Abstract: A high speed labeling machine is provided which includes a constant tensioning device for maintaining tension downstream of the metering roll at a substantially constant predetermined level thereby improving both metering and dispensing of labels. The constant tensioning device may also function as a driver for pulling the continuous web of material through the labeling machine thereby reducing the driving load on the metering roll, thus both providing more effective and accurate metering at a given web speed while also allowing higher web speeds to be achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an article to the interior surface of a flexible package is provided which includes the application of articles to a flexible web of packaging material at a point along a web feed path which minimizes the likelihood of article separation downstream. Specifically, the present method and apparatus includes a driving system for pulling a web of material through a feed path, a tube former having an inlet positioned along the feed path for receiving the web of material and an article applicator for applying articles onto an interior package surface of the web of material at the inlet of the tube former. In this manner, the article is delivered to the web downstream of the upper edge of the tube former thereby minimizing inadvertent separation of the article from the web as experienced in conventional machines as the web passes over the upper edge of the tube former.

Abstract: The labeling machine for dispensing labels from a continuous web of material to a plurality of articles is provided which includes a supply roll of labels, a dispenser for removing the labels from the continuous web, a drive drum for imparting a linear velocity to the web so as to move the web through the labeling machine while accumulating the web into a waste roll, and a driving control system, including a label position sensor, for alternately actuating and deactuating the driving device to move and terminate movement of the web, respectively, through the labeling machine. A web velocity compensator device is provided to compensate for variations in the linear velocity caused by, for example, the increase in the diameter of the waste roll on the drive drum so as to insure proper positioning of each of the labels to be dispensed relative to the dispenser upon deactuation of the driving device.

Abstract: A high speed labeling machine for dispensing labels from a continuous web of backing material having labels affixed thereto and applying the labels to a plurality of articles is provided. The labeling machine includes a supply station positioned adjacent a conveyor and a dispensing device and applicator assembly mounted on a support carriage mounted on a support arm and capable of high speed transverse movement across the conveyor for labeling articles positioned in a side by side arrangement. The continuous web of material is fed to the movable support carriage via a follower carriage mounted on the support arm which moves relative to the support carriage so as to maintain tension in the web traveling to and from the support carriage and associated dispensing and applicator devices. As a result, the dispensing device and applicator device can be moved relative to the supply station at high speed without dispensing labels, while at the same time maintaining tension in the web.