Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling the motion of a machine system so as to cut individual lengths from a web having graphics on predetermined web positions and which allows the use of an inexpensive AC induction motor. An AC induction motor has an output power shaft for imparting the motive force necessary to drive the machine system, such as a web feeding system. A sensor is operatively coupled to the AC motor for determining the position of the motor during system operation. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and motor and forms a closed loop control circuit. The controller changes the feedback loop characteristics of the closed loop control circuit during a stop, hold or start condition of the motor. By adding an externally generated compensating signal to the input of the feedback loop, the controller also minimizes acceleration error.

Abstract: A labeling machine applies an adhesive to labels for attachment to containers and has a glue bar which engages a glue roller. A label drum receives and delivers labels into engagement with containers for wrap around labeling of the containers. An adhesive is delivered to the glue bar. The adhesive is a hot melt adhesive which can maintain its label bond while withstanding high heat such as from a pasteurization process. The hot melt adhesive has a viscosity which tends to increase if the adhesive is not kept in constant motion or is allowed to set. The shear of the adhesive is increased during adhesive transfer to ensure low viscosity transfer of the adhesive from the glue roller to a label positioned on the label drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a label onto a substantially cylindrical article is disclosed. A thin layer, heat activated adhesive hacked label is fed onto the surface of a rotating label transport drum so that the adhesive back faces outward from the drum. The adhesive is heated as the drum rotates so that the adhesive obtains a sufficient temperature to melt. Articles are conveyed into tangential spinning engagement with the drum and into rotative engagement with the leading edge of the label as the label moves into the article wrapping position so that the label wraps about the article and adheres thereto. The articles can include crayons which are somewhat tapered along their length. The articles are conveyed at a skewed angle so that the label wraps about the tapered crayon with end-to-end label alignment thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying thin film polymer labels onto small cylindrical articles has a label transport drum with a substantially smooth, outer surface on which labels are fed. A cold adhesive that is viscous at room temperature is printed onto an area adjacent the leading edge of the label. A solvent is applied by two static wiper assemblies onto an area adjacent the trailing edge of the label. The first static wiper assembly wipes an amount of solvent onto the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label for cleaning and softening that area. A second wiper assembly applies an amount of solvent onto the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label for dissolving a portion of the label to create a tacky, bonding quality to the label and form a solvent seal bond when the trailing edge overlaps the leading edge. Solvent is applied to the wiper bodies for dispersion throughout and to the wiper tip. A plunger is formed in the drum at those areas where the trailing edges of labels are positioned.

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: A chain drive is described in which the chain travel length remains constant, as well as the chain tension, in spite of changes in separation between the driving and driven sprockets. Eccentric idlers enable the chain to be initially tensioned by offsetting these eccentric idlers through a sufficient distance to establish the proper chain tension. An idler sprocket provides a pivot for the two arms that support the chain drive, thereby enabling the arms to form a "V" configuration as the linear separation of the driving and driven sprockets, mounted on opposite ends of their respective arms, is varied. The eccentric idlers wrap the chain around at least a portion of the idler sprocket's driven and driving sides.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying labels onto small cylindrical articles such as dry cell batteries is disclosed. A label transport drum has a substantially smooth surface. Cut labels are applied to the surface and an adhesive applicator applies a preferred cold adhesive onto an area adjacent the leading edge of the label. A solvent applicator applies a predetermined amount of solvent on the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label. The solvent applicator includes a solvent transfer roll and a rotatably supported rotary pad print head. The rotary pad print head includes at least one narrowly tapering, flexible wiper tip. In one embodiment the wiper tip has a V-notch on its end. The flexible tip engages the solvent transfer roll, transferring solvent from the solvent transfer roll into the V-notch. The rotary pad print head is timed to rotate so that the flexible tip is deflected against the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying thin film polymer labels onto small cylindrical articles includes a label transport drum that is constructed for aiding the transfer of a label onto a cylindrical article. The apparatus includes a label transport drum having a cylindrically configured hub and cylindrical drum mounted on the hub for rotation thereabout. The drum has an outer surface on which labels are fed while the drum is rotated about the hub. A first radially extending, slotted vacuum manifold defines a label retention area and extends circumferentially around a substantial portion of the circumference of the hub. A first radially extending slotted pressure manifold is aligned circumferentially after the slotted vacuum manifold at an article wrapping position. A valve port, circumferentially aligned with the vacuum and pressure manifolds is positioned on the inner surface of the drum and communicates with the area on the drum surface where the leading edge of the label lies.