Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating individual articles from a group of articles. A rotary vacuum wheel includes a plurality of article pockets in its outer edge periphery. Apertures within each pocket are in communication with a vacuum pump. An article collection bin has a lower discharge port, through which a portion of the wheel periphery passes. The attractive vacuum forces draw individual articles into a respective pocket where they are secured. Continued rotation of the wheel transports the singulated articles to a discharge station, for further processing, such as labeling, counting, or packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed placement of labels onto containers by a continuous motion. The label stock is transferred to a rotary vacuum drum, carried by rotation of the vacuum drum to a glue application station and then to a label application station where the glue coated labels are wrapped onto containers. As the containers reach the labeling position they are already rotating so that their surfaces are moving at the same speed as the drum surface. The labeled containers are then discharged onto a conveyor where they are held against rotation and stabilized by a pair of parallel belt drives.Glue is imprinted onto each label by a roller with a patterned surface. The roller picks up glue as it rotates past a glue bar surface which emits glue from a tapered exit. The tapered configuration causes build up of suitable pressure so as to force the glue into the pattern on the glue roller. A downstream edge of the glue bar surface acts as a doctor to spread and wipe off excess glue.

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: An apparatus and method for high speed placement of labels onto containers by a continuous motion. The label stock is transferred to a rotary vacuum drum, carried by rotation of the vacuum drum to a glue application station and then to a label application station where the glue coated labels are wrapped onto containers. As the containers reach the labeling position they are already rotating so that their surfaces are moving at the same speed as the drum surface. The labeled containers are then discharged onto a conveyor where they are held against rotation and stabilized by a pair of parallel belt drives.Glue is imprinted onto each label by a roller with a patterned surface. The roller picks up glue as it rotates past a glue bar surface which emits glue from a tapered exit. The tapered configuration causes build up of suitable pressure so as to force the glue into the pattern on the glue roller. A downstream edge of the glue bar surface acts as a doctor to spread and wipe off excess glue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, for the application of solvent reactive, heat-shrink film or labels, to a container having a curvilinear, frusto-conical, or other irregular aspect to the configuration of its outer wall. Adhesive and solvent are applied, respectively, to the leading and trailing ends of a label in preparation for full wrap-applying same to a container. The leading end of the label is brought into adhesive contact with the container, and the container is spun about its axis to wrap the label therearound. At least a portion of the label seam, adjacent the irregular wall aspect of the container, is left free-standing or unsupported by the container wall. To ensure a positive seal within this unsupported seam portion, compressive forces are applied thereto as the trailing end of the label comes into initial contact with the underlying leading end. Thereafter, the label is subject to heat, causing the unsupported portions of the label to shrink and conform to the irregular configuration of the container.

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.

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.

Abstract: Rotary cutting die and rotary anvil mounted in parallel and in tangent contact, with frame mounting same, such frame being in two parts including a first part at one end of the die and anvil capable of attachment to and detachment from the frame of a larger machine such as a label cutting and label applying machine for cutting labels from continuous label stock and applying the severed labels to containers, such frame having a second part at the other ends of the die and anvil which can be attached to and detached from the first part; also means for adjustment of the anvil and for automatic retraction of the anvil from contact with the die.