Abstract: A label affixer shoe, having an application blade with an edge, a first surface, and second surface, and a pivot. The shoe pivots between first and second orientations. The first surface, edge, said second surface separate a label from a liner when the label and liner are moved from the first surface of the shoe past the edge toward the second surface. The shoe may be incorporated into an affixer carriage, also including a pivot actuator. The shoe may be incorporated into an affixer module, with a translation actuator, a card feed mechanism, and a label feed mechanism. When the blade is in the first orientation, the shoe does not obstruct the feeding of the card to or from the label receiving position. The translation of the shoe from the first position to the second position while the blade is in the second orientation applies the label to the card.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape feeder for chip mounters. The tape feeder is constructed so that front and rear locators are restrained by a restraint slot of a cam slider moving horizontally, and bearings of the front and rear locators alternatively execute vertical and horizontal movements while sliding along the restraint slot by a reciprocating motion of a cam slider, thus repeatedly moving a carrier tape backward while locking the carrier tape and moving the carrier tape forward while releasing the carrier tape, therefore allowing the carrier tape to be fed precisely. The tape feeder allows the carrier tape to be fed precisely, and prevents chips from being turned over and removed from the carrier tape when a vinyl cover is discharged, thus minimizing a malfunction of the chip mounter during an operation of the chips and thereby maximizing operational reliability. Further, the tape feeder allows the number of elements to be reduced, in addition to achieving a slim construction.

Abstract: A method for attaching an adhesive tape includes the steps of, disposing the adhesive tape having an adhesive surface on a support body with the adhesive surface down, rolling an attaching roller having adhesive strength on the other not-adhesive surface of the adhesive tape so that the adhesive tape is transferred onto the attaching roller and is come into tight contact therewith, and rolling the attaching roller on a surface of a member to be attached which is located in a predetermined position so that the adhesive tape adhered to the attaching roller is attached onto the surface of the member. Respective adhesive strengths A, B and C are set to have a relation of A<B<C, where A designates adhesive strength between the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape and the support body, B designates adhesive strength between the not-adhesive surface of the adhesive tape and the attaching roller, and C designates adhesive strength between the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape and the member to be attached.

Abstract: A tamp pad for a label applicator permits use of a single, reconfigurable pad for use with labels of different sizes. Such a pad is used in a label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and carrying the labels to and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator. The tamp pad includes a first surface configured to receive a label and secure the label thereto by a vacuum. The first surface has a plurality of vacuum openings arranged in at least two series of openings. Each of the openings in a series is aligned with one another and the openings of each series are spaced from the openings of each other series. A second surface has a vacuum channel and at least two depending sub-channels formed therein. The vacuum and sub-channels are configured for receipt of a blocking element to prevent communication of the vacuum through a selected one of the series of openings.

Abstract: A label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator, includes a tamp pad for receiving the label at a first position and contacting the label to the object to apply the label to the object when the tamp pad is at a second position. The tamp pad operably connected to a tamp pad cylinder having a compressed gas inlet for extending the cylinder and a compressed gas inlet for retracting the cylinder. A pressure transducer is in communication with the compressed gas inlet for extending the cylinder and measures pressure in the cylinder. A controller controls movement of the cylinder between a retracted position for receiving the label and an extended position for applying the label to the object. The controller receives input signals from the pressure transducer for returning the tamp pad from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A label affixer shoe, having an application blade with an edge, a first surface, and a second surface, and a pivot connected to said blade. The pivot is arranged such that at the shoe is pivotable between a first orientation and a second orientation. The first surface, edge, said second surface are configured to separate a label from a liner at the shoe edge when the label and liner are moved from the first surface of the shoe past the edge toward the second surface. The shoe may be incorporated into an affixer carriage, also including a pivot actuator for pivoting the shoe. The shoe may be incorporated into an affixer module, also including a translation actuator for translating the shoe between first and second positions, a card feed mechanism for delivering a card to a label receiving position near the shoe, a label feed mechanism for delivering a label to a applying position near the shoe. The shoe, label receiving position, and applying position are arranged as follows.

