Means Serially Presenting Discrete Base Articles Or Separate Portions Of A Single Article Patents (Class 156/542)
  • Patent number: 5971051
    Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to an article which includes a supporting structure and an applicator section mounted on the supporting structure and including a housing adapted to be coupled to a supply of gas under pressure and having a label receiving surface with an opening therein. A label dispenser for dispensing a label onto the label receiving surface where it is retained in at least partial registry with the opening. The applicator section includes a rupturable mask adapted to be in the housing in communication with the supply of gas under pressure and the opening in the label receiving surface, and the mask includes a grid having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and rupturable material blocking at least some of the holes. The rupturable material is rupturable to open selected holes in the grid so that the gas under pressure can flow through the selected holes so that the shape of the gas under pressure acting to blow the label from the label receiving surface can be tailored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Label-Aire, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Crankshaw
  • Patent number: 5968303
    Abstract: A label is supplied from a label supplier to a rotating suction drum. The supplied label is absorbed on the suction drum and conveyed to a label sticking station. During conveyance of the label, passage time of the label at a predetermined point is measured, and a first shifting amount of the label relative to a label conveying direction is calculated. A standby position of the work in the label conveying direction is altered based on the first shifting amount. Further, during conveyance of the label, its location relative to a perpendicular direction to the label conveying direction is detected, and a second shifting amount of the label relative to the perpendicular direction is calculated. A standby position of the work in the perpendicular direction is altered based on the second shifting amount. The position of the work is adjusted to the label so that the label is stuck on the work with great accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihide Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 5967040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a printer (1) for printing labels (10) detachably affixed to a carrier strip (5a, 5b, 5c), in particular goods labels, with a label feed unit (12a, 12b, 12c) comprising a wiping head (6a, 6b, 6c) with a support surface by which the label to be printed is supported, as well as a printing device (13) with a print head (8) for printing the label supported by the support surface, as well as with means (9) for conveying the label which has been separated from the carrier strip and printed, away to the goods. To be able to use different label styles with a single printer and a single printing device, it is provided that at least two separate label feed units (12a, 12b) are allocated to the printer (1), with the support surfaces, of which there are at least two, on the one hand, and the print head (8) on the other hand being movable relative to each other in such a way that one of the support surfaces is in the print position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Espera Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Korthauer, Detlef Oldach
  • Patent number: 5925214
    Abstract: The device of the present invention includes a web manipulation mechanism, a label positioning mechanism, and a position mechanism micro-adjuster for orienting a peel tip of the device in space. Because of the micro-adjustment, the device of the present invention is adaptable for use in labeling a wide variety of articles having a wide variety of manufacturing speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Smyth Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy H. Klein, Craig D. Bakken
  • Patent number: 5908525
    Abstract: For applying a decoration to an article, the decoration with a supporting film is arranged on the surface of a liquid in a tank and is extended and/or condensed parallel to the surface according to requirements depending on the shape of the article to be printed. The article is immersed into the liquid in order to transfer the decoration onto the article. For the extending and/or condensing of the decoration on the surface of the liquid, nozzles are arranged below the surface of the liquid and produce flows in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Maximilian Zaher
  • Patent number: 5902450
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying adhesive labels to the rear of articles on a moving conveyor. Two arms are mounted on a gantry spanning the conveyor. Each arm has an inner arm portion mounted on a shaft which is rotated by a motor and transmission, always in the same direction, under the control of a computer having an input from a sensor for detecting the rear edge of each article. Each arm has an outer arm portion pivotably connected to the inner arm portion and urged to a generally straight position by a torsion spring. Each outer arm carries a label-applying pad which is extended by an actuator to collect a label from a printer above the gantry and then retracted as the arm rotates in response to detection of a package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Labfax Systems Limited
    Inventor: Timothy John Jones
  • Patent number: 5902449
