Translating Axis Of Rotation Patents (Class 156/448)
  • Patent number: 9499292
    Abstract: A method for operating a labelling machine includes, at a first inspection unit, detecting feature coordinates of a design feature of a container, transferring the feature coordinates to a second inspection unit that follows a labelling assembly, and at the second inspection unit, while synchronizing the feature coordinates of the design feature, inspecting the container for correct label seating by tracking the feature coordinates of the design feature along a conveying path from the first inspection unit to said second inspection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Jurgen Herrmann
  • Patent number: 9211966
    Abstract: An improved pressure label applicator provides increased speed, quality, and/or reliability in the labeling of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Gavin John Broad
  • Patent number: 8999100
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: SIDEL S.p.A. con Socio Unico
    Inventor: James Carmichael
  • Patent number: 8956495
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing “T” shaped stringers for an aircraft whereby the “T” shaped stringers have a stringer web and a stringer foot, the method comprising: a first step of hot-forming a carbon fiber laminate in order to achieve semi-stringers with an “L” shaped cross-section, a second step of placing together two hot-formed “L” shaped semi-stringers in order to form a “T” shaped stringer, a third step of co-bonding the resulting “T” shaped stringer on a cured skin with an adhesive line between them, and a fourth step of curing the obtained “T” shaped stringer inside a vacuum bag using invar alloy angles as curing tools. The invar alloy angles are cut at a radius area eliminating a part of the invar alloy angles covering the stringer foot in order to define an invar alloy piece having no foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.
    Inventors: Augusto Pérez Pastor, Julián Sánchez Fernández, Fernando Esquivias Garía
  • Patent number: 8911582
    Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate the application of a micro-contact printing stamp to a roll. The apparatus preferentially constrains some of the stamp's six degrees of freedom, and then drives the stamp (or the assembly of the stamp and the master against which it was formed) into controlled contact with the printing roll so as to attach the stamp onto the outer surface of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Karl K. Stensvad, Jonathan J. O'Hare
  • Patent number: 8887781
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum suction control mechanism apparatus capable of accurately bonding a film to a bonding object with a simple structure. A vacuum suction control mechanism apparatus according to the present invention includes a first member including a plurality of suction holes formed in a surface thereof, the plurality of suction holes being connectable to a decompression source, and a second member capable of contacting the plurality of suction holes, the second member being movable relative to the first member, wherein the second member includes connecting member connecting some of the suction holes, the number of which corresponds to a relative position between the first member and the second member, to the decompression source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: NLT Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Kodera
  • Patent number: 8741087
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which include providing a rotatable roller with a cylindrical surface adapted to wrap the donor element on the surface. A donor element is secured to the roller and a first portion of the donor element is wrapped onto the cylindrical surface while applying tension to the media. The tension is then decreased to alter a region of contact between the first portion of the donor element and the cylindrical surface. An additional portion of the donor element is then wrapped onto the cylindrical surface. The donor element is then transferred from the roller to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kodak Graphic Communications Canada Company
    Inventors: Jeremias Rarama, Yuri Zavorotny, Darcy T. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8663420
    Abstract: A rotation device includes an endless guide that defines a continuous circular path, a plurality of moving sections whose movement is guided by the endless guide, and a plurality of pads. Each pad is capable of carrying an article thereon, and each pad is mounted to a respective moving section. A method for producing a worn article using such a rotation device includes the following steps: (i) rotating a fixed pivot point about a first axis where a link connects the pivot point to the moving section; (ii) guiding a moving section along the path defined by the endless guide, where the endless guide has a second axis parallel to but offset from the first axis; (iii) receiving an article by the pad, where the rotating and guiding steps change a spacing interval between adjacent pads; and (iv) releasing the article from the pad after the spacing interval has changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Nakakado, Yuzo Ichiura, Satoshi Tanaka, Ikuo Tachibana
  • Patent number: 8590589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vacuum drum for handling labels in labelling machines to be used for labelling containers such as bottles. In particular, the present invention relates to a vacuum drum system (1) for labelling machines, comprising a vacuum drum (2) rotatably supported on a non-rotating base (12), a feeding and cutting group (4) for the labels and a gluing group (5) having a gluing drum for the label, characterized in that it comprises a suction system (3) for withdrawing hot glue filaments originating from the glued label assisted by air jets emitted from the drum surface, the said suction system (3) being positioned adjacent to and downstream the gluing drum of the said gluing group (5), along the direction of rotation of the said vacuum drum (2). A method of operating the said system is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sidel Holdings & Technology S.A.
