Abstract: In order to make it possible to change over quickly and easily to different label sizes and shapes in a labeling apparatus for the application of labels to packages and goods comprising a label dispensing device and an air-blast labeling device, wherein the label dispensing device supplies labels individually from a supply to the air-blast labeling device and wherein the air-blast labeling device has an underpressure chamber with a suction plate having a plurality of openings for drawing in the labels supplied by the label dispensing device, a source of compressed air with a compressed-air distributor which has an air-blast plate arranged adjacent the suction plate and provided with a plurality of openings, as well as a compressed-air pulse generator which directs a blast of compressed air from the source of compressed air through the air-blast plate of the compressed-air distributor and through the suction plate against the label held by the suction plate in order to release this from the suction plate and c

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to an article which includes a supporting structure and an applicator section mounted on the supporting structure and including a housing adapted to be coupled to a supply of gas under pressure and having a label receiving surface with an opening therein. A label dispenser for dispensing a label onto the label receiving surface where it is retained in at least partial registry with the opening. The applicator section includes a rupturable mask adapted to be in the housing in communication with the supply of gas under pressure and the opening in the label receiving surface, and the mask includes a grid having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and rupturable material blocking at least some of the holes. The rupturable material is rupturable to open selected holes in the grid so that the gas under pressure can flow through the selected holes so that the shape of the gas under pressure acting to blow the label from the label receiving surface can be tailored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of labeling cylindrical articles feeds labels onto a label drum. The labels have a formed curl such that the leading edge tends to curl away from the surface of the label drum. The article is fed onto the label drum and wrapped by engaging the article with the leading edge of the label and then wrapping the article. An uncut label web can be fed over an edge to impart the desired curl to the label web. The label web is then cut into labels, which are fed onto the label drum. Also, the tension of the label over the edge can be varied so as to vary the amount of curl imparted to the label.

Abstract: A label handling apparatus (40) connected to an air source (90) selectively providing both a positive air pressure and an air suction has a plate (70, 100) which receives a label (26) from a peeler (34) across a lower surface (46) of the plate (100). The plate (100) includes a plurality of holes (102)having upper ends in fluid communication with the air source (90) and lower ends intersecting the lower surface (46) of the plate (|00). Pins (60) are disposed for sliding motion within the plate (70, 100) to selectively block and unblock the fluid communication between selected ones of the holes (102) and the air source (26). By simply moving the pins (60) to cover or uncover selected holes (102), the apparatus can be quickly adjusted to accommodate any size label.

Abstract: An apparatus for labelling packages with postage meter labels performs a method in which postage metered label combinations are received from a label feeder and postage meter, the label is stripped from its release sheet, and then the label is applied to its respective package. The labelling apparatus and method are designed for use in a high speed electronic finishing system.

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.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: The present invention applies the leading edge of a closure tab to the top surface of an article traveling through the apparatus at a constant speed and positioned at precise intervals by lugs on a conveyor belt, bends the closure tab around the trailing surface using a blast of air, engages and accelerates the closure tab forwardly with respect to the article to press the closure tab on the bottom surface of the article with an inclined bottom belt located underneath the article and traveling at a greater rate of speed then the article itself, squeezes the article with two nonparallel belts located laterally at the position of contact with the closure tab to press the closure tab to the top and bottom surfaces of the article for closure.

Abstract: A labeling assembly for applying labels carried on a substrate to a sequential series of moving documents is provided. The assembly transports the document in a generally vertical end on end orientation down a conveying path and peels the label from the substrate to position the peeled label in a generally vertical orientation. The labeling assembly also includes a paddle having a front surface with vacuum ports for attaching and releasably retaining the peeled label on the front surface. An actuating mechanism pivots the paddle to force an end of the retained label into contact with the document. Upon contact, the downstream end of the retained label adheres to the document and the label is pulled off the paddle. As the label is pulled off the paddle the contact between the end of the paddle presses the label against the document.

