Means Simultaneously Conveying Plural Articles From A Single Source And Serially Presenting Them To An Assembly Station Patents (Class 156/566)
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Patent number: 6068037Abstract: A business form with label areas removable therefrom and an improved process for producing a label. The process includes feeding a sheet of paper into a paper processing apparatus, having a roll of transfer adhesive stock with a first and second liner with adhesive therebetween, means for separating the second liner from the transfer adhesive stock, cutting a strip of transfer adhesive stock from the roll of transfer adhesive stock and adhering the transfer adhesive stock to the sheet of paper whereby it can be cut to form a label peelable from the transfer adhesive stock. In addition, a transfer adhesive stock comprising a first and second liner with a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive between one side of the first liner and one side of the second liner, each liner having a different adhesive affinity whereby one liner may be removed from the other liner and adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventors: Thomas Yeager, Charles Casagrande
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Patent number: 6053231Abstract: An apparatus for bonding a label of a label continuum to an object where the continuum includes an adhesive layer, a base layer on the adhesive layer, a heat sensitive layer on the base layer, a plurality of spaced label layers on the heat-sensitive layer, and a separation layer on the label layers. The apparatus includes a first feeding means for feeding the continuum, a cutting means for cutting the labels from the continuum within the spaces between the label layers, a printing means for printing on each of the cut labels where the printing means includes a heat-sensitive means for heat sensitizing the heat-sensitive layer labels, a second feeding means for feeding the printed labels, an object feeding means for the objects, a processing means for collecting data on the object and feeding the data to the printing means, and a label bonding means for applying the labels to the objects.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Osaka Sealing Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yutaka Matsuguchi
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Patent number: 6050319Abstract: The present invention provides a non-round container labeling machine and corresponding method. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a labeling machine for applying a label to a non-round container or article where the non-round article has a series of corners located about its surface. The labeling machine according to the present invention includes a rotatable vacuum drum, the drum including engaging means for rotatably engaging the corners of the non-round articles. The labeling machine includes a label associated with the engaging means and a resilient roll on pad means. The labeling machine further includes means for rotating the non-round article between the drum and roll on pad means wherein the engaging means engages a first corner to rotate the article between the drum and the pad means such that the drum generates a torque which rotates the article as the drum rotates and which compresses the roll on pad means such that the pad means stores compressed torque energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Trine Labelling SystemsInventor: Gaylen R. Hinton
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Patent number: 6048421Abstract: An improved vertically oriented machine which is capable of forming and adhering lids to open ended fiberboard containers. The improved machine includes a lower horizontal conveyor for bringing open-ended containers into the machine; a vertical lifting section including a novel elevation mechanism for lifting the containers; a lid feeding mechanism located along the path of the vertical lifting section for providing the lids to be placed onto the containers; a set of adhesive applicators; a series of adjustable spring-mounted compression shoes including a novel frictional lid holding member located along the path of the vertical lifting section above the lid feeding mechanism for deforming the sides of the lids around the container; and an ejection mechanism for removing the lidded container from the machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Michael A. White
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Patent number: 6048423Abstract: In a method for applying labels about a bulbous sidewall region of a container, the leading end of the label is joined to the bulbous sidewall region by adhesive bonds above and below a major diameter section of the bulbous sidewall region. While being pressed to the bulbous sidewall region, the label is wrapped about the container, and the trailing end of the label is then adhesively joined to the bulbous sidewall region, or to the overlapped leading end of the label. An apparatus for applying labels about a bulbous sidewall region of a container employs a label transfer drum which cooperates with an adhesive applicator to apply spaced adhesive patches to the leading end of the label above and below a major diameter section of the bulbous sidewall region. The label transfer drum also cooperates with the adhesive applicator to apply a continuous strip of adhesive to the trailing end of the label.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Marshall J. Barrash, Jonathan Kirschner
