Abstract: A label applicator comprising a supporting structure and a label receiver mounted on the supporting structure for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. A label dispenser supplies a label to the label receiver when the label receiver is in the retracted position. The label is releasably retained on the label receiver. The label receiver is then moved to the extended position where the label is transferred by an air blast from the label receiver to an article.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the decoration of bottles and the like at high speeds. Bottles are delivered by an input conveyor to a star wheel, which deposits them sequentially into a continuously rotating turret. The turret carries the bottles past a labelling site, where a label carrier strip is pressed into contact with a bottle surface and a label thereby transferred. The shape of the bottle is maintained during labelling by means of inflation of the bottles through an inserted nozzle. The raising and lowering of the inflating nozzle and the flow of inflating air is controlled by special valving apparatus. The motion of the label carrier strip past the labelling site is regulated by the use of rolls on a shuttle slide, which in turn is reciprocated by a second slide driven by a conjugate cam. This results in an increase of the local velocity of the carrier strip during most of the cycle, and a slowing of the strip during the balance.

Abstract: An automatic labeler comprising (1) a label peeling-applying unit including a rotary drum provided at its periphery with at least one label-sucking slit, (2) a mounted label feeding unit including a support plate provided at its forward end with a peeling means such as a peeling blade or a guide pin and (3) a conveyor for conveying articles to be labeled, characterized in that a mounted label is bent at the peeling means to peel the tip of the label from the mount, the peeled tip of the label is sucked to the label-sucking slit of the rotary drum while the label-free mount is held at the peeling means provided on the support plate, the rotary drum and support plate are rotated at the same peripheral velocity in the same direction to complete peeling of the label from the mount simultaneously with attraction of the peeled label to the sucking slit under vacuum, and the label so attracted is then applied to an article on the conveyor while the vacuum is released and the rotary drum and conveyor are moved at the

Abstract: A method and device for emptying a belt reel or bobbin filled with tobacco leaves or portions thereof, the belt being withdrawn from the bobbin and wound on a reel, while each time the tobacco leaf portions are removed from the corresponding strip of belt, wherein prior to the removal of each tobacco leaf portion the belt is stretched in excess of the normal tensile force required for winding off the belt in order to detach the tobacco leaf portion from the belt, which additional stretching effect need only be very slight in order to pick up all tobacco leaf portions without disturbance.

Abstract: The machine comprises a splicing table with a stacking table at each end together with a vertical backboard. The splicing table fixedly abuts the backboard and the stacking tables are vertically movable in substantial abutment with the backboard. Bundles of fan-folded paper are placed on the stacking tables with their tops substantially coplanar with the splicing table. The top sheets of each bundle are swung onto the table in abutting relation, positioned by locator pins, and held by vacuum. A length of tape is drawn from a tape supply across the abutted ends and secured, and the tape is then trimmed to the width of the sheets. The vacuum hold-down is released and the second bundle is folded onto the first one. The same operation is then performed on the second and third bundles and several successive bundles.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a machine for transferring indicia (such as decalcomanias) from an elongated web or carrier strip to tapered articles, such as tumblers, at a high rate of speed. The articles are moved along a transport path and means is provided to turn the articles as the articles are moved through an indicia transferring portion of the path. The web and the articles are moved in the same direction and in a generally straight line, and the articles are rolled across the web and the indicium, thereby peeling the indicium from the web. Means is provided to tilt the axes of the tapered tumblers relative to the plane of the web in order to place the side of the tumbler, which engages the web, parallel to the web. Hold down means is provided to force the tumblers to move in a straight line while rolling. Decals formed with an initial compensating distortion are used in the machine, to compensate for the distortion of the decals that occurs as the decals are transferred to the tumblers.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of applying heat transferable labels from a web onto a hollow article. The articles to be decorated pass through the apparatus continuously with the label being applied without any stoppage or other intermittent motion imparted to the article being decorated. In this respect, the articles are conveyed to a receptacle holding means which receives and holds the article while passing through the decorating station. The label carrying web, which is driven through the decorating station, is heated both at and prior to the decorating station to facilitate transfer without the necessity of interrupting either the movement of the label carrying web or article to be decorated.

Abstract: An article labelling machine, especially for labelling cheeses, comprises a conveying means for conveying the articles to be labelled and a labelling means.The articles to be labelled are fed one-by-one to a stirrup which ensures the automatic centering of the articles with respect to a label-applying head overlying the stirrup. The stirrup and the label-applying head are movable as an assembly, transversely with respect to the direction of advance of the conveying means, from a position in which the label-applying head receives a label to a transversely displaced position in which the label is applied to an article and the labelled article is discharged from the machine.