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive labeling machine incorporating a wedge shaped suction plate assembly which uses negative pressure to assist in securing and holding the non-adhesive side of a label carrier web. The labeling machine advances the label carrier web by automatically engaging and disengaging a pinch roller assembly driven by a pneumatic piston. The pinch roller assembly obviates the need for high maintenance clutching mechanisms and multiple tension roller assemblies. A label application station applies labels to passing containers when the carrier web advances around a label separator edge of the suction plate assembly by peeling the labels from the carrier web and applying the labels via a rotating applicator roller and container catch arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Charles J. Moore
  • Patent number: 5897741
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electronic security tag to a freshly printed label, each label having an adhesive side and a printable side. The apparatus comprises a supply roll including a backing and a plurality of security tags attached thereto for supplying the electronic security tags. The apparatus further comprises means for printing indicia on the printable side and delivering the label to a label support. The apparatus includes a stripper element for separating the security tags from the backing at a label application station. The separated security tag is then attached to the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nigel Graham Mills, Terry Lynn Rich
  • Patent number: 5895555
    Abstract: A labelling machine is provided for the application of self-adhesive labels spaced at intermediate distances and having adhesive undersides which are disposed successively on a band-shaped substrate onto a continuously moving strip. The machine includes a peeling and applying unit comprising a peeling mechanism which peels the labels off the substrate and a transport mechanism which transports the substrate to the peeling mechanism and applies the peeled-off labels onto the strip. The transport mechanism includes: at least one transport element which transports the substrate with labels to the peeling mechanism and the peeled-off labels to the strip; a driving mechanism adapted to drive the transport element with a variable speed; and a substrate/label holding arrangement which non-mechanically holds at least said peeled-off labels against the transport element with the adhesive undersides directed away from the transport element until the peeled-off labels are applied onto the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Van Den Bergh Engineering, N.V.
    Inventor: Marc Frans Stefaan Maria Van Den Bergh
  • Patent number: 5891300
    Abstract: A tabbing machine for applying adhesive tabs over the edge of an article comprises a feed mechanism for advancing tabs from a roll of tape past a tab discharge station. A tab applicator station located downstream of the tab discharge station functions to press the adhesive surfaces of a tab carried by the lead edge of an article to be tabbed which is moved past the applicator station. The device includes a control mechanism having a first photo sensor which senses the presence or absence of an article to be tabbed and a second photo sensor downstream of the first photo sensor for sensing a tab positioned at a tab discharge station. The sensors are interconnected in such manner that the tape drive mechanism for feeding tabs can be energized only when the infeed table is clear of an article to be tabbed and when no tab is located at the discharge station. The position of a tab relative to an article to be tabbed is controllable responsive to adjustment of the second or tab locator sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Staplex Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Oussani, Jr., Gregory P. Oussani
  • Patent number: 5888343
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels from a label web to moving articles such as a form web includes a moving belt, through which is applied a vacuum force, which successively receives a non-adhesive side of each label as they are removed from the backing web. A control system accelerates the belt in order to place the label onto a moving article located beneath the belt. The control system the decelerates the belt in order to receive another label and repeat the process of applying the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Fingerhut Corporation
    Inventor: Donald W. Olson
  • Patent number: 5885406
    Abstract: A label handling apparatus (40) connected to an air source (90) selectively providing both a positive air pressure and an air suction has a plate (70, 100) which receives a label (26) from a peeler (34) across a lower surface (46) of the plate (100). The plate (100) includes a plurality of holes (102)having upper ends in fluid communication with the air source (90) and lower ends intersecting the lower surface (46) of the plate (|00). Pins (60) are disposed for sliding motion within the plate (70, 100) to selectively block and unblock the fluid communication between selected ones of the holes (102) and the air source (26). By simply moving the pins (60) to cover or uncover selected holes (102), the apparatus can be quickly adjusted to accommodate any size label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Digital Audio Disc Corporation
    Inventor: Rick Lee Tiefel
  • Patent number: 5879506
    Abstract: A label applicator for applying labels to cup-shaped packaging containers including a label storing device means in the form of label rolls, from which labels are removed with the aid of a removal device and labels are applied by a transfer device to the packaging containers. The labels are applied by a contact pressure device to the jacket faces of the packaging containers. Because the application of the labels to packaging containers takes place after the forming of the containers, the design of the label application device is simplified, and accessibility to the containers is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosh GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Mueller
  • Patent number: 5879507
