Label Feeding From Strips; E.g., From Rolls (9/18) Patents (Class 156/DIG33)
  • Patent number: 6006808
    Abstract: A label tamp is provided for delivering and applying a linerless adhesive label to the outside surface of a container transported on a conveyor to the labeling station of a production line. The label tamp includes a tamp cylinder defining an axis of extension that is generally normal to the outside surface of the container, a tamp arm secured to the tamp cylinder such that the tamp arm is alternately extensible and retractable, a tamp arm base plate rigidly fixed to the tamp arm and a tamp head assembly. Preferably, the tamp head assembly is secured to a lift plate has a pair of parallel recesses for receiving a pair of linear actuators therein so that the tamp head assembly is linearly movable relative to the tamp arm base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: J.I.T. Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Ewert, Mark B. Ewert, John S. Roberts, George S. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5958175
    Abstract: A machine for applying labels distributed uniformly on a strip to items which includes a swinging arm mounted on a support for engaging the items and a drum for driving the strip of labels. The drum is rotated incrementally by a drive mechanism and means are provided for controlling the drive mechanism and for detecting movement of the arm by engagement with an item. The means for detecting movement of the arm detect the initial movement of the arm to thereby initiate the means for controlling the drive mechanism to index the drum through one complete step thus advancing a label for application to the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventors: Nessim Elharrar, Premysl Hartman
  • Patent number: 5925214
    Abstract: The device of the present invention includes a web manipulation mechanism, a label positioning mechanism, and a position mechanism micro-adjuster for orienting a peel tip of the device in space. Because of the micro-adjustment, the device of the present invention is adaptable for use in labeling a wide variety of articles having a wide variety of manufacturing speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Smyth Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy H. Klein, Craig D. Bakken
  • Patent number: 5902449
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive labeling machine incorporating a wedge shaped suction plate assembly which uses negative pressure to assist in securing and holding the non-adhesive side of a label carrier web. The labeling machine advances the label carrier web by automatically engaging and disengaging a pinch roller assembly driven by a pneumatic piston. The pinch roller assembly obviates the need for high maintenance clutching mechanisms and multiple tension roller assemblies. A label application station applies labels to passing containers when the carrier web advances around a label separator edge of the suction plate assembly by peeling the labels from the carrier web and applying the labels via a rotating applicator roller and container catch arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Charles J. Moore
  • Patent number: 5853530
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for applying a label to an article comprising a supporting structure, a label receiver having a receiving face and being adapted to receive and releasably retain a label, and a label dispenser. The label dispenser being adapted to dispense a label onto the receiving face. The dispenser being further adapted to blow a flow of gas against the trailing and lower edges of the label as it is being transferred from the label dispenser onto the receiving face to assist in moving the label onto the receiving face. The receiving face is fitted with a stop plate which prevents the label from being pushed beyond the receiving face and from being mis-positioned. After positioning, the label on the receiving face, the label is applied to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Label Aire Inc.
    Inventor: George Allen
  • Patent number: 5851347
    Abstract: A stamp affixer apparatus and method is disclosed. A top shell, bottom shell attached to the top shell, and a stamp housing is provided. A first gear assembly is rotatably attached to the stamp housing. A second gear assembly is engaged with the first gear assembly and rotatably attached to the stamp housing. A drive roller is fixedly attached to the second gear assembly. A roll of adhesive backed stamps on backing paper may be inserted in a portion of the stamp housing. A lead-in portion of the backing paper is attached to a shaft portion of the first gear assembly. As the drive roller is pulled along a desired surface, its rotation is translated through the second gear assembly to the first gear assembly. The first gear assembly winds up the backing paper and an adhesive backed stamp is dispensed against the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Martin Yale Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Humberto Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5849143
    Abstract: A system for applying pressure sensitive adhesive labels from a feed web with high position precision onto flat uniform size articles mechanically links the advance of the article to be labeled and the advance of the current label to be applied in unison, so that forward advancement speed of the article and the current label are matched exactly, independent of any speed variation in the application system. This is accomplished using a label following member that comes to rest at the trailing edge of a succeeding label and is freely allowed to follow the succeeding label as it advances on the web spaced downstream of the current label. Such following member is mechanically coupled to a pusher which advances the article to be labelled in the precise speed and relative location of the current label as it advances, thereby accurately placing the current label on the article as it peels from the continuous support web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Booth Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James E. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 5804023
