Abstract: The present invention relates to a welding method in the manufacture of a spirally wound tube having a thermoplastic profile (1) of a mainly rectangular cross-section. A hole profile (1) is wound in a screw line form manner on a welding drum (2) simultaneously as profile surfaces (1a, 1b), which are to be welded together are heated with hot air to a desired temperature, whereafter a welding mass (S) is extruded onto the heated profile surfaces (1a, 1b) in two streams along each edge of the profile surface (1a, 1b) and the welding mass coated hole profile portions are pressed together by means of a press roller (10). The invention is characterized in that the welding is performed with a welding head (3) coupled to an extruder and provided with a welding keel (4), which from the outside is inserted between two profile surfaces (1a, 1b) to be welded together. Hot air (L.sub.1, L.sub.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for decorating articles having at least a generally conical surface portion with a decoration on a stamping foil, the foil passes around a guide roller as it is fed towards the stamping roller for applying a decoration on the foil to the surface portion of the article. The guide roller is displaced by a drive means along an arcuate guide means into a position adapted to the respective rotary angular position of the article to be decorated. The drive means for driving the stamping roller is inoperable to drive same during the stamping operation so that the stamping roller is only driven by frictional engagement during the stamping operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for tag and thread assembly for tagged infusion packets. Spaced tags from a strip of tags and a length of thread are laid over each other on the periphery of a first assembly wheel and the thread is drawn out in loops between successive tags. The spaced tags and looped thread are transferred to a second assembly wheel where they are connected to a web of sheet material that is to form the infusion packets. The web is subsequently formed into a series of compartments in which infusion material is contained. The compartments are severed from the web for forming the individual packets and the thread is simultaneously severed between the packets.

Abstract: A taping method and apparatus for performing at least one taping operation. Each taping operation is performed by adhering an extra length of adhering allowance of a tape to an outer surface of a coil having a coil bobbin rotatably supported by a spindle. A tape retaining means is used to retain the tape against a tape rolling means while a foremost end of the tape is projected, by a distance corresponding to the extra length of adhering allowance, ahead of a retaining position defined by the tape retaining means. The distance between the spindle and the tape rolling means is shortened until they come into contact thereby causing the extra length of adhering allowance to adhere to the outer surface of the coil.

Abstract: A computer controlled turret type labeling apparatus having a label applying mechanism for applying labels to containers. The labeling apparatus has a turret having a motor for driving the turret and a sensor for providing turret status information to a controlling computer. The turret apparatus contains at least one labeling station. Each labeling station also has a motor and a sensor, the motor drives the labeling station and the sensor provides labeling station status information to the controlling computer. The computer is programmed to process status information in conjunction with prestored information relating to the characteristics of the labeling apparatus, containers, and desired labeling and generate suitable control signals for labeling apparatus operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a shrinkable sleeve of plastic material and applying it as a label to a glass or plastic container. The plastic is fed from a source, cut to successive lengths, wrapped about successive mandrels and sealed to form each sleeve. Thereafter each sleeve is transferred from the mandrel onto an overlying container. The mandrels are circumferentially positioned on a turret, and a combined heat seal bar and tucker bar is associated with each mandrel to bond the overlapping ends of the severed length of plastic material to one another. A stripper transfers each sleeve that has been so formed from a position on the mandrel axially onto an overlying aligned container while the path of the container overlies the respective mandrel for a portion of its movement by the turret.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of labeling machines for bottles provided with a reference recess (13) on the bottle base, which recess (13) can be used to effect the centering of the labels on the bottle: more precisely the invention relates to a bottle-bearing plate, comprising an internal body (3) which can slide vertically and rotate about its own axis, and which is non-contactingly surrounded by an external body (2) which can be engaged and raised by the internal body (3) after an initial non-contacting upward-moving rotation. A centering ring (4) is fixed to the external body (2), which ring (4) perfectly reproduces the the external surface curvature of the bottle at its base. A centering device (5), destined to insert into the reference recess (13), is fixed to the internal body (3).

Abstract: A method of forming a cylindrical member includes the steps of: attaching an auxiliary bar having a shape of a substantially triangular prism to a forming drum; supplying a belt-shaped member cut to a predetermined length toward the forming drum and causing a leading end of the belt-shaped member to be attached to one of side surfaces of the auxiliary bar; supplying the belt-shaped member onto the forming drum while the forming drum is being rotated so as to wind the belt-shaped member around the forming drum, and attaching a trailing end of the belt-shaped member to another side surface of the auxiliary bar; separating the leading end and the trailing end of the belt-shaped member from the auxiliary bar; removing the auxiliary bar off the forming drum; and causing the leading and the trailing end of the belt-shaped member to butt against each other on the forming drum. Also provided is an apparatus for forming a cylindrical member.