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Patent number: 6009926Abstract: A device for attaching adhesive labels to packaged goods has a compressed air source and a vacuum source that are alternatingly connected by program-controlled two way valves to air inlet openings of a pneumatic cylinder. A main piston is connected to the upper end of a hollow piston rod and is guided between an upper and a lower dead center position in the pneumatic cylinder. The hollow piston rod has a lateral air opening within the cylinder. A suction holder is connected to a lower end of the hollow rod positioned external to the pneumatic cylinder. The suction holder has a suction channel axially connectable to the hollow piston rod and closeable partially by a check valve. A label transfer unit has a label transfer position in which a respective label is positioned at a small distance below the suction holder when in its upper position. A control device lowers the suction holder into the lower position for receiving the label.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Espera-Werke GmbHInventors: Winfried Vicktorius, Ralf Dippe
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Patent number: 6006808Abstract: A label tamp is provided for delivering and applying a linerless adhesive label to the outside surface of a container transported on a conveyor to the labeling station of a production line. The label tamp includes a tamp cylinder defining an axis of extension that is generally normal to the outside surface of the container, a tamp arm secured to the tamp cylinder such that the tamp arm is alternately extensible and retractable, a tamp arm base plate rigidly fixed to the tamp arm and a tamp head assembly. Preferably, the tamp head assembly is secured to a lift plate has a pair of parallel recesses for receiving a pair of linear actuators therein so that the tamp head assembly is linearly movable relative to the tamp arm base plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: J.I.T. Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Ewert, Mark B. Ewert, John S. Roberts, George S. Patterson
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Patent number: 5996664Abstract: A mail processing machine including a base, a mail item feed station and a station for storing said items after processing in the base, said base including a printhead adapted to print postage imprints on mail items from a magazine of the feed station and conveyor rollers for transporting said items along a transport path of said base to a magazine of the storage station, control means, display means and processing means being additionally provided for controlling said machine, and the transport path of the base of the machine is inclined at a particular angle to the horizontal, in the range a few degrees, preferably 10.degree., to a few tens of degrees, preferably 30.degree..Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Neopost IndustrieInventor: Jean-Pierre Gregoire
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Patent number: 5983970Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels to bottles or the like comprises at least one moveable gluing palette 7 which coacts with a rotary gluing roller 1 so as to be coated with glue, and which thereafter transfers the glue to a label 17 which is transported by the palette from a label magazine 11 to a gripper 12 which grips the glue-coated label and presses it onto a bottle 15. The outer cylindrical surface of the gluing roller is provided with helical grooves 2 which are kept filled with glue, and the outer layer 10 of each gluing palette is slightly elastic so that when the palette is urged into contact with the ridges 3 extending between the grooves on the gluing roller, parts of the outer layer will be pressed partially into the grooves so as to come into contact with the glue present in the grooves.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1994Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventor: Lars Erik Trygg
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Patent number: 5972113Abstract: Sheets to be coated with water-based coating material, for example a primer and a low adhesion backsize, are supplied from a feeder (1), in end-to-end overlapping relationship, to a dual coater (3) in which the sheets are coated individually on both sides. A sheet inserter (2) is provided, upstream of the dual coater, to insert sheets from a second supply into the sheets from the feeder (1). The dual coated sheets are dried as individual sheets or as a pseudo-web of overlapped sheets. The sheets are then overlapped, unless previously overlapped, and the direction of overlap changed, if necessary, to provide the trailing edge of each sheet on top of the leading edge of each succeeding sheet. The overlapped sheets are conveyed through an adhesive transfer station (7) where stripes (236) of at least partially dried adhesive are coated onto the dual coated sheets from a transfer belt (71).Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Frederic Pierre Alain Le Riche, Bernard Raymond Pierre, Kim Kiyoko Tsujimoto, Mark Steven Vogel
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Patent number: 5972153Abstract: A method for manufacturing labels and for applying each of the labels to an end wall of a cigarette packet. The method includes separating the labels from a continuous web moving in a horizontal direction with the width of the web parallel to a vertical plane. Only one side of the web is provided with printed areas for a succession of the labels, and severance cuts are provided in the web to form the labels between the areas. Separation of the labels occurs at the cuts. After the labels are separated, they are continuously transported by a suction conveyor belt moving in a vertical plane substantially parallel to the vertical plane of the web. The labels are held separated from each other by negative pressure from the belt which acts on the printed side. Glue is applied to the print-free side of the labels on the belt by a phased and non-contact application of at least on row of successive glue spots extending along the longitudinal dimension of the label. Then the labels are applied to the packets.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)Inventors: Heinz Focke, Hans-Jurgen Bretthauer, Jurgen Rose