    Inventors: James Frederick Robertson Carmichael, Marco Domeniconi
  • Patent number: 8458874
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for applying tags with attached elastic anchor bands onto the tops of objects such as bottles in a high speed packaging application. The apparatus includes an infeed assembly for feeding a web, a conveyor assembly that receives a web and conveys it along a path in an upstream direction, a rotating selector wheel, a placement assembly, a pair of rotating jaw assemblies, a vacuum cup of the selector wheel, and stretched elastic bands over the tops of respective bottles being conveyed along a path below the placing assembly. The elastic bands then snap onto the tops of their respective bottles to secure the tags to the bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8365792
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for conforming a label to the contour of a container. The apparatus includes a conveyor configured to move the container along a travel path, a heat source positioned along the conveyor and configured to heat at least a portion of the label to a sufficient temperature to achieve a sufficient degree of plasticity as the container moves along the travel path, and a mechanical pressure applicator positioned along the conveyor downstream from the heat source. The mechanical pressure applicator is configured to apply pressure to at least a portion of the heated label to conform it to the contour of the container as the container moves along the travel path. The method includes heating at least a portion of the label to a sufficient temperature to achieve a sufficient degree of plasticity, and applying mechanical pressure to at least a portion of the heated label to conform it to the contour of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Clinton L. Allen, William F. Meyers, Mary Crank
  • Patent number: 8322394
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and cutting tubular cores (1) for supporting rolls of wound material comprising a loading station (80), comprising a rolling cradle consisting of two parallel and horizontal rollers (10 and 11), a star-shaped driven supplier (4), having, for example, four continuous protrusions (2) that allow to load tubular cores of different lengths. The rollers (10 and 11) of the rolling cradle are arranged along a longitudinal direction (16). The apparatus comprises a pusher (5) that acts against a rear end of the core (1), once it has been loaded on the rolling cradle (10, 11), in order to bring a front end of a loaded core in a connecting station (60) where it is present the rear end of a core portion to connect, loaded previously. The pusher (5) comprises an approaching element (9) with vertical idle rollers (7 and 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ga. Vo. Meccanica S.N.C.
    Inventors: Antonio Tancredi, Stefano Benvenuti, Alessandro Niccolai
  • Patent number: 8216412
    Abstract: A gluing machine for gluing the final edge of a log successively comprising an introduction group of the logs one after the other into the machine, an unwinding group of the log associated with identification means of the final edge, an opening group of the final edge from the log, a glue transfer group onto the log and a rewinding group of the final edge onto the log, in which the unwinding group of the log comprises a pair of rollers arranged one on top of the other to make a passage for the log, the pair of rollers being selectively for the feeding and for the retention in rotation of the log, at least one inclined surface of free rolling of the log being provided downstream of the pair of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Gambini International S.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Gambini
  • Patent number: 8028496
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant, a labeling machine for use in a beverage bottling plant, and a glue application device for use with a labeling machine in a beverage bottling plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventors: Lutz Deckert, Klaus Krämer, Oliver Kress
  • Patent number: 7874337
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for laying a material sheet on a number of cylindrical bodies, for example sleeves of paperboard or the like, which are employed within, int.al. the papermaking industry for winding a manufactured paper web, sheet web or the like, a conveyor being disposed to advance the cylindrical bodies in the longitudinal direction thereof to, past and away from a unit for supplying a material web to the bodies, and the conveyor being divided into at least two sections, of which the one is disposed to displace the cylindrical bodies in their longitudinal direction up to connection with the end of the preceding body, and of which the second section is disposed to positively rotate the cylindrical bodies about their longitudinal axis and displace the cylindrical bodies in the direction of their longitudinal axis during application of the material web, with the desired spacing between the edges of the applied material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Core Link AB
    Inventor: Ove Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20100252182
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing an FC component with at least one distributing device for placing at least band-shaped material onto a surface of a tool mold or semi-finished product for manufacturing the FC component, wherein the device has at least one bogie truck that carries the distributing device and a guide way that runs around the surface at least partially in its circumferential direction, on which the bogie truck for traversing the distributing device can be moved relative to the surface, as well as a method for manufacturing a fiber composite component and a component fabricated according to such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Bernd Rettig
  • Patent number: 6832640
