Abstract: A label transfer arm having a central axis and comprising a socket body with a transfer nozzle rotatably mounted therein engages labels delivered to a label pickup station and transfers them to a label delivery station. An applicator head strips the labels from the transfer arm and moves them along a fixed path from the label delivery station to a package labeling station to apply the labels to packages. Transfer arm guiding rails are positioned on either side of the label transfer arm for engaging an eccentric collar attached to the transfer nozzle to thereby orient the transfer nozzle into a fixed angular orientation about the central axis of the transfer arm when the transfer arm is at the label delivery station. An operator-controllable selector ring is rotatably mounted to the socket body of the arm and is freely rotatable between selected locations defined by detents.

Abstract: Automatic splicing apparatus includes a first supply containing a first web and a second supply containing a second web. An operable puller is engaged with the first web for withdrawing the same from the first supply and moving the first web along a predetermined path. Cutters are provided for establishing a trailing end on the first web and a leading end on the second web. The presence of the trailing end in the predetermined path is detected and a splicing station is positioned in the path for butt-splicing the leading edge of the second web to the trailing end of the first web in response to detecting the presence of the trailing edge, all without interrupting operation of the puller.

Abstract: A gumming device for applying adhesive on to cardboard blanks on a packing machine, on which the blanks are fed crosswise in relation to their longer axis by a suction roller the surface of which presents transverse projections which cause the blanks to flex in such a manner as to expose only given portions requiring adhesive to the action of a gumming element substantially tangent to the aforementioned suction roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for printing labels on labeling machines. To carry out the printing procedure, a longitudinally translating ink coated ribbon runs through ink in a container and is advanced by a rotating inking roller. The inking ribbon contacts the outer circumference of the inking roller. In order to achieve interruption-free and low maintenance but uniformly good application of ink onto the stamping or printing head, the invention provides that the inking ribbon, at the point of contact between the ink ribbon and the ink roller, has its longitudinal extension arranged substantially transversely of the rotational direction of the inking roller.

Abstract: An in-line sealer apparatus for applying and sealing foils to the mouth of sequentially presented containers. The apparatus includes a rotatable turret having a pocket wheel containing angularly spaced pockets for accommodating containers. Each pocket has a foil transfer and sealing mechanism which is associated therewith and mounted on the turret arrangement for rotation therewith. Each mechanism includes a stacker unit which removably attaches to the turret and stores therein a stack of foils. Each mechanism also includes a foil transfer and applying unit which is disposed below the stacker and includes a movable foil-engaging head for removing the lowermost foil in the stack, and thereafter transferring the foil and applying it to the mouth of the container positioned within the respective pocket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device used in an automatic device for preparing paper rolls for web pasting, which is included in a printing system for newsprint and the like. The device automatically attaches one end of a tab, which has been prepared beforehand, to the outer surface of a web's leading end so that the web's leading end, which has been cut into a certain shape (for example, V-shaped), may be fastened to the outer surface of a paper roll on which the web is wound.A tab blank is formed basically by a rectangular support paper, which is provided with adhesive portion's on its upper and lower surfaces, and protective-coating films attached to both surfaces. An upper protective-coating film and the support paper, both of which form a portion of the tab blank, are divided transversely along a dividing line.The tab attaching device embodying the present invention is comprised of a tab loading device for keeping tab blanks in piles.

Abstract: A film supply apparatus is described which is to be disposed alongside a container transport line and adapted to supply a film strip to be affixed to the lateral side of each container fed along said transport line. The apparatus includes at least one film suction element having an arcuate suction surface adapted to hold the film strip in position under suction. The film suction element successively transfers a film strip to each container the result of a composite motion consisting of its motion toward and away from the container and the rotary motion thereof in the circumferential direction of its arcuate suction surface.

Abstract: A label transfer arm having a central axis and comprising a socket body with a transfer nozzle rotatably mounted therein engages labels delivered to a label pickup station and transfers them to a label delivery station. An applicator head strips the labels from the transfer arm and moves them along a fixed path from the label delivery station to a package labeling station to apply the labels to packages. Transfer arm guiding rails are positioned on either side of the label transfer arm for engaging an eccentric collar attached to the transfer nozzle to thereby orient the transfer nozzle into a fixed angular orientation about the central axis of the transfer arm when the transfer arm is at the label delivery station. An operator-controllable selector ring is rotatably mounted to the socket body of the arm and is freely rotatable between selected locations defined by detents.