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Patent number: 5964975Abstract: A method and apparatus of labeling cylindrical articles feeds labels onto a label drum. The labels have a formed curl such that the leading edge tends to curl away from the surface of the label drum. The article is fed onto the label drum and wrapped by engaging the article with the leading edge of the label and then wrapping the article. An uncut label web can be fed over an edge to impart the desired curl to the label web. The label web is then cut into labels, which are fed onto the label drum. Also, the tension of the label over the edge can be varied so as to vary the amount of curl imparted to the label.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Trine Labeling Systems, Inc.Inventor: Gaylen Roy Hinton
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Patent number: 5922169Abstract: A system for applying linerless labels to mailing items includes a label feeder for feeding a continuous length web of linerless label material from a supply roll through a loop path to a label applying station juxtaposed to the path traversed by mailing items conveyed on edge in sequential fashion by a belt conveyor. The label material passes through a web guide and advance assembly to a cutter station operative to sever the label material transversely and create labels of desired height. A paddle member is operative to engage and hold each successive label as it is being severed from the label material web generally simultaneously to adhere the adhesive side of the label against a mailing items passing through the label applying station. The various operating functions of the linerless label applying system may be coordinated by conventional control logic.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1996Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Bell & Howell Postal Systems Inc.Inventors: Richard Chodacki, Jose Pioquinto, Gary VanderSyde, David Haas, K. George Rabindran
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Patent number: 5895546Abstract: Veneer panels which are to be joined in a plurality of layers one above the other and one behind the other are assembled and glued to form an endless strand of veneer laminates. In the process, the veneer panels are first fed in through a glue-application machine which applies a layer of glue on a top side of the veneer panels onto a buffer belt. The veneer panels are then transferred from the buffer belt to a horizontally reversing feed belt which forms on a roller table a first veneer assembly comprising a plurality of veneer panels. The first veneer assembly is raised about its front end by an angle .alpha. into an oblique position so that veneer panels of a subsequent veneer assembly can be threaded into the first veneer assembly using the horizontally reversing feed belt. The first and subsequent veneer assemblies are thereby combined into a veneer-panel strand, and transferred to a continuously operating prepress and press.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.Inventors: Friedrich B. Bielfeldt, Werner Hoffman, Gerhard Melzer
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Patent number: 5893263Abstract: An automatic bar code label applying apparatus is characterized by comprising at least a test tube containing section (1) for containing test tubes (11) of a same type to be applied with respective bar code labels, a collection device (2) for collecting the test tubes from the test tube containing section, a transfer device (3) for transferring the collected test tubes to a bar code label applying station (41), a printing/application device for printing characters and bar codes on the labels and applying the printed labels to the respective test tubes and a delivery device for delivering the test tubes with applied bar code labels.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1996Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: Techno Medica Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshikazu Matsumoto, Yoshimi Hirasawa
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Patent number: 5882474Abstract: A labeling machine for labeling a plurality of containers is disclosed. The labeling machine includes a loading mechanism that sequentially receives containers and discharges containers in a spaced relationship. A star wheel has a plurality of receptacles disposed about the periphery of the star wheel, and is rotatable around an axis of rotation. The star wheel sequentially receives containers from the loading mechanism. The receptacles are pivotally secured to the star wheel for limited radial and pivotal movement. The receptacles have a leading end and a trailing end relative to the direction of rotation of the star wheel. A label dispenser including a label holder is disposed adjacent the periphery of the star wheel. The label has a decorated side facing the dispenser and an adherent side facing the star wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: B&H Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Gary G. Gomes, Joe C. Parker
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Patent number: 5876555Abstract: An apparatus for labelling packages with postage meter labels performs a method in which postage metered label combinations are received from a label feeder and postage meter, the label is stripped from its release sheet, and then the label is applied to its respective package. The labelling apparatus and method are designed for use in a high speed electronic finishing system.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Gunther International, Ltd.Inventors: Per Hellsund, George Rinaudo
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Patent number: 5858166Abstract: The present invention is a machine for use in attaching first and second handles to a gift box. Each of the first and second handles having first and second end portions and an upper portion. In one embodiment, the machine comprises a base member and first and second side walls extending upward therefrom. The machine further comprises first and second handle support members rotatably connected with the first and second side walls and each being adapted to retain the first and second handles, respectively. The first and second handle support members are operable from a first and normally horizontal position wherein the handles may be inserted thereon and provided with an adhesive to a second substantially vertical position wherein the handles may be attached to the gift box.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventors: Donald R. James, Bill Anderson