    Abstract: The device (1) for gripping and handling bottles (3) in a labelling machine comprises at least one body carrying a gripping member (2) of the neck of a bottle (3), control means (4) in rotation of said gripping member (2) and a centering member (5) of the bottle (3) with respect to said gripping member (2). In the method of bottle filling/pressurising a stem (9) of a gripping and handling device (1) for bottles (3), provided with a passage (14) for the filling/pressurising gas for bottles (3), associates with an opening of the bottle (3), after that a tubular member (7) containing the stem (9) translates with respect to the stem (9) and opens an on-off valve (15), thereby causing the filling/pressurising of the bottle (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: SIG Alfa S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Caprara, Emanuele Mazzotta
  • Publication number: 20030079839
    Abstract: Apparatus for making a golf club shaft with a bent angular tip using a straight and non-flexible main shaft body mandrel and a secondary tip mandrel disposed at an angle therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Francis A. Fenton, Peter J. Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 6450228
    Abstract: A film and a method of applying the film to a handrail of an escalator or moving walkway are provided. The film can be a single or double layered film. Printed matter, e.g. advertising, can be applied to or between the films. An apparatus and related method for applying the film are also included and rely on the motion of the handrail to unroll a supply of the film, with one or more rollers pressing the film onto the handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ronald H. Hall
    Inventors: John McLeod, Ronald L. Bugg
  • Patent number: 6200397
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus to apply a corrosion protection in the form of a zinc (or other sacrificial anodic material) tape to a tubular member such as pipe or coiled tubing to used as an underground or underwater pipeline or flow line is disclosed. The zinc tape is applied with sufficient heat and pressure to form a metallurgical bond between the zinc tape and underlying metal pipe. This allows the zinc tape to act simultaneously as a continuous protective metal barrier to the normal scrapes and nicks the pipe experiences during installation and as a sacrificial anode. The novel apparatus preheats the zinc tape with a nozzle containing heated gas such as nitrogen as it approaches the pipe surface. At the point of contact with the pipe surface, the nozzle continues heating the tape and pipe surface while a plurality of pressure rollers exert sufficient force on the zinc tape to form a metallurgical bond between the zinc tape and the pipe surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: John R. Allen
  • Patent number: 5992488
    Abstract: A flanging-trimming machine for differently shaped panels having peripheral edges. The machine covers the edges with an irremovable covering strip applied using an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Bortolini Engineering
    Inventor: Francesco Bortolini
  • Patent number: 5964974
    Abstract: A labeling machine applies an adhesive to labels for attachment to containers and has a glue bar which engages a glue roller. A label drum receives and delivers labels into engagement with containers for wrap around labeling of the containers. An adhesive is delivered to the glue bar. The adhesive is a hot melt adhesive which can maintain its label bond while withstanding high heat such as from a pasteurization process. The hot melt adhesive has a viscosity which tends to increase if the adhesive is not kept in constant motion or is allowed to set. The shear of the adhesive is increased during adhesive transfer to ensure low viscosity transfer of the adhesive from the glue roller to a label positioned on the label drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Trine Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gaylen Roy Hinton
  • Patent number: 5916403
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements of uniform thickness on flexible sleeves. The apparatus for forming a seamless cylindrical photosensitive element of uniform thickness on a flexible sleeve, comprises a mandrel, a mandrel support assembly, a calendering assembly, a drive system and at least a heating element. The methods comprise forming seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements of uniform thickness on flexible sleeves from a stream of molten photopolymerizable material, or a solid or molten sheet of photopolymerizable material. The seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements are formed on polyester sleeves for use on a printing cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Stephen Cushner, Roxy Ni Fan, Edward Andrew Calisto, Daniel Francis Sheehan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5858168
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling containers allows labeling of containers by wrap around labeling without applying an adhesive on the leading edge of the label. Labels are held on a label drum and moved into a label applying position while containers are fed into the label applying position. Air is blown from a first position on the label drum onto the leading edge of the label at an angle to the label drum surface and in a direction backward along the label from the leading edge to force the leading edge of the label against the container, while also minimizing the laminar flow of air under the label. After the leading edge of the label has engaged the container, air is blown from a second position on the label drum spaced from the first position onto the label and container at an angle to the label drum surface to maintain a laminar flow of air over the label and maintain the label tight against the container during container rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Trine Labeling Systems
    Inventor: Gaylen Roy Hinton
  • Patent number: 5855710