Abstract: A labeller head using the Bernoulli Effect is suited for applying thin, flexible, pressure sensitive labels (14, 106) of the type having a first, display side and a second, adhesive side, and includes a body having a rigid or resilient support surface (52, 64, 102, 104); a plenum (54) within the body; a plurality of bores (56, 74, 86-90, 114) extending from the plenum through the support surface, the bores being angled with respect to the support surface and arranged in an array so that jets of gas issuing from the array will cause the label to be drawn onto the support surface when the label is presented to the support surface and the first, display side is brought into close proximity of the jets, thereby causing a zone of reduced gas pressure to be formed between the support surface and the first, display side and establishing a pressure differential across the label to hold the label on a film of gas flowing over the support surface; a source of pressurized gas (58) for directing gas into the plenum and t

Abstract: An apparatus for applying thin film polymer labels onto small cylindrical articles includes a label transport drum that is constructed for aiding the transfer of a label onto a cylindrical article. The apparatus includes a label transport drum having a cylindrically configured hub and cylindrical drum mounted on the hub for rotation thereabout. The drum has an outer surface on which labels are fed while the drum is rotated about the hub. A first radially extending, slotted vacuum manifold defines a label retention area and extends circumferentially around a substantial portion of the circumference of the hub. A first radially extending slotted pressure manifold is aligned circumferentially after the slotted vacuum manifold at an article wrapping position. A valve port, circumferentially aligned with the vacuum and pressure manifolds is positioned on the inner surface of the drum and communicates with the area on the drum surface where the leading edge of the label lies.

Abstract: In a preferred method for affixing a discrete paper label to the mailer, a discrete paper label is suctioned onto the rotatable platen at a first predetermined position relative to the circumferential perimeter of the platen. As the rotatable platen rotates, adhesive is applied to a predetermined exposed portion of the paper label at a second predetermined position relative to the circumferential perimeter. Finally, at a third predetermined position relative to the circumferential perimeter, the paper label is blown off the rotatable platen and onto an adjacent continuously advancing web comprising multi-ply mailer forms each having a plurality of sheets in superimposed relationship. The paper label is thus affixed to a multi-ply mailed form at a predetermined location. Preferably, the rotatable platen receives a new paper label at the first predetermined position as the adhesive is applied to the label previously received on the platen.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels to spinning and translating containers has a rotating vacuum cylinder almost touching the containers. The printed sides of individual labels are deposited on the vacuum cylinder at which time fingers grip the leading end of the label to prevent the label from being attracted to an ensuing glue roller which has plural annular grooves and applies a strip of glue to the leading end of the label. The leading and trailing ends are also held by vacuum devices which are cam driven to extend by a small amount radially of the vacuum cylinder. The fingers register in the grooves of the roller so they do not interfere. The label on the cylinder is carried on the cylinder and secured at its trailing end by its own radially movable vacuum device. When the trailing end reaches a second glue roller the latter device moves radially outward of the cylinder to pick up a strip of glue on the trailing end.

Abstract: A method and device to attach a strip tape onto a packaging web having a liquid-pouring hole by a heating element, which is provided with heating coils and an air hole, and a pressure rail which has a tape escape, so that when the strip tape is heat sealed on the packaging web, air is blown to a part of the strip tape covering the liquid-pouring hole so as to loosen such part into the tape escape.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a labelling mechanism for a weigh/price labelling apparatus comprising a device (10) which supplies printed self-adhesive labels on a backing strip (11) around a stripper block (12) to feed labels onto a temporary holder (13) on which a label is held by vacuum ports in the holder. A label transfer device (16) comprises a carrier (17) mounted for rotary movement on an eccentric drive mechanism (18). Rotation of the drive mechanism moves the carrier (17) from a label receiving position adjacent the holder (13) to a label delivery position for delivering a label to an article. The carrier includes a pad (42) having ports (47) to which vacuum or air pressure can be supplied to hold a label to or discharge a label from the pad.

Abstract: A thermal printer and label applicator includes a transport system for moving linerless thermosensitive paper from a stack or roll thereof to a printing station and a cutting station. Thermal print head at the printing station is provided to imprint a preselected heating pattern in the linerless thermosensitive paper in order to form desired visible images thereon. A cutter is provided to separate the linerless thermosensitive paper into individual labels, and a vacuum system transports the separated individual labels from the cutting station to an adhesive activation station and thereafter to a label ejection station. At the adhesive activation station, the adhesive is activated and thereafter a vacuum/blower system at the label ejection station causes airborne transport of the individual separated labels onto goods which have been placed in receiving position by a conveyor system. Operation of the thermal printer and label applicator is coordinated by a control system.

