Abstract: A filling element for filling machines, with the filling element having no filling tube and serving for filling bottles, cans, or similar containers with carbonated or non-carbonated liquids. The filling element includes a signal emitter for detecting the designated filling height in a container that is pressed onto the filling element and is to be filled. The signal emitter cooperates with a vertical bore that is disposed in the filling element coaxial to a container seal thereof, and is protected from the entry of liquid from the liquid guidance conduit of the filling element. The signal emitter is part of a measuring device which, when the designated filling height is detected, transmits a signal that triggers closing of the liquid flow valve of the filling element.

Abstract: A method of controlling a filling machine which serves for the filling of containers, particularly for the filling of bottles with a liquid material, and has at least one filling valve for controlling the quantity of material given off, which valve is closed on basis of a first control signal derived from a signal transmitter at the end of the filling phase, when a predetermined condition of filling of the container is reached. An apparatus for the carrying out of this method having at least one filling element which has a liquid channel which discharges into an outlet opening, for instance a filling tube, for the delivery of the filling material to the container and is in communication with a chamber for the filling material, within which liquid channel a filling valve which can be controlled by a signal, preferably by an electrical or pneumatic signal.

Abstract: A machine for labeling containers which are oriented vertically and have a bottom surface provided with a transverse jam recess that is at least partially radial to the longitudinal axis of the container. The machine includes a labeler and a work table moveable relative to the labeler. A plurality of plates are each mounted on the table for rotation about vertical axis and each plate includes a container supporting surface. A holder is disposed above each plate for vertical movement relative thereto. A counter jam is mounted on each rotary plate for movement between a first position below the container supporting surface and a second position in which a portion of the counter jam extends above the container supporting surface for cooperating with the jam recess of a container positioned on the support surface. At least three rollers are mounted on each rotary plate to support the container for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis relative to the rotary plate.

Abstract: A pick-up and transfer mechanism for labels or the like, preferably for transferring labels in a labeling machine from a label magazine to a greater cylinder. The mechanism has at least one pick-up element on a carrying element rotating around a vertical axis. In order to obtain the required way of movement of the pick-up element relative to the rotating carrying element, the pick-up element is rotatably mounted on an intermediate carrier which in turn is rotatably mounted on the carrying element, with the axis of rotation of the pick-up element on the intermediate carrier being eccentrically arranged to the axis of rotation of the intermediate carrier on the carrying element and with the axis of rotation of the intermediate carrier on the carrying element being eccentrically arranged to the axis of rotation of the carrying element.

Abstract: A labelling station of a labelling machine has a label transfer assembly which is rotatably mounted about a first axis for receiving labels from a label supply station and transferring the same to a label gripper cylinder rotatably mounted about a second axis parallel to the first. The drive for the labelling station is operated in synchronism with the main drive of the labelling machine and includes a planetary gear which is rotatably mounted about the first axis and a first gear mounted on the planetary gear for rotation about a third axis parallel to the first axis. In addition, there are second and third gears which mesh with the first gear and rotate about the first axis. First adjustment means is coupled to the third gear for changing the angular orientation of the label transfer assembly relative to the planetary gear and second adjustment means is operable for moving the transfer assembly and gripper cylinder toward and away from the labelling machine to accommodate different sized containers.

Abstract: An infeed or discharge star for transporting containers to a labeling or filling machine includes a rotating carrousel having a plurality of setting devices mounted in spaced apart relation adjacent its outer periphery. Each setting device comprises a member having rotatably mounted on the carrousel and having a plurality of arcuate surfaces formed in its outer margin. Each surface has a different radias of curvature for engaging containers of different sizes and means for locking the bodies with one of the surfaces selectively facing outwardly relative to the carrousel.

Abstract: A bottle table for a labeling machine is ring-shaped and has an annular surface for receiving bottles and transporting the same in sequence between the stations of a labeling apparatus. The bottle table is supported for rotation by means of a ring bearing and a ring gear is disposed on the table and is engaged by a pinion for rotating the table about a vertical axis. A centering head is mounted on vertically adjustable supports extending upwardly from the table and is rotatably supported by means of a ring bearing on a stationary support. An undercarriage which supports the ring bearings occupies less than the basal plane of a support table and the ring bearing is supported over a radial range of less than 180.degree. between the table and the undercarriage with the remaining portions of the table being self-supporting.