Abstract: A labelling machine for treating vessels of different shapes or with different labels comprising a rotatingly drivable turntable with at least one labelling station disposed on its circumference with following wipe-on and pressure-applying elements, the turntable having rotary tables with one associated control element each, which cooperates optionally with one of several radial cams secured against rotation and disposed in axially staggered relationship in the direction of the rotary table axis, the control element associated to the rotary table and/or the radial cams are adjusted relatively to each other for change-over of one type of vessel and/or label to another one.

Abstract: A preform suitable to be cured to form a friction element, such as clutch facing, is produced by winding a filament, or a tape containing curable material on to a surface of a rotating plate. The filament, or tape, is guided on to the surface by a guide which is movable in a plane. A signal, representative of the angular position of the plate, causes generation of a demand signal indicating the desired position of the guide. A closed loop control, controls the movement of the guide to give a predetermined winding pattern. The control causes the guide to move as a function of the demand signal and a feedback signal representative of the position of the guide. The curable material in the preform is then cured.

Abstract: In a labelling machine comprising at least one plate (1), which is adapted to carry out controlled rotations, and a plunger (2), which is adapted to carry out controlled upward and downward movements, the object to be labelled, e.g. a bottle (24), being fixed between said plate and said plunger such that it is secured against rotation relative thereto, the plunger has associated therewith a rotating means (3), which will rotate said plunger to a specific angular position and/or fix it in said angular position, if the plunger is not in contact with the object to be labelled. However, if the plunger is in contact with the object to be labelled, it will be decoupled from said rotating means, whereupon it can rotate freely together with the object to be labelled, which is driven by the plate. Such a rotating means can be established with the aid of simple structural means and permits a manifold use of asymmetric plungers having a preferred position. This is the case e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus to apply circular strips to pneumatic tires while still mounted on their wheels' rims comprising a turntable with a centered, spring supported member having a conical surface, which is slidable vertically on a shaft that rotates the turntable. The tire is horizontally disposed and frictionally engages the table while held by the centering member. The tire's sidewall is cleaned and then roughened by a chemical roughner. An application wheel supported from the turntable's framework via an adjustable bracket which includes a telescopic horizontal member is adjusted to bear directly against the sidewall at the desired location and inclination. The housing carries electrically energized heating cartridges to heat the surface to 150.degree. C., or alternatively receives a heating block for the same purpose. A preprepared strip is mounted on a spool supported adjacent the housing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby water is used to transfer labels onto containers in automatic high-speed labeling machines thereby leaving no glue residue on a container's surface, and making them amenable for recycling. The method further provides for adjustment of water's surface tension if necessary by surfactants to cause wettability of a variety of surfaces undergoing labeling, but said label is permanently attached to the container by friction, rather than by glue, after evaporation of the water.

Abstract: Labeling machine for applying labels of heat softenable material to containers comprising a rotating cylindrical vacuum drum which picks up labels in succession at a label receiving station as it rotates, transports each label to a label applying station at which the leading end of each label is applied to a container; means to rotate each container to which the leading end of a label has been applied to wrap the label around the container and to lap the trailing end of the label over the leading end and while so doing to apply pressure to the lapped junction of the leading and trailing ends, and means in the form of a heat applicator located within the drum, extensible through an opening in the drum to bring a head or nozzle into close proximity to the trailing end of a label during most of the travel of such trailing end between the label receiving and label applying positions and to apply heat during such period to the trailing end to soften the trailing end so that it can be welded by pressure to the lead

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting containers having circular portions with any one of a number of different diameters first along an adhesive applying unit and thereupon past one or more units which apply labels all the way around the circular portions of the containers has a rotary turntable with a set of depending rotary supporting elements for discrete containers. The supporting elements are rotated about their own axes, while orbiting about the axis of rotation of the turntable, by two arcuate cams which are adjacent the path of orbital movement of the supporting elements and are tracked by roller followers provided on disc-shaped holders at the upper ends of the supporting elements. Adjustment of the apparatus for the transport of containers having circular portions of different diameters is effected by moving the cams in the circumferential direction of the turntable. The positions of the various treating units remain unchanged.

