Abstract: A labeling machine can rapidly change the size of labels cut from a web of labels to match different diameter containers which are then fed onto containers moving along a conveyor. A labeling drum is positioned adjacent to the conveyor for receiving cut labels and applying them onto containers fed along the conveyor. A cutter assembly is positioned adjacent to the labeling drum for receiving a web of labels, cutting the web, and transferring a cut label onto the labeling drum. The cutter assembly includes a stationary mounting plate and a drive pinion mounted on the plate. A cutter roll frame is received on the mounting plate, and includes a vertically oriented cutter roll with upper and lower ends, a central axis, and a gear at the lower end for meshing with the drive pinion and rotating the cutter roll. The cutter roll gear size is directly proportional to the size of the cutter roll.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus and a method for the foil-capping of bottles with a patch of metal foil having a point and an adhesive back, comprising(a) adhering each patch to the neck of a bottle by its central area with the upper area of the foil projecting above the bottle neck,(b) applying the laterally projecting patch ends so that they overlap one another,(c) folding down the area of each patch projecting above the bottle neck to the bottle side away from the patch point, and(d) simultaneously pressing down and smoothing the folded down patch area onto the top side and all about the circumferential margin adjacent thereto.A neater tear-free arrangement of the foil about the top and sides of the neck of the bottle results.

Abstract: In a method of shrinking screw caps (2) on to the mouths (1) of containers (13), the screw caps are acted upon by a hot gas jet (7, 8) from nozzles (3, 4), along a feed path (6), from both sides. The flow axes (7, 8) are displaced relative to each other so that there are no pressure build-up and stagnation effects. The resulting advantageous temperature pattern at the nozzles means that savings in heating output can be attained. In addition, there is no longer any need for the bottles to be rotated about their own axis (10).

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus for forming a tubular sleeve of a shrinkable cellular polymeric material from a predecorated web. Predecorated neck labels are formed from a web having a pair of cross-dimension score lines in precise location to facilitate flat folding. The neck labels preformed from the web are adapted to overlying the neck and closure of a bottle, for example, to provide a tamper-proof feature. Such labels are formed from a web by cutting a presized blank having, if desired, a partial-depth slit along the longitudinal dimension to provide a parting line, winding the blank on a mandrel while successively forming the score lines in precise location, and then overlapping the ends and seaming the same to make a tubular sleeve having precisely-formed sides adapted to uniform flat-folding. The sleeves are stripped from the forming mandrel, flat-folded and packed into tightly-nested stacks for subsequent use.

Abstract: A labelling machine for applying a label, in particular a sealing band, to a container comprises a carousel pivotable about a vertical axis, whereon a frame is supported such as to be movable parallel to the vertical axis. The frame defines a seat having an opening for allowing the placing of a label on the container top and the folding of the opposed laps of the label down along the sides of the container by folding members carried by the carousel.

Abstract: The invention disclosed sets forth a machine for forming a sleeve of a shrinkable, cellular polymeric material from a predecorated web. The web is processed to provide (1) a partial-depth slit along the longitudinal dimension, and (2) cross-dimension pleats. Predecorated shrunken neck labels are formed from the web for overlying the neck and closure of the bottle and including a pilfer-proof feature. Such a label is formed from the processed web by cutting a blank having the cross pleats therein and winding the blank on a mandrel to overlap the ends and seam the overlap to make a sleeve. The sleeve is stripped onto the top neck end and over the closure of a bottle at room temperature to a label position and shrunken to a snug fit, the pleats absorbing wrinkles that occur in shrinking the material onto a "cold" bottle.The disclosure includes a novel machine for making the sleeve from a plastic web and placing it on the bottle.