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling containers allows labeling of containers by wrap around labeling without applying an adhesive on the leading edge of the label. Labels are held on a label drum and moved into a label applying position while containers are fed into the label applying position. Air is blown from the label drum onto the leading edge of the label at an angle to the label drum surface and in a direction backward along the label from the leading edge to force the leading edge of the label against the container. The leading edge is maintained on the container by wet adhesion or by air which is blown onto the label and container from the side opposite the label drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Trine Labeling Systems
    Inventor: Gaylen Roy Hinton
  • Patent number: 5798019
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements of uniform thickness on flexible sleeves. The apparatus for forming a seamless cylindrical photosensitive element of uniform thickness on a flexible sleeve, comprises a mandrel, a mandrel support assembly, a calendering assembly, a drive system and at least a heating element. The methods comprise forming seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements of uniform thickness on flexible sleeves from a stream of molten photopolymerizable material, or a solid or molten sheet of photopolymerizable material. The seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements are formed on polyester sleeves for use on a printing cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Stephen Cushner, Roxy Ni Fan, Edward Andrew Calisto, Daniel Francis Sheehan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5779835
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for applying a label onto a substantially cylindrical article by using a bottom feed conveyor unit formed of two chain loops each formed from a plurality of interconnected chain links. Substantially parallel support rods extend between the chain loops and are supported by the chain links. The support rods are spaced a distance sufficient to allow an article to rest thereon. The label drum defines an article wrapping position at a lower portion of the label drum. A thin layer, heat activated adhesive backed label is fed onto the surface of the drum so that the adhesive back faces outward from the drum. The label drum is rotated to move the label retained thereon into the article wrapping position. As the label is moved, the adhesive is heated so that the adhesive obtains a sufficient temperature to melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Michael Rello, Michael Yager, Ramon Antonio Martinez
  • Patent number: 5755907
    Abstract: Tubular wrappings, formed from a sheet with superimposed longitudinal lateral portions and made of partly metal and partly heat-sealable material, are sealed longitudinally by successively feeding the wrappings, by means of a conveyor, in a first given direction and along a given path through a sealing station; by varying the traveling speed of the wrappings in relation to the conveyor so as to successively impart to the wrappings a pause at the sealing station; and by induction heating, for an adjustable length of time during the relative pause, the metal part of the sheet of each wrapping along the relative superimposed longitudinal lateral portions, to melt the heat-sealable part of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Spatafora, Andrea Berti
  • Patent number: 5735996
    Abstract: A system for applying labels, disposed on a web, to articles, comprising web transfer means for moving the web along a web path, said web path having a label transfer portion, a transfer platen, having a transfer surface, said surface being adjacent the label transfer portion, a plurality of label transfer elements, mounted to the platen and adapted to contact the web and to cause a label to transfer from the web to an article, and a plurality of article presentation means, a plurality of which are adapted to present an article to a the web and a transfer element. A system for applying decorative labels to articles, the system including unwind reel, a wind reel, a web, a web path which transfers the web from the unwind reel to the wind reel, a transfer point on the web path at which a label is transferred from the web to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Syed A. Asghar, Joseph F. Callinan, Paul D. Christo
  • Patent number: 5716489
    Abstract: A device for gluing the tail end of a reel of wound web material, comprises: conveying means for moving the reel, unwinding means for unwinding the tail end of the web material, a dispenser of glue for applying the glue to the reel, and means for rewinding the tail end after the glue has been applied. Said dispenser includes an upwardly oriented aperture from which the glue is dispensed and includes a container for the glue with said upwardly oriented aperture and a moving member positioned inside said container which is immersed in the glue contained in the container and moved towards said upwardly oriented aperture in order to dispense the glue to the reel as it rolls over said aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guglielmo Biagiotti
  • Patent number: 5679209
    Abstract: A roll-fed labelling machine that can be quickly changed to process containers and labels of different sizes does not require changed cutters to match different label sizes by engaging at least 50% of each label on the vacuum drum before it is cut from the web. Infeed guides and roll-on-pad assemblies, specific to individual container sizes can be installed swiftly by means of fixed alignment pins. The starwheel, having a diameter that is only five times the diameter of the mid-size container that the labelling machine is designed to process reduces abrasion and vibration. Starwheels that are aligned and with preset timing adjustment integral with the starwheel members for each container size are changed quickly to synchronize starwheel timing with that of the labelling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylen R. Hinton, Stanley B. Black
  • Patent number: 5573615