    Abstract: Pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed labels are carried adhesive back side down on a backing strip. The apparatus completely removes each label from its backing material and then may relocate, manipulate, or hold the label by its adhesive back side before it is attached to a passing article. A group of rollers covered with a nonstick material is located in a frame with their axes aligned along a circumference so that the label is given a reverse curl (to the curl created by the supply roll) before application to the passing article. A solenoid actuated finger holds each label to the rollers while the frame moves to bring the label in contact with the passing article. This arrangement permits the label to be accurately placed on the passing article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Apax Corporation
    Inventors: Hubert J. Schroeder, Jovan Zivkovic
  • Patent number: 5871610
    Abstract: Lead frames supplied from a first supply unit are intermittently conveyed in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. An adhesive is supplied from a second supply unit onto islands of the lead frames, and also semiconductor chips are supplied from a third supply unit onto the islands. When one of different kinds of semiconductor chips supplied from the third supply unit is selected, the selected semiconductor chip is held by a holder having a configuration adapted to the selected semiconductor chip. Therefore, transfer means for semiconductor chips includes at least two kinds of holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomio Minohoshi, Toyohiko Takeda, Hideo Numata
  • Patent number: 5853530
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for applying a label to an article comprising a supporting structure, a label receiver having a receiving face and being adapted to receive and releasably retain a label, and a label dispenser. The label dispenser being adapted to dispense a label onto the receiving face. The dispenser being further adapted to blow a flow of gas against the trailing and lower edges of the label as it is being transferred from the label dispenser onto the receiving face to assist in moving the label onto the receiving face. The receiving face is fitted with a stop plate which prevents the label from being pushed beyond the receiving face and from being mis-positioned. After positioning, the label on the receiving face, the label is applied to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Label Aire Inc.
    Inventor: George Allen
  • Patent number: 5851346
    Abstract: The present invention fulfills the above stated needs, as well as others, by providing a automated container sealing apparatus that automatically removes seals from a backing and applies the seals to the container. The seals are pre-cut and have a size corresponding to the size of the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for sealing containers, the containers defined by a generally planar sealing surface and one or more receptacles, wherein each of the one or more receptacles include an opening coplanar with and defining corresponding openings in the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Hitch
  • Patent number: 5849143
    Abstract: A system for applying pressure sensitive adhesive labels from a feed web with high position precision onto flat uniform size articles mechanically links the advance of the article to be labeled and the advance of the current label to be applied in unison, so that forward advancement speed of the article and the current label are matched exactly, independent of any speed variation in the application system. This is accomplished using a label following member that comes to rest at the trailing edge of a succeeding label and is freely allowed to follow the succeeding label as it advances on the web spaced downstream of the current label. Such following member is mechanically coupled to a pusher which advances the article to be labelled in the precise speed and relative location of the current label as it advances, thereby accurately placing the current label on the article as it peels from the continuous support web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Booth Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James E. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 5849142
    Abstract: An applicator for applying surface relief three-dimensional seals or medallions to containers which includes a rotatable transfer ring having a plurality of seal retaining receivers therein formed therein in which plungers are reciprocally mounted. A vaccuum header is associated with the ring so as to create reduced pressure in the receivers for removing seals from a carrier tape and retaining the seals within the receivers as the transfer ring is indexed to align the seals with containers being conveyed relative to the applicator. An activator is provided for urging the plungers from the receivers to thereby apply the seals retained therein against aligned containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Stoffel Seals Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Fuehrer, Erwin Ruegg
  • Patent number: 5843272
    Abstract: A book marker insertion apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, a separator assembly, a gripper assembly, an elevator assembly and a page spreader assembly. The cartridge assembly holds a roll of marker materials including a plurality of markers on a backing sheet and advances the material to the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes jaws and a peel bar for removing the endmost marker from the backing sheet. The gripper assembly includes rotatable arms which grip the separated end marker and position the separated end marker for insertion into the book. The elevator raises and lowers the gripper assembly from the position for gripping the separated end marker to the position for inserting into the book. The page spreader assembly includes a V-arm with a slot formed therein for receiving the gripper arms and the separated end marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Donald P. DeVale, Peter J. Zarembo, James L. Allen, Philip M. Anthony, III, Randall P. Bell, Aaron B. Eiger, Gerald Fleischfresser, Gregory W. Lantz, Emily Matz, Glenn A. Newby, Kurt T. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5840153
