Turret Or Rotary Drum-type Conveyer Patents (Class 156/567)
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Publication number: 20080110555Abstract: An apparatus for applying a label to a pharmaceutical vial includes: a base having a receiving section, a labeling section, and a pick-up section; an index member attached to the base, the index member including a receiving compartment, the index member configured to receive a vial from a vial dispenser in the receiving compartment as the receiving section is positioned over the receiving section and convey the vial to the labeling section of the base; a label source positioned to present a label to a vial located in the labeling section of the base; and a labeling assembly mounted in the labeling section of the base, the labeling assembly configured to receive the vial from the index member and apply the label to the vial. The index member is further configured to convey the labeled vial from the labeling section to the pick-up section.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Steve Bouchelle, Jasper Pollard
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Patent number: 7275579Abstract: A labeling machine for prism-shaped bottles having an axially-offset neck, comprising a first carousel, which conveys the bottles to a first labeling assembly, which applies the labels to one of the faces, and a second carousel, which conveys the bottles to a second labeling assembly, which applies the labels to an opposite face; the carousels are connected in series by at least one pair of bottle transfer devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: P.E. S.R.L.Inventor: Mario Ballarotti
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Patent number: 7269930Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles or containers with a liquid beverage which has a labeling device for labeling the bottles or containers. The labeling device has at least two labeling stations, wherein at least one labeling station can be moved from an operating position to a rest position when its supply of labels is exhausted, while at least one other labeling station can be moved from a rest position to an operating position to permit a substantially continuous feed and application of labels to bottles or containers.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AGInventors: Paul-Gerhard Kahlisch, Klaus-Friedrich Stock, Heinz Thielmann
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Publication number: 20070169874Abstract: A label for a container is formed by wrapping a length of label material around a cylindrical mandrel and introducing heat, adhesive or other sealing means into a gap between the leading end portion of the label material and the trailing end portion as the label material is wrapped around the mandrel. The cylindrical sleeve is slid off of the mandrel and telescoped over a container passing thereunder. The container with a cylindrical sleeve therearound is then moved to a heating station which heats the label material, preferably foam polystyrene, to cause it to shrink into conformity with the contour of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventor: Robert F. Kontz
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Patent number: 7192502Abstract: A method and device for applying a label to a packet of cigarettes travelling in a given direction along a conveying path; to apply the label to the packet, a pickup head is fed along a feed path by rotating the pickup head about two axes parallel to each other, and by moving the pickup head radially with respect to one of the two axes.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: G.D Societa' per AzioniInventors: Mario Spatafora, Fabrizio Tale′, Alberto Polazzi
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Patent number: 7182115Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans, and modules for labeling stations and a bottling plant having a mobile module carrier. The present application further relates to a module carrier for use on labeling machines that are constructed in a modular fashion, whereby the present application teaches that the module carrier is equipped with means that facilitate its mobility. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AGInventors: Siegmar Sindermann, Paul Kahlisch, Klaus Friedrich Stock
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Patent number: 7178574Abstract: To label products on a conveyor, a target area for a given product conveyed on the conveyor is determined relative to a frame of reference. One of a plurality of labellers fixed at different transverse positions over the conveyor, which one labeller is at a transverse position which is within the transverse extent of the target area is then activated in order to label the product. Each labeller may have a turret with a number of flexible bellows with an interior air diffuser. The air diffuser has a central opening facing the tamping end of the bellows and at least one side opening. This arrangement can enhance the responsiveness of the bellows. Each labeller may also have a de-mountable label cassette with a drive pinion or geneva gear. The label cassette may have a driven pin wheel for moving the pin holed release tape of a label web.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Ag-Tronic Control Systems Inc.Inventors: Peter C. Nielsen, Joseph Z. Sleiman