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Patent number: 5858168Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling containers allows labeling of containers by wrap around labeling without applying an adhesive on the leading edge of the label. Labels are held on a label drum and moved into a label applying position while containers are fed into the label applying position. Air is blown from a first position on the label drum onto the leading edge of the label at an angle to the label drum surface and in a direction backward along the label from the leading edge to force the leading edge of the label against the container, while also minimizing the laminar flow of air under the label. After the leading edge of the label has engaged the container, air is blown from a second position on the label drum spaced from the first position onto the label and container at an angle to the label drum surface to maintain a laminar flow of air over the label and maintain the label tight against the container during container rotation.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Trine Labeling SystemsInventor: Gaylen Roy Hinton
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Patent number: 5858143Abstract: A computer controlled labeling apparatus having a label applying mechanism for applying labels to containers. The labeling apparatus has a motor for driving a container transport and a sensor for providing transport status information to a controlling computer. The apparatus contains at least one labeling station. Each labeling station also has a motor and a sensor, the motor drives the labeling station and the sensor provides labeling station status information to the controlling computer. The computer is programmed to process status information in conjunction with prestored information relating to the characteristics of the labeling apparatus, containers, and desired labeling and generate suitable control signals for labeling apparatus operation. Computer control for the application of stretch type label material from a continuous web of material is described.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: B & H Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Lyn E. Bright, Syatoboi Otruba
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Patent number: 5855710Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling containers allows labeling of containers by wrap around labeling without applying an adhesive on the leading edge of the label. Labels are held on a label drum and moved into a label applying position while containers are fed into the label applying position. Air is blown from the label drum onto the leading edge of the label at an angle to the label drum surface and in a direction backward along the label from the leading edge to force the leading edge of the label against the container. The leading edge is maintained on the container by wet adhesion or by air which is blown onto the label and container from the side opposite the label drum.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Trine Labeling SystemsInventor: Gaylen Roy Hinton
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Patent number: 5849138Abstract: Apparatus and process for application of pamphlets to a backing web having preprinted labels including a pamphlet applicator featuring cylindrical drive cams which propel pamphlet grasping assemblies at different speed rates to achieve optimum spacing during pamphlet application to a laminate web.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Product Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Donald W. Olson
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Patent number: 5820714Abstract: An apparatus and method are shown and described for labeling bottles in a stream. An input conveyor is provided for supplying bottles to a presenting station. Bottles are restrained at the presenting station until the appropriate time by an entrance gate. Bottles are conveyed from the presenting station to a work station by an advancing conveyor. Bottles entering the work station drive the predecessor bottle out of the work station to a slowing conveyor. Slowed bottles are abutted by subsequent relatively faster moving bottles to be labeled. Abutment with a slowed labeled bottle serves to register each bottle to be labeled at the labeling station.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventor: Hershey Lerner
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Patent number: 5804023Abstract: A label cutting and applying apparatus is arranged to produce printed labels from a continuing strip of label material. By operation of a standard roller, the apparatus advances a strip of the material along a path from a roll of the material over a print head where a portion of the strip is printed. The printed portion is advanced past a cutting blade which is integrally formed with a vertically movable label applicator and is severed from the remainder of the strip by operation of the blade as the applicator moves downwardly. The label applicator can include a vacuum head which then blows the severed label onto a package to apply the label thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Grand Rapids Label CompanyInventors: George F. Carpenter, Jeffrey A. Engelsman, Karl J. Burdick, John T. Doornbos, Daniel B. Jones