    Abstract: A two-step press type transfer operation is made practical by a particular rendering of pictorializations for use upon the transfer sheets. A pictorialization should have a major portion of some object in the center of the pictorialization or a portion of a pictorialization in which a segmentation or division of such pictorialization is to be made so that one portion of the pictorialization may be placed upon one transfer sheet and a second portion of the pictorialization placed upon a second transfer sheet. Substantial straight linear portions of such pictorialization of this area are avoided and the division between the two portion of the image are run along nonlinear borders upon the edge of clearly defined structures within the pictorialization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Sieber
  • Patent number: 5833793
    Abstract: A marker insertion apparatus automatically removes a marker from a roll of marker material and applies the marker to an applicator. The markers mount to a backing sheet and are peeled from the sheet by passing over a peel bar. Jaws are positioned near the peel bar and configured for gripping an end marker. An applicator member inserts intermediate the jaws and has the end marker pressed onto the applicator and torn from the roll. In a first embodiment, the applicator is a paddle applicator for inserting markers between opposing pages, and in a second embodiment the applicator is a bayonet: applicator for inserting markers into the spine of a book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Zarembo, Donald P. DeVale, William R. Weber, III, Norman L. Koning, Paul J. Michels
  • Patent number: 5829351
    Abstract: An improved labeler includes a housing and a bellows drive gear and cassette drive sprocket spaced apart and each rotatably supported in the housing. A stepper motor is mounted in the housing and has an output shaft. A first drive gear is affixed to the shaft and engages the bellows drive gear. A second drive gear is affixed to the shaft. A drive train is interposed between and engages the second gear and the cassette drive sprocket. The stepper motor is positioned between the bellows drive sprocket and the cassette drive sprocket whereby the footprint of the labeler is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: David N. Anderson, Wayne C. Sherman
  • Patent number: 5807461
    Abstract: A lamination system includes a supply and a take-up roll carrying a web therebetween. The web carries a laminate. The laminate is applied to a printed card as the card moves between two rollers. At least one roller may be heated and responsively pressed against the printed card to cause adhesion of the laminate to the printed card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Erick Hagstrom
  • Patent number: 5798020
    Abstract: A medicine vial labeler includes a dispenser for printing and dispensing pressure sensitive labels and a label applicator assembly including a rotary drum and a pair of positioning arms. The positioning arms are shiftable from a release position to a holding position for positioning a vial in rotary contact with the drum in order to receive a label in the nip therebetween applying the label to the vial upon rotation of the drum. The positioning arms include a plurality of rollers of different diameters configured and spaced for holding and positioning vials of different diameters in rotary contact with the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Scriptpro, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Ronald A. Leonard, Lawrence E. Guerra, Keith W. Kudera
  • Patent number: 5785798
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying adhesive labels, that are initially coupled together end-to-end in a label strip that has a non-adhesive backing material, onto a product. The apparatus has a frame with a supply container mounted thereto for containing a supply of the labels. A plurality of guide rollers is provided for guiding the strip of labels through the apparatus. A label sensor is mounted to the frame for detecting when an individual label has been moved past the label sensor. The frame further has mounted thereto an applicator head equipped with a stripper plate for removing the backing material from the label strip, which is thereafter wound onto a take-up container. The label strip and the removed backing material are moved with a supply motor that is mounted to the frame. The applicator head further has an applicator motor for rotating a break-away roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Multivac, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis P. Horsman, Christian J. Uebele, Georg Austermeier
  • Patent number: 5779852
    Abstract: An applicator for use in applying labels adhered to a release liner, the labels being in the form of a roll. The applicator comprises a body having a trigger and a roll holder for supporting the rolled release liner, an indexer for positioning label formats of varying pitch in the applicator and stripping labels from the release liner, an applicator assembly for applying the labels which were positioned by the indexer, and a friction drive responsive to the trigger for advancing the release liner through the applicator assembly. The friction drive includes a self-adjusting tensioner which includes a drive slip which allows the drive to slip when the label is correctly positioned by the indexer in the applicator. The drive slip includes a slip means for allowing the drive to slip when the label is correctly positioned, enabling the largest pitch label to be completely stripped from the release liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Haney, Sergio M. Perez, Jeffrey J. Ronan, Jon D. Buzzard, Howard M. Schenkel, Edward P. Ellers