Abstract: A vacuum part handling device, attached to a robot, serially picks up magazine-loaded brackets and passes them over a double-sided adhesive tape applicator. A strip of tape is secured to a bracket flange and the robot moves the vacuum-held bracket to a final location. The handling device urges the taped flange against a structural member where it is temporarily attached at a precise position enabling accurate automatic insertion of fasteners.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the spacing between articles of a moving array of discrete articles includes transfer means mounted for orbiting along a closed orbital path passing through a receiving zone and a discharge zone. The orbital radius of the transfer means is adjustable to provide an orbital radius in the discharge zone which is different from that in the receiving zone. The transfer means are maintained in fixed, equal angular distances between them along the orbital path whereby the orbital path distance between adjacent transfer means is different in the discharge zone from that in the receiving zone thereby resulting in a different spacing between adjacent articles in the discharge zone from that in the receiving zone. Two or more orbital spacer means may be utilized in tandem to provide the change in spacing in stages.

Abstract: An applicator for applying elongated strip members to a moving member. The applicator is particularly adapted to apply handle assemblies to moving closure panels of containers such as cartons. Hot melt adhesive stripes are applied to the moving closure panel and thereafter a handle assembly is applied over the hot melt adhesive. The apparatus includes, in addition for moving containers at a uniform rate and spacing, a hopper overlying the path of movement, a picker device for periodically withdrawing a lowermost handle assembly from the hopper, and a combined guide and presser member for first receiving in guided relation an end of a withdrawn handle member remote from the picker device, and thereafter pressing the handle member against the adhesive strip beginning at the right end of the withdrawn handle assembly.

Abstract: Improvement in the process and the apparatus for applying strip labels are made possible by a vacuum drum having a deformable outer surface controlled to be at least essentially cylindrical during initial application of a label to an article and selectively deformable to cause portions of a label thereon to be brought into contact with a glue applying roll. The apparatus uses a component vacuum drum where selective portions of the drum are replaced and other components repositioned to effect changeover from one label length to another.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the spacing between articles of a moving array of discrete articles includes transfer means mounted for orbiting along a closed orbital path passing through a receiving zone and a discharge zone. The orbital radius of the transfer means is adjustable to provide an orbital radius in the discharge zone which is different from that in the receiving zone. The transfer means are maintained in fixed, equal angular distances between them along the orbital path whereby the orbital path distance between adjacent transfer means is different in the discharge zone from that in the receiving zone thereby resulting in a different spacing between adjacent articles in the discharge zone from that in the receiving zone. Two or more orbital spacer means may be utilized in tandem to provide the change in spacing in stages.

Abstract: A labeling robot system comprises a suction plate which uses vacuum action to pick up an adhesive label by its printed surface. Air cylinders operated by compressed air orient and move the suction plate to the object to be labeled to stick the label thereon, and limit switches linked to a sequence controller define the limit of the strokes and the degree of turning involved.

Abstract: A pick-and-place glue applicator is disclosed having a drive shaft mounted on a frame member for rotation about a primary axis of rotation. A support shaft is mounted on the frame member for rotation about a secondary axis of rotation which is parallel to and spaced from the primary axis. Planetary gearing causes the support shaft to orbit the primary axis and rotate about the secondary axis in a direction opposite the direction of the orbit. A suction cup is secured to the support shaft and extends radially therefrom to a suction end. The suction cup moves in a generally hypotrochoidal path. The hypotrochoidal path includes three positions where the suction cup is facing outwardly away from the primary axis. The three outwardly projecting positions are connected by connecting paths where the suction cups face inwardly toward the axis.

Abstract: A press apparatus for planar members is provided with a first transfer table for transferring a first planar member to a press position, a second transfer table for transferring a second planar member to the press position substantially simultaneously with the first transfer table, a device for aligning the first and second planar members, a device for effecting the parallel feeding of the first and second planar members, and a device for pressing the first and second planar members with a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying revenue stamps to cigarette packets known as soft packs, includes an oscillating transfer arm 12 and a continuously driven suction drum 6 formed with projections, e.g. pairs of pins 10. The projections engage the rear edges of successive stamps transferred from a stack 2 by the arm, and thereby accurately align the stamps on the drum. The two modified arrangements shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are particularly adapted for applying banderoles to hinged lid cigarette packets.

