Abstract: A feedscrew system includes a conveyor for moving articles, at least one feedscrew for spacing the articles, a first sensing arrangement for sensing the occurrence of a gap between any two adjacent articles as the articles move toward the feedscrew, and control components responsive to the first sensing arrangement for controlling the rate at which the feedscrew operates in order to maintain a jam-feed condition. The control components may be configured to reduce the rate at which the feedscrew operates and/or to disengage a clutch in order to stop the feedscrew. A second sensing arrangement may be included in order to delay clutch disengagement when a second conveyor at the exit end of the feedscrew is engaging the top portion of an article within the feedscrew.

Abstract: A feedscrew system includes a conveyor for moving articles, at least one feedscrew for spacing the articles, a first sensing arrangement for sensing the occurrence of a gap between any two adjacent articles as the articles move toward the feedscrew, and control components responsive to the first sensing arrangement for controlling the rate at which the feedscrew operates in order to maintain a jam-feed condition. The control components may be configured to reduce the rate at which the feedscrew operates and/or to disengage a clutch in order to stop the feedscrew. A second sensing arrangement may be included in order to delay clutch disengagement when a second conveyor at the exit end of the feedscrew is engaging the top portion of an article within the feedscrew.

Abstract: A label applicator includes a support structure in predetermined relationship with a labeling station at which to apply a label to an article. A label dispenser mounted on the support structure dispenses a label to be applied to the article and a receiver moveably mounted on the support structure transports the label from the dispenser to the labeling station. Receiver mounting components are provided for mounting the receiver on the support structure both to enable generally linear movement of the receiver along a path between a retracted position adjacent the dispenser and an extended position adjacent the labeling station, and to enable pivotal movement of the receiver about a pivot axis between a label-receiving position in which the label receiver can receive a label from the dispenser and a label-applying position in which the label can be transferred from the label receiver to a face of an article at the labeling station.