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Patent number: 5792309Abstract: A pocket coil spring structure assembling apparatus for producing a pocket coil spring structure which includes a feeder mechanism to supply a group of pocket coil springs to a positioning transfer conveyor mechanism; a cutting mechanism between the feeding mechanism and the positioning transfer conveyor mechanism to cut the group of pocket coil springs to a predetermined length; a press holding mechanism to hold and lift the cut group of pocket coils springs on the positioning transfer conveyor mechanism by pressing the centers of opposite ends of each pocket coil springs; a pressing holding mechanism carrier mechanism to move the press holding mechanism in forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions; a spray mechanism with a spray nozzle to apply adhesive to the cut group of pocket coil springs; a nozzle carrier to move the spray nozzle; and a controller mechanism for controlling each of the mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Matsushita Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Eto
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Patent number: 5779831Abstract: A method for forming an undergarment comprises the steps of transporting a two-dimensional web in a substantially flattened position on a transport device, cutting the web along a transverse edge to form a two-dimensional pre-form, gripping the pre-form adjacent each waist section with a gripping device in four gripping areas, jointly rotating at least the gripping means which hold the gripping areas in the region of the first transverse edge of the pre-form around a first axis of rotation extending substantially parallel to the transverse edges of the pre-form, rotating each gripping device around a respective axis of rotation extending generally parallel to the longitudinal sides of the pre-form to place the sealing areas located along the same longitudinal side in a contacting relationship, joining the superimposed sealing areas in a sealing unit, and releasing the undergarment from the gripping device. The apparatus comprises an umbrella-type mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1997Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Christoph Johann Schmitz
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Patent number: 5772839Abstract: A film applying apparatus includes a presser roll reciprocally movable toward and away from the leading end portion of a tacking member to force an adhesive tape against a cover film of the laminated film while the laminated film is held by suction on a surface at the leading end portion of the tacking member. The surface of the tacking member includes a first and a second beveled surface. When the presser roll is advanced by a presser roll actuating device, it rolls on from the first beveled surface to a leading end of the second beveled surface during which time the adhesive tape is firmly adhered to the cover film. Then the presser roll is retracted and, at the same time, the adhesive tape is pulled by an adhesive-tape pullback device in a direction away from the tacking member whereupon the cover film adhered to the adhesive tape is separated from the laminated film. After the tacking is completed, a film tensioning device is driven to pull the laminated film backward.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignees: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Somar CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Nagate, Yoji Washizaki
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Patent number: 5772825Abstract: A method for forming an undergarment having side seams from a two-dimensional preform comprises the steps of cutting a continuous web along transverse cut lines to form individual preforms; cutting each preform along a leg contour extending along each longitudinal side of the preform in the region of a central section, wherein each leg contour does not touch the respective longitudinal side, thus forming two gripping flaps; gripping the preform at the gripping flaps; pulling the gripping flaps outwardly away from the longitudinal sides such that the preform is doubled over along a transverse centerline and such that sealing areas in the region of back waist sections are placed in a superimposed relationship with sealing areas in the region of front waist sections; mutually connecting the sealing areas.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Christoph Johann Schmitz
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Patent number: 5749990Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for applying a label onto a substantially cylindrical article by using a bottom feed conveyor unit. The label drum defines an article wrapping position at a lower portion of the label drum. A thin layer, heat activated adhesive backed label is fed onto the surface of the drum so that the adhesive back faces outward from the drum. The label drum is rotated to move the label retained thereon into the article wrapping position. As the label is moved, the adhesive is heated so that the adhesive obtains a sufficient temperature to melt. A cylindrical article is conveyed substantially horizontally along a conveyor into the article wrapping position and into rotative engagement with the label retained on the label drum so as to transfer the label onto the cylindrical article by wrap-around labeling.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: CMS Gillbreth Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert Michael Rello, Michael Yager, Ramon Antonio Martinez
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Patent number: 5738755Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Euro Label 06Inventor: Michel Hartman
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Patent number: 5735996Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: Syed A. Asghar, Joseph F. Callinan, Paul D. Christo
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Patent number: 5733410Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Kiron Gore, Steven Lustig, Robert A. Charles
