Abstract: A labelling machine for applying a first label and a second label onto a first article and a second article is disclosed. The labelling machine comprises a first conveyor for conveying a succession of the first article and the second article along a path; a first labelling group, which can be selectively arranged in a first operative configuration; and gap creating means adapted to create a first gap, which is arranged inside the succession and is bounded between the first article and the second article. The first labelling group is selectively arrangeable in a first rest configuration. The labelling machine further comprises a second labelling group, which can be selectively moved between a second rest configuration and a second operative configuration, in which it the second labelling group transfers, in use, the second label to the second article.

Abstract: A labelling group for applying at least one label onto a respective article at an application station is disclosed. The labelling group comprises a transfer element, which is adapted to transfer the label along a trajectory which comprises a transfer station, and can be arranged in an operative position, in which the transfer station coincides, in use, with the application station; and a diverting device, which can be selectively arranged in: a first configuration, which allows the transfer element to convey the label along at least part of the trajectory and to release the label at the transfer station; or in a second configuration, which prevents the transfer element either from receiving the label or from releasing the label to the transfer station. The transfer element is movable in at least one rest position, in which the trajectory is spaced from the application station.

Abstract: A machine for carrying out at least one operation onto a first article and a second article is disclosed. The machine comprises feeding means for advancing a succession of the first article and the second article along a path and with a first speed; a first operative group, which comprises a first tool configured for carrying out operation onto the first article and which can be operated with a second speed associated to the first speed; gap creating means selectively controllable to create a first gap, which is arranged inside succession and is bounded between the first article and the second article; and a second operative group, which comprises a second tool configured for carrying out operation onto the second article and which can be operated at the second speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a label to an article travelling along an article path, said label being received on a movable surface at an input location to be retained against said surface whilst being glued and advanced to an output location, at which the label is transferred to the article; the article being rotated with a tangential speed about an axis whilst travelling at a speed along the path including providing at least three portions of surface with independent and controllable vacuum means for retaining the label, including curtailing the application of vacuum means at the first portion of the surface upon the first portion reaching the output location and interrupting the application of vacuum means at the third portion of the surface, with the trailing edge of the label being retained at the second portion of the surface.

Abstract: Method for assembling a modular support structure of an item-processing machine comprising hubs for bearing respective shafts of moving members, and a plurality of link elements fixable at hubs, the method including: a) providing a toleranced jig plate with means defining the definitive boss position of hubs, b) providing fixing portions integral with hubs or fixing portions integral with link elements, fixing portions defining a volume for receiving in loose engagement a respective fixing portion and fillable with a curable resin, c) arranging hubs at their defined boss positions, d) arranging link elements in loose engagement with hubs to form a temporary skeleton, and e) permanently fixing link elements to respective fixing portions of hubs via injection and hardening of a curable resin.

Abstract: A method of handling a web-like labelling material in an automated labelling process is disclosed. The method comprises feeding a succession of labels at an input station; and conveying the labels along a circular label path from the input station to an application station located at a first angular distance from the input station as measured about an axis, at the application station means being provided for applying the labels onto respective articles fed, in succession, to the application station. The method further comprises selectively conveying the labels along the circular label path past the application station and to a discarding station located at a second angular distance from the input station as measured about an axis, the second angular distance being greater than the first angular distance.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for adaptive data unit transmission. A sliding window is filled with data units and designates a sliding window start position and a sliding window end position. A value for each of the data units in the sliding window is stored, the value representing a maximum number of times that each data unit is to be transmitted. The stored value is different among at least two of the data units. Data units are selected from the sliding window to be assembled into a packet. An assembled packet is transmitted to a receiving computerized device. A determination that the data unit positioned at the sliding window start position has been transmitted a maximum number of time is performed, and in response a different data unit is positioned at the sliding window start position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum drum for receiving a labelling material web that is operatively coupled with means for cutting the labelling material we into portions, applying an adhesive on the cut portions of labelling material and for transferring the glued portions to respective items to be labelled. The vacuum drum has a lateral surface having at least one section adapted to cooperate with the portions and delimited, at opposite angular ends, by respective front and back dumping pads. The lateral surface section having one or more panels defining a quasi-cylindrical surface; the front damping pad. and the at least one panel having a material such that the adhesion of the adhesive to the labelling material is greater than the adhesion of the adhesive to the material, and the cohesion of the adhesive being also greater than the adhesion of the adhesive to the material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stationary blade assembly for cutting labels from a label film in labelling machines, comprising: a support and a blade supported by said support; blade comprises at least two cutting edges which are adapted to cut said labels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a label to an article travelling along an article path, said label being received on a movable surface at an input location to be retained against said surface whilst being glued and advanced to an output location, at which the label is transferred to the article; the article being rotated with a tangential speed about an axis whilst travelling at a speed along the path including providing at least three portions of surface with independent and controllable vacuum means for retaining the label, including curtailing the application of vacuum means at the first portion of the surface upon the first portion reaching the output location and interrupting the application of vacuum means at the third portion of the surface, with the trailing edge of the label being retained at the second portion of the surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method may include receiving, at the base station, an identification and request for transmission access from a wireless computing device, determining a level of efficiency for data communications between the base station and the wireless computing device, selecting a descriptor for the level of efficiency, from among a plurality of predetermined descriptors that identify discrete efficiency classifications across a range of efficiencies, determining a share of bandwidth for communication between the base station and the wireless computing device based on the selected descriptor, and communicating electronically with the wireless computing device using the selected share of bandwidth. A higher share of bandwidth may be selected for a wireless computing device having a higher determined level of efficiency.