Abstract: A machine design is taught for automatically applying adhesive coated labels to folded cartons at a precisely adjusted location on a carton. Both labels and cartons are supplied singularly from bottom feed magazines. A cam oscillated vacuum picker curls one end of a label out of the magazine to be vacuum gripped to the peripheral surface of a rotating transfer drum. Continued rotation of the drum withdraws the remainder of the label from the magazine stack bottom and lays it to the drum periphery surface. A singular carton is slidably removed from the bottom of a respective magazine stack by a lugged conveyor belt and pushed into a timed nip proximity with the label carrying transfer drum. Between the label receiving and delivery positions, the label is carried past a fountain roll for surface coating of water or adhesive.

Abstract: This invention is constructed such that a label adhering means for holding and releasing a label is arranged at the other end of an arm with its one end being rotatably held in such a manner as its direction is not varied and that a label adhering may be performed under a stable stepped operative relation between a label issuing position of a label printer and a label adhering position in the adhered object.

Abstract: A system for the dispensing of literature to objects, such as containers carried by a conveyor, includes a tape for the application of adhesive to literature, and a device for the separation of the literature from the tape to permit the securing of the literature, adhesively, to the containers. A drive mechanism is provided for advancing the tape through successive increments of distance, each incremental distance being equal to the size of one piece of literature. A hopper dipsenses the literature to the tape, one piece at a time. Application of the pieces of literature to the objects is accomplished by a roller or brush. The literature separation device includes a bar having an edge about which the tape is bent to free the literature from the tape as the tape advances around the edge. The adhesive is retained by the literature during the separation from the tape so as to permit the adhesive attachment of the pieces of literature to the containers.

Abstract: A banding and labeling system for containers includes a central drum which is heated for activation of adhesive coating provided on bands and labels which are to be secured to containers. The drum is provided with carrying elements employing suction, referred to as mouthpieces, which include pockets for holding literature and support bands in appropriate positions for securing the literature to containers. Dispensers are mounted peripherally around the drum at successive work stations for transference of banding materials, labeling materials, and literature packets to the mouthpieces as the drum rotates. At a final work station, a conveyor transports the containers to the drum whereupon the banding and labeling materials are secured to the containers during rotation of the containers between the drum and pressure pads which engage the adhesive coatings to the outer surfaces of the containers.

Abstract: A bell-shaped vacuum foot subtends from a vertically extending tube to receive a printed label in a first orientation from the label dispenser which is located to one side of and at a higher elevation than a conveyor which is transporting articles to be labeled. The label carrying vacuum foot is moved laterally away from the dispenser through a downwardly smoothly curving diagonal path devoid of any abrupt directional changes. If required, the tube is simultaneously operated to rotate the label into a preselected second orientation as it is being lowered upon the article to be labeled. The vacuum foot thus moves through shorter distances and is better enabled to maintain the label in the intended placement orientation. The apparatus of the invention employs a lesser number of parts and performs the intended function in substantially lesser time compared to the mechanisms of the prior art.

Abstract: A container labeling machine for applying one or the other of normal length body labels or extra-length boy labels has a rotating rotary table with container supporting controllable rotary plates. Adjacent its periphery is arranged a first labeling station for applying the normal length labels with a rotating labeling cylinder and a second labeling station for the extra-length labels with a stationary label container contacting the path of rotation of the containers. Two independent drives are provided for rotating the plates, one of which regulates the positioning and/or rotation of the rotary plates in the area of the first labeling station, and the second for continuous rotation of the rotary plates in the area of the second labeling station. The rotary plates are selectively connectible with the first or second drive. The two labeling stations and their common brush-on station overlap one another, whereby a very short total treatment stretch is possible.

Abstract: A device for the application of labels onto the periphery of cylindrical containers, which are advanced at intervals from each other, comprises a continually rotating drum which carries a stationary gripping member and a movable gripping member, which receive cold glue from a glue supply device and grip the uppermost label from the stack of labels to transmit this label to one of the advanced containers. The movable gripping member is movable under the control of a cam arrangement toward the front end of the label being transmitted and carries that front end therealong whereas the stationary gripping member while passing the rear end of the label applies glue to that rear end.