Abstract: A rotary decorating machine for bottles having an alignment structure formed adjacent their bottom periphery, wherein the machine has at least one decorating station. A rotating table is provided with a plurality of independently rotatable bottle receiving cups spaced from one another adjacent the outer periphery of the table. The rotating table is driven by a first motor, and the bottle receiving cups are independently rotatable by pinion gears attached thereto for enabling planetary rotation of the bottles relative to the rotating table. A lower gear is provided with a second drive motor for rotation independent of the rotating table, and the pinion gears attached to individual bottle receiving cups are intermeshed with that gear. Rotation of the lower gear independently effects the rotation speed and direction of the bottle receiving cups independent of the planetary rotation resulting from movement of the rotating table.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for wrapping up articles, particularly for wrapping up of electrical windings applied to bobbins with a tape, a tape is drawn from a tape reel mounted on a reel holder. The apparatus includes a deflecting and measuring device for determining a tape tension during the removal and wrapping up process, a contacting and application station for the tape which is self-adhesively applied to the bobbin winding, a winding station provided with a pendulum part and a control unit having at least one computer and a number of control devices. The control unit is used for forming controlled and adjustable signals for the tape winding and tape speed, for the tape tension and for the direction of deflection of the pendulum part depending on an instantaneous running direction of the tape. The bobbin with the winding is interchangeably fitted onto a fit-on mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decorating or finishing the external surface of an article having a non-circular cross-sectional configuration, the apparatus including a roller for applying a decorating medium to the article surface, wherein during a teaching mode a constant force is applied by the roller to the article while the latter is rotated and during a subsequent decorating or finishing mode the force applied by the roller and the speed of rotation of the article are controlled according to a trajectory generated from information derived during the teaching mode to provide constant pressure and constant linear speed between the article and the decorating medium. In particular, the article is rotated about a first axis and the roller is mounted for free rotation about a second axis and is moved linearly along a path joining the two axes and into contact with the article surface.

Abstract: A label auto-transfer turret rewind apparatus has a rotatable base plate journaled for rotation on a frame, the plate carrying a plurality of protruding mandrels or spindles, each of which is adapted to receive and rotate a take-up spool, which spindles are journaled for rotation in the base. Each spindle is powered by a common drive mechanism on the reverse side of the rotatable base plate, which selectively drives two or three spindles. A counter controls a cut-off mechanism for accurately placing the correct number of labels on each spool. In addition, a warning system provides an audible signal when a spool is not removed by the time the spindle rotates to a specified indexed position. Means for programmably controlling the apparatus and the method of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for the application of pressure sensitive wrap around labels to product containers. The machine includes a rotatable product table to hold and transport the containers to be labeled, each of which is held on the table at one of a plurality of closely spaced rotatable container holding stations around the periphery of the table. Conveyor and spacer means are provided for sequentially feeding containers to be labeled to the product table and for sequentially removing the labeled containers, the rotation of the product table and the container holding stations being in timed coordination with the feeding and removing means. A plurality of spaced apart wrap around label application stations are positioned adjacent to the product table between the feeding and removing means. Each wrap around applicator station includes a supply reel of pressure sensitive label face stock carried on a releasable backing web and a takeup reel for the backing web after removal of the label therefrom.

Abstract: The rubber products forming a part of the structure of a tire are laid onto a rigid core by means of a volumetric extruder having an outlet orifice of small size positioned close to the surface on which the rubber is to be applied. The rubber products are built up by a meridian displacement of the orifice relative to the receiving surface with the extrusion of a controlled volume of rubber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for semi-automatically applying a label to a cylindrical container. The method comprises the steps of removing a label from a label repository and transporting it into contact with a glue-retaining surface and then into contact with a rotating cylindrical container. The cylindrical container is rotated at a surface speed which is slightly faster than the speed at which the label is moved past the glue-retaining surface. Therefore, when the leading edge of the label comes into contact with the rotating cylindrical container, the central portion of the label is pulled away from the glue-retaining surface. As the label is drawn by the rotating cylindrical container, the trailing edge of the label is caused to contact the glue-retaining surface. By this method, glue is automatically applied to the leading edge and to the trailing edge of a label but not applied to the central portion of the label, and the label is automatically applied to a cylindrical container.