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the tail of a convolutely wound log which includes the steps of providing a turret rotatably mounted in a frame and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart three-roll clusters, feeding a log into a first cluster while positioning an immediately previously fed log with a draped tail in another cluster adjacent glue apparatus and while ejecting an even earlier fed log now rewound from still another cluster, and providing a log infeed mechanism adjacent the turret and including a pair of relatively movable rollers, feeding logs sequentially into the pair of said rollers, rotating the infeed rollers to orient the log tail in a predetermined position, by providing a mark on said log prior to the feeding step, and detecting said mark to orient the tail in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Vigneau, Gerald W. Buxton, Richard C. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 5565055
    Abstract: Method and system for decorating a round, oval or irregularly-shaped, open-ended article with a heat-transfer, wrap-around label supported on a carrier web. The system comprises a turret for positioning the open-ended article at a transfer location. The turret comprises a continuously rotating mandrel and a motor, the motor being coupled to the mandrel for continuously driving the rotation of the mandrel. The rotating mandrel is appropriately sized and shaped to be inserted into the open-ended article through the open end thereof and to follow the circumferential contour of the interior surface of the open-ended article when the open-ended article engages and rolls about the rotating mandrel. The system also includes a feed mechanism for positioning the label on the carrier web at the transfer location, the surface speed of the web matching that of the rotating mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Paul C. Croci
  • Patent number: 5538575
    Abstract: A labeling machine applies an adhesive to labels for attachment to containers and has a glue bar which engages a glue roller. A label drum receives and delivers labels into engagement with containers for wrap around labeling of the containers. An adhesive is delivered to the glue bar. The adhesive is a hot melt adhesive which can maintain its label bond while withstanding high heat such as from a pasteurization process. The hot melt adhesive has a viscosity which tends to increase if the adhesive is not kept in constant motion or is allowed to set. The shear of the adhesive is increased during adhesive transfer to ensure low viscosity transfer of the adhesive from the glue roller to a label positioned on the label drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems
    Inventor: Gaylen R. Hinton
  • Patent number: 5522960
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a label onto a substantially cylindrical article is disclosed. A thin layer, heat activated adhesive hacked label is fed onto the surface of a rotating label transport drum so that the adhesive back faces outward from the drum. The adhesive is heated as the drum rotates so that the adhesive obtains a sufficient temperature to melt. Articles are conveyed into tangential spinning engagement with the drum and into rotative engagement with the leading edge of the label as the label moves into the article wrapping position so that the label wraps about the article and adheres thereto. The articles can include crayons which are somewhat tapered along their length. The articles are conveyed at a skewed angle so that the label wraps about the tapered crayon with end-to-end label alignment thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems
    Inventors: Robert M. Rello, Michael Yager, Ramon A. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5512120
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a heat shrinkable film to a container having a right-circular, cylindrical sidewall section and at least one inwardly directed end section. A film segment is transported by a rotary vacuum drum past an adhesive station, where adhesive is applied to leading and trailing ends of the film. Then, the film is wrapped completely around the container by the co-operative action of a vacuum drum and an arcuate roll-on pad, leaving a free-standing portion of the label extending past the sidewall section. In the overlapping ends of the film, a first seam is formed by compressive forces between the vacuum drum and the container sidewall. A second seam is simultaneously formed by the compressive force of an active label deflector on the vacuum drum, adapted to press the free-standing portion of the label ends against the end section of the container. Heat is then applied to the label, shrinking the free-standing portion upon the container's end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Trine Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylen R. Hinton, Stanley B. Black
  • Patent number: 5480502
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a label onto a substantially cylindrical article is disclosed. A thin layer, heat activated adhesive backed label is fed onto the surface of a rotating label transport drum so that the adhesive back faces outward from the drum. The adhesive is heated as the drum rotates so that the adhesive obtains a sufficient temperature to melt. Articles are conveyed into tangential spinning engagement with the drum and into rotate engagement with the leading edge of the label as the label moves into the article wrapping position so that the label wraps about the article and adheres thereto. The articles can include crayons which are somewhat tapered along their length. The articles are conveyed at a skewed angle so that the label wraps about the tapered crayon with end-to-end label alignment thereof. The crayon is conveyed onto the drum surface so that the wider "butt" end of the crayon engages the leading edge of the label before the more narrow and of the crayon engages the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Rello, Michael Yager, Ramon A. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5458728