Abstract: A device for grasping and transferring the labels from the store to the applicator drum of a labelling machine with stationary store, for bottles and the like, which comprises a single transfer member, having at least two curved plates rigidly connected to one another, and situated in a space comprised between the store, the applicator drum and a glueing roller; the transfer member is rotatably mounted on a crank support and is connected, in rigid rotational relationship, to a crown of rollers engaging a stationary cam with concave lobes, having a number of lobes higher than the number of rollers; the distances between the parts, their rotation speed and the profile of the cam are chosen in such a manner that each plate of the transfer member, in successive phases of its displacement, slides in contact relationship with the glueing roller, thus becoming covered with glue, and then abuts by one of its ends against the first label in the store, rolls thereon without substantial slip, while removing the label fr

Abstract: Labeling apparatus for applying labels to bottles at different levels to areas of different radius of curvature at the two different levels, for example, the body and neck of a bottle, comprising applicators supported for movement in unison about a common axis relative to a conveyor on which are bottles to which labels are to be applied for movement along a predetermined rectilinear path at a predetermined speed wherein one of the applicators is supported at a fixed radial distance from the common axis of rotation of the applicators about said common axis such that at its place of engagement with the body of the bottle, it moves at a speed corresponding to the speed of the bottle, wherein the other is supported for radial movement relative to the common axis of rotation of the applicators for rotation about said common axis at a radial distance from the common axis to have engagement with the neck of the bottle, wherein the latter applicator is rotatable relative to the common axis of rotation of the applicat

Abstract: Apparatus for pasting inserts (13) into publications (11) which are advanced by means of a conveyor (10) for publications in a straddling position. The apparatus comprises a magazine (12) for the inserts, a picker (14) for pulling the inserts one at a time from the magazine, and transfer means (15) for transporting an insert which has been pulled out, to a publication on the conveyor. This transfer means comprises a transfer member which can be driven continuously in a path about a substantially vertical axis (44) and which is arranged to pass at the movement thereof tangentially past the picker and the conveyor, respectively, at diametrically opposite sides of the axis. The suction nozzles are controlled to remove an insert from the picker and deliver said insert to a publication on the conveyor.

Abstract: Stamps, labels and the like are affixed to moving packages, for example cigarette packages, by a process which includes the withdrawal of individual stamps or labels from a magazine, the application of an adhesive to spaced points along laterally separated linear regions thereof and the transfer of the stamps or labels with the adhesive applied thereto to a fork-like mechanism which conveys the stamps or labels into registration with the path of movement of the articles to which they are to be affixed, the articles contacting the side of the stamps or labels having the adhesive thereon and passing between the tines of the fork-like mechanism. Adhesive is applied to the stamps or labels by a roller defined by a plurality of spacially separated discs, some of the discs functioning as vacum-assisted holders for the stamps and the other discs having surface depressions for receiving the adhesive which is subsequently transferred to the stamps or labels.

Abstract: A label applicator device receives a label from a label printer and applies the label to a package by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive which coats one side of the label. The applicator device includes a label support means which receives a label with the adhesive coated side facing upward. The label support means includes a pair of fingers upon which the label rests. A label transfer nozzle is pivoted about a horizontal axis beneath the label support means into a first position in which it is received between the pair of fingers and engages the printed side of the label by means of a partial vacuum supplied through a vacuum port in the transfer nozzle. The transfer nozzle is then pivoted into a second position in which the adhesive coated side of the label is facing generally downward. The applicator device includes an applicator head which moves downward, removing the label from the transfer nozzle and pressing it into contact with the surface of a package.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a succession of lithographically-printed self-adhesive labels on a length of release backing material. A plurality of sheets carrying a desired image are lithographically produced. Each of the lithographically-printed sheets is successively adhered to a support web comprising a self-adhesive backed material carried on a release material. The printed sheets are adhered to the upper surface of the adhesive backed material. A cutter cuts through the adhered lithographic sheets and through the adhesive-backed material as far as the release material to form the required labels. A removal device removes the unwanted portions of the printed sheets and the adhesive-backed material adhered thereto from the release material.