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Patent number: 7060143Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for attaching a label jacket to objects, such as bottles or similar items, where a jacket label is seized by its forward margin by a spreading jaw unit and pulled in axial direction over the object, where the object, before the pull-over application, is held by the area of its mantle surface, by positive and/or friction lock, the pull-over process is started, the holding device on the mantle surface is temporarily released as soon as the spreading jaw unit at least partially surrounds the object at its mantle surface, and, at the latest before the desired adhesion height of the label jacket on the object is reached, the latter objects is again seized by the area of its mantle surface, which is now covered with the label, and in the process the label is affixed in a non-slip manner, while the spreading jaw unit is pulled off.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Gunter Eiban, Herman Englbrecht, Erich Eder
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Patent number: 7013944Abstract: A compact disk (DVD) manufacturing machine is used to laminate first and second DVD substrates to produce a DVD, and mainly includes a glue applicator for applying a glue ring on a laminating surface of each DVD substrate; a DVD laminator for turning the first DVD substrate to the second one at predetermined speeds, allowing the glue rings to contact with each other before the two DVD substrates are slowly laminated; and a rotating element below a fixed sucker of the DVD laminator for rotating the laminated DVD substrates and ensuring even spread of the glue between the two substrates without producing blisters. Since the gluing and the laminating are synchronously performed at two different positions on a turntable of the machine, an increased productivity may be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Automation Design & Manufacturing Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: David Chu
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Patent number: 6986630Abstract: A perfect bound book construction is disclosed in which the book has a book block comprising a plurality of text pages, and a soft paper cover. The inner and outer faces of the cover are laminated with a plastic film so as to form a double laminated cover. The center portion of the inner lamination of the double laminated cover is conditioned or roughened, as by scarifying, so that an adhesive will adhere to the inner lamination and bind the spine of the book block to the double laminated cover. Apparatus for and a method of printing books on demand with such double laminated covers is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Jeffrey D. Marsh
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Patent number: 6978819Abstract: A label fitting apparatus for fitting a label on a container. The label fitting apparatus includes label fitting heads at even intervals on an outer perimeter of a main turret. Each fitting head includes a container table to support a container, a container presser bar to apply a force to a top of the container, and a label holder to hold the label. Rotation of the main turret causes the container presser bar to lower and pass through a label held by the vacuum jaws to apply a pressing force against a container supported by the container table such that the container is sandwiched between the container table and the container presser bar. The container is transferred in an axial direction relative to the label holder such that the label is fitted on the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Nippon Automatic Fine Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiko Tanaka, Kazuo Kobayashi, Kanji Hatano
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Patent number: 6883576Abstract: A quick change roll-fed high speed labeling system for improving labeling speed and precision label placement comprises a conveyor for moving articles to be labeled, and an infeed screw assembly for spacing and stabilizing the articles. The infeed screw assembly comprises a feedscrew having a plurality of pockets for receiving and properly spacing successive incoming articles, which has a gear drive, and means for pivoting the feedscrew both vertically and horizontally. Additional system elements include a rotatable starwheel assembly having a plurality of spaced pockets for receiving individual ones of the articles therein, a rotatable vacuum drum assembly, and a supply of roll fed labels, wherein the labels are dispensed singly onto a label receiving face of the rotatable vacuum drum assembly. The rotatable vacuum drum assembly comprises a unique three-ported valving system, for reducing or eliminating glue clogging problems during system operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Accraply/Trine CAInventors: Robert M. Rello, Ian Brown, James E. Simmons, Richard R. Gonzalo
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Patent number: 6855226Abstract: This invention relates to a labeling system for continuously applying a layer of a UV curable adhesive to plastic, sheet fed, cut and stack, labels, irradiating the adhesive on the labels to render the adhesive sufficiently tacky to effectively adhere the labels to containers in a commercial labeling machine and thereafter applying the labels to discrete containers through the sufficiently tacky adhesive layer. The plastic labels can be clear, opaque (including metallized) plastic films and can be retained in a dispensing magazine prior to the application of the UV curable adhesive to the labels.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Applied Extrusion Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William J. Hill, IV, Thomas C. McNutt, Bryan Bellafore, Paul D. Fussey, Kenneth J. Longmoore