Abstract: In an advertising management method and system using eggs as advertising media to communicate at least one information/message from an advertiser to a number of consumers, the at least one information/message to be communicated is obtained from the advertiser. Also obtained from the advertiser are parameters related to at least one targeted destination toward which eggs conveying the at least one information/message have to be directed, a ratio of the number of information/message conveying eggs with respect to the total number of eggs directed toward the at least one targeted destination, a total number of information/message conveying eggs, and a time frame during which the information/message conveying eggs have to be distributed. The information/message is applied during the time frame to shells of the eggs directed toward the targeted destination in accordance with the above-mentioned ratio until the total number of information/message conveying eggs has been reached.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing double labels (1). Two large labels (7, 9) of different size, each of the labels being detachably applied to respective carriers (11, 13) by their adhesive surfaces (35, 37), are respectively detached from their carriers (11, 13), and are adhered together by their facing adhesive surfaces (35, 37). The two labels (7, 9) are dimensioned in such a way that, for the double label, a free end (5) of the adhesive surface of one label (2) protrudes beyond the other label (3). A device for producing such double labels (1) comprises a dispenser (25) for detaching the labels (7, 9) from their carriers (11, 13) and for assembling the labels and adhering them together. The dispenser (25) has parallel dispensing edges (27, 29). The double label (1) has a fixed element, which can be written or printed on, and a free, flexible element (5) for fixing the double label (1) to an object to be labeled or to another carrier strip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping adhesive backed labels around elongate articles, such as electrical wires including a rotatable puck assembly having an interrupted circumferential surface defining an opening for receiving an elongate object to be labeled and wing members for applying the label during rotation.

Abstract: A label applicator is of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator. The applicator includes a frame, a supply roll operably mounted to the frame for supplying the carrier strip having the labels thereon and a separator for removing the labels from the carrier strip. The applicator includes a rewind roll operably mounted to the frame for rewinding the carrier strip after the labels have been removed therefrom. The supply and rewind rolls are configured to move the carrier strip through the applicator. A rewind assembly has a motor, a pivoting arm and a sensing assembly cooperating with the pivoting arm. The sensing assembly is adapted to sense the presence or absence of a sensed element mounted on the pivoting arm as the arm moves from a first home position to a position other than the home position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying labels to products of various sizes employs a printer and applicator head using air as a propellant. Control circuitry responsive to sensors located on the apparatus position the labels on the applicator head and trigger the ejection of a label onto a target surface. Labels to be printed are continuously supplied to the printer and applicator head from a label supply strip wound on a label feed reel mounted on the apparatus. The portion of the label liner extending between the feed reel and take-up reel is provided with a detector which can detect a lag in liner tension and activate the take-up reel to restore tension each time a lag condition is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for printing data onto one or two surfaces of labels and applying labels to various items. It includes a mounting means for rotatably mounting a roll of label stock, and a transfer means for positioning the inner surface of a label adjacent to at least one print means from the roll and to a separation edge where the label is separated from a next label. The apparatus also includes an applicator for accepting the label from the separation edge and applying the label to an item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing adhesive backed components from a carrier tape and applying them onto a substrate which utilizes a retracting blade having a top surface for positioning the adhesive backed components. Extension of the retracting blade and advancement of the carrier occur simultaneously and independently from one another thereby enabling a significant reduction in cycle times.

Abstract: A component assembly system is provided that includes a longitudinally elongated tape carrier, a longitudinally elongated submount carrier, and an assembly machine. A plurality of components may be attached to the tape carrier. The assembly machine is adapted to receiving the tape carrier, with the components attached thereto, and to receive the submount carrier. The assembly machine is further adapted to bring the tape carrier in close proximity to the submount carrier, and to attach the components to the submounts on the submount carrier.

Abstract: A labeling system employs a multi-processing computer control system for a servo motor which drives a label-carrying web. The system is responsive to the physical position of the labels and the physical position of containers or similar objects to which the labels are applied. The label application motion controller identifies the machine position and performs the mathematical calculations needed to create a piecewise continuous function motion profile required to achieve label contact at a predefined contact point on the surface of each container. Multiple functions may be used to construct a motion profile which smoothly accelerates the label at a calculated acceleration needed to cause a label to arrive at the defined contact position on a container and to decelerates the carrier web after application. Correction for measured label registration error is provided for.