Abstract: A compact and inexpensive decorator for transferring labels by heat and pressure from a carrier strip to articles such as bottles. The decorator is designed as a unit, including infeed and outfeed conveyors, a turret for holding articles during labelling and maintaining their shape by inflation, a deck bearing a transport for the carrier web and a device for impressing labels from the strip onto the articles, and a control module. For round articles the turret includes interchangeable Index and Decorator cups, while for oval articles an easily removed turret base with article cutouts is used. The deck may be adjusted in its height and angular orientation with respect to the turret to permit decoration of a wide variety of article faces. The carrier web transport includes a capstan web drive for pulling the web, a double gate, and a dancer roll, which provide label-by-label advance of the web controlled by signals from a photoelectric web monitor and a container detector.

Abstract: The label applicator disclosed herein is adapted for use with labels which are provided in a plurality of rows extending longitudinally on the backing strip. The label applicator comprises a label dispenser for peeling the labels from the backing strip with the labels moving in a first direction off of the backing strip to provide at least first and second labels at a label dispensing station. A label separator receives the first and second labels and separates them in a direction generally transverse to the first direction to increase the distance between the first and second labels. The separated labels are then transferred to at least one article.

Abstract: A label applicator which grips the article to be labeled on the opposite sides of the article to hold the article in a predetermined orientation. One or more labels are applied to the article while it is held in the predetermined orientation. The article is gripped between a movable resilient member and a guide which holds the article against the movable resilient member.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically labelling articles, such as fruit, has a chute for guiding fruit into contact with an upstanding label, the engagement of the fruit with the label being effective to transfer the label to the fruit and to cause the movement of a new label into transfer position.

Abstract: A universal labeling system is provided to perform all of the basic package labeling functions, including applying labels (1) to the side of packages or bottles, (2) to the top, (3) to three sides of a rectangular or similar product, (4) to two opposite sides of a product, and (5) wrapping the labels completely around a round product, such as a bottle. The machine accommodates bottles and packages of many different sizes. Structurally, the universal labeling apparatus includes standardized mechanical power supply arrangements and a heavy duty standardized base having a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to an inverted "T", with the central raised portion carrying a conveyor belt and the two lower side portions of the base carrying longitudinally and laterally adjustable mounts for one or more label applicator heads.

Abstract: A system for processing and finishing stained glass slides includes a staining rack for receiving stained slides and including a device for discharging the stained slides therefrom, a conveyor for receiving the discharged stained slides from the staining rack, and for transporting the stained slides in a direction away from the staining rack; and a slide finishing station cooperating with the conveyor. The slide finishing station includes a device for depositing glue onto the stained slide; the stained slide carries the glue, and a device is provided for applying a cover glass to the glue-carrying slide.

Abstract: A label applying machine in which envelopes or the like are fed past a label affixing station and a web carrying labels is advanced in stepped incremental movements past the station to affix the labels to the envelopes or the like in predetermined, timed, spaced relationship, the machine including sensing means for sensing the positions of the labels and envelopes or the like and having electronic controls for adjusting the positions to obtain accurate registry between the labels and envelopes or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying at predetermined positions within a predetermined location on a carrier surface predetermined discrete pieces of indicia which in combination provide a predetermined indicia presentation particular to the carrier surface location as part of a scheme of marking like surface locations with indicia presentations which may vary from location to location; the apparatus comprising a plurality of indicia applying sources consisting of a source for each discrete piece of indicia to be called for by the scheme, means for feeding the carrier surface past each of the indicia applying sources so that each predetermined point within the predetermined location is presented for the application thereto of indicia from each source, and a control unit for controlling the indicia applying sources in response to input thereto of input control data for the predetermined surface location defining the discrete pieces of indicia and position thereof required therefor, the control unit operating to activate any

Abstract: An electro-mechanical marking device for use with various types of apparatus, having a stack sheet feed assembly, includes an open-ended housing adapted to loosely receive and hold interchangeable marking heads in a self-leveling position. The interchangeable marking heads include a resiliently mounted food device which engages the stacked sheets prior to the marking actuated position. The housing includes a solenoid which selectively energizes a drive element to move the element between an at rest position, and an actuated position. The interchangeable marking heads, such as bar-coders, imprinters, marginal word imprinters, daters and numberers, hot die stampers, foil stampers and label affixers, are held in engagement with the drive element to permit the operative movement of the selected interchangeable marking head between the inward at rest position and an outward actuated position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying indicia to the surface of generally cylindrical articles. The machine utilizes a rotary article transport assembly or turret mechanism which has a plurality of gripper hands mounted thereon for holding the cylindrical articles to be decorated. At least one article orienting station is provided to orient the article so that the indicia is applied over the proper portion of the surface of the article. After orienting, the article is rotated in a holding assembly and the indicia carrying tape or foil is pressed against the appropriate portion of the outer surface of the article by a heated die carried on a cylindrical drum mounted immediately adjacent to the article being decorated. Means are provided for rotating the article being decorated and the die carrying drum at the same peripheral surface speed. Also, means are provided for positively feeding the decorating tape between the bottle and the transfer die.