    Abstract: A label cutting and applying apparatus is arranged to produce printed labels from a continuing strip of label material. By operation of a standard roller, the apparatus advances a strip of the material along a path from a roll of the material over a print head where a portion of the strip is printed. The printed portion is advanced past a cutting blade which is integrally formed with a vertically movable label applicator and is severed from the remainder of the strip by operation of the blade as the applicator moves downwardly. The label applicator can include a vacuum head which then blows the severed label onto a package to apply the label thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Label Company
    Inventors: George F. Carpenter, Jeffrey A. Engelsman, Karl J. Burdick, John T. Doornbos, Daniel B. Jones
  • Patent number: 5709770
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Syed A. Asghar, Joseph F. Callinan
  • Patent number: 5705024
    Abstract: A system for applying labels to objects includes an object supply for supplying objects substantially equally spaced and aligned in single file for labeling. The system also includes a label applicator for applying a label to an object from the object supply and a label supply for supplying the labels to the label applicator. Each of the labels are joined at an end to at least one other of the labels. The system also includes a labeling finisher to detach the end of each label from the at least one other label and to smooth the end of each label onto their respective object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Eric Bainbridge, John Hitchings
  • Patent number: 5674350
    Abstract: A label dispensing and applicator assembly for use with a roll of backing tapes having labels with pressure-sensitive adhesives on the backside detachably adhering the labels to the backing tape, wherein the assembly includes a label dispensing unit having a label separator mechanism attached to the frame and positioned away from a dispensing strip take-up reel wherein the label separator peels the label from the backing tape as the backing tape moves forwardly over the label separator and abruptly changes direction and extends rearwardly beneath the bar such that the labels are stripped and move forwardly from the label separator. A pair of pinch rollers is rotatably supported by the frame away from the label separator and a pinch roller is positioned to removably receive the dispensing strip therethrough as the dispensing strip is pulled through the label dispensing unit. The pinch roller has a drive belt connected to a conveyor assembly that is positioned forward of the label separator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Perl Packaging Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald Jurgich
  • Patent number: 5312032
    Abstract: The invention concerns a bag machine for attachment of strip sections or labels to a passing bag base, including an application drum with a gripper which can be actuated to open and close, and with a knife interacting with the gripper. In this bag machine, the knife is arranged on a second drum running parallel to the application drum. The second drum also features a gripper which interacts with a knife arranged on the application drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Windmoeller & Hoelscher
    Inventors: Horst Rautenberg, Rudiger Duwendag
  • Patent number: 5149392
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for sequentially applying a label to a surface of each of a plurality of containers comprising an indexing table having means for removably holding a plurality of containers and sequentially conveying each container to a label applying station; means for feeding a continuous web to the label applying station, said web having a plurality of labels removably disposed thereon, each label having a surface with an adhesive thereon; means for removing a label from the web at the label applying station and depositing the label, adhesive side exposed, to a label receiving station; means for positioning the label receiving station to position the label parallel to the surface of the container to which the label is to be applied; means for positioning the label in contact with the surface of the container enabling the adhesive surface to adhere to the container surface; and means for repositioning the label receiving station to permit the depositing of another label from the web t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Seal Spout Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Plaessmann
  • Patent number: 5141593
    Abstract: Manually operable label-transfer apparatus characterized by a transit path for a tractor-feedable backing strip which has labels or similar adhesive-backed pieces laminated thereon, and also providing a bin. The path has up-path first and down-path second stations, and the bin adjoins the first station. The apparatus has tractors at the second station, a pusher in the bin, and manual crank-drive means associated with the tractors and the pusher. The tractors engage the strip and, driven by the drive means, advance the strip down-path from the first station and over a delaminator with an edge and around a sharp turn. The strip, as drawn past the turn, is bent and experiences a direction reversal of between 160.degree. and 180.degree.; and, in this action, the labels successively separate or peel from the strip, and, a guide on the apparatus successively guides each separated label toward an operably proximal position relative to the first station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Robert E. Fowler
  • Patent number: 5112427