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Patent number: 5725725Abstract: An automatic sock labeling machine including a conveyor element actuatable with a translatory motion along an advancement direction and extending from a station for loading the socks on the conveyor element to a station for unloading the labeled socks. The path of the conveyor element includes: a station for positioning, in each instance, a label so that it straddles the top of a pair of mutually superimposed socks; a station for fixing the label to the pair of socks; and, if necessary a station for printing markings at the foot of one sock of the pair of socks.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1995Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Conti Complett S.p.A.Inventor: Sergio Salvetti
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Patent number: 5725717Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Koch Supplies, Inc.Inventors: James R. Harte, Michael L. Kennedy
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Patent number: 5705024Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 28, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Eric Bainbridge, John Hitchings
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Patent number: 5690783Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: William J. Meyers, Alex Saveliev
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Patent number: 5688361Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 28, 1996Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Inventor: Teruaki Itoh
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Patent number: 5679109Abstract: A method of making a food package including a food package tray and a food package jacket. The method involves placing a food package tray on a mandrel such that the inner surface of the tray contacts at least a portion of the mandrel. After this, the food package jacket is placed on the food package tray so that the food package jacket partially surrounds the food package tray. The food package jacket is then secured to the food package tray to make the food package. An associated apparatus is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Gics & Vermee, L.P.Inventor: Paul W. Gics
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Patent number: 5679209Abstract: A roll-fed labelling machine that can be quickly changed to process containers and labels of different sizes does not require changed cutters to match different label sizes by engaging at least 50% of each label on the vacuum drum before it is cut from the web. Infeed guides and roll-on-pad assemblies, specific to individual container sizes can be installed swiftly by means of fixed alignment pins. The starwheel, having a diameter that is only five times the diameter of the mid-size container that the labelling machine is designed to process reduces abrasion and vibration. Starwheels that are aligned and with preset timing adjustment integral with the starwheel members for each container size are changed quickly to synchronize starwheel timing with that of the labelling machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gaylen R. Hinton, Stanley B. Black
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Patent number: 5676629Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tabs to a continuous material web in connection with the manufacture of packaging material in conversion machines includes the use of a transfer wheel which is located between a supply station for tabs and a deposit station, in which the wheel is located in contact with the packaging material web. With the aid of retainer jaws displaceable in a circumferential direction of the wheel, and fixedly disposed abutments, the position of each tab transferred to the wheel is corrected before the tab reaches the deposit station, so that the transfer to the packaging material web takes place in accurate register with markings previously provided on the web. The method and apparatus is well-suited for use in connection with continuous material webs travelling at high rates of speed, such as 400 to 500 meters/minute.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventor: Ingvar Andersson
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Patent number: 5672237Abstract: A postage stamp applicator includes a stamp applicator drum rotatably carried on a housing for oscillating motion. A free end of a coiled supply of stamps extends to the stamp applicator drum. A metering head on the stamp applicator drum advances and severs a predetermined number of stamps as the stamp applicator drum oscillates through one complete cycle of oscillation corresponding to the movement of each envelope that passes beneath the applicator. The outer surface of the stamp applicator drum includes a plurality of decurling rollers that press down on the front side of the predetermined number of stamps to help affix such stamps to the face of the envelope. The stamp applicator drum is oscillated by a crank arm and crankshaft combination that connects the drive shaft on which the stamp applicator drum is mounted to a rotary driven input that rotates one full turn for each envelope passing beneath the applicator.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Inventors: Bruce W. Whiteford, Larry R. Whiteford
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Patent number: 5659947Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 1996Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Blaupunkt-Werke GmbHInventors: Norbert Eilers, Ansgar Graen
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Patent number: 5658422Abstract: A device for processing printed sheets and for feeding processed printed sheets to a machine for further processing the processed printed sheets. The device includes a feeder for separating the printed sheets from a stack of printed sheets and for conveying the printed sheets. The device also includes a conveying device disposed downstream of the feeder for conveying the printed sheets to the machine, and a conveying element disposed between the feeder and the conveying device for conveying and processing the printed sheets. The conveying element is driven to convey the printed sheets in a similar conveying direction and at a similar clock pulse as the feeder and the conveying device.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Grapha-Holding AGInventors: Heinz Boss, Ernst Luthi