Abstract: A method and device for applying a graphic from a carrier sheet to a receiving substrate. A press roll, mateingly aligned to a support surface, is made to traverse the support surface in a reciprocating manner while applying controlled pressure. A flexible web is attached and held stationary at one end of the support surface, wrapped around the press roll, and fixed to a tensioning device that allows movement of the web under tension. The web is adhesively coated on the side opposite the press roll. When pulled across the work surface by the press roll, the adhesive face of the web comes in contact with the graphic and is removed from the carrier sheet. The web is reversed and the graphic is peeled away from the work surface and the carrier sheet by the tensioning device. The carrier sheet is removed, replaced by the receiving substrate, and the cycle is repeated applying the graphic to the receiving substrate.

Abstract: A labelling machine for applying labels to containers has a base, and a label assembly holder carried by the base for holding a labelling assembly which has an elongated flexible carrier strip to which labels are sequentially releasably adhered. A support is carried by the base at a labelling station, and a label assembly feeder carried by the base feeds the label assembly to a location adjacent the labelling station such that the carrier strip reaches the location with the labels on a lower face thereof. The label assembly feeder has a strip reverser which causes the carrier strip to turn through a substantial angle away from the labels at the location to cause a label at the location to become detached from the carrier strip in an upside down configuration, and a label feeder feeds a detached label in the upside down configuration to an upper surface of the support.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for the application of adhesive substances to objects, such as solder balls, for the purpose of mounting them onto substrates. The apparatus comprises an applicator having a layer of the adhesive substance and a pick carrier to carry objects and move the objects from a supply source to a substrate for mounting the objects thereon. The applicator is located so that the applicator applies the adhesive substance to the objects while the objects carried on the pick carrier are moving between the supply source and the substrate.

Abstract: A labeling machine has a rotatably mounted drive wheel with alternating knurled and recessed sections formed on its circumference. The drive wheel rotates at a predetermined number of revolutions per minute, and the respective lengths of the knurled and recessed sections are pre-selected to provide a timing function that synchronizes operation of various parts of the machine. A label-carrying backing is driven along a path of travel between a supply drum and a take-up drum when a knurled section is in meshing agreement with a rotatably mounted pressure wheel. The backing is held against travel by a detent member when a recessed section is in juxtaposition with the pressure wheel, and a rotatably mounted cam operates an air valve that causes the detent member to momentarily release the backing just before a knurled section engages the pressure wheel.

Abstract: A device for applying labels includes a roller that carries a tape that includes plural labels that run along a guide-wedge that produces a change in direction that produces the detachment of the labels. A head is connected to a suction circuit and to a blower device, whose operation are governed by a pneumatic distributor, so that when the label is detached from the tape, suction is produced so that the label is retained at the head. The label then is blown to project it energetically over the surface of a product on which it is adhered by the action of the impulsion. The head has a homogeneously multiperforated surface that facilitates the homogenous impulsion of the label.

Abstract: A tamp pad for a label applicator permits use of a single, reconfigurable pad for use with labels of different sizes. Such a pad is used in a label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and carrying the labels to and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator. The tamp pad includes a first surface configured to receive a label and secure the label thereto by a vacuum. The first surface has a plurality of vacuum openings arranged in at least two series of openings. Each of the openings in a series is aligned with one another and the openings of each series are spaced from the openings of each other series. A second surface has a vacuum channel and at least two depending sub-channels formed therein. The vacuum and sub-channels are configured for receipt of a blocking element to prevent communication of the vacuum through a selected one of the series of openings.

Abstract: A label applicator is of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator. The applicator includes a frame, a supply roll operably mounted to the frame for supplying the carrier strip having the labels thereon and a separator for removing the labels from the carrier strip. The applicator includes a rewind roll operably mounted to the frame for rewinding the carrier strip after the labels have been removed therefrom. The supply and rewind rolls are configured to move the carrier strip through the applicator. A rewind assembly has a motor, a pivoting arm and a sensing assembly cooperating with the pivoting arm. The sensing assembly is adapted to sense the presence or absence of a sensed element mounted on the pivoting arm as the arm moves from a first home position to a position other than the home position.

