Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a container sleeving device, system and method for arranging sleeves on a plurality of containers, wherein the sleeves are made of tubular foil material made to pass over the circumferential outer surface of a spreading element, the container sleeving device comprising:—a spreading element configured to spread open the tubular foil material passing from a proximal spreading element portion (31) towards a distal spreading element portion (34);—a cutting unit (25) for cutting the spread-open tubular foil material to form a sleeve;—a sleeve discharge unit (28) configured to accelerate the sleeve to move over the outer surface of the distal spreading element portion so as to discharge the sleeve towards a container; wherein the distal spreading element portion and/or the proximal spreading element portion has one or more pressure regulating openings configured to regulate the pressure close to the outer surface of the distal spreading element portion and/or of the proximal spread

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a flexible entry guide tube comprising one or more lumens, wherein at least one lumen is an instrument lumen; and a rigidizing cable to lock a shape of the guide tube within a body cavity with a distal end of the guide tube near a medical site. The rigidizing cable can steer the guide tube. The apparatus comprises a flexible tool insertable into the instrument lumen. The tool can perform a medical procedure near the distal end of the guide tube. The tool comprises an end effector, a steerable tip portion, and a steering cable for steering the tip portion. While the tip portion remains within the instrument lumen, articulation of the tip portion causes corresponding articulation of a distal portion of the guide tube. The tool can extend away from the distal end while the shape of the guide tube is locked by the rigidizing cable.

Abstract: Provided is a label fitting system which can, even if a container has a narrowed portion, appropriately fit a cylindrical label to the outer periphery of the container. A label fitting system is provided with a label arrangement mechanism which pushes down a cylindrical label having been supplied to a location above a cylindrical container and is disposed about the outer periphery of the cylindrical label. The label arrangement mechanism is provided with a vertically movable annular base and a plurality of legs extending downward from the base. The legs have elasticity which enables the legs to be displaced radially, and have lower ends coming into contact with the upper end of the cylindrical label. When the base descends, the lower ends of the legs push down the cylindrical label while descending along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical container.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes a proximal main body, an outer tube extended to a distal end of the endoscope and a pair of optical train subassemblies. Distal and proximal inserts in the distal and proximal ends of the outer tube, respectively, support the optical train subassemblies. First and second optical fiber bundles substantially fill all of the voids between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surfaces of the inserts and the optical train subassemblies.

Abstract: A processing machine for processing containers includes rollers arranged around a machine axis thereof. The rollers form a mounting arrangement. A rotor mounted with the mounting arrangement rotates about the machine axis. Processing stations are provided on the rotor. A functional element interacts with the rotor or the processing stations. The rollers are provided on a region of the mounting arrangement opposing the functional element such that they are movable. Some rollers are positioned such that the tangential points between the rotor and the functional elements do not become displaced in excess of a selected amount during thermal expansion.

Abstract: The invention relates to container sleeving system and method. Sleeves of heat shrinkable foil are arranged around the container. The sleeves are supplied by ejecting the sleeve from the sleeve supply. Containers are supplied form a container supply. The sleeve supply arranges the sleeve around the container by moving the sleeve upwardly around the container. A heat shrink oven is arranged for fixing the sleeve to the container. A conveyor transports containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for arranging a sleeve-like foil envelope around an object, comprising supply means for supplying said sleeve-like foil envelope around at least one spreading element (190), as well as discharge means for discharging the sleeve-like foil envelope from the device and arranging it around the object. The object of the invention is to provide a device which on the one hand requires less installation space and which, in addition, is suitable for use as a multiple enveloping device, in which several envelopes can be arranged around objects simultaneously or in succession. In order to accomplish that object, the discharge means are disposed within said at least one spreading element. Not only does this lead to a significant reduction of the required installation space, but it also makes it possible to operate the device at a higher speed and as a multiple device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically modulating vacuum applied to a vacuum cup are described herein. More particularly an automated labeling apparatus and method for applying labels onto containers using a vacuum based transport mechanism is described herein.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for placing trays into sleeves is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor system for transporting a mail tray, a sleeve blank presentment device and a robotic arm. The robotic arm is provided with an end of arm tool which retains and opens a sleeve blank. A tray induction system including a plurality of paddles configured to guide a tray into an open sleeve blank is also provided.