  • Patent number: 5753072
    Abstract: There is disclosed a label applying machine including a label applicator having a mounting plate and a resilient pad with selectively positionable vacuum buttons to hold labels of different sizes (lengths and widths) onto the label applicator by vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5750004
    Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a moveable frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located along side the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Wurz, Edward P. Yeh, Thomas J. Brobst
  • Patent number: 5738755
    Abstract: An automatic labelling system for products, such as fruits and vegetables, of the type including a conveyor (4) for feeding a product-receiving structure (2) to a labelling station (5) provided with a device for labelling the products. The product-receiving structure (2) includes a mechanism (3) for identifying the position of the products in the structure. The system also includes a sensor detector (6) for detecting the identifying means for causing the actuation of the labelling device of the labelling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Euro Label 06
    Inventor: Michel Hartman
  • 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: 5733410
    Abstract: A labeling head (22) has an applicator surface (24) having an outward curvature for holding a label (12) and applying it to a labeling surface (16) of an article (14). The labeling head is rotatable about a pivot pin (38) which passes through a pivot end (28) of the labeling head, allowing a free end (26) of the labeling head to be biased toward the article at an initial angle of bias, as determined by, for example, an adjustment screw (40). The initial angle of bias and the curvature of the labeling head are such that the portion of the label nearest the free end is parallel to the labeling surface. As the labeling head is lowered, the label is applied with a substantial rolling motion to avoid trapped air bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiron Gore, Steven Lustig, Robert A. Charles
  • Patent number: 5730816
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting labels disposed on a moving web and stripping and retaining the stripped labels apart from the web, and removing the unstripped labels with the web. The invention includes moving the unstripped labels on the web over an edge substantially parallel to the trailing edge of the label, and subsequently moving and/or rotating the trailing edge with respect to the edge at a rate relatively faster than the web to effect a reliable separation of the label from the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Imtec, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5725717
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously placing two spaced rows of labels upon packaging film is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first labeling station at a first roller, a second labeling station at a second roller, belts for transporting two rows of labels across the film for placement at the first and second labeling stations, and a third roller movably positioned with respect to the first and second rollers. The film travels over the first roller, downwardly around the third roller, and then back up over the second roller. The adjacent rows of labels on a single backing are delivered by the belts to the film, where the labels are placed in rows spaced a distance apart greater than their spacing on the backing. Changing the position of the third roller allows a user to vary the spacing between the two rows of labels which are placed on the film at the first and second labeling stations during each film stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Koch Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Harte, Michael L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5714028
    Abstract: A labeling method and apparatus for putting a label onto a periphery of a photo film cassette, while conveying the photo film cassette from a label applying position to a label securing position while supporting the photo film cassette in a posture. In a label applying unit, a label is partly peeled from a label tape by turning the label tape around a separator member. While the peeled end portion of the label is hanging down from the separator member, the photo film cassette is moved toward the end portion of the label to stick the end portion to a forward portion of the periphery of the photo film cassette. As the photo film cassette is moved further toward a label securing unit, the label is completely peeled off. The label securing unit presses and rolls a pressing roller on the label along the periphery of the cassette to securely stick the label to the periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Horai, Masayuki Kubota
  • Patent number: 5711846
    Abstract: A self mailing apparatus comprises a pair of spaced main side plates; a feeder module for feeding a stack of media being mounted between the main side plates; a registration roller module disposed in front of the feeder module; a tabbing mechanism disposed in front of the feeder module and being pivotably about a pair of first pivot axes rotatably disposed on the main side plates; a labeling mechanism disposed in front of the tabbing mechanism and being pivotably about a second pivot axis rotatably disposed between the main side plates; a media transport mechanism comprising a first roller module disposed in front of the feeder module, a second roller module disposed below the tabbing mechanism, and a third roller module disposed below the labeling mechanism; a first driving means for driving the feeder module and the registration roller module; a second driving means for driving the tabbing mechanism; a third driving means for driving the labeling mechanism; and a fourth driving means for driving the media t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Macro Technology International, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos Alicea