Abstract: A thermal printer and label applicator includes a transport system for moving linerless thermosensitive paper from a stack or roll thereof to a printing station and a cutting station. Thermal print head at the printing station is provided to imprint a preselected heating pattern in the linerless thermosensitive paper in order to form desired visible images thereon. A cutter is provided to separate the linerless thermosensitive paper into individual labels, and a vacuum system transports the separated individual labels from the cutting station to an adhesive activation station and thereafter to a label ejection station. At the adhesive activation station, a heater is provided to activate a delayed action adhesive on the label and thereafter a vacuum/blower system at the label ejection station causes airborne transport of the individual separated labels onto goods which have been placed in receiving position by a conveyor system.

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.

Abstract: A label applicator for labeling an article comprising a supporting structure, a label receiver mounted on the supporting structure for movement along a path between a label dispensing station and a label applying station and for rotational movement about an axis to control the angular orientation of the label, and a label dispenser for moving a label onto the label receiver at the label dispensing station. The label is releasably retained on the label receiver, and the label receiver is moved along the path between the stations. The label receiver is rotated about the axis so that the angular orientation of the label relative to the article can be controlled.

Abstract: This device relates to a device for suction-sticking display labels, in which display labels without being printed have been stuck contiguously in many number onto a long ground sheet which is wound on a feeding reel, the labels are peeled by a peeling metal fitting after they are printed, the ground sheet only is wound on a winding reel, the display labels are adsorbed by a suction bracket which is provided in front of the peeling metal fitting being drawn by the air intaken by the intake/exhaust duct of the sticking device, and the display labels are stuck by the blow of air onto predetermined positions of package trays that come beneath the sticking device. In particular, this device relates to a device for suction-sticking display labels, in which the label which is peeled off from the ground sheet being adsorbed by the intake/exhaust bracket but which is still adhered at its rear end to the ground sheet, is forcibly peeled off by a proceed/rectract device together with the intake/exhaust bracket.

Abstract: A label applicator for labeling articles moving along a path which includes a label retaining device for retaining labels at a label retaining station, a label dispenser for dispensing labels onto the label retaining device, a rotatable wheel for use in orienting articles at the label retaining station, a label transfer device for blowing a leading portion of the label on the label retaining means onto an article at the label retaining station while allowing a trailing portion of the label to remain on the label retaining device so that movement of the article past the label retaining station pulls the trailing portion of the label from the label retaining device, and a label wrap device downstream of the label retaining station for applying the trailing portion of the label to the article.

Abstract: A system for the high speed application of pressure sensitive labels to products includes an apertured label receiving head having both some vacuum apertures or ports and also some high pressure blower apertures or ports. Connected to the vacuum ports is a main vacuum conduit and similarly connected to the high pressure blower ports is a source of high pressure air which is applied in pulses to an input high pressure air conduit. The labels are dispensed across the faceplate of the unit and are held onto the faceplate by the vacuum applied to the vacuum apertures or ports. When it is desired to apply a label to the product, a pulse of high pressure air is applied to the unit and a shuttle valve within the faceplate or immediately adjacent thereto, is actuated by the high pressure pulse of air to slide across and close off the vacuum conduit, while high pressure air is simultaneously applied to all of the blower ports to blow the label across onto the product.

Abstract: This invention provides a multi-outlet adapter for conversion of at least one source of pressure or vacuum to a multiplicity of outlets of the source(s). The adapter comprises at least two abutting blocks. The pressure and/or vacuum sources are connected to aperture(s) in a surface of the first of the blocks. These aperture(s) terminate in first depression(s) in the opposite face of the first block. The depression(s) in the first block communicate directly with a multiplicity of apertures in the abutting face of the second block which apertures in turn terminate on the opposing face of the second block in a multiplicity of second depressions which constitute the pressure or vacuum outlets.The adapter has particular application in self-adhesive label applicators in which a third block preferably abuts the second block and comprises a grid formed from a multiplicity of apertures which each communicate with the second depression(s). The grid of apertures thus resolves the outlets into greater detail.