Abstract: An applicator automatically applies strip-mounted labels very precisely to both flat and curved objects. As each object is brought into position, a special pressure foot immediately applies a label already positioned on the foot to the object and the foot is designed to press the label against the object over the entire area of the label. As each object moves out of position, the label strip is advanced over a stripper plate by a preset amount as determined by an inductive label edge sensor. Simultaneously with this, the pressure foot momentarily swings toward the stripper plate and picks up the next label being peeled from the strip to ready the applicator for the next cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic labelling of objects of differing shapes, which comprises a first guide means, a second guide means in spaced, opposed relationship to the first guide means, means, for example, a conveyor belt, for advancing objects between the said first and second guide means, pressure contact means provided on at least one of the said first and second guide means operative to urge an object passing between the said first and second guide means against the other said second or first guide means, respectively, and means for transferring an image, by a pressure-transfer operation, to an object passing between the said first and second guide means. The apparatus is especially applicable to the labelling of pieces of fruit, preferably using self-adhesive pressure-transferable labels which are pressed onto the fruit, or other object, by the pressure-contact means as it passes between the first and second guide means.

Abstract: A label applicator including a wrap around label applicator, a transport for transporting labels to the wrap around label applicator, and a label dispenser for sequentially supplying labels to the transport.

Abstract: A label applying apparatus and method is disclosed which rotates the label through a desired number of degrees of rotation before its application to an article in order that the label may be applied in a preferred orientation. A label dispenser delivers the label to a first vacuum foot which holds the label substantially parallel to the surface of the article upon which the label is to be placed. The label is then transferred to a second, reciprocating vacuum foot which rotates while it moves into contact with the article.

Abstract: Disclosed are three embodiments of a hand-held apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. All the embodiments are disclosed as having a housing, a rigid, metal, frame plate mounted by the housing, a platen and a cooperating print head, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web of supporting material on which the labels are carried, an applicator for applying the printed labels, a feed wheel having teeth for engaging and advancing the web, a manually operable actuator drivingly connected to the feed wheel and the print head, a brake, and an ink roll for inking the print head. The apparatus also includes a feed wheel assembly having a feed wheel driven by a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism is adjustably connected to the feed wheel and a rolling contact type one-way clutch prevents loss of tension in the web between the brake and the feed wheel.

Abstract: Stocking handling apparatus having carrier plates on which pairs of stockings are indexed transversely from a loading station through label and transfer applying stations to a folding station. A label folding mechanism receives an adhesive coated label at the label applying station and positions it at the end portion of a pair of stockings on the carrier plate and folds the label thereover to adhere it thereto. At the transfer applying station a transfer strip is fed under a holddown frame that positions the strip on the top stocking of the pair while a hot transfer iron moves against the transfer strip to transfer the indicia therefrom to the stocking.

Abstract: There is disclosed label printing and applying apparatus by which labels are successively printed and applied to merchandise. The apparatus feeds pressure sensitive labels mounted on a web of supporting material to a printing zone and to a delaminating zone. An applicator disposed downstream of the delaminating zone is used to apply the labels to merchandise.

Abstract: A machine for automatically applying transfers such as tax stamps to multiple packages contained in a carton is disclosed. The transfer applying machine comprises a conveyor for intermittently and sequentially advancing cartons through an opening station, where the carton is opened to expose the packages therein, through a stamping station, where tax stamps in the form of heat or water transfers or ink printing are applied to each of the packages, and through a closing station where the carton is closed and resealed. The machine is adjustable to accommodate a variety of carton and package sizes and to apply the transfers to each package in the carton accurately while using stock rolls of transfers on which the transfers are mounted with a predetermined spacing that does not necessarily correspond to the spacing of packages within the carton.

