Abstract: The present application describes an arrangement for applying a label to the periphery of a moving object. The arrangement may include an initial label dispensing an application station, a label tacking station, and a label wrapping station. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: A system for applying pressure sensitive adhesive labels from a feed web with high position precision onto flat uniform size articles mechanically links the advance of the article to be labeled and the advance of the current label to be applied in unison, so that forward advancement speed of the article and the current label are matched exactly, independent of any speed variation in the application system. This is accomplished using a label following member that comes to rest at the trailing edge of a succeeding label and is freely allowed to follow the succeeding label as it advances on the web spaced downstream of the current label. Such following member is mechanically coupled to a pusher which advances the article to be labelled in the precise speed and relative location of the current label as it advances, thereby accurately placing the current label on the article as it peels from the continuous support web.

Abstract: A linerless label in web form is fed by a pair of nip rollers to a cutting device for forming discrete linerless labels subsequently applied to a product by an applicator head. The nip rollers have circumferentially extending, axially spaced ribs in registry with one another. The roller in opposition to the adhesive on one side of the web is a pressure roller having the rib surfaces plasma-coated to preclude the adhesive from sticking to the roller. Fingers with plasma coating extend through grooves between the ribs of the bottom rollers and underlie the web as it is driven by the rollers to the cutting device. Vacuum pressure is applied to an applicator head downstream of the cutting device to retain the discrete label on the head until applied to a product moving below the head. Throughout the operation, the plasma-coated surfaces prevent the adhesive from sticking to the machine components and the accumulation of adhesive residue on the machine.

Abstract: An assembly in which a loaded container is covered with a box top in telescoping relationship with the loaded container. The box top is pressed over the loaded container and during the telescoping action is held in telescoping relationship by means of a spreader assembly that contacts the internal wall of the box top and the external wall of the loaded container, so that the box top can be telescopingly applied when being loaded over the container.

Abstract: A packaging machine for automatically packaging articles in a honeycomb structure which includes mechanisms for providing a honeycomb structure in an expanded condition in a loading station. The articles to be packaged are directed into the loading station, dropped into the expanded honeycomb structure, and the articles and honeycomb are subsequently dropped into the container. This is automatically done on a repeated basis until the container is filled, after which the container is automatically moved out of the loading station and a new container is moved into place.

Abstract: A packaging machine and method for automatically packaging articles such as fruit one layer at a time into containers is provided. Means are provided for disposing the articles in a nested relationship at several supply positions. Means are also provided for situating containers at loading stations adjacent to said supply positions. The articles are lifted from the supply positions and deposited into the containers at the loading positions. Each array of articles comprises a separate layer in a box or container. After such layers are deposited simultaneously at each of said loading stations, the boxes are advanced to the next loading station wherein the cycle is repeated until the container is filled. Preferably, a number of supply and loading positions and containers is equal to the number of layers which will fit into the box, so that the net result is having one box filled for each machine cycle.