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Publication number: 20040261948Abstract: The purpose is to simplify the heat transfer process and extend the performance range of the corresponding installations. The purpose is achieved by arranging for opposite movements of the conveyor (4) with the cylindrical packings (5) and those of the conveyor (7, 7′) with the decoration, rotating the objects (5) by means of the movement of the conveyor (7, 7′) and applying the necessary heat to the conveyor (7, 7′). Such processes and devices are used in the foodstuffs and beverages industry among others to decorate cylindrical packings of different materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: HEINEKEN TECHNICAL SERVICES, B.V.Inventors: Thomas L. Brandt, Daniel N. Wilkens, Neal D. Turner, Harold N. Turner
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Publication number: 20040261949Abstract: A tubular label fitting apparatus for containers in which label fitting heads are arranged at even intervals on the outer perimeter of a main turret, each fitting head comprising a container table, a container presser bar that applies a pressing force against the top of a container which is supported by the container table, and vacuum jaws to hold the label. The label fitting head comprises a container presser bar means 40 on the bottom of a container presser bar body 41. The container presser bar means 40 further comprises a label attitude control element 42 whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of a fitting tube. When a bottle 32 is supplied to the bottle mounting platform 7, the label attitude control element 42 lowers and passes through a label 29 which is held by the label holding means, such that the bottle is sandwiched between the container table 7 and the container pressing head 44 that is provided in the label attitude control element 42 so as to have a cushioning capability.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: NIPPON AUTOMATIC FINE MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshihiko Tanaka, Kazuo Kobayashi, Kanji Hatano
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Patent number: 6832640Abstract: The device (1) for gripping and handling bottles (3) in a labelling machine comprises at least one body carrying a gripping member (2) of the neck of a bottle (3), control means (4) in rotation of said gripping member (2) and a centering member (5) of the bottle (3) with respect to said gripping member (2). In the method of bottle filling/pressurising a stem (9) of a gripping and handling device (1) for bottles (3), provided with a passage (14) for the filling/pressurising gas for bottles (3), associates with an opening of the bottle (3), after that a tubular member (7) containing the stem (9) translates with respect to the stem (9) and opens an on-off valve (15), thereby causing the filling/pressurising of the bottle (3).Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: SIG Alfa S.p.A.Inventors: Alessandro Caprara, Emanuele Mazzotta
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Patent number: 6823921Abstract: The device (1) comprises individual stations, which are passed through in succession, and consisting of: a removal station (4) for labels (2), whereby one label (2) at a time is removed from a label stack (7); an application station (5), in which at least one securing element (3 is applied to the label (2), and of; a storage station (6) for the labels (2) provided with the securing elements (3), whereby said labels (2) provided with the securing elements (3) are placed in a label stack (9).Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Checkpoint Systems International GmbHInventor: Detlef Duschek
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Patent number: 6820672Abstract: A device for affixing objects to products moving in a row, which device includes a holder for a stock of the objects and with an affixing device that includes a carrier for removing an object from the holder and moving the object. The affixing device is capable of rotary movement about an axis of rotation. The object is affixed to the moving product during the rotary movement of the affixing device. The affixing device can be driven intermittently between rotation and standstill. During the standstill of the affixing device, the carrier can remove the object from the holder. Preferably, more than one carrier is provided, with the carriers each provided with a suction nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Antonius Adrianus Arnoldus Smits
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Patent number: 6811644Abstract: The purpose is to simplify the heat transfer process and extend the performance range of the corresponding installations. The purpose is achieved by arranging for opposite movements of the conveyor (4) with the cylindrical packings (5) and those of the conveyor (7, 7′) with the decoration, rotating the objects (5) by means of the movement of the conveyor (7, 7′) and applying the necessary heat to the conveyor (7, 7′). Such processes and devices are used in the foodstuffs and beverages industry among others to decorate cylindrical packings of different materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Heineken Technical Services, B.V.Inventors: Thomas L. Brandt, Daniel N. Wilkens, Neal D. Turner, Harold N. Turner