Abstract: Labeling machine for applying labels of heat softenable material to containers comprising a rotating cylindrical vacuum drim which picks up labels in succession at a label receiving station as it rotates, transports each label to a label applying station at which the leading end of each label is applied to a container; means to rotate each container to which the leading end of a label has been applied to wrap the label around the container and to lap the trailing end of the label over the leading end and while so doing to apply pressure to the lapped junction of the leading and trailing ends, and means in the form of a heat applicator located within the drum, extensible through an opening in the drum to bring a head or nozzle into close proximity to the trailing end of a label during most of the travel of such trailing end between the label receiving and label applying positions and to apply heat during such period to the trailing end to soften the trailing end so that it can be welded by pressure to the lead

Abstract: Apparatus for applying wrap-around labels to containers, such as bottles, where the label is wrapped around the container and a vertical heat seal seam is formed as the containers are moved in a linear path on a conveyor. The containers are held in engagement with the conveyor surface with one side of the containers being beyond the edge of the conveyor on the side where heat seal bars are brought into contact with the overlap to form a heat sealed seam. The containers are also held down against the conveyor during the period of movement of the containers to the exit end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A labelling machine for cylindrical containers which are moved past a labelling station by a rotary table and which rotate past the front side of a label stack and thereby remove a front side label. A hot adhesive is sprayed onto the container by a first adhesive unit. During the rolling of the container past the label stack, a label is adhered to the front edge of the container. The rear edge of the label has adhesive applied by a second adhesive unit which is located near the labels which are stored in the stack. In order to make possible a change between different container formats, the label box, the first adhesive unit and the second adhesive unit are mounted on a common sliding carriage. The sliding carriage is a translatable in the direction of the rotary table and is pretensioned in the direction of the rotary table by a spring against a stop.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a cylindrical member includes a forming drum having a cylindrical unit formed with a slit extending in an axial direction of the cylindrical unit and around which a belt-shaped member is wound wherein a slight clearance between both ends of the belt-shaped member are aligned with the slit of the cylindrical unit. The cylindrical unit of the forming drum is composed of a plurality of arcuate segments radially movable and having suction devices on their outer circumferences for holding the belt-shaped member by suction. The cylindrical unit includes clearance regulating members capable of penetrating into tghe clearance of the belt-shaped member, a first joining unit arranged in the forming drum aligned with the slit, and a second joining unit arranged on an outer side of the forming drum and movable toward and away from the first joining unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying one or more reflective sleeves to a traffic cone. The sleeve is supported on a platform and the traffic cone is positioned in contact with one end edge of the sleeve and rotated to wind the sleeve onto the traffic cone.

Abstract: Machine and method for applying plastic labels and the like to containers, e.g. metal coffee cans, which have chimes or reinforcement grooves, in which the containers, after application of a plastic label, is caused to pass between a roll down pad and a belt, the roll down pad having a rib for each chime and or groove. The ribs are heated to improve the effectiveness of labeling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a strip to the planar contour-prepared edge of a lens. The beginning of an endless strip is connected to the edge of a lens. A transverse perforation is introduced into the strip at a distance from the strip beginning that corresponds to the circumference of the lens. The lens is then rotated, and the strip is restrained, at a location thereof behind the perforation when viewed in the direction of movement of the strip, in such a way that the strip tears at the perforation to form a new strip beginning for the next lens. This new strip beginning is pressed against, and connected to, the edge of the next lens. A register is provided for determining the circumference of a lens.

Abstract: A mounting device and method for positioning a printing plate on a press cylinder utilizes a transparent planar surface having a grid thereon. A cylinder can be lowered into the cradle and adhesively retain a flexible printing plate which has been alinged on the grid. The method employed provides an efficient time saving and accurate mounting process.

Abstract: Turret type labeling machine with pairs of chucks arranged coaxially and rotated orbitally about the machine axis while spinning about their individual axes. Containers are gripped between each pair of chucks, such containers having at one or both ends an inwardly sloping portion. Labels are wrapped around each spinning container with one or both edges unattached and overlapping the sloping end portion or portions. One or both chucks of each pair has an extension which provide an extension of the body surface of the container so that the projecting edge or edges of the label lies against the extension.