Abstract: A system for the dispensing of literature to objects, such as containers carried by a conveyor, includes a tape for the application of adhesive to literature, and a device for the separation of the literature from the tape to permit the securing of the literature, adhesively, to the containers. A drive mechanism is provided for advancing the tape through successive increments of distance, each incremental distance being equal to the size of one piece of literature. A hopper dispenses the literature to the tape, one piece at a time. Application of the pieces of literature to the objects is accomplished by a roller or brush. The literature separation device includes a bar having an edge about which the tape is bent to free the literature from the tape as the tape advances around the edge. The adhesive is retained by the literature during the separation from the tape so as to permit the adhesive attachment of the pieces of literature to the containers.

Abstract: This relates to the mounting of a label magazine in a manner wherein labels carried by such label magazine may be rotated or slewed about a line extending axially of the label magazine through the center of a label. The slew control device is used to effect such rotation and thus orientation of a label so as properly to position the label for transfer. In the preferred usage of the slew control device, each label is transferred into a blow mold half and proper orientation of a label with respect to a blow mold half cavity is obtained utilizing the slew control device. This abstract forms no part of the specification of this application and is not to be construed as limiting the claims of the application.

Abstract: The labeling machine comprises a stationary label hopper, a rotatable turret provided with suction means located adjacent to the leading edge of the terminal label in the article and constructed to enter into the hopper to lift by vacuum the leading edge of the terminal label out of the hopper and then in coaction with a pressure roll to mechanically withdraw the remainder of the label from the hopper and insert such leading label edge into the entry end of a fixed label guideway. Located intermediate the ends of the guideway and clamping the label in the guideway therebetween are a feed roll and a pressure roll spaced from the turret a distance substantially less than the length of the label so that they clamp the label before it moves past the turret and its associated pressure roll. Positioned adjacent to the discharge end of said guideway is a rotatable glue roll onto which the label is directed as it is discharged from said guideway.

Abstract: A bottle labeling machine has a rotor on which oscillatingly driven members are arranged in a circular pattern around the rotor axis. A pallet shaft is coupled to each member for being oscillated and for tilting on the member. A portion of each shaft remote from the tilt axis is engaged in a universally movable bearing on a support that is slideable radially inwardly and outwardly relative to the rotor axis. There is a curved glue pallet on each shaft for rolling on a glue roller and a label in sequence as the shafts revolve in a circular path. The slideable support is actuated by a pneumatic piston which is controlled by a valve which is, in turn, controlled by a sensor for sensing whether a bottle will be present at an application station to receive a label. If there will be no bottle there, the piston is actuated and the pallet shaft is tilted to prevent the pallet from contacting the roller and label but oscillation of the shaft is not interrupted.

Abstract: A pick-up and transfer mechanism for labels or the like, preferably for transferring labels in a labeling machine from a label magazine to a greater cylinder. The mechanism has at least one pick-up element on a carrying element rotating around a vertical axis. In order to obtain the required way of movement of the pick-up element relative to the rotating carrying element, the pick-up element is rotatably mounted on an intermediate carrier which in turn is rotatably mounted on the carrying element, with the axis of rotation of the pick-up element on the intermediate carrier being eccentrically arranged to the axis of rotation of the intermediate carrier on the carrying element and with the axis of rotation of the intermediate carrier on the carrying element being eccentrically arranged to the axis of rotation of the carrying element.

Abstract: The labeling machine comprises a stationary label hopper, a rotatable turret provided with suction means located adjacent to the leading edge of the terminal label in the article and constructed to enter into the hopper to lift by vacuum the leading edge of the terminal label out of the hopper and then in coaction with a pressure roll to mechanically withdraw the remainder of the label from the hopper and insert such leading label edge into the entry end of a fixed label guideway. Located intermediate the ends of the guideway and clamping the label in the guideway therebetween are a feed roll and a pressure roll spaced from the turret a distance substantially less than the length of the label so that they clamp the label before it moves past the turret and its associated pressure roll. Positioned adjacent to the discharge end of said guideway is a rotatable glue roll onto which the label is directed as it is discharged from said guideway.