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Patent number: 6805182Abstract: A bottle labeling machine, comprising a rotating carousel provided with a supporting structure for pans on which the bottles rest and comprising input and output star conveyors, the input and output star conveyors being arranged at a fixed elevation, the rotating carousel being provided with means suitable to change the elevation of the pan supporting structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: P.E. S.r.l.Inventor: Mario Ballarotti
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Patent number: 6796352Abstract: An apparatus for decorating an object with the heat-transfer label of a heat-transfer label assembly includes a decorating unit for applying the heat-transfer label onto the object during an extended period of decoration a conveying mechanism for continuously, rotationally advancing and supporting the object during the extended period of decoration. The decorating unit includes a preheater for heating the heat-transfer label assembly before the period of decoration, a generally flat, heated contact plate which is adapted to pivot so as to continuously urge the heat-transfer label into contact with the object throughout the extended period of decoration and a transport assembly for advancing the heat-transfer label assembly from the preheater to the heated contact plate. The heated contact plate includes a rubber layer constructed of an 80 durometer silicone and a 0.10 inches thick, TEFLON fiberglass cloth covering mounted on the rubber layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Inventors: John W. Geurtsen, Friedrich H. H. Geurtsen, Paul C. Croci
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Patent number: 6792992Abstract: A labeler for applying labels to articles is provided. The labeler includes a label application device having an opening in an end thereof. The label application device is expandable when subjected to pressure. The labeler also includes a positioner for supporting the label application device and moving the label application device between a label pick-up position and a label application position. A vacuum source and a pressure source are also provided which can be selectively connected to the label application device such the label application device is subject to pressure when adjacent the label application position and subject to vacuum for picking up and retaining a label on the label application device at the label pick-up position. The labeler also includes a flow control element having at least one flow control passage therein which defines at least one air flow path through the flow control element to the label application device opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: FMC Technologies Inc.Inventor: Robert R. Goetz
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Patent number: 6793755Abstract: The present invention is a machine to perform two or more processes to an bottle wherein registration of the first process to the second process is required. The products produced with such registration have distinct advantages over prior art. These include labeling systems comprising multiple labels that can be incorporated into many useful variants for promotional items. Additionally, novel packaging systems can utilize this technology.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Interactive Packaging Group, Ltd.Inventors: Richard Schaupp, Timothy H. Klein, John P. Hickey
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Patent number: 6760968Abstract: A die packing device including die holding mechanism comprising a connecting wire receiving shaft which is movable up and down, a pair of die holding levers which have die holding sections for holding the die and are installed so that these levers are free to open and close, and opening-and-closing levers that open and close the die holding levers. A die formed with connecting wires on its upper surface is pushed up by a die push-up device and the wires of to die come into contact with the connecting wire receiving shaft of the die holding mechanism. When the connecting wire receiving shaft is raised by a given amount by the upward movement of the die, the die holding levers are closed so that the die holding sections of the die holding levers are positioned beneath the undersurface of the die. Afterward, the push-up needles of the die push-up device are lowered, resulting in that the die is held by the die holding levers.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ShinkawaInventors: Tsutomu Mimata, Osamu Kakutani
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Patent number: 6748996Abstract: A rotation device includes: an endless guide; and a plurality of moving sections that move while being guided by the guide, wherein an interval between the moving sections can be changed.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Zuiko CorporationInventors: Masaki Nakakado, Yuzo Ichiura, Satoshi Tanaka, Ikuo Tachibana
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Publication number: 20040099379Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the labeling of items, such as containers or the like, with at least one carousel, at least one labeling unit for the labeling of the items positioned on its periphery, and synchronously drivable transport elements for the feeding and removing of the items in a manner adjusted to position, whereby the transport elements are supported on a table plate, and the carousel is supported in a rotary bearing positioned outside the table plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Eder Erich