    Abstract: A system for dispensing labels for labelling goods which move in single file past a labelling position, using a strip of labelling material in which labels are pre-punched to leave adhesive bridges. The strip of labels is drawn from a supply to a dispenser. As a new label reaches the dispenser in a "ready" position, the preceding label arrives at the labelling position in a linear extension of its travel. At the dispenser, the label is separated from label skeleton of the strip of labels by deflecting the label skeleton. Individual labels are pre-punched in a paper strip across the entire area of the label, with the exception of narrow adhesive bridges. Adhesive bridges furthest forward are separated first, followed by adhesive bridges to the rear of the label, shortly before the label is separated from the label skeleton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Dennison Systems Denmark
    Inventor: Per Bekker-Madsen
  • Patent number: 5102485
    Abstract: An apparatus which coacts with a fitment supply station to effect continuous motion transfer and application of fitments to carton blanks on a conveyor line. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum having at least one vacuum transfer station disposed in rotational alignment between the fitment supply station and a conveyor release station, and an adjustable backup roll disposed in alignment with the drum and the release station for application of the fitments to cartons. A variable speed drive train matches drum and conveyor line speeds to effect continuous motion fitment transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Donald E. Keeler, Edward Bombolevich
  • Patent number: 5061334
    Abstract: A high speed labeling machine and method is provided for transferring labels to articles such as cans; the labeling machine includes a device for supplying articles to be labeled, a label transfer wheel provided with individual groups of closely spaced vacuum holddown ports to enable a succession of closely spaced labels to be supported by the transfer wheel and carried by the transfer wheel to the articles, and a pressure severing device for releasing the label from a carrier stock for subsequent transfer from a transfer wheel to the article to be labeled; sprocket holes are utilized to align very precisely a label; such labels may be die cut on the printing press and retained on the carrier by pinpoint attachments or they may be die cut as the label is advanced; in a preferred embodiment, single layer label tapes with release agent on one surface and a pressure sensitive adhesive on the other surface provide added advantages of smaller spool sizes and faster speeds; single layer label tapes also make tamper
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: United States Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Eugene H. Paules
  • Patent number: 5024717
    Abstract: The invention describes a labelling apparatus for containers to which the labels are supplied as a strip material. The apparatus comprises a controllable label strip feeding mechanism, followed by a cutting mechanism for separating individual labels from the label strip and a pallet rotor having adhesion surfaces for picking up the separated individual labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Horst Winter
  • Patent number: 5022954
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for sequentially applying a label to a surface of each of a plurality of containers comprising an indexing table having means for removably holding a plurality of containers and sequentially conveying each container to a label applying station; means for feeding a continuous web to the label applying station, said web having a plurality of labels removably disposed thereon, each label having a surface with an adhesive thereon; means for removing a label from the web at the label applying station and depositing the label, adhesive side exposed, to a label receiving station; means for positioning the label receiving station to position the label parallel to the surface of the container to which the label is to be applied; means for positioning the label in contact with the surface of the container enabling the adhesive surface to adhere to the container surface; and means for repositioning the label receiving station to permit the depositing of another label from the web t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Seal Spout Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Plaessmann
  • Patent number: 5000815
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a correction sticker to a document to cover incorrect data entered on a field on the document. Correction stickers on a carrier strip are fed to an application station where a document whose field to be covered is located. An ejector plate and a pressure plate located at the application station are used to partially separate a correction sticker from the carrier and to position the leading edge of the correction sticker in an application position with regard to the field on the document to be covered. An operating lever having a roller on one end thereof is used to move the leading edge of the correction sticker into adherence with the document. The roller is then held in contact with the correction sticker as the document is pulled out of the application station to press the remaining portion of the correction sticker into adherence with the field on the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Peter D. Hanna
  • Patent number: 4966643