    Abstract: An apparatus applies labels onto small cylindrical articles and includes a label transport drum that defines a central axis. Labels are supplied onto the surface of the drum and returned thereto. The drum rotates about its axis so that the label moves with the drum into an article wrapping position. Small cylindrical articles are tangentially delivered onto the drum surface and into rotative engagement with the label as the label moves into the article wrapping position for wrap around labelling so that the trailing edge of the label overlaps its leading edge forming a bond. The rotation of the article is retarded after wrapping for a period of time while the drum continues its rotation so that the article rests on the overlapping seam and applies pressure while allowing sufficient time for any solvent or adhesive applied thereon to react with the label material. Magnetic attractive forces can be applied onto a magnetically attractive article to enhance pressure applied on the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: John Galchefski
  • Patent number: 5290388
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Georg Zepf
  • Patent number: 5269864
    Abstract: Machine and method for labeling cylindrical containers wherein a rotary vacuum drum transports the labels from a pick up station to a release station, containers are moved, in sequence, to said release station and into tangent contact with the leading end of a label on the vacuum drum, each container is held in contact with the label While the vacuum drum continues to rotate and meanwhile spinning the container oppositely to the rotation of the vacuum drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: B & H Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Svatoboj Otruba
  • Patent number: 5160570
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Dickey
  • Patent number: 5087317
    Abstract: This invention relates to a labelling machine, in particular, a labelling machine for the labelling of objects of different diameters having cylindrical labelling surfaces, such as bottles, which can be moved on rotatable plates of a turntable past a labelling station or a marking station. Each rotatable plate is rotationally controlled by means of a translation transmission by a pivoting control lever arm guided in a stationary cam, whereby the cam has a removable cam segment. A characteristic of the invention is that the cam and the cam segment lie on top of one another at the two interfaces by means of corresponding bevelled surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: ETI-TEC Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Rogall
  • Patent number: 5078826
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: ETI-TEC Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Rogall
  • Patent number: 5045140
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Dickey
  • Patent number: 4923557
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Trine Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Dickey
  • Patent number: 4872931
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: B & H Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Monte C. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4832783
    Abstract: Application of heat transfer labels to articles. A roller having a smooth elastomeric coating turns against a moving web. The web carries heated labels which are transferred to the roller. The roller, with a transferred label thereon, turns against a moving article, and transfers the label to same. The elastomeric coating conforms to the article surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Dennison Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jack A. Nechay, Fritz E. Bauer, Bernard R. Danti, Mark Lukkarinen
  • Patent number: 4830701
    Abstract: A labeling system includes a conveyor for moving articles to be labeled in a first direction through a labeling station while allowing the article to be rotated, and a label transport for conveying labels in a generally opposite second direction from a label dispensing station to the labeling station. Label dispensing components are provided for dispensing a label onto the label transport whereby the label transport can convey the label to the labeling station where the label contacts the article so that the label is transferred to the article. The conveyor may employ a nest for rotatably supporting the article that includes at least first and second rollers for supporting the article therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Label-Aire Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Crankshaw, Leo Kucheck
  • Patent number: 4781785
    Abstract: In the application of a solvent to a plastic label carried on the surface of a vacuum drum, the solvent for the plastic label is transferred from a gravure roll to the label at finite areas on the label so that the label can adhere to the bottle to be labeled and to itself to form a complete sleeve label. The gravure roll is supplied from a fountain block with a part cylindrical face that engages the gravure roll in face to face contact. The fountain block is retained in a holder with spaced adjustment devices for adjusting the position of the fountain block in the holder.The fountain block holder is pivotally attached to each of a pair of spaced apart plates about a first axis and the pair of spaced apart plates are pivotally attached to a second pair of spaced apart plates about a second axis which is spaced from and extends parallel to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Szeremeta
  • Patent number: 4761200
    Abstract: In the application of a solvent to a plastic label carried on the surface of a vacuum drum, the solvent for the plastic label is transferred from a gravure roll to the label at finite areas on the label so that the label can adhere to the bottle to be labeled and to itself to form a complete sleeve label. The gravure roll is supplied from a fountain block with a part cylindrical face that engages the gravure roll in face to face contact. The fountain block is retained in a holder with spaced adjustment devices for adjusting the position of the fountain block in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Szeremeta