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: An apparatus is 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 can rapidly change the size of labels cut from a web of labels to match different diameter containers which are then fed onto containers moving along a conveyor. A labeling drum is positioned adjacent to the conveyor for receiving cut labels and applying them onto containers fed along the conveyor. A cutter assembly is positioned adjacent to the labeling drum for receiving a web of labels, cutting the web, and transferring a cut label onto the labeling drum. The cutter assembly includes a stationary mounting plate and a drive pinion mounted on the plate. A cutter roll frame is received on the mounting plate, and includes a vertically oriented cutter roll with upper and lower ends, a central axis, and a gear at the lower end for meshing with the drive pinion and rotating the cutter roll. The cutter roll gear size is directly proportional to the size of the cutter roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a heat shrinkable film to a container having a right-circular, cylindrical sidewall section and at least one inwardly directed end section. A film segment is transported by a rotary vacuum drum past an adhesive station, where adhesive is applied to leading and trailing ends of the film. Then, the film is wrapped completely around the container by the co-operative action of a vacuum drum and an arcuate roll-on pad, leaving a free-standing portion of the label extending past the sidewall section. In the overlapping ends of the film, a first seam is formed by compressive forces between the vacuum drum and the container sidewall. A second seam is simultaneously formed by the compressive force of an active label deflector on the vacuum drum, adapted to press the free-standing portion of the label ends against the end section of the container. Heat is then applied to the label, shrinking the free-standing portion upon the container's end section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting a splice between a pair of feed rolls for successively supplying film material to a film utilization device, such as a labeling machine. Downstream from the rolls, a splicing station includes a pair of parallel, spaced film paths, carrying film from a respective roll. Movable film pads within the splicing station displace film within a selected path past a film cutter to manufacture a trailing end. Continued displacement of the trailing end brings it into adhesive engagement with the leading end of the other film, disposed within the other film path. A braking station downstream from the splicing station holds fast the film extending from the selected path during the splicing operation. Means to effect in registration splicing of film from the two rolls, while allowing continuous operation of the associated film utilization device, is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a labeling machine for a can or bottle, a label on a vacuum drum is wiped on the reverse face near one edge with a solvent and also is sprayed on the reverse face near the other edge with an adhesive, the label then being wrapped around and affixed to the can or bottle to expose the obverse face of the label. Mechanism for accomplishing these actions and for synchronizing adhesive spraying and wrapping speed is disclosed.