Abstract: A labeling machine has a rotor on which several oscillatingly driven pallet shafts are supported. Each shaft has a carriage shiftable transversely to the shaft axis. Glue pallets having partly cylindrical surfaces for being coated with glue are mounted to the carriage and are thereby movable from a radially outward position to a radially inward or neutral position for, respectively, contacting a glue roller and a label in a stack successively and for being retracted to neutral position out of the path of the roller and stack. The shafts have an enlarged central section which is rectangular in cross section and a complementarily shaped channel on a sleeve that carries the curved pallets is supported for sliding transversely to the pallet shaft axis.

Abstract: A labelling station of a labelling machine has a label transfer assembly which is rotatably mounted about a first axis for receiving labels from a label supply station and transferring the same to a label gripper cylinder rotatably mounted about a second axis parallel to the first. The drive for the labelling station is operated in synchronism with the main drive of the labelling machine and includes a planetary gear which is rotatably mounted about the first axis and a first gear mounted on the planetary gear for rotation about a third axis parallel to the first axis. In addition, there are second and third gears which mesh with the first gear and rotate about the first axis. First adjustment means is coupled to the third gear for changing the angular orientation of the label transfer assembly relative to the planetary gear and second adjustment means is operable for moving the transfer assembly and gripper cylinder toward and away from the labelling machine to accommodate different sized containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for grouping unitary dose containers which have polygonal collars receives such containers from a supply magazine and directs them by a first transfer device onto mandrels on plates carried by a rotating drum. The containers are carried by the drum to a second station where heads of a joining device join adjacent edges of collars of selected containers. Subsequently, the drum is further rotated for carrying the joined containers to another station where a second transfer device transfers the joined containers onto a receiving device.

Abstract: An improvement in a labeling station for bottles having pivoting extractors 2, 3, 4 with convex pickup surfaces, means for applying adhesive to the extractors and means for rolling the extractors over a stack of labels so as to pick up the front-most label which is thereafter supplied to a gripping cylinder, all in conventional manner. In accordance with the invention the labels are present as stacks in a magazine which can be moved from operative to inoperative position by holders which are activated only in the intervals between label removals so that the magazine can be moved to inoperative position when there is a gap in the supply of bottles going through the station.

Abstract: In a labeling machine comprising a machine frame (1), a turret (2) in said frame, a concentrically disposed gear (12) carried by said turret for rotation of said turret, a plurality of turntables (3) carried by said turret, a drive (8,9) mounted in the machine frame, a pinion (10) driven by said drive and driving said concentrically disposed gear and turret, an infeed starwheel (4) and an outfeed starwheel (7) each meshing (13,14) with the concentrically disposed gear, and a labeling station (6) driven by a pinion (15) meshing with the turret gear, the improvement which comprises providing each gear (13,14) of the infeed and outfeed starwheels (4,7), of each pinion (10,15) of the drive (8,9) and of the labeling station (6), and any further pinions (18,20) meshing with the gear (12) of the turret (2) and driving, in synchronism with the turret (2), other mechanisms mounted in the machine frame, with a hub (42) a toothed ring (43) and a damping element (41,47-52) between each hub and toothed ring so as to isola

Abstract: A bottle labeling machine has a turret rotating on a fixed axle. The turret has circumferentially spaced apart curved glue pallets mounted on individual pallet shafts supported in oscillatable drive members, respectively, which drive the shafts. The pallets orbit and oscillate to pick up glue from a roller, pick up a label next and deposit the label on a cylinder from which it is transferred eventually to a bottle. The drive members are externally splined axially and are each surrounded by an internally axially splined clutch member. The drive member has a smooth bore to permit it to rotate on a shaft that is driven in oscillating fashion as the turret rotates. The oscillating shaft has a transversely extending element on which there are axially projecting teeth that engage in corresponding recesses in the clutch member to effect oscillation of the pallet shaft.

Abstract: In a known bottle labeling machine having means for inking type and for contacting the type with a label for marking the label, there is provided an applicator for applying a label to a bottle without contacting the printed portion of the label. In addition a radiation source such as an ultraviolet lamp is provided adjacent the bottle path, the bottles being turned so that the labels, printed with an ultraviolet-sensitive ink, face the ultraviolet lamp.