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Publication number: 20040089423Abstract: To label products on a conveyor, a target area for a given product conveyed on the conveyor is determined relative to a frame of reference. One of a plurality of labellers fixed at different transverse positions over the conveyor, which one labeller is at a transverse position which is within the transverse extent of the target area is then activated in order to label the product. Each labeller may have a turret with a number of flexible bellows with an interior air diffuser. The air diffuser has a central opening facing the tamping end of the bellows and at least one side opening. This arrangement can enhance the responsiveness of the bellows. Each labeller may also have a de-mountable label cassette with a drive pinion or geneva gear. The label cassette may have a driven pin wheel for moving the pin holed release tape of a label web.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Peter C. Nielsen
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Patent number: 6726794Abstract: A pre-loaded disposable merchandiser (10), apparatus for producing merchandiser (10), and method for producing merchandiser (10). Merchandiser (10) includes strip (30), hanger (46) at one end of strip (30), and a plurality of items (12) connected to strip (30) in staggered locations. The apparatus includes strip material feeder (36), tape applicator (80) to apply piece (72) of tape (60) to a portion of strip (30) and a portion of an items (12). Items (12) may be heat sealed to strip (30) instead of taped. The method includes registering items (12) with strip (30) with items (12) being heat sealed to strip (30) or taped to strip (30). Merchandiser (10) is then cut from strip (30).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Rudolph Foods Company, Inc.Inventor: James G. Belt
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Patent number: 6719031Abstract: Device for cutting out articles from a long tape and adhering the articles to an adhesive tape comprises a cutting roll, an adhering roll and a transfer device for transferring the cut-out articles to the adhesive tape. The cutting roll carries blade forms for cutting out the articles. The adhering roll carries anvils whose shapes correspond to the shape of the blades. The adhering roll also carries cylinders each of which is disposed adjacent an anvil and has a shaft capable of piston action disposed therein. Each shaft has a suction mouth at its end. The suction mouths are used to transfer the cut-out articles from the cutting roll to the adhesive tape to which they are to be adhered.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Seiichi Sawai
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Patent number: 6695501Abstract: Improved label printing and applying apparatus (10) is provided which includes an improved digital printing assembly (12) having a rotatable impression drum (18) presenting an outer surface (20), as well as at least one digital print head (22) adjacent the drum outer surface. The overall apparatus (10) also includes a downstream label cutting and application assembly (14) having an adhesive applicator (32), laser cutter (40) and a label applying device. In use, a web (16) traverses the drum (18) with essentially no relative movement between the web (16) and drum surface (20), and the print head(s) (22) are actuated to form images on the web (16), which may be identical or varied. Thereafter, the printed web passes into and through the assembly (14) where adhesive is applied, the individual images are laser cut, and the labels are thereupon applied to products (54).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Lasersoft Management, L.L.C.Inventors: Greydon W. Nedblake, Jr., Lawrence E. Johnson, Jules P. Farkas
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Patent number: 6681830Abstract: A hand-held adhesive tape dispenser is in the form of a partial shell which has a support face and a peripheral wall to form an open face housing. A spool of adhesive tape is mounted to the support face through the use of mounting structure on the shell which rotatably and detachably mounts the core of the spool to the shell. The mounting structure includes spring fingers which snap over the core. An applicating end of the shell has a passage in its peripheral wall located near a fixed guide and a cutter at the applicating end so that tape removed from the core would pass through the passage around the guide to be applied to a substrate and then to be cut by the cutter.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Inc.Inventors: Brian A. Vulpitta, Timothy S. Ferguson
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Patent number: 6652687Abstract: The labeler of this invention is a single drum labeler that comprises a label adhering drum having label suction holes disposed at equal intervals in odd number of places of the peripheral surface of the drum, and a closing rod freely detachably entered from an open hole to close an unnecessary label suction hole. A feeder feeds an article, to which the label piece is adhered, in synchronization with the label sucked to the label suction hole of every other position. A pressing device presses the fed-in article to the adhering drum and adhering the label. A heat-sensitive adhesive activation device is disposed substantially around the drum opposite to a drum surface along the peripheral edge of the label adhering drum.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Sanseiseiki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsugihiro Shiraishi