Abstract: A stretch film sleeve label applicator for separating a stretchable sleeve label from a web of such labels and applying the label to an item, such as a container, is disclosed. The applicator is particularly useful for applying high stretch labels to highly contoured containers. The applicator is configured to receive a series of labels in an elongated, continuous web of flat, 2-ply sleeve labels, open the continuous sleeve of labels, separate an individual label from a next successive label, stretch the label to permit its application to an item to be labeled, such as a container, and apply the label in an accurate and precise location on the container. The applicator comprises three primary components: a label feeding assembly, a label separating assembly and a label stretching assembly. Various embodiments of the label feeding assembly, label separating assembly and label stretching assembly are disclosed.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for use in shrink sleeve labeler machines includes a replaceable insert having a cutting slot that is spaced apart from both upper and lower elements of the mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A film-fitting device includes a cutting mechanism that cuts a label-forming medium into a predetermined length, a film transfer mechanism that transfers downstream a tubular film arranged around a mandrel, and a shot roller that receives the tubular film transferred by the film transfer mechanism and delivers the tubular film downstream while rotating the tubular film in the circumferential direction. The distance from the cutting mechanism to the shot roller and the distance from the film transfer mechanism to the shot roller are both greater than the length of the tubular film formed by the cutting. Further, rotational drive of the shot roller is carried out by an independent servo motor or stepping motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a sleeving device and a mandrel for arranging sleeves around products such as containers. Foil is opened on the mandrel and fed over the outer surface of the mandrel. The foil is cut to form individual sleeves of predetermined length. Sleeves are discharge in axial direction from the mandrel over the product. During discharge a rotational movement is imparted onto the sleeve. The sleeve is first fed a predetermined length beyond the cutting position before the sleeve is engaged for discharging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a sleeving device and a mandrel for arranging sleeves around products such as containers. Foil is opened on the mandrel and fed over the outer surface of the mandrel. The foil is cut at a first position to form individual sleeves of predetermined length. Sleeves are discharged in axial direction from the mandrel over the product. The sleeves are discharged by engaging the sleeves at a second position. The circumference of the outer surface of the mandrel near the second position is smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the mandrel upstream from the first position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeving device, a set of a mandrel and collector and a method for arranging a sleeve around a product, such as a container, wherein static charges on the sleeve are reduced. Foil is fed over a mandrel, is cut into sleeves, and ejected over containers. According to the invention static charge is removed from the sleeve's inner surface by collecting static charge in a collector arranged on the mandrel. The collector includes electrical filaments positioned along an inner circumference of the sleeve. The charge is discharged afterwards, e.g. using a spark gap, via a discharger mounted on the frame and connected to the earth.

Abstract: An opener mechanism in which a label folded in a sheet shape is opened and fitted to a target body is provided with first suction rods which suck one side of a label, second suction rods which are arranged to oppose the first suction rods and suck the other side of the label, and a drive mechanism which induces movement of the first and second suction rods toward or away from each other. Suction hole arrays in which a plurality of suction holes which suck the label are aligned in a line are formed on the surfaces facing one another of the first suction rods and the second suction rods. The suction holes are arranged in such a manner that the suction hole arrays of the first suction rods and the suction hole arrays formed in the second suction rods opposing the first suction rods are at least partially nonparallel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic alignment apparatus for rubber bands which automatically aligns a rubber band so as to automate a rubber banding process. The automatic alignment apparatus for rubber bands includes a pair of alignment rods installed in parallel on a plate, screw grooves respectively formed on outer circumferential surfaces of the alignment rods, alignment grooves formed on upper parts of the alignment rods, limit parts formed above the alignment grooves to prevent an aligned rubber band from being separated from the alignment rods, a driving unit and a power transmission unit to rotate the alignment rods, a first sensing unit to sense the rubber band aligned by rotation of the alignment rods, a second sensing unit to sense a consumption state of rubber bands temporarily banded onto the alignment rods, and a controller.