Abstract: Hot melt thermoplastic adhesive is predeposited on a carrier strip having front and back release surfaces. The carrier strip is rolled into a coil compressing the thermoplastic hot melt into disks which may later be removed for use. The disks are spaced so that the carrier strip may be deformed to expose a single disk to a planar surface permitting simplified dispensing of the disks.

Abstract: A stand and powered actuator for supporting and operating an adhesive segment applicator apparatus for use with carrier release tape having pressure-sensitive adhesive segments attached thereto is disclosed which has a mechanism which interacts with an indexing instrumentality on the carrier release tape to facilitate the dispensing of individual adhesive segments. The indexing mechanism consists of a plurality of patterned scores, cuts, or indentations located in the surface of the carrier release tape, thereby allowing for a power actuated advancement mechanism in the adhesive segment applicator apparatus to engage and advance the carrier release tape.

Abstract: The invention herein providing a sticker machine with pressure applying structure comprises of an arresting gear, a driven gear and the sticker body, wherein the arresting gear further consists of a press-down portion, a resilient spring and a pressed portion; a receiving chamber is mounted at the center of the press-down portion for receiving the resilient spring; the pressed portion is disposed at the bottom side of the press-down portion with the center available for inserting in the projecting rod of the receiving chamber; the driven gear moves along with the depressed movement of the arresting gear; the sticker body comprises of oilpaper and adhesive patterns positioned on the lower surface of oilpaper with adhesive layer coated on the bottom side; when the press-down portion of the arresting gear is depressed downwards, it presses the pressed portion downwards and synchronously links the movement of the driven gear on the side; the adhesive patterns of the sticker body move to the bottom side of the pre

Abstract: A printing labeler having a label restraining and guiding system with a deflection member for turning back only the backing sheet of a continuous label strip composed of a backing sheet having a label peel-off layer and a plurality of labels provisionally attached to the backing sheet to thereby peel the labels from the backing sheet, a platen that supports lateral end portions of the deflection member, a pair of left and right side plates that support the platen and a label guide piece that faces the platen and guides the continuous label strip toward the deflection member and the label guide piece integrally has a pair of left and right engagement flange portions engageable with a pair of left and right engagement grooves formed in the pair of left and right side plates, a stop portion that connects upstream ends of the engagement flange portions and a deflection guide portion that connects downstream ends of the engagement flange portions and that a surface of the platen faces a vacant space enclosed by th

Abstract: A handheld adhesive segment applicator apparatus for use in combination with carrier release tape having pressure-sensitive adhesive segments attached thereto is disclosed which has a mechanism interacting an indexing instrumentality on the carrier release tape to facilitate the dispensing of individual adhesive segments. The indexing mechanism consists of a plurality of patterned scores, cuts, or indentations located in the surface of the carrier release tape, thereby allowing for an advancement mechanism in the handheld adhesive segment applicator apparatus to engage the carrier release tape. The indexed adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape may thereby be dispensed by the handheld mechanical adhesive segment applicator apparatus.

Abstract: A device for labeling foodstuffs packages comprises a feed unit for transport of the package in a horizontal direction, a weighing unit arranged in the conveyance path for weighing the package, a printing device for printing a label detchably affixed to a carrier strip, and an application unit for applying the printed label to the underside of the package. The application unit comprises a roller which, during application of the label to the package, is driven so as to be synchronous with the package. The printed label is removed from the carrier strip and carried by a part of the outer circumference of the roller and fed to the underside of the package. The point of labeling the package coincides with the zenith of the roller and the zenith of the outer circumference of the roller arranged on a horizontal projection in the conveyance direction of the package.