    Abstract: A method for attaching a label to an outer surface of a package. The label is printed by a printer onto a label web, the label is separated from the web, and tacked to the wrap of the package. The label printed is introduced onto a suction plate, which is arranged on an end of a pivoted swing arm, with a printed side of the label facing the suction plate so that an rim of the label web extends over a pressure roller. Vacuum is applied to the suction plate in order to hold the label, the label is separated from the label web by a shear device and an adhesive precoat is applied on an unprinted side of the label. The package is moved, and the pivoted swing arm is rotated against the package by an actuator (5) so that one edge of the label is brought into an adhering contact with the outer surface of the package by the line pressure exerted by the pressure roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Pekka Turkki
  • Patent number: 4966644
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively attaching strips of an encodable material bearing a heat activatable adhesive to a document or for removing the strips therefrom generally comprises a strip attachment assembly and a strip removal assembly. The attachment assembly includes a set of document feed rollers and strip feed rollers which deliver the documents and the strips to an alignment subassembly where the document and the strip are properly aligned. A cutter cuts the strip to match the length of the document and the aligned document and strip pass by a heater which heats the heat activatable adhesive. The strip secured to the document by the heat activatable adhesive is sealed thereto by a pair of sealing rollers. The strip removal assembly comprises a passageway having a heater extending along one side and an obstruction extending across a portion of the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Zip Strip, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack G. Clark, Jr., Joseph W. Schouster
  • Patent number: 4954208
    Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler which uses labels releasably adhered to a carrier web. The labeler has a body with a pair of identical body sections. The body mounts first, second and third feed rolls. The first and third feed rolls project beyond the body and cooperate respectively with the second feed roll. The body has a delaminator and a guideway for the carrier web. The carrier web can be threaded through the guideway and about the delaminator in either direction. In either event, the first, second and third feed rolls cooperate with the carrier web to advance it and effect label delamination. Depending on the direction of threading, either the first or the third feed roll is used to advance the carrier web by rolling that feed roll along the surface to be labeled. A label roll is held captive in a holder having two identical body sections. In an alternative embodiment, a label strip winding feature enables a strip of labels to be wound into a roll for subsequent use in the labeler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Hamisch, Jr., James A. Makley
  • Patent number: 4943337
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a label to an outer surface of a package is disclosed. Label is printed by a printer onto a label web, the label is separated from the web, and tacked to the wrap of the package. The label printed according to the invention is introduced onto a suction plate, which is arranged on an end of a pivoted swing arm, with a printed side of the label facing the suction plate so that an rim of the label web extends over a pressure roller. Vacuum is applied to the suction plate in order to hold the label, the label is separated from the label web by a shear device and an adhesive precoat is applied on an unprinted side of the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Pekka Turkki
  • Patent number: 4931128
    Abstract: An electronic parts processing machine for continuously performing processed like writing information to electronic parts concludes a carrying portion for transferring the electronic parts to be processed, a supplying portion which is disposed upstream to the carrying portion and connects a tray containing many electronic parts in line to the carrying portion and supports the tray, a processing portion which is disposed in the carrying portion and perform predetermined information processing for the electronic parts supplied from the tray, an indicating portion for making a predetermined indication for the electronic parts located downstream or upstream to the processing portion, a collecting portion which is disposed downstream to the carrying portion and connects a tray to the carrying portion and supports the tray to receive processed electronic parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Takasago Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Hamano
  • Patent number: 4911635
    Abstract: In an apparatus of making a hollow plastic article wherein a label is positioned in each of a plurality of spaced partible molds in a predetermined array, a preform is positioned in each set of partible molds and the molds are closed and the preform is blown outwardly to the confines of the mold to apply the label to the resultant hollow plastic article, the apparatus which comprises providing labels on a roll of labels, successively engaging the free end of the web of the roll of labels by a first endless vacuum conveyor, tensioning the portion of the web between a point upstream and the free end by the first endless vacuum conveyor, successively cutting a label on the free end from the remaining tensioned portion, transferring each label successively by moving the first endless conveyor adjacent a second endless vacuum conveyor which is transverse to the first conveyor, indexing the second endless conveyor to provide an array of labels on the second endless conveyor which corresponds in spacing to the spaci
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald S. Kaminski, Robert P. Snyder, Michael J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 4896793
    Abstract: A machine particularly for applying labels to non-uniform items such as fruit and vegetables, the labels being provided along a carrier strip and the carrier strip having profiled edges, said machine including means for separating the labels from the carrier, a profiled means, such as a profiled roller, engageable with the edges of the carrier to advance the carrier strip from a storage means to the separating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Sinclair International Limited