Abstract: Elements are supplied to a work station with the elements being arranged in a row. The elements are releasably retained at the work station. The articles to which the elements are to be transferred are moved through the work station with the row of elements at the work station extending in the same direction as the direction of article movement. Each of the elements is transferred to an associated article as the articles are moved through the work station. The elements are sequentially transferred with the most downstream element always being the next element to be transferred.

Abstract: A compact labeling machine for applying pressure sensitive labels to mailing pieces such as magazines and envelopes is provided with a variable speed drive and is adapted to accommodate various size labels and mailing pieces at a high output rate. Positive control of an article feed roller associated with a supply hopper is afforded by a microswitch which is actuated by flights or lugs on conveyor chains which carry the article to be labeled from the feed roller to the labeling station. The article feed cycle is stoppd by a microswitch which has a feeler engaged by articles carried by the conveyor flights. The label feed mechanism includes a brake and clutch connected to a draw roller which draws the label web over a peel plate for positive control of the label feed. The label feed cycle is commenced by engagement of the article to be labeled with the feeler of a switch in the conveying path.

Abstract: An automated label applicator includes an elongated arm which is rotatable between a first position, in which the label applicator receives an adhesive-backed label as it is being separated from an elongated strip of label stock backing, and a second position, in which the label is removed from the label applicator by progressive engagement of the adhesive backing with a moving surface. In the label-receiving position, the label is directed between a first pin upstanding from the elongated arm, and a second pin supported for rotation about the first pin, by a spring arm which extends transversly from the first pin. The spring arm is normally biased against the second pin, but is deflected therefrom only when the elongated arm is in the label-receiving position. Upon initial rotation of the elongated arm toward the label-applying position, the spring arm is released to press the label against the second pin.

Abstract: A dispense edge member for detaching a pressure-sensitive label from a backing strip is shaped to impart a transverse curvature to the label during detachment from the backing strip. The curvature increases the rigidity of the label and prevents drooping of the label.

Abstract: Transfer of a portion of a first material from a position where it is removably adhered to a carrier means to a sheet means is facilitated by intermittently blowing a burst of compressed air between the carrier means and the sheet means after the first material has been brought into contact with the sheet means between a pair of reciprocating dies and is being separated therefrom. With the carrier means moving in one direction and the sheet means moving in an opposite direction the air, which may be warmed, is blown in the direction of the carrier means against the direction of the sheet means so that it exerts a separating effect between the two at their interface. The air may be conveyed through members which serve as guides on one or both sides of the dies. In addition, at least one of the die parts can be provided with a vacuum means for intermittently drawing one of the carrier means or sheet means thereagainst during transfer.

Abstract: A movable conveyor belt having first and second belt surfaces and an opening extending between the belt surfaces, a mechanism for depositing a label on the first belt surface at a first station, and a pressure source for blowing air under pressure through the opening to transfer the label from the belt at a second station to at least one object.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a label to an article while the article is being transported along a path of travel by a conveyor, including a vertically movable applicator foot operable to pick up a label from a source and apply such label to the surface of an article and a vertically movable compressor foot operable to engage the applied label to cause it to conform to the contour of the article surface. The applicator foot and compressor foot are independently supported for conjunctive movements with the article in the direction of conveyor travel, while operably engaged therewith.

Abstract: Labels are supplied in groups to a labelling station with the labels of each group being arranged in a row. The labels are releasably retained at the labelling station. The articles to be labelled are moved through the labelling station with the row of labels at the labelling station extending in the same direction as the direction of article movement. Each of the labels is transferred to an associated article as the articles are moved through the labelling station. The labels are sequentially transferred with the most downstream label always being the next label to be transferred.

Abstract: A labelling machine, employing strip which bears pressure-sensitive adhesive labels, is operated by articles conveyed in succession past the machine. Each article moves an arm, thereby advancing the strip by an amount less than the pitch length of the labels to present a partially detached label at applicator rollers, where it adheres to and is detached by the passing article. In this way labelling can be effected at higher rates than previously. In detaching the label, the article also pulls the strip into position for when the next article moves the arm. Guides, relatively movable in one sense by the arm, or by another arm moved by the article, and in the opposite sense by gravity, and consisting of three rollers, or of a rotary cam and a roller, vary the path length of the strip cyclically in the machine by the above amount, thereby advancing the strip and presenting the partially detached label at the applicator.

Abstract: A printing apparatus wherein a thin film on which a pattern is printed is floated on the surface of liquid and the pattern is transferred onto a surface of an object to be printed with the pattern utilizing the liquid pressure by submerging the object into the liquid while pressing the object onto the thin film.

