Abstract: An apparatus for applying heat transfer labels, disposed on a web, to containers. In one embodiment, the apparatus is intended for round, non-tapered containers and comprises a continuously rotating turret, a container transport system for continuously delivering containers to and away from the turret and a web transport system for moving a web containing heat-transfer labels into position for label transferring. The turret includes a rotably driven shaft and a plurality of cup assemblies arranged in a circle around the shaft and coupled thereto. Each cup assembly includes a cup used to hold a container, the cup being rotably driven independently of the shaft and in a required direction. A nozzle assembly is associated with each cup assembly and is used to secure a container within its respective cup and, if necessary, to inflate the container to impart sufficient rigidity thereto for labelling. Each cup assembly and its associated nozzle assembly together define a container holding station.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels to containers wherein the web on which the labels are provided is moved from a feed reel over a metering mechanism into position for transfer to containers on a turret. The web is thereafter stored on a reel. The turret has a plurality of circumferentially spaced replaceable container holders which can be readily removed to accommodate containers having a wide range of label panel radii.

Abstract: A bottle labelling machine for pressing labels on bottles. The machine includes a transport star wheel with receptacles for the bottles located on its circumference. A support located above the transport star wheel has application elements located on the circumference of said support. The circular orbit of the application elements has a smaller diameter than and diverges in relation to the orbit of the receptacles.

Abstract: A whisker growing furnace having a plurality of removable reaction plates mounted therein. A whisker collecting apparatus removes the plates one at a time from the furnace without shutting down the furnace or stopping the whisker growing process. The whisker collection apparatus includes a whisker stripper for stripping the whiskers from the plate as the plate is removed from the furnace. The plate is then returned to the furnace for further processing as the plate is coated with fresh catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a labelling machine for bottles which includes a bottle feeding mechanism to feed the bottles to a revolving bottle support platform. The support platform directs bottles to a labelling mechanism and an application mechanism prior to their removal by a bottle withdrawing mechanism. The bottles are maintained against undesired rotation on the support platform by axial force on the top of each bottle to produce contact between the bottom of each bottle disposed on a support plate for each bottle turntable on the revolving bottle support platform. The support plate includes a base portion and upper surface element having an upper contour in a central region thereof. The upper contour matches the bottom of the bottle for receipt of the bottom therein. The upper surface element is removably mounted on the base portion of the support plate and includes features for centering the upper surface element and the upper contour thereof on the base portion of the support plate.

Abstract: An article feeding device is disclosed which comprises a straight scroll for feeding articles held between the scroll flights one by one along a straight path. A star wheel having peripheral pockets is arranged so that the wheel lies approximately tangentially to the scroll and rotates as the scroll turns. By this means, the articles are engaged in the star wheel pockets and are moved slightly away from the scroll at which point labels are applied thereto, and then the articles are returned to the scroll and released from the star wheel for continued feeding by the scroll.

Abstract: Labelling equipment is provided for applying wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers. The equipment includes a label carrier having a wheel rotatable about its axis, a vacuum system coupled to the wheel to retain labels on the wheel, a feeder for directing containers individually to the wheel adjacent the periphery of the wheel to receive a label, and a drive system for receiving containers from the bottle feeder and for rolling the containers upon receiving the label from the label carrier. The drive system includes at least one belt engaged about the wheel in slipping relationship therewith to permit the belt to move faster than the periphery of the wheel and including a portion for moving in contact with the container immediately after the container leaves the feeder to both carry the label off the wheel and to engage it on the container. A cutter arrangement is provided with a lobe which removes tension from the label as it is severed from the strip of labels.

Abstract: A device for slipping segments of film, such as originally flattened but tubular segments of plastic film, on vessels such as bottles. A rotor rotates about a horizontal axis. Sucker devices mounted on swivel arms and expanding mandrels are arranged alternately about the circumference of the rotor. The flat sleeve segments are fed toward the rotor and are attracted by a sucker device. As the rotor rotates from the position in which a sleeve is gripped by a sucker device the sucker parts spread to open the tubular sleeve and the arm carrying the sucker is caused to swing and turn the sleeve segment 90.degree. whereupon the sleeve is passed over the presently unexpanded mandrel which is circumferentially adjacent the designated arm and its suckers. The mandrel is caused to expand for holding the sleeve and the sucker is timely released.

Abstract: A bottle table for a labeling machine is ring-shaped and has an annular surface for receiving bottles and transporting the same in sequence between the stations of a labeling apparatus. The bottle table is supported for rotation by means of a ring bearing and a ring gear is disposed on the table and is engaged by a pinion for rotating the table about a vertical axis. A centering head is mounted on vertically adjustable supports extending upwardly from the table and is rotatably supported by means of a ring bearing on a stationary support. An undercarriage which supports the ring bearings occupies less than the basal plane of a support table and the ring bearing is supported over a radial range of less than 180.degree. between the table and the undercarriage with the remaining portions of the table being self-supporting.

Abstract: A form of adhesive label is disclosed which enables instructions, e.g. for the use of the contents of a container to which the label is to be attached, to be detachably secured, with the label, to the container. The label comprises a backing sheet with adhesive on one face protected by a siliconized paper release sheet, and an "instruction" strip glued to its other face. The strip has a first band of adhesive along one transverse edge of its rearward face, a tear line next to the band of adhesive, and a transverse fold line spaced from the tear line and about which the remainder of the strip is folded to lie between the front portion of the strip and the sheet. Adjacent the fold line is a second band of adhesive which with the first band secures the strip to the backing sheet. The remainder of the strip is folded concertina-fashion or otherwise about fold lines so as to lie entirely between the two bands of adhesive. The tear line and a second tear line enable the strip to be detached for study.

Abstract: Labelling equipment is provided for applying wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers. The equipment includes a label carrier having a wheel rotatable about its axis, a vacuum system coupled to the wheel to retain labels on the wheel, a feeder for directing containers individually to the wheel adjacent the periphery of the wheel to receive a label, and a drive system for receiving containers from the bottle feeder and for rolling the containers upon receiving the label from the label carrier. The drive system includes at least one belt engaged about the wheel in slipping relationship therewith to permit the belt to move faster than the periphery of the wheel and including a portion for moving in contact with the container immediately after the container leaves the feeder to both carry the label off the wheel and to engage it on the container. A cutter arrangement is provided with a lobe which removes tension from the label as it is severed from the strip of labels.