    Inventors: Peter D. S. Briggs, Richard J. Hirst, Alan Constantine
  • Patent number: 4869775
    Abstract: A dispenser for applying pressure sensitive tabs to an underlying article, such as a sheet of glass or mirror, includes a first tape reel for dispensing a roll of carrier tape therefrom and a second tape reel for winding up the spent carrier tape after the tabs have been removed. A plurality of guide rolls are mounted in the dispenser for maintaining a predetermined tension on the tape and a depositing mechanism, including a bracket for guiding the tape and a nip roll or plunger, is provided for removing the tabs from the tape and for applying the tabs to the article automatically and in a spaced, controlled manner. The dispenser is preferably held in a fixed position and the article moved thereunder to apply the tabs to the article automatically without the need of a workman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: John P. Quittner
  • Patent number: 4844771
    Abstract: A label applicator includes a support structure in predetermined relationship with a labeling station at which to apply a label to an article. A label dispenser mounted on the support structure dispenses a label to be applied to the article and a receiver moveably mounted on the support structure transports the label from the dispenser to the labeling station. Receiver mounting components are provided for mounting the receiver on the support structure both to enable generally linear movement of the receiver along a path between a retracted position adjacent the dispenser and an extended position adjacent the labeling station, and to enable pivotal movement of the receiver about a pivot axis between a label-receiving position in which the label receiver can receive a label from the dispenser and a label-applying position in which the label can be transferred from the label receiver to a face of an article at the labeling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Label-Aire Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Crankshaw, Arthur B. Newell
  • Patent number: 4813571
    Abstract: A label dispensing device 10 that defines a path for a liner 14 carrying the labels 13 including an edge 18 defining an abrupt change in direction so that when the liner 14 is pulled around the edge 18 a label 13 will separate from the liner 14 and continue past the edge 18 to a position sensed by a sensor that stops the device 10 so that the label 13 may be manually removed for application to an object. A support member 26 having a distal portion 28 supporting the sensor is adjustable to position the sensor at various distances from the edge 18 to thus afford dispensing of various length labels 13. A guide member 30 between the distal portion 28 and a position adjacent the edge 18 has a surface adapted to afford sliding movement of the adhesive coated surface of the labels 13 along the guide member 30 to the sensor. The guide member 30 changes length as necessary upon movement of the support member 26 to its various positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael G. Slagter
  • Patent number: 4768435
    Abstract: The invention provides a printer apparatus which comprises a pair of doors mounted for opening and closing movement on opposite sides of a body case in the form of a housing, a printer located inside each of the doors for receiving elongated continuous print paper therein in such a manner as to allow the print paper toward the door and for printing on the thus received print paper, and a pair of issuing openings located on opposite side portions of a front wall of the body case for issuing therefrom the print paper after printing by the printers. Thus, two different types of print paper can be set in position in and printed by the two printers, which reduces the necessity of frequent label exchanging operations. Besides, an operation for exchanging print paper for each of the printers can be performed readily by opening the door for the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Nimura, Takayasu Mizuguchi, Yuji Takahashi, Kiyomichi Nagashima
  • Patent number: 4763823
    Abstract: Apparatus for supplying tape from a roll with two alternately driven tape feed rollers and a motor driven drive system which produces a rotational movement has overrunning clutches arranged between the motor drive system and the tape feed rollers, respectively, said clutches making a continuous change of materials removed from a supply roll to another roll possible with a reversal in the rotational direction of the drive motor, whereby in one direction of motor rotation only one overrunning clutch makes a connection with its feed roller and in the other direction of motor rotation only the other overrunning clutch provides a rotational connection to its feed roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Erich Eder, Horst Winter
  • Patent number: 4762587
    Abstract: A universal tax stamping assembly for applying tax stamp decals to the bottoms of cigarette packs in cartons utilizes a rotatable drum carton conveyor having carton pocket forming inserts. The cartons are placed within the pockets of the rotatable drum which is indexed past one or more tax stamp applying stations. Each station includes a ribbon roll assembly, having a plurality of individual rolls of tax stamp decal carrying ribbons and position adjusting spacers, if necessary. These ribbons are advanced by feed rollers underneath heater bars which transfer the decals to the cigarette packs. Several of these stations can be placed in a serial manner about the periphery of the rotatable drum with each station applying a different tax stamp decal to each cigarette pack. Variations in carton size and pack configuration are accommodated by the universal tax stamping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Philip A. Deal