Abstract: There is disclosed a series of article-handling machines, comprising: a common first rotating element rotatable about an axis; characterized in that each article-handling machine comprises a carousel for conveying a plurality of articles along a path and a first connecting element which is angularly integral with carousel and is releasably connected to first rotating element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a container processing machine comprising a material handling surface for handling a sheet-like material through suction and a vacuum source in fluid connection with said material handling surface, the machine including means for detecting and transmitting a value of pressure of the gas being suctioned; a controllably operable flow valve; a control unit operatively connected with said detection and transmission means and with said flow valve; said detection and transmission means and said flow valve being arranged between said vacuum source and said material handling surface; said control unit being programmed to adjust the degree of opening of said flow valve in response to a signal which is a function of at least said value of pressure.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for adaptive data unit transmission. A sliding window is filled with data units and designates a sliding window start position and a sliding window end position. A value for each of the data units in the sliding window is stored, the value representing a maximum number of times that each data unit is to be transmitted. The stored value is different among at least two of the data units. Data units are selected from the sliding window to be assembled into a packet. An assembled packet is transmitted to a receiving computerized device. A determination that the data unit positioned at the sliding window start position has been transmitted a maximum number of time is performed, and in response a different data unit is positioned at the sliding window start position.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for adaptive data unit transmission. A sliding window is filled with data units and designates a sliding window start position and a sliding window end position. A value for each of the data units in the sliding window is stored, the value representing a maximum number of times that each data unit is to be transmitted. The stored value is different among at least two of the data units. Data units are selected from the sliding window to be assembled into a packet. An assembled packet is transmitted to a receiving computerized device. A determination that the data unit positioned at the sliding window start position has been transmitted a maximum number of time is performed, and in response a different data unit is positioned at the sliding window start position.

Abstract: Cutting unit for labelling machines having a multiple-blade rotary drum, particularly of the type that use a label reel from which the labels are cut and applied on objects, namely on containers, are provided. In particular, cutting units for cutting labels from a label film in labelling machines, comprising a rotary blade drum having at least one blade and a stationary blade assembly having a counter-blade, said rotary blade drum comprising at least one blade support carrying a blade, characterised in that said at least one blade support comprises a plurality of independently-operated actuator means, said actuators being positioned along the blade support for adjusting said blade, this adjustment being performed by raising or lowering corresponding portions of the blade through elastic deformation.

Abstract: Cutting units for labelling machines, particularly of the type that use a label reel from which the labels are cut and applied on objects, such as containers, are provided. In particular, the present invention provides cutting units for cutting labels from a label film in labelling machines, comprising a rotary blade drum and a stationary blade assembly, the said stationary blade assembly comprising a substantially U-shaped monolithic body having a movable portion, a fixed portion facing said movable portion and linked thereto by a linking portion, forming a U-shaped groove therebetween, wherein the movable portion of the monolithic body comprises an adjustable support for a blade, protruding from the end of the movable portion that is proximal to the linking portion, a projecting element defined by said adjustable support, the said blade being connected to said projecting element.

Abstract: A device (1) for cutting labels in a labelling machine, including a cutting roller (2) having at least one blade (3) co-operating with a fixed counter-blade (4) able to be operatively associated to the roller for cutting the labels, a mechanical shaft (5) whereon is keyed said cutting roller (2), a frame (6) to support said mechanical shaft (5) and a heat exchanger circuit containing an operating fluid. Precisely, a first portion (9a) of said circuit is constructed on said support frame (6) and a second portion (9b) of said exchanger circuit is constructed on said mechanical shaft (5), said exchanger circuit thermally interacting with said frame (6) and with said cutting roller (2). The device further includes an impeller for generating a flow of said operating fluid within the heat exchanger circuit, said impeller for generating a flow of said operating fluid being connected to the mechanical shaft (5) and being operatively inserted in said heat exchanger circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for conveying containers (2) with non circular cross section, comprising at least two input conveyors, a re-uniting star-wheel (5), on which the two distinct conveyance flows are re-united, an auxiliary star-wheel (6) cooperating with said re-uniting star-wheel (5), first engaging means (50) mounted on the re-uniting star-wheel (5) and acting on containers housed in corresponding pits of the auxiliary star-wheel (6) to keep them correctly oriented into said pits before they are transferred on the reuniting star-wheel (5) and second engaging means (60) mounted on the auxiliary star-wheel (6) and acting on containers housed in corresponding pits of the reuniting star-wheel (5) to keep them correctly oriented into said pits during the rotation of the re-uniting star-wheel (5). Said first and second engaging means (50, 60) are active when the containers (2) reach said merging area.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for conveying containers (2) with non circular cross section comprises at least two linear input conveyors (3a, 3b) through which at least two distinct conveyance flows reach the apparatus and a plurality of star conveyors (4a, 4b, 6) for receiving the containers (2) from the linear input conveyors (3a, 3b) and release them in output on a single conveyor (5), with a single output flow. The apparatus comprises at least an oscillating blade (9) and/or a fixed guide (14) in order to guide the containers (2), at an area where multiple flows merge into a single conveyance flow, such as to assure a correct conveyance and orientation of the containers towards the single flow.