Abstract: The color-coded index tab is produced automatically by passing a tape through a label applying machine which is programmed by a computer to apply color-coded labels at precise locations of the tape. The tape is afterwards severed to produce the individual index tab for subsequent application to a file holder. The index tabs can be folded or not about the longitudinal center line so that the block of color on each label can be exposed around the edge of the file holder or on a flat edge surface of the file holder for viewing purposes. The individual index tabs and labels can be sized to present any number of different color coded blocks.

Abstract: According to the invention a tab pick up and applying mechanism comprises a picker head moveable between a pick up and an applying position and having a tab carrying face, to be presented at said positions, means for applying vacuum to said tab carrying face at said pick up position to effect pick up of a tab; for maintaining said vacuum at said face during picker head movement between said pick up and applying positions to hold a picked up tab on said face during such movement; for releasing said vacuum at said face at said applying station and for applying a positive air jet through said face at said applying station to deliver a tab held on said face away from said face under positive air pressure, and means for moving said picker head between said pick up and applying positions.

Abstract: Means for dry printing from a foil onto a workpiece having a contoured (inclined) surface. As the workpiece is advanced linearly beneath a foil applicator roll, an inclined surface on the workpiece will shift the roll in a vertical direction relative to a carriage, from which the roll is biased downwardly. Such roll movement is sensed and causes a force to be applied to the carriage, to move the carriage in a vertical direction so that it "follows" the roll. The carriage movement is limited to an amount sufficient that a pre-established downward biasing force on the roll will be restored, so that the roll pressure on the foil is maintained within an effective printing range. Further, a driving force is applied to the roll and foil that tends to move them faster than the rate at which the workpiece is being advanced.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly for applying labels to the longitudinal surface of cylindrical articles. The assembly includes a label dispenser which carries the labels to a label station and dispenses them, one at a time, at the labelling station. The labels are carried on a backing tape and are slid off the tape at the labelling station. The assembly also includes means for advancing the articles to the labelling station, for example, a walking beam, and means for supporting the article at the labelling station so that it is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis. A cylindrical roller is disposed in a two position parallel arrangement with an article at the labelling station such that, in one position, the roller is spaced from the article and, in a second position, the roller is in physical contact with the article along a longitudinal contact line. Means are provided for moving the roller to its two positions, and further means are provided for rotating the roller about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The following specification describes apparatus for successively applying magnetic patches on a tape to successive passbooks. Each passbook is moved in sequence to engage a switch and is then stopped. The switch operates a solenoid, which engages a roller with the passbook and disengages the stop. Thereafter, a metered pulse is applied to the motor of a rotary drive to move the passbook and tape through the same distance and one patch is separated from the tape and applied to the passbook by the solenoid engaged roller. As the tape moves under control of the metered pulse, a succeeding patch on the tape is sensed by a photocell to maintain the motor and rotary drive operated. The drive continues to advance the tape and when the succeeding patch is no longer sensed by the photocell, it provides a signal to deenergize the motor and stop the tape. The succeeding patch is thus accurately positioned for application to the next passbook operating the switch.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels bearing a pressure-sensitive adhesive to articles wherein each article is moved by a first pair of conveyor belts into engagement with a second pair of conveyor belts. The first and second pair of conveyor belts hold and move the articles. As the articles are moved, each article passes a sensor, such as an electric eye, which actuates label feeding means, thereby causing a label to be moved into the path of travel of the article. The leading edge of the moving article engages the label between the label ends and moves the label against a pair of spaced rollers. As the article is moved through the space between the rollers, the rollers press the leading end of the label and the center of the label against the bottom and top surface of the article, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for feeding packages, dispensing strips, inserting nozzles in the strips, and securing the strips and nozzles on the packages, the nozzles providing for controlled dispensing of the contents of the package upon a squeezing of the package. Before the strips and nozzles are applied to the packages, a relationship is established between the strips and the packages so as to insure that the location of each nozzle is on a seam-free portion of each package wall.

Abstract: A labelling system for labelling articles comprising a cassette label applicator having a supply of labels and a conveyor for moving articles past the label applicator where the label applicator applies the label to the articles as they are moved past the label applicator and the conveyor is adapted so the cassette label applicator may be replaced with another cassette label applicator after the supply of labels of the original cassette label applicator becomes at least substantially exhausted.

Abstract: Elements are supplied to a work station with the elements being arranged in a row. The elements are releasably retained at the work station. The articles to which the elements are to be transferred are moved through the work station with the row of elements at the work station extending in the same direction as the direction of article movement. Each of the elements is transferred to an associated article as the articles are moved through the work station. The elements are sequentially transferred with the most downstream element always being the next element to be transferred.