  • Patent number: 4758303
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels at selected locations thereon to such diverse artifacts as audio and video cassettes, compact and floppy discs, and envelopes and to a wide variety of other artifacts. The labels are peeled from a continuous backing supplied in roll or fanfold form by pulling the backing around the sharp edge of a peeler which is automatically elevated at an appropriate point in the operating cycle of the apparatus to facilitate the loading and unloading of the artifacts being labeled. A roller cooperates with the peeler in stripping the labels from the backing; and that roller, a second roller, or a brush is used to press the label onto the artifact being labeled. The artifact is supported by an interchangeable insert from a rectilinearly displaceable carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Investment Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon L. Shastko
  • Patent number: 4758300
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Stackpole Limited
    Inventors: George King, Geoffrey A. Fox
  • Patent number: 4747905
    Abstract: An apparatus for labelling tape cassettes which are being conveyed in an upright condition on a straight essentially horizontal path between label applying devices on each side of the path characterized by each of the label applying devices having the arrangement for providing strip labels to a label holder of the device and an arrangement for aligning each of the strip labels on the holder in the exact application position. One embodiment of the invention has each of the label applying devices include two rotatable turrets with one turret applying the strip label at a different height on the cassette from the other turret. In another embodiment, a single turret has two strip label applying stations which apply the label at different heights on the label holder so that two strip labels are applied on each side simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Inventor: Heino Ilsemann
  • Patent number: 4687535
    Abstract: A system for applying pressure sensitive labels to articles, such as bottles, includes a vacuum drum having an outer cylindrical surface, a plurality of vacuum passages in open communication with the outer surface and equally spaced around the drum, means for delivering pressure sensitive labels onto the outer surface of the drum at a predetermined speed of advance and means for rotating the drum with a predetermined linear speed of the outer surface which is greater than the speed at which labels are delivered to the outer surface, so that the outer surface slips on each label until vacuum is applied to a vacuum passage at a label pick-up station, whereby the vacuum picks up the front edge of each label, and whereby labels are spaced uniformly on the drum from the label pick-up station to a label applying station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Helmut Voltmer
  • Patent number: 4680082
    Abstract: A label applicator is disclosed for receiving pressure-sensitive labels which have been peeled from a backing strip and for applying the labels to a desired surface. The tendency of the labels to bunch or wrinkle as they are delivered to the applicator face is avoided by causing the labels to bow or curve outward slightly from the plane of the face plate, with the bowing or curvature occurring across the width of the label in a direction transverse to the feed direction. The bowing increases the longitudinal stiffness of the label in the feed direction, and allows the label to be pushed across the applicator face without bunching or wrinkling even when relatively long and narrow labels are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Markem Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Kearney
  • Patent number: 4680078
    Abstract: A hand-held labeler, particularly a labeler employing a thermographic print head, utilizes improved control circuitry for accurately sensing the position of the web and controlling the operation of the print head in order accurately to control the position of the imprints on the web. When a motor is used to advance the web, the control system is operative to control the operation and speed of the web advancing motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Vanderpool, James M. Bain
  • Patent number: 4671153
    Abstract: A machine for producing labels from tape is equipped with tape guide means defining a tape path between an entry point and exit point on the machine and tape drive means comprising at least a first roller, a first shaft on which the first roller is mounted and manual means for rotating the first shaft. A device for loading and positioning the tape in this machine comprises a control arm incorporating a finger having an end adapted to constitute an obstacle on the tape path. It is selectively retractable by the end of the tape when the tape is driven along the tape path. This finger thus constitutes a control lever for the control arm. The device also comprises a claw having an end adapted to immobilize the first shaft when the finger is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: SMH Alcatel
    Inventor: Jacques Peyre
  • Patent number: 4670081
    Abstract: A handling machine for deposit envelopes includes a delivery device for carrying inserted deposit envelopes along a delivery path, a printer for printing deposit information on one side of a succession of labels, the other sides of which contain an adhesive, a label feed device for supplying the printed labels at a given place along the delivery path, and members for sandwiching under pressure therebetween the labels fed to the delivery path and the carried deposit envelopes to stick the labels to the deposit envelopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Takahashi, Kathuhiko Arimoto
  • Patent number: 4658982