Abstract: Labels 36 are arranged in a stack and supported in a tray 11, and the open end 49 of a suction tube 46 is reciprocated toward and away from the label at the end of the stack, to draw the end label away from the stack. A fork member 12 straddles the suction tube and reciprocates about the suction tube so as to engage the label on opposite sides of the tube and push the label off the tube, thereby dropping the label into an inclined chute 72. A conveyor belt 85 positioned in the inclined chute moves the label downwardly toward engagement with the moving work product 14, and the lower conveyor roller 81 presses the label into position on the work piece and a band 90 extends about the lower conveyor roller and extends toward the sewing machine 20 to hold the label in place as it advances to the sewing machine.

Abstract: A method of labeling articles, including moving articles in a row through a labeling station, dispensing the label onto a labeling head and advancing the labeling head into the path of movement of the articles at the labeling station. The label is transferred from the labeling head to the forward face of the article at the labeling station while the labeling head is in the path of movement of the articles. The labeling head is then retracted from the path of movement of the articles.

Abstract: A method of labeling articles, including moving articles in a row through a labeling station, dispensing the label onto a labeling head and advancing the labeling head into the path of movement of the articles at the labeling station. The label is transferred from the labeling head to the forward face of the article at the labeling station while the labeling head is in the path of movement of the articles. The labeling head is then retracted from the path of movement of the articles.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool for use on a robotic arm for applying adhesive tape around bundles of wire, cables and the like. Three hollow tubes are disposed in line abreast and extend from a body which includes a chamber with an inlet port to which pneumatic pressure or suction can be applied and two oppositely acting ball valves of which one is in communication with the central tube and the other is in communication with the interior of the outer tubes, which are hollow but which have a respective lateral aperture on the side facing the central tube. On the application of suction, the central tube can hold a length of adhesive tape and the tool can be advanced into contact with the bundle of wires around which the tape is to be applied. On the application of pneumatic pressure, the central tube releases the tape and the pressure applied to the interior of the outer tubes advances them forwardly, against the force of a return spring.

Abstract: A device for the pressing of gummed labels or foils against objects which are moved along a straight or curved path, comprises one or more pressing elements disposed one behind the other and movably advanced in synchronism with the objects along a path that is convexly curved with respect to the first path. Each pressing element has a pliable pressure pad disposed at the level of the area which is to be provided with the foil and situated at varying distances from the pressing element. The pressure pad comprises a plurality of elements disposed side by side, which independently of one another exert a point or line pressure during the pressing action.

Abstract: A label applicator comprising a supporting structure and a label receiver mounted on the supporting structure for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. A label dispenser supplies a label to the label receiver when the label receiver is in the retracted position. The label is releasably retained on the label receiver. The label receiver is then moved to the extended position where the label is transferred by an air blast from the label receiver to an article.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for taking up label stock slack as it is advanced out of a printer or other source of labels and locating the label stock properly with respect to the vacuum platen of an applicator for receiving the label then applying it. When the label has been advanced to a location adjacent said vacuum platen, a separate drive pulls the label backing through a stripping device leaving the label in a position released from its backing so that it can be propelled to and acquired by the vacuum platen of the label applicator simultaneously with its release from the backing.

Abstract: A labeling machine wherein there is a picker mechanism for tangentially attaching labels to the necks of bottles traveling along a predetermined path in predetermined spaced relation such that the planes of the tangentially attached labels are substantially parallel to the direction of travel, and longitudinally spaced means arranged along said path comprising jets which displace the ends of the labels transversely of the path and wipers which apply wiping forces to the ends to wrap the transversely displaced ends about the necks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decal applying and more specifically to an apparatus for and a method of stripping the backing paper of a water-soaked water-release slide-off decal from the transfer film of the decal and applying such transfer film to a surface of a dish-like article to be decorated.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to an article comprising a supporting structure, a manifold defining an air chamber mounted on the supporting structure, and a plurality of conduits communicating with the air chamber. Some of the conduits are blocked off and other of the conduits are capable of transmitting a blast of air from the air chamber toward the label to remove the label and apply it to an article.

Abstract: Elements are supplied to a work station with the elements being arranged in a row. The elements are releasably retained at the work station. The articles to which the elements are to be transferred are moved through the work station with the row of elements at the work station extending in the same direction as the direction of article movement. Each of the elements is transferred to an associated article as the articles are moved through the work station. The elements are sequentially transferred with the most downstream element always being the next element to be transferred.