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Patent number: 6598647Abstract: In a machine (1) for the manufacture of packets substantially parallelepiped in shape, typically containing cigarettes, the packets (4) advance in succession on a conveyor belt (P) toward an affixing station (7), where a revenue stamp (8) and a detachable coupon (3) are attached simultaneously to each one in turn by a single applicator device (2).Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: G.D S.p.A.Inventor: Fiorenzo Draghetti
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Patent number: 6591886Abstract: A quick-change roll-fed labeling machine employs a unique container flow path, resulting in higher labeling speed and precision label placement. The labeling machine comprises a conveyor for moving articles to be labeled, and an infeed screw assembly for spacing and stabilizing the articles. Additional system elements include a rotatable starwheel assembly having a plurality of spaced pockets for receiving individual ones of the articles therein, a rotatable vacuum drum assembly, and a supply of roll fed labels, wherein the labels are dispensed singly onto a label receiving face of the rotatable vacuum drum assembly. A glue wheel assembly is disposed adjacent to the vacuum drum assembly for applying glue to the labels. Advantageously, the glue wheel assembly comprises an air cylinder drive for driving the glue wheel disposed between a pair of bushings.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Impaxx Machine Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard R. Gonzalo
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Patent number: 6527888Abstract: A surveillance tag applicator for applying tags to articles such as box blanks, blister cards, or containers at very high rates of speed up to and greater than 1000 tags per minute. The applicator comprises a plurality of tags attached to a web fed to a rotating drum having a plurality of slots, a compression roller for pressing each of the tags into one of the plurality of slots, an ejector arm for ejecting each tag from the slots onto a selected location of an article passing by the drum, a stripper to remove the web from the tags, and a winder assembly for rewinding the web devoid of tags. A first servo motor drives the rotating drum and a second servo motor drives the ejector arm. A controller provides the timing and control for the servo motors and operation of the tag applicator.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Shrink Packaging Systems CorporationInventors: Edward F. Williams, Frank A. James, Jeffrey C. Lindberg
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Patent number: 6527029Abstract: The invention relates to a labelling station for articles, more particularly bottles, having removal elements (2) which are rotatably mounted on a rotating support (1) and are moved past fixed stations (15, 16, 19) disposed at the periphery of the support with each rotation thereof and which roll with their receiving surface (5) with synchronisation at the stations and are glued, a label being delivered to a label-transferring station. The drive used for the removal elements (2) is a cam drive with two sets of engagement members (24, 25; 29, 30) which engage with a double cam (20a, 20b). The drive is so designed that, apart from short transitional zones, of the engagement members only two engagement members engage, one engagement member having a longer operative lever arm than all the remaining engagement members, and said engagement member 25 being also in torque-operative driving engagement with the double cam 20a, 20b in the initial phase of the rolling movement of the receiving surface at the stations.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Fribosa AG Werkzeug-und MaschinenbauInventor: Urs Ryser
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Patent number: 6516850Abstract: An apparatus for applying strip fastener elements or zippers to web material includes an unwind stand holding a roll of film material, an infeed dancer arrangement of rollers, a zipper apparatus which conditions zipper material, cuts zippers and delivers zippers to a zipper feed apparatus. The zipper feed apparatus loads zippers into a sealing platen of a rotating turret. The rotating turret carries the zippers successively to a position adjacent a surface of the film and a seal bar presses the film to successive zippers to seal the zippers thereto while a new zipper is being received in a sealing platen of the turret at a loading station at a rotational position at a distance from the sealing station. The film with zippers attached is drawn downstream of the turret to a rewind dancer roll assembly and thereafter to a rewind stand for winding into a roll of zippered film.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Hudson-Sharp Machine Co.Inventors: Gerry J. Blohowiak, Peter J. Hatchell, Sean Kevin Lemerand, Ernest H. Teske, Scott C. Romenesko