  • Patent number: 5709770
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying heat transfer labels, disposed on a web, to containers. In one embodiment, the apparatus is intended for round, non-tapered containers and comprises a continuously rotating turret, a container transport system for continuously delivering containers to and away from the turret and a web transport system for moving a web containing heat-transfer labels into position for label transferring. The turret includes a rotably driven shaft and a plurality of cup assemblies arranged in a circle around the shaft and coupled thereto. Each cup assembly includes a cup used to hold a container, the cup being rotably driven independently of the shaft and in a required direction. A nozzle assembly is associated with each cup assembly and is used to secure a container within its respective cup and, if necessary, to inflate the container to impart sufficient rigidity thereto for labelling. Each cup assembly and its associated nozzle assembly together define a container holding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Syed A. Asghar, Joseph F. Callinan
  • Patent number: 5705021
    Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Wurz, Edward P. Yeh, Thomas J. Brobst
  • Patent number: 5705024
    Abstract: A system for applying labels to objects includes an object supply for supplying objects substantially equally spaced and aligned in single file for labeling. The system also includes a label applicator for applying a label to an object from the object supply and a label supply for supplying the labels to the label applicator. Each of the labels are joined at an end to at least one other of the labels. The system also includes a labeling finisher to detach the end of each label from the at least one other label and to smooth the end of each label onto their respective object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Eric Bainbridge, John Hitchings
  • Patent number: 5690783
    Abstract: A method for reorienting labels prior to their application, comprises moving containers through a packaging process, picking up labels with vacuum applicator heads, moving the labels by a translator mechanism to the containers at the same speed as that of the moving containers and simultaneously rotating applicator heads 90.degree. by means of a rack and pinion gear drive and stationary cam, entering the container where the labels are blown off the vacuum grid on the applicator heads and onto the inside of the containers and returning to the first position and continuously repeating the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William J. Meyers, Alex Saveliev
  • Patent number: 5688361
    Abstract: An automatic vessel supplying and labeling apparatus takes out a desired vessel from racks, supplies it to a predetermined position, supplies a desired label, corresponding to the vessel, to the position, and applies the label to the vessel in the predetermined position. A judging unit checks the label information on the vessel, and judges whether the label is correctly applied to the vessel, and the vessel is sorted into one of two places, one place for collecting vessels with correctly applied labels and the other for collecting vessels with not correctly applied labels in accordance with the result of judgment. The label is applied to the vessel after a sensor detects the label supplied to the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Teruaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 5674350
    Abstract: A label dispensing and applicator assembly for use with a roll of backing tapes having labels with pressure-sensitive adhesives on the backside detachably adhering the labels to the backing tape, wherein the assembly includes a label dispensing unit having a label separator mechanism attached to the frame and positioned away from a dispensing strip take-up reel wherein the label separator peels the label from the backing tape as the backing tape moves forwardly over the label separator and abruptly changes direction and extends rearwardly beneath the bar such that the labels are stripped and move forwardly from the label separator. A pair of pinch rollers is rotatably supported by the frame away from the label separator and a pinch roller is positioned to removably receive the dispensing strip therethrough as the dispensing strip is pulled through the label dispensing unit. The pinch roller has a drive belt connected to a conveyor assembly that is positioned forward of the label separator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Perl Packaging Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald Jurgich
  • Patent number: 5660676
    Abstract: An improved laid-on labeler is designed for substantially increased operating speeds when compared to prior art systems. The labeler includes an articulating labeling arm with a label peel blade. The labeling arm is attached to a support structure at a pivot point immediately above and below which are a respective pair of deflecting idler rollers through which a continuous label web is fed. With the label web being supported at the pivot point of the labeling arm, torque on the labeling arm from starting and stopping the label web is minimized. The label web passes between a drive roller and respective nip rolls on both a pay-out and a take-up side which relieves differential tension on the label web as it passes over the peel blade, thus minimizing or eliminating tearing and breaking of the web as drive speeds increase. Control is via a PLC, which also controls a variety of optional features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Robert E. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5659947