Abstract: In a labeling station that is intended for articles like bottles, that has at least one revolving or pivoting label grasper-applicator with a capture-and-release surface for taking a label from a stack and applying it to an article to be labeled, and that has holders that hold the edge of the stack of labels, the improvement which comprises controls for the holders (41, 42) or supplementary holders (45, 46) that hold the edge of the stack so that the retentive force the holders exert on the labels can be adjusted to be made greater than the attractive force exerted by the capture-and-release surface of the grasper-applicator (2, 3, 4) and, when the stack is held in a moving magazine, than the inertia exerted by the stack of labels on the stack holders as the magazine (6) moves backwards, the controls having a detector that scans the series of articles to be labeled and actuates the controls and the holders (41, 42 or 45, 46) when it senses a condition calling for a label not to be applied, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for simultaneously applying individual outserts to multiple containers of pharmaceuticals includes a conveyor (12) for advancing the containers along an input path and magazines (22) containing the outserts. The containers are stopped in groups by a gate assembly (18) opposite to a transfer assembly (20) including a rotatable pick up arm (72) mounted for reciprocation between a retracted position adjacent to the magazines (22) and an extended position adjacent to the container input path. Vacuum cups (76) are provided on the pick up arm (72) for engaging the outserts, and pinion and a drive pin arrangement (100, 102) is utilized to control rotation of the pick up arm to reorient the outserts only during an intermediate portion of travel between linear motion at the extended and retracted positions to facilitate proper engagement between the outserts and the vacuum cups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary sector device turning at a variable angular speed for automatic labelling machines. Said device carries out the withdrawal of labels (6) from a container (5) acting as a magazine and the transferring of the same to an operating area where they are applied to the products for which they are meant (bottles, boxes, etc.).Said device includes a plate (1) turning at a constant angular speed to which a plurality of rotary sectors (4) are mounted, each of said sectors turning about a corresponding vertical axis (A) at an angular speed varying according to a predetermined law of motion. This law of motion is accomplished by means of a toothed belt (27) kinematically connected to a circular pulley (36) coaxial to a corresponding rotary sector (4) and to a fixed asymmetric pulley (26), disposed in a central position with respect to the rotary plate (1).

Abstract: In the labeling of articles such as bottles by feeding the articles to a labelling machine having label pickup means, picking up labels from a label box, successively applying such labels to the articles, and periodically replacing the label box when empty with a full label box, the improvement which comprises replacing the empty label box during the time interval between successive label pickups without stopping the machine. An apparatus therefor includes two label boxes disposed alongside one another, guide means for the boxes so as to permit them to move together transversely to the direction in which labels are stacked in the boxes, and means permitting retracting and advancing in label stacking direction of that label box which is in active position.

Abstract: In the cleaning and keeping ready for use the labeling station of a labeling machine comprising a label box, a glue roll and a gripper cylinder as well as label pickup members rolling along the glue roll, wherein the glue is removed from the surface of the glue roll after the supply of glue to the glue roll has been shut off and with the machine idling, the improvement which comprises moisturizing the glue roll after the supply of glue has been shut off.An apparatus thereof is provided comprising a spray head associated with the glue roll or a pickup member. It may be used in conjunction with a bottle filling machine provided with sensors to actuate the spray head in response to the absence or backup of bottles to be filled.

Abstract: In a labelling machine including label pickup means, for delivering to the machine articles to be labelled and for removing from the machine labelled articles, at least two boxes for labels disposed alongside one another, one of said boxes being in active position, means permitting retracting and advancing in label stacking direction of that label box which is in active position, and guide means for the boxes to permit them to move transversely to the direction in which labels are stacked in the boxes so as to take said one box out of active position and to put another box in active position, the improvement wherein said guide means comprises a common support for said boxes, and means mounting said support for rotation about an axis so that said support can be rotated to place any of said boxes or none of said boxes into active labelling position. The support preferably comprises a circular disk rotatable about its center, the label boxes being arranged radially thereon.

Abstract: A label applicator is described for seizing a printed, adhesive backed label and for applying the label to a commodity. The applicator includes a pick-up head for vacuum-seizing a portion of the label by its non-adhesive side and for swinging the label to a label transfer station. At the latter station, the pick-up head releases its grip on the label and an applicator head vacuum-seizes another portion of the non-adhesive side of the label and then applies the label to the commodity.