Abstract: A label magazine for supplying labels to a labeller has a label stack tray, a label picker for withdrawing individual labels from the stack and a device for advancing the stack of labels towards the label picker. The device for advancing the labels exerts a repetitive varying pressure on the label stack to advance it by alternately increasing pressure on the stack of labels for compressing same and subsequently reducing the pressure on the stack of labels.

Abstract: A speed control system for a container processing line is disclosed. The container processing line has a container capper and a labeller for applying labels to capped containers, the speed control system providing improved line performance, smooth bottle handling and continuity in operation of the units. The speed control system synchronizes the labeller speed with the capper speed when a predetermined backlog of containers has accumulated upstream of the labeller.

Abstract: An apparatus for labelling conveyed articles applies glue to the rear surfaces of labels and applies the glued labels to the articles. The apparatus comprises a device for passing the rear face of the label by a glue applicator and then applying the glued label to an article. In the absence of a label on the device, the pad for carrying labels is withdrawn as it passes the glue applicator. The label transferred to a pad is held on its face by the use of vacuum. When a label maintains vacuum on the pad face, a brake in response to the maintained vacuum is actuated to prevent withdrawal of the pad, as it passes the glue applicator. In the absence of a label, the brake is inoperative to allow the pad to withdraw and avoid application of glue to the pad face.