.

Abstract: A device for the pressing of gummed labels or foils against objects which are moved along a straight or curved path, comprises one or more pressing elements disposed one behind the other and movably advanced in synchronism with the objects along a path that is convexly curved with respect to the first path. Each pressing element has a pliable pressure pad disposed at the level of the area which is to be provided with the foil and situated at varying distances from the pressing element. The pressure pad comprises a plurality of elements disposed side by side, which independently of one another exert a point or line pressure during the pressing action.

Abstract: In a labeling station for applying labels one above the other onto objects, having at least one pickup element mounted eccentrically on a rotating carrier for movement about an axis, a gripper cylinder is provided having a rotating carrier having eccentrically disposed gripping and pressing element for the upper and lower labels, which elements are tangent to the circulation path of the pickup elements approximately in synchronism. The labels are transferred by the gripping and pressing elements to objects moved along a transport path, whose areas to be labeled are at different distances from the gripper cylinder axis.

Abstract: A labeling machine is provided to apply simultaneously two labels to different diameter portions of a bottle, e.g. the neck and belly. The structure for applying the belly label is conventional but above the usual affixing element there is provided a second affixing element which is operatively connected to a cam follower which senses a cam track opposite the labeling station. This causes the second affixing member to be projected radially outward at the time of label affixing so it reaches the narrow diameter portion of the bottle.

Abstract: An applicator automatically applies strip-mounted labels very precisely to both flat and curved objects. As each object is brought into position, a special pressure foot immediately applies a label already positioned on the foot to the object and the foot is designed to press the label against the object over the entire area of the label. As each object moves out of position, the label strip is advanced over a stripper plate by a preset amount as determined by an inductive label edge sensor. Simultaneously with this, the pressure foot momentarily swings toward the stripper plate and picks up the next label being peeled from the strip to ready the applicator for the next cycle.

Abstract: A labeling machine wherein there is a picker mechanism for tangentially attaching labels to the necks of bottles traveling along a predetermined path in predetermined spaced relation such that the planes of the tangentially attached labels are substantially parallel to the direction of travel, and longitudinally spaced means arranged along said path comprising jets which displace the ends of the labels transversely of the path and wipers which apply wiping forces to the ends to wrap the transversely displaced ends about the necks.

Abstract: In a label-applying machine for applying labels adapted to be rendered adhesive by an application of heat, a vacuum picker for removing the labels one at a time from the magazine and moving them to a transfer position, a vacuum gripper finger at the transfer position for taking the labels from the picker and moving them to a position for application to containers supported for movement along a predetermined path, said gripper fingers being heated to render the labels tacky during movement from the transfer position to the containers for spotting the labels on the containers, and wipers situated along the path of travel of the containers beyond the place of spotting of the labels for pressing the labels against the sides of the containers, and means for heating the wipers to cause the labels to be adhesively attached to the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a label to an article while the article is being transported along a path of travel by a conveyor, including a vertically movable applicator foot operable to pick up a label from a source and apply such label to the surface of an article and a vertically movable compressor foot operable to engage the applied label to cause it to conform to the contour of the article surface. The applicator foot and compressor foot are independently supported for conjunctive movements with the article in the direction of conveyor travel, while operably engaged therewith.

Abstract: An assembly or apparatus for smoothing and removing bubbles of air or a solvent, such as water, for example, from between the transfer films of decals and the upwardly disposed surfaces of dish-like articles such as pieces of dish-like pottery ware, glass or glassceramic ware or the like to whose upper surfaces the transfer films have been applied as by hand or by a decal applying apparatus such as is well known in the art. The assembly comprises at least one stellate, stelliform, or star-like wheel including a plurality of rays or radial fingers of a resilient material such as rubber, for example, and the wheel or wheels are actuated and rotated so that the tips of the rays or fingers move across the transfer film, applied on a surface of a dish-like article, with a wiping or brushing squeegee-like action or operation to smooth the film and remove bubbles entrapped between the film and such surface of the article.