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Patent number: 5650037Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 13, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Krones, Inc.Inventor: Mark G. Larson
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Patent number: 5645679Abstract: The conveying device exhibits a plurality of clamps which are each articulated, via a carrying arm and a linking member, on rotational elements. The pivot position of the carrying arm is controlled by a first slotted-guide path and, separately from this, the position of the linking member is controlled by a second slotted-guide path. This permits pivoting of the clamps even independently of the movement of the carrying arms. The clamps can thus be controlled in an optimum manner for the respective purpose. In particular, it is possible, with constant speed of the rotational elements, to change the speed of the clamps and, at the same time, to control the direction of the clamps independently.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Ferag AGInventor: Egon Hansch
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Patent number: 5605597Abstract: In a method for applying pressure sensitive labels to products such as hollow articles by moving the label carried on a label web and providing for an acute bend of the label web to transfer the label to a hollow article, the improvement comprises heating said label directly to elevate the temperature above ambient temperature before the acute bend to warm the label sufficiently to permit the pressure sensitive adhesive on the label to flow sufficiently to enter the microscopic surfaces of the hollow article. In one form, the heating comprises directing warm air directly against the label while it is on the label web. In another form, heating said label comprises providing a heating plate in direct contact with the label web on the surface of the label web opposite to that on which said label is carried.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: Owens-Illinois Plastic Products Inc.Inventor: John A. Plenzler
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Patent number: 5587043Abstract: The present invention provides a label applicator for removing pressure-sensitive, very thin, sub-surface printed labels from a web and applying the labels to PCMCIA memory cards carried on a shuttle such that the labels are more reliably and exactly placed than conventional labelers. The label applicator includes a peel plate for removing the adhesive-backed labels from a web and a vacuum applicator drum for transferring the labels from the peel plate to an unlabeled article carried on the shuttle. The shuttle is provided with micrometers to separately adjust the position of the memory cards about three independent axes to allow greater precision in label placement. Placement of labels on the memory cards is also enhanced through the use of a number of sensors which determine relative positions of the labels on the transfer drum and the linearly moving shuttle so that rotation of the drum can be synchronized to match movement of the shuttle.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Brady USA, Inc.Inventors: Clement F. Hying, Jack E. Perko, Larry E. Wenzler
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Patent number: 5573628Abstract: A device for applying sealing labels to containers defined partially by two parallel faces and by a further face connecting the two parallel faces; the device including a conveying device for feeding containers to a labeling station, and a supply device for supplying labels and presenting at least one retaining device for retaining two opposite end portions of the label; the conveying device consisting of a conveyor for successively conveying the containers with the further face downstream in relation to the traveling direction of the conveyor; and an actuating device being provided for moving the retaining device between a position, assumed at least at the labeling station, of interference with the path of each container on the conveyor, and a position of noninterference with the aforementioned path.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: G.D Societa per AzioniInventor: Fulvio Boldrini
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Patent number: 5569353Abstract: A labelling machine has an apparatus for the automatic loading of the main magazine of a labelling machine with a label stack including of a number of individual labels. The label stack can be inserted from a supply magazine by means of a feed device into the main magazine, which supply magazine makes possible both a smaller size and a smooth insertion of the label stack into the main magazine, because the supply magazine can be pivoted from a standby position into an insertion position, in which an ejection opening of the supply magazine is flush against the insertion opening of the main magazine.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: KHS ETI-TEC Maschinenbau GmbHInventor: Rudolf Zodrow
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Patent number: 5565057Abstract: In a production line for manufacturing wooden I-beams in a chords and webs assembly machine, a vacuum belt conveyor system is provided to sequentially feed bottom web members from beneath a web stack into a web run-up and drive system associated with the machine. The vacuum belt conveyor system features a vacuum supply box mounted between the web support rails through a series of vertical screw adjustment assemblies permitting adjustment of the inclination of the conveyor belt relative to the head drive pulley. A system of vacuum supply holes in the top plate of the vacuum box is utilized to apply a greater amount of vacuum to the leading end of the webs than the trailing end to minimize belt wear.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Globe Machine Manufacturing CompanyInventor: William M. Owens