Abstract: A labeling machine includes a container conveying unit adapted to convey a container from a feed-in end to a take-out end. A container sensor is disposed adjacent to the conveying unit, and generates first and second signals upon detection of leading and trailing edges of the container, respectively. An encoder unit is associated with the conveying unit, and is operable so as to generate distance information to indicate distance advanced by the container. A label applying unit includes a label applicator plate disposed adjacent to the conveying unit. A controller activates the encoder unit upon receipt of the first signal from the container sensor, and determines the diameter of the container by inspecting the distance information from the encoder unit upon receipt of the second signal from the container sensor. The controller activates the label applying unit so as to be adapted to attach a label to the container when the label applicator plate is aligned with a central plane of the container.

Abstract: A positionally based label application system includes a plurality of sensors which detect the pitch between the products to be labeled as well as the location of those products. A supply web bearing labels is caused to pass over a peel tip which feeds the labels into a nip point. This allows the labels to be precisely matched with products traveling at a very high rate of speed. The positional system determines a desired ratio of movement between the supply web and the product being conveyed, this ratio being based upon the detected pitch. In this manner, the supply web is allowed to move continuously, but at a slower speed than the products being conveyed, but still precisely matches labels to products.

Abstract: A labeling machine includes a label applying unit disposed adjacent to a conveying unit, and a controller coupled electrically to a bar code sensor, a label sensor and a container sensor. The controller compares bar code data of a label from the bar sensor with predetermined bar code data, and generates an inhibit signal when a mismatch occurs. The controller determines length of the label in accordance with first and second signals from the label sensor and distance information from an encoder unit, compares the determined length with predetermined label length data, and generates the inhibit signal when a mismatch occurs. The controller determines container dimension of a container being conveyed by the conveying unit in accordance with container feature information from the container sensor and distance information from another encoder unit, compares the determined container dimension with predetermined container dimension, and generates the inhibit signal when a mismatch occurs.

Abstract: A product stacking apparatus and method employs one or more stations, each including a stationary stacking platform or a conveyor upon which spaced-apart pucks are coupled for travel thereon. A product delivery apparatus drives one or more movable webs to which segmented product sheets are removably affixed. The product delivery apparatus includes one or more rotatable lamination interfaces associated with each of the stations for transferring product sheets from the webs to the pucks on a repetitive basis to produce a stack of product sheets on the respective pucks. Each of the segmented product sheets may define all or a portion of an electrochemical cell, all or a portion of a pad including layers of film or sheet material, wherein a portion of each of the layers is provided with a bonding feature, or all or a portion of a pack comprising layers of medical dressing. A puck need not be in motion during the transfer of the product sheet from the lamination roll to the puck.

Abstract: A peel assembly is provided for separating a label from a releasable backing. The peel assembly includes a housing, structure for driving the backing and labels through the housing, a peel bar for bending the backing therearound, a plurality of deflector rollers proximate to the peel bar for deflecting the backing away from the label and towards the peel bar, and a plurality of supporting rollers proximate to the deflector rollers for supporting the label as it exits the peel assembly. After the backing, which has the labels thereon, passes over the peel bar, the backing is passed between the peel bar and the deflector rollers and the label passes over the deflector rollers and then over the supporting rollers.

Abstract: A carrier for semiconductor components, and a method and system for handling semiconductor components using the carrier, are provided. The carrier includes a frame having component mounting sites that include adhesive members for retaining the components on the carrier. The adhesive members can include one or more pieces of polymer tape having low tack adhesive surfaces for retaining the components, and high tack adhesive surfaces for bonding to the carrier. The low tack adhesive surfaces are formulated to provide adhesive forces sufficient to retain the components on the component mounting sites, but low enough to allow a conventional pick and place vacuum tool to remove the components from the carrier. The adhesive forces on the components are determined by a contact area between the components and low tack adhesive surfaces, and by adhesive qualities of the low tack adhesive surfaces.