Abstract: A filament winding payoff head unit and process for applying strands of adhesive impregnated filament material arranged into a gap-free band to a rotating mandrel. A plurality of side-by-side slightly overlapped impregnated filament strands are passed over bars between tines of combs for positioning when leaving the payoff head. The payoff head is positionable toward and away from the rotating mandrel to allow for mandrel longitudinal dimension changes while maintaining the payoff head roller in contact with the mandrel at a predetermined pressure thereagainst. The payoff head is also freely pivotable horizontally to maintain a proper angle of filament application to any changing mandrel longitudinal configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a bead filler material to a bead wherein the bead filler material may be applied to the bead at an offset position to compensate for the stretching of the filler material as it is applied to the bead to afford a proper splice of the leading and trailing ends of the bead filler material.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a flexible printing plate on a printing cylinder comprises a table comprising a planar surface and two separable sections, whereby the sections when separated can accommodate therebetween an upper surface of the printing cylinder. The printing plate is aligned on the table in order to accurately mount the printing plate on the cylinder. The table is then separated and the cylinder moved into contact with the plate which is then adhered thereto as the cylinder is rotated.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a roll is disclosed. The wrapping machine includes a conveyor for receiving the roll to be wrapped. Support rollers space the roll relative to the conveyor and a drive roller rotates the roll. An upper hold-down assembly supports the upper portion of the roll. A reciprocating carriage is mounted adjacent the conveyor. The carriage delivers wrapping materials which are placed in layers on the roll as it rotates.

Abstract: In the fabrication of a plastic sleeve by heat sealing overlapped ends of a plastic film blank wrapped around a mandrel, a part of the underlying overlapped end is often melted inadvertently and adheres to the mandrel, obstructing easy stripping of the sleeve off the mandrel. Accordingly, a tensioning groove is formed in the mandrel surface, and a pressing-in bar is pressed thereinto over the sleeve while a part of the sleeve is held stationary against the mandrel by a holding plate to pull the sleeve part thus adhering sidewise in the peripheral direction of the mandrel and thereby to peel away and free the same.

Abstract: A machine for mounting a printing plate on a plate roll having an adhesively coated face. The machine includes a frame, means for rotatably mounting a plate roll on the frame in a selected position, a tilting framework swingably mounted on the frame and a pair of table sections mounted on the tilting framework on which the printing plate can be slideably mounted. A transparent grid plate is hingedly mounted on the tilting framework and can overlie the printing plate on the table sections. The printing plate can be advanced across the table section until the grid shows that the printing plate is properly aligned with the plate roll. Then a movable one of the table sections can be withdrawn and the printing plate can be advanced downwardly to bring a portion of the printing plate into engagement with the plate roll for attaching the printing plate to the plate roll. The plate roll can be turned to bring the rest of the printing plate into engagement with the adhesively coated face of the plate roll.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying heat shrinkable film to containers and other articles having a vertical body position, e.g., the cylindrical body of a container, and one or two re-entrant portions, e.g., a shoulder on a bottle. A segment of film is applied to the vertical surface without heat shrinking and with one or two end portions overlapping the re-entrant part of the article. Heat is applied to the overlap or overlaps to shrink them onto the article.

Abstract: For all-over lining of a longitudinally slit pipe insulating shell consisting of mineral fibers, with a foil having a coating of a heat activatable adhesive, a fully automatic process uses the steps of bringing the foil into a preliminary position with its end portion bent over downwardly by means of a rail, subsequently moving the foil into a position of readiness in which its outer edge comes to bear on a vertically adjustable heating roller, so that an initial activation of the adhesive starts to take place, then raising the heating roller to the pipe insulating shell and permitting it to remain in this adhering position for a brief period, and finally carrying out the actual lining operation by rotating both the heating roller and the pipe insulating shell at the same peripheral speed, and in opposite direction by means of a winding mandrel.

Abstract: In order to apply "hot melt" adhesives to thin plastic film labels for glass containers without distorting the labels, a "hot melt" adhesive which is thixotropic is melted at 350.degree. F. and is continuously worked to maintain its viscosity at a fairly low level while being cooled to about 110.degree. F., at which time it is applied to the label. The label is applied to the glass bottle and the resultant labeled bottle will have the property of being able to withstand pasteurization temperatures, as well as refrigeration temperatures, without having the label separate from the bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a flexible workpiece is provided with a workpiece-conveying unit formed around a drum body is installed so that it can move in the axial direction of the drum body. An introduction section and a supply section for the workpiece are formed within the workpiece-conveying unit, and a drive mechanism and a centering mechanism are provided between the workpiece introduction section and the supply section.