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Publication number: 20030024650Abstract: A device for centering a container provided with a reference on a pan in a labeling machine, comprising elements adapted to determine, by making contact with the reference provided on the container, the locking of the container in the direction of rotation of the resetting motion, leaving the container free to rotate together with the pan when the pan rotates in the direction of the motion that occurs during labeling.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: P.E. S.R.L.Inventor: Mario Ballarotti
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Patent number: 6505397Abstract: A die holding mechanism comprising a connecting wire receiving shaft which is movable up and down, a pair of die holding levers which have die holding sections for holding the die and are installed so that these levers are free to open and close, and opening-and-closing levers that open and close the die holding levers. A die formed with connecting wires on its upper surface is pushed up by a die push-up device and the wires of the die come into contact with the connecting wire receiving shaft of the die holding mechanism. When the connecting wire receiving shaft is raised by a given amount by the upward movement of the die, the die holding levers are closed so that the die holding sections of the die holding levers are positioned beneath the undersurface of the die. Afterward, the push-up needles of the die push-up device are lowered, resulting in that the die is held by the die holding levers.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ShinkawaInventors: Tsutomu Mimata, Osamu Kakutani
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Patent number: 6474390Abstract: A labeling machine having an input station receiving the bottles on which a sleeve is to be placed, a station for dispensing sleeves from a sheath and a main turret fitted with units for receiving the bottles and a providing them with a sleeve. Each unit has a slidable tool mounted parallel with the bottle to place the sleeve on the bottle. The main turret is suspended from a tripod supported directly on the ground while the input and output turrets as well as the unreeling station supplying the sheath dispensing the sleeves are supported by the machine frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Protection Decoration Conditionnement Europe S.A.Inventor: Jean-Claude Vandevoorde
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Patent number: 6471802Abstract: Labeling apparatus and method cuts labels from a web of label material after adhesive is applied to the web of material. Under one embodiment heated knives are carried on a vacuum drum which cooperates with a roller functioning as an anvil to cut the web into labels of the appropriate length. A sensor reads a mark of the indicia side of the web and controls movement of the web to assure proper registration. Under a second embodiment, a rotatable drum having a plurality of vacuum plates cooperates with a die cutting roller to cut labels of the desired shape. The cut labels are retained on the vacuum applicator plates which then are extended radially as they rotate to a position to apply the label to a container.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Gerro Plast GmbHInventor: Jimmy D. Williamson
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Patent number: 6450230Abstract: A labeling apparatus and method utilize a fluid dispenser in connection with an adhesive applicator to improve the reliability of label feed by a label transport mechanism during the application of adhesive to a label. The fluid dispenser is configured to direct a flow of fluid toward a nip formed between an adhesive roller on the applicator and the label transport mechanism, and from a position upstream from the nip. A labeling apparatus and method also utilize a starwheel including a rotatable hub and an engagement surface defining a pocket configured to engage an article. The engagement surface is resiliently coupled to the rotatable hub to move between first and second positions to vary a rotational position of the pocket relative to the hub. A labeling apparatus and method further utilize a discharge starwheel to transfer articles from the discharge end of an arcuate guide that opposes a label transfer drum.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: S-Con, Inc.Inventor: Svatoboj Otruba
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Patent number: 6451151Abstract: A placer mechanism for a web of linerless labels for placing individual labels on a product includes a separator that separates the individual labels from the web, a buffer disposed downstream of the separator that receives the individual labels, and a buffer suspension assembly movably supporting the buffer such that the buffer is positionable to deliver the individual labels to the product. The buffer is preferably a rotatable vacuum drum that is capable of accommodating labels of various lengths and widths. In addition, the buffer suspension assembly preferably enables the rotatable vacuum drum to be displaced to meet the product to which the label is to be affixed. A method of placing individual labels is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1996Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.Inventor: John E. Traise