Abstract: A method of handling a lamina object including feeding the lamina object on to surface of a handling member, the surface of the handling member including a plurality of first openings connectable to a vacuum source sufficient to attract the object to the member, and a plurality of second openings connectable to a source of pressurized gas, the method including applying suction to the first and simultaneously applying pressurized gas to the second openings, the suction and pressurized gas being controlled to lift the object out of direct contact with the surface of the handling member whilst retaining the object close to the surface, and applying a directed jet of pressurized gas to move the object relative to the handling member across the surface of the handling member.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for decorating cylindrical and non-cylindrical containers by a continuous process. The containers (1) are decollated and rotated on a transport path (5) as well as stopped and secured using a marking (30) on the container (1). The containers (1) are set in rotation at the transfer location (11) and brought into contact with a pressure head (6, 6′). A contact line is formed between the carrier conveyor (10) for the decors and the rotating container (1) which moves with the container (1) over a predetermined path. The apparatus provides a novel positioning device (13) for the containers (1) and to two embodiments of a pressure head (6, 6′).

Abstract: A finger nail decal attaching device includes a base member having a recess for receiving finger therein. A strip driven by two mandrels is movably located above the base member and a plurality of decals are connected to the strip. A heating member is located beside the strip and softens the decals. A pressing member has a rod and a soft pad which is connected to a first end of the rod and located above the strip. The rod is moved toward the strip by pivoting a lever connected to the rod.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically and with precision applying each of a series of individual self-adhesive labels from a continuous liner transporting labels at a first linear speed, each label being applied to one of a series of individual cartons moving at intervals at a second linear speed different from the first linear speed and wherein each label is applied at a selectable and reproducible preset distance from the leading edge of each carton. Each label is advanced to a parked position on a fan box, being partially dispensed thereon and further advanced by the liner to a pinch point for wiping the label onto a passing carton, this second advancing being timed for “just-in-time” delivery of the label to the pinch point to position the label along the length of the carton.

Abstract: An automatic label sticking device for automatically applying labels to a product such as an optical disc driver is provided. The automatic label sticking device includes a transport mechanism; a paper-peeling mechanism located above a fixed position; and, a paper-sticking mechanism spaced from a portion of the paper-peeling mechanism. The paper-peeling mechanism includes a main roller and a secondary roller disposed between paper feeding and recycling reels for guiding a label tape through a winding path. The main and secondary rollers are positioned such that they frictionally capture a portion of the label tape therebetween, to advance it along the winding path. The main roller is driven to rotate by a driving device, while the secondary roller is indirectly rotated to turn the recycling reel responsive to a driving force frictionally transmitted thereto through the captured portion of the label tape.

Abstract: An adhesive tape piece sticking device (14) for sticking a double-coated adhesive tape piece to a cigarette paper (P) has a motor (52) for rotating a reel (32) that takes up a tape band (T) delivered from a tape roll (58). A guide block (66) for projectingly guiding the tape band toward the paper (P) and a lift guide unit (68) are arranged in the middle of a take-up path for the tape band. The sticking device slides as a whole with a tape piece positioned between an edge (70) and a guide plate (74), thereby pressing the tape piece against the paper. Further, the lift guide unit is lowered to separate the mount from the tape piece that is stuck to the paper.

Abstract: The present invention is a machine to perform two or more processes to an bottle wherein registration of the first process to the second process is required. The products produced with such registration have distinct advantages over prior art. These include labeling systems comprising multiple labels that can be incorporated into many useful variants for promotional items. Additionally, novel packaging systems can utilize this technology.

Abstract: The invention provides a labeling machine comprising a structure, a labeling head capable of pivoting relative to the structure about a pivot axis, the labeling head being fitted with gripper means for gripping a label holding it in a plane that is substantially normal to the pivot axis of the labeling head, and placing means carried by the labeling head and adapted to take the label held by the gripper means and place it on an article to be labeled that is present on the labeling machine. According to the invention, the gripper means hold a label in such a manner that a corner thereof coincides substantially with the point of intersection of the pivot axis and the plane of the label.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying a transfer sheet to sign appliqueś and removing them to a sign board or other substrate. A carriage is movably mounted on a layout table. The layout table has a surface upon which appliqueś are arranged to be made into a sign. The carriage is constrained to move along the layout table in a fixed orientation, such as by using gear racks mounted on the frame. The carriage may have pinions that are mechanically coupled so opposing sides move in a coordinated manner. A transfer roll support allows the transfer sheet to play out and about an applicator which smooths the sheet onto the sign appliqueś. The apparatus includes elevators which allow elevation adjustment between the carriage and layout surface.