    Abstract: A band carrying labels is transported step by step from a feed reel over a label removing station to a take-up reel. The drive mechanism consists of a double acting pneumatic cylinder pivotably connected to a frame, movement of the piston rod to effect trransport of the band is initiated by an optical scanner which senses the presence of a properly positioned box to which the label is to be applied. The return movement stopping the band transport is initiated by a band sensing device. The piston rod is coupled to the take-up reel by a rectangular linkage. The linkage causes the take-up reel to be moved with an angular velocity which increases during each transport step in such a way that the final linear velocity of the band at the end of each transport step is substantially independent of the diameter of the coil on the take-up reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventors: Joachim Dudzik, Winfried Dudzik
  • Patent number: 4652317
    Abstract: A hand held labeler having an optical reader attached thereto whereby an encoded article may be scanned to provide information to the labeler. The information may be used to set the print head of the labeler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Seestrom
  • Patent number: 4648930
    Abstract: A method of automatically applying a separate label to each object conveyed past a labelling station by initially separating each label from a carrier strip comprised of first and second parallel carrier strip portions having a plurality of labels spaced therealong, each label being releasably adhered to both said first and second carrier strip portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: Herbert La Mers
  • Patent number: 4648933
    Abstract: Apparatus for attaching tax stamps to the ends of packages of cigarettes in open cartons. The stamps are fed one at a time from a roll of stamps. The end stamp is cut from the strip and is immediately applied by a heater to the end of a package. The heater remains in contact with the stamp for a preset time. The cartons containing the packages are fed manually. The cutter means and the heater are actuated simultaneously by a switch means which may be operated either manually, or by a cam means which is moved by the carton as it advances past the stamp applying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: American Bank Note Company
    Inventor: Lewis R. Graziano
  • Patent number: 4647333
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Voltmer, Alfred F. Schwenzer
  • Patent number: 4632721
    Abstract: The disclosure is of a labeling machine wherein a label transport drum carries one or more pairs of vacuum pads to grip the leading and trailing edges of a label. A knife carried directly on the drum acts with a stationary blade to sever each label from a continuous web. The vacuum pads are retracted as they pass the stationary blade, but when they carry a label past a glue roller, the vacuum pads are extended to press the label against the roller. If desired, two glue rollers may be employed, with different glues being applied to the leading and trailing edges of each label. In that case, one pad is retracted and the other extended at each glue roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Kris-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang W. Hoffmann, Svatoboj Otruba
  • Patent number: 4629528
    Abstract: A roll labeler for labeling containers one by one automatically is provided. A label sheet is supplied as uncoiled from a roll over a predetermined length and the label sheet is cut by a cutter thereby producing a cut sheet of label which is then glued while being transported and attached to the corresponding container. The labeler includes a feed roller for feeding the label sheet to the cutter intermittently and a mechanism for transporting containers to be labeled along a container transportation path. The labeler also includes a pair of driving sources: one driving source for driving the feed roller and the other driving source for driving the container transporting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Tanaka, Toshiaki Naka, Shiaru Muranaka, Yoshikazu Miyashita
  • Patent number: 4626313
    Abstract: A manual label applicator is provided for use in a commodity weighing and labeling station. As a preprinted label is advanced from a printing station in a cantilever fashion, a label applicator having a roll with knife edges thereon causes said label to be creased in the direction of travel. Creasing of the label tends to keep it rigid and reliably hold it in a orientation suitable for manual application either through impact or by physically removing the label by hand. The knife edges or ridges on the roll further cooperate with fluting provided in a sliding surface for facilitating the partial creasing of the label as it advances through the label applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Sanitary Scale Company
    Inventor: Edward C. Karp
  • Patent number: 4624734
    Abstract: A label dispenser for applying labels to containers transported via a conveyor includes a supply of labels carried by a web, a head for transferring the labels from the web to the containers, and a guide assembly which joins the head to the supply station. The length of the guide assembly is selected to space the supply station away from the head and from the conveyor thereby to provide space for other equipment alongside the conveyor. Web delivering labels to the head and spent web are both carried within the guide assembly in close proximity to each other to minimize the cross-sectional dimensions of the guide assembly. A set of rails is angled relative to the path of travel, the web making slidable contact with the rails and being folded thereabout to provide for a bending of the path, thereby to accommodate an angling of the head relative to the guide assembly for alignment with the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Voltmer, Alfred F. Schwenzer