Abstract: Continuous strips of a first material, e.g., elastic strips, are continuously supplied to flexible strip supports in a supply zone while the strip supports are in a linear configuration. The strip supports are carried on respective transfer members which are mounted on a rotatable support so that individual transfer members follow a closed (orbital) path upon rotation of the support. The continuous strips are cut into discrete strips adhered to respective flexible strip supports whose configuration, and that of the discrete strips adhered thereto, is then changed to a desired curvilinear configuration. The transfer members are then brought into transfer contact in a transfer zone with a moving web of second material, which may comprise the backing sheet of a disposable diaper construction, and the curvilinear strips are transferred to the web.

Abstract: A labeling device or mechanism in the nature of an attachment for application to labeling machines of the type disclosed in Wesley U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preforming a heat-shrinkable member to a pre-selected configuration which may at least partially conform to a container to which the member is to be applied. The preformed member is subsequently applied to the container so that the member is retained in association therewith, such as for tamper-indication. The heat-shrinkable member is initially preformed by the use of a preforming mandrel which may be at least partially configured like the configuration of the container. After the member has been heat-shrunk on the preforming mandrel, it is positioned in association with the container, and thereafter heated so as to further conform the heat-shrinkable member to the configuration of the container. By this technique, hightly desirable control of the heat-shrinking process is achieved, thus assuring proper conformance of the heat-shrinkable member to its associated container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heat shrinking projecting edges of heat shrinkable (but unshrunken) film onto articles such as cylindrical containers. The film is tightly wrapped around the bodies of the articles and the overlapping ends are held together by glue. The projecting edges of the articles are then heat shrunk onto the shoulders and/or curved lower ends of the bodies as the containers are transported and are caused to spin while being transported. In so doing the hot air is blown in a direction such that it does not blow directly onto the glue at the side seams. This may be accomplished by using a circular, turret type transport and by having blowers which blow hot air obliquely, rather than radially at the articles. Where the articles are closely packed, each article acts to shield the next article when its side seam is parallel to the flow of hot air.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the covering of playing balls, in particular tennis balls, utilize two essentially dumbbell-shaped cover parts and apply the parts interlockingly at an angle of 90.degree., successively to the adhesive coated ball core by rolling over the laid out, dumbbell-shaped cover parts. The cover parts are stacked to form a magazine and are provided with a layer of an adhesive so that only their peripheral surfaces are coated. The adhesive coated ball cores are rolled successively, initially by means of a contact pressure device in the longitudinal direction over a first cover part magazine and subsequently by means of a second contact pressure device and second cover part magazine extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the first cover part magazine. The edge of the second cover part engages the bight of the cover part already in position at a decorative seam gap.

Abstract: A machine for placing and heat-shrinking oriented plastic tubular sleeve labels around containers is described. The machine has a turret with means for holding and rotating containers around the turret periphery including rope drive means. There is also provided sealing means for heating and pressing the heated seam of the sleeve, the means including a free floating self-aligning pressing bar.

Abstract: The invention concerns a labeling machine for bottles that are to have one or more labels applied to them in a position determined by a specific indication on the bottle. Before the first label is applied, the bottles, which are secured between a rotating plate and a rotating head, are probed for the indication and rotated by an electric motor. The rotation from the motor is introduced through one input of a differential gear. Rotations derived from an invariable labeling program are introduced through the other input. The bottles can accordingly be positioned in the desired orientation without being loosened between the rotating plate and rotating head and without using a frictional clutch or gearshift.

Abstract: A flexible printing plate is mounted on a print cylinder by first disposing the plate on a porous transparent panel and securing the plate in place by drawing a vacuum on the side of the porous panel opposite the plate. The panel is pivoted to a position where an operator may view the printing side of the plate and adjust the same according to indicia on the panel to insure proper alignment. Next the panel is rotated to a position where the exposed surface of the plate may be brought into contact with a properly aligned print cylinder. Adhesive on the cylinder will bond it to the plate in line contact and after the vacuum is released the free ends of the flexible plate will be drawn around the print cylinder.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying heat shrink labels or the like to articles such as containers having cylindrical body portions and an end portion or portions adjoining the body portion and sloping inwardly therefrom. The label has a length such that its leading end overlaps the trailing end and a seam is formed at the overlap. The label is secured to the article by adhesive between the leading end and the container and by adhesive between the overlapping leading end and trailing end. The label is of a width such that it projects beyond the junction or junctions of the end portion or portions with the body portion, resulting in free standing edge or edges which are then heat shrunk onto the container by heat from an external source. A tongue is interposed between the heat source and the seam at each free standing edges or edges. This tongue serves as a heat shield to moderate application of heat to the seam.