    Abstract: A device is described for automatically populating the top and bottom side of printed-circuit boards with SMD components, synchronously controllable switching points being arranged in the entry and outlet of the SMD (surface mounted device) insertion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Blaupunkt-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Eilers, Ansgar Graen
  • Patent number: 5650037
    Abstract: In a thermal ink transfer machine, the web is drawn translationally through a station at which thermal ink graphics are transferred from the web to the periphery of a container such as a glass or plastic bottle or can. Transfer of the graphics is effected with a transfer head or cylinder which has arranged about its axis of rotation a plurality of equally spaced apart radially spring biased rollers. When the longitudinally extending graphics on the web enters the transfer station, the spring biased rollers yield radially inwardly and outwardly to press against the backside of the web to effect transfer of the graphics. The apparatus has the rotating transfer head on one side of the web and the containers carried on a turntable on the opposite side of the web. The transfer head rotates in a particular direction around its vertical axis and drives the rollers orbitally toward and away from the graphics transfer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Krones, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark G. Larson
  • Patent number: 5637182
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a tag on a neck portion of an article is disclosed. The apparatus includes an article-carrying member, a tag-supplying device, and a tag-carrying device disposed beyond the article-carrying member along a carrying direction of the article. The tag-carrying device includes two pairs of paired traveling belts disposed right and left of the tag and inclined so that each of the belts has a starting portion higher than the article and an ending portion of approximately the same height as a shoulder of the article. The tag-carrying device is adapted for carrying a tag synchronously with the carried article while holding both side edges of the tag between the upper and lower traveling belts to thereby insert a head of the article into a tag aperture and attach the tag to the neck portion of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Lintec Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kimura, Hideyuki Maezawa
  • Patent number: 5626699
    Abstract: A process and a device for making asymmetric laminated panes composed of a support and at least one sheet of plastic material by calendaring. A blank sheet of plastic material (15) is brought into contact with the support (11) to be covered by an endless conveyor belt (16). The blank sheet is released progressively so as to bring it into contact with the support (11) just before the pressing passage (3), as the laminated assembly passes into and through the pressing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignees: Saint-Gobain Vitrage, Asahi Glass
    Inventors: Claude Didelot, Jean Ducret, Edouard Kadzialka
  • Patent number: 5624525
    Abstract: A sheet sticking apparatus for sticking a sheet S held on a continuous separator T and fed to the surface of a work W carried on a conveyor, which comprises a sorting section 7 adapted to position a work W fed from the preceding step and lower a detection plate 84 to sort the height of the work W, a sheet sticking section 8 arranged downstream of the sorting section 7 and adapted to lower the separator T to just above the work W, and sticking the sheet S to the surface of the work W while gradually peeling the sheet S from the separator T in synchronism with the carriage of the work W, and a press section 9 adapted to lower a press member 270, 271 to a position at which the press member contacts the surface of the work W, so that the press member presses the sheet S over its substantially entire surface against the work W, and to deliver the work W with the sheet stuck to the ensuing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Lintec Corporation
    Inventors: Tadamasa Ehara, Tetsuro Kimura, Kazuaki Mimura
  • Patent number: 5618378
    Abstract: A security or other image, for example a hologram, is applied to a moving stock, e.g. banknote sheets, by carrying the images in the form of transfers on a web which is moved at the same speed as the stock during application but at a lower speed between application steps, so as to allow relatively close spacing of the images on the web. The web is retracted following each application to compensate for distance travelled during acceleration and deceleration during each cycle. The images are transferred by pressure cylinders which press the images on to adhesive patches provided on the stock at predetermined positions by applicator rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Molins PLC
    Inventor: Michal J. Cahill
  • Patent number: 5614058
    Abstract: A process and a device for making asymmetric laminated panes composed of a support and at least one sheet of plastic material by calendaring. A blank sheet of plastic material is brought into contact with the support to be covered by an endless conveyor belt. The blank sheet is released progressively so as to bring it into contact with the support just before the pressing passage, as the laminated assembly passes into and through the pressing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignees: Saint-Gobain Vitrage, Asahi Glass
    Inventors: Claude Didelot, Jean Ducret, Edouard Kadzialka