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Patent number: 6439368Abstract: A carousel which rests on a fixed base and is driven by a centrally located drive shaft, which carousel has a number of turntables located on its periphery. Each turntable is adapted to support a container. A radial cam is comprised of a number of cam segments which are detachably attached to a cam carrier which is attached to the fixed base. A cam follower is attached to each turntable to engage the cam during rotation of the carousel in order to control the movement of the turntable. When the turntable is not in operation, the cam carrier can be rotated with respect to the fixed base to facilitate the removal and replacement of cam segments.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AGInventor: Lutz Körtge
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Patent number: 6436330Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the production of labeled plastic bottles, to produce labeled bottles at a high output rate and with a reliable label hold wherein the bottles are labeled in a continuous flow directly after leaving the blowing machine. The bottles are still clean and dry, and allow for a reliable attachment of the labels at a high rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Horst Winter
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Patent number: 6428639Abstract: A labeling system employs a multi-processing computer control system for a servo motor which drives a label-carrying web. The system is responsive to the physical position of the labels and the physical position of containers or similar objects to which the labels are applied. The label application motion controller identifies the machine position and performs the mathematical calculations needed to create a piecewise continuous function motion profile required to achieve label contact at a predefined contact point on the surface of each container. Multiple functions may be used to construct a motion profile, which smoothly accelerates the label at a calculated acceleration needed to cause a label to arrive at the defined contact position on a container and to decelerates the carrier web after application. Correction for measured label registration error is provided for.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Krones, Inc.Inventors: Mark C. Oldenburg, Steven A. Retzlaff
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Patent number: 6427746Abstract: A labeler includes at least one bellows movable between extended and retracted positions. The bellows includes a cap defining a distal end for carrying the label and having at least one cap opening therein, and a pleated sidewall connected to the cap. The labeler includes a flexible coil tube positioned within the bellows and having a distal end connected in fluid communication with the cap openings and a proximal end for being connected to negative and positive fluid pressure, respectively. A positioner advances the bellows along a path of travel between a label pick-up position and a label application position. A pressure controller selectively connects the bellows and the proximal end of the flexible coil tube to negative and positive fluid pressures as the bellows is advanced along the path of travel.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David N. Anderson, Wayne C. Sherman
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Patent number: 6405778Abstract: A pre-loaded, disposable merchandiser, a machine for producing the merchandiser and methods for producing the merchandiser and for packaging items to be sold for display. The merchandiser comprises a strip, a hanger at one end of the strip for suspending the strip, and a plurality of items to be offered for sale, adhesively connected to the strip in staggered locations on the strip. Apparatus for producing the merchandiser comprises a strip material feeder operable to deliver or feed strip material to a station, a tape arm operable to advance tape, a tape cutter operable to cut off a piece of the tape, and an install pad operable to apply the piece of tape to a portion of the strip and to a portion of an item to be sold or to packaging for the item.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Rudolph Foods Company, Inc.Inventor: James G. Belt
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Patent number: 6347657Abstract: A lightweight vacuum drum for use in labeling and similar applications having components constructed of castable, non-metal materials. The vacuum drum includes a main drum core having a flexible cylindrical wall casting, investment casting or extrusion of polymeric material coupled to a polymeric bottom ring. A support flange is formed from either aluminum or a polymeric material and is fastened to the cylindrical wall and bottom ring castings. The cylindrical wall includes air passages in fluid communication with radially extending vacuum ports formed in the outer surface of the side wall to provide a vacuum conduit to the outer surface of the cylindrical wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: B & H Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Lyn E. Bright
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Patent number: 6321812Abstract: An applicator to apply a label (11) to an object such as a container (12). Each label (11) is applied by a label applicator (68). More particularly, the apparatus (10) is adapted to apply labels (11) irrespective of whether the container (12) is of circular or non-circular configuration. The container (12) is mounted on a holding plate (23) which is caused to rotate so that the peripheral speed of the container (12) is substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Inventor: Joseph Michael Kral