Abstract: A label applicator for dispensing and applying labels to articles includes a label leading edge indicating sensor and an adjustable peel bar held at a pickup position. A label support may be used with larger labels that have been partially peeled from a backing strip and remain at the pickup position. Printed labels to be applied to an article have a portion of the surface area of an adhesive side removed from the backing strip before the label is taken by a label pick-up-and-applicating device. A print head may be included in the label applicator between the indicating sensor and the adjustable peel bar. A number of labels may be picked-up simultaneously from the backing strip by a number of pick-up heads to be applied to a number of separate articles.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically transferring an adhesive-backed labels to objects such as consumer items or packaging for consumer items. It receives labels on a lift-off backing strip, peeling the labels off one at a time from the strip by means of a peeler-bar. Using a pair of spring-loaded pawls attached to the outer edges of a label receiver, the apparatus mechanically engages each label along its outer edges as it begins to peel away from the strip. These pawls facilitate the peeling action as they direct the label into position in a label receiver. The label is then pressed directly onto the desired site, with no free-fall involved. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded pawls push outward disengaging the label as the label receiver contacts the surface to be labeled, thus leaving the label adhered to the desired surface.

Abstract: A labeler includes at least one bellows movable between extended and retracted positions. The bellows includes a cap defining a distal end for carrying the label and having at least one cap opening therein, and a pleated sidewall connected to the cap. The labeler includes a flexible coil tube positioned within the bellows and having a distal end connected in fluid communication with the cap openings and a proximal end for being connected to negative and positive fluid pressure, respectively. A positioner advances the bellows along a path of travel between a label pick-up position and a label application position. A pressure controller selectively connects the bellows and the proximal end of the flexible coil tube to negative and positive fluid pressures as the bellows is advanced along the path of travel.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating uniting bands having pairs of adhesive sides ahead of a splicer wherein the leader of a fresh web carrying one or more uniting bands is attached to the trailing end of an expiring web employs a base carrying a first reel which supplies a strip-shaped carrier of uniting bands, with one side of each uniting band adhering to the carrier, and a second reel which collects successive increments of the carrier subsequent to their separation from the uniting bands. The base further supports a spring-biased clamping member and is pivotable between a first position in which the carrier is remote from the leader of a fresh web, and intermediate position in which the clamping member begins to bias the leader of the fresh web against a back support, and a second position in which the other side(s) of a selected number of uniting bands contacts or contact the leader of the fresh web.

Abstract: A labeling machine has a rotatable mounted drive wheel with alternating knurled and recessed sections formed on its circumference. The drive wheel rotates at a predetermined number of revolutions per minute, and the respective lengths of the knurled and recessed sections are pre-selected to provide a timing function that synchronizes operation of various parts of the machine. A label-carrying backing is driven along a path of travel between a supply drum and a take-up drum when a knurled section is in meshing agreement with a rotatably mounted pressure wheel. The backing is held against travel by a detent member when a recessed section is in juxtaposition with the pressure wheel, and a rotatably mounted cam operates an air valve that causes the detent member to momentarily release the backing just before a knurled section engages the pressure wheel.

Abstract: A unit for applying labels at predefined designated locations along the length of a moving web of material. The unit includes one or more label discharge mechanisms which remove labels from a carrier backing for discharge to a defined placement zone. The label discharge mechanisms are actuatable in response to commands from a controller to effect placement of the labels at designated locations along the length of the web. The controller initiates actuation of the label discharge mechanisms according to a variable timing sequence which is a function of the rate of travel of the moving web to which the label is applied such that label application takes place as the designated location to be labeled passes through the placement zone. The unit is adjustable to apply labels to webs traveling at different angles.

Abstract: A plurality of lead frames is supplied in frame by frame sequence. A curable adhesive, preferably a 505 Epoxy, is applied to one surface of each lead frame as it indexes through an application device. An attaching device attaches a device and holds it in place to cure for a preselected period of time of about one second to each device site with adhesive. Later, the lead frames have their edges trimmed and then are separated into separate lead frames.