Abstract: A banding device includes a frame. A feeding assembly is mounted on the frame for feeding elastic tubing into the frame. A transfer assembly disposed within the frame includes transfer arm and fingers. The fingers receive the rubber tubing as fed. A cutting assembly is disposed between the transfer assembly and the feeding assembly for cutting the tubing into bands. The fingers of the transfer assembly move between a first closed position for receiving the band and a second open position for opening the band. The transfer arm is moveable between a first position for receiving the band and a second position for transferring the band. A banding assembly disposed at the second position receives the band from the transfer assembly. The banding assembly stretches the band and receives an item to be bundled within the band. The banding assembly releases the band about the bundle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for placing sleeves on traveling articles, said sleeves being cut from a continuous sheath passing over a sheath-opening shaper, first outer wheels serving to advance the sheath along the shaper, and second outer wheels being provided downstream from cutter means for the purpose of ejecting the cut-off sheath segment, said wheels being driven in rotation by associated electric motors controlled synchronously by a virtual-shaft common electronic programmer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for placing sleeves on traveling articles, said sleeves being cut from a continuous sheath passing over a sheath-opening shaper, as far as and beyond cutter means, which shaper is held floating between first outer wheels and backing wheels carried by said shaper. In accordance with the invention, the alternating pivoting of the or each blade is ensured by means of a cam system by the difference in rotation between two superposed rotary rings constituting the support for said blade, one of the rings presenting a cam path parallel to the cutting plane and extending in an oblique direction, a cam sliding therein, which cam is constrained to pivot with a blade-carrier by means of a pin parallel to the common axis of the rings and pivotally mounted on the other ring, the or each blade being arranged to pierce the wall of the sheath and to cut said wall by exerting a force thereon that is directed radially outwards.

Abstract: A mandrel (2) comprising a body portion (4) having an outer surface for receiving a stretchable closed wrapper (20), the mandrel having an end (6) adapted for mounting on a self supporting object (18) to be wrapped such that the wrapper can be slid over the mandrel and delivered therefrom onto the outer surface (22) of the object, in which the mandrel includes a portion which engages with the object to allow the mandrel to seat on an end of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for arranging a sleeve-like foil envelope around an object, comprising supply means for supplying said sleeve-like foil envelope around at least one spreading element (190), as well as discharge means for discharging the sleeve-like foil envelope from the device and arranging it around the object. The object of the invention is to provide a device which on the one hand requires less installation space and which, in addition, is suitable for use as a multiple enveloping device, in which several envelopes can be arranged around objects simultaneously (or in succession). In order to accomplish that object, the discharge means are disposed within said at least one spreading element. Not only does this lead to a significant reduction of the required amount of installation space, but it also makes it possible to operate the device at higher speed and, above all, as a multiple device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for applying a flexible, expandable sleeving over an elongated structure includes a first area for receiving the member and an elongated hollow conduit that receives the elongated structure within a hollow interior space thereof. The expandable sleeving is compressed and bunched and held in compression along an outer surface of the conduit. The apparatus also includes a second area that includes a pair of rollers that are disposed about one end of the conduit and are configured so that they contact the sleeving as it is paid out onto an outside of the elongated structure and prevent the compressed sleeving from suddenly releasing its stored energy and self-ejecting off of the conduit as the sleeving and bundle are mated and are moved away from the rollers.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a preparation station for preparing a sleeve from a stretchable plastic film wound flat around a storage reel, and a gripper device for taking hold of the sleeve and transferring it to the depositing station for enveloping the load. According to the invention, the gripper device comprises at least one set of grippers which is equipped with notched bars to create differential stretch with the formulation of a lunula. Each bar is given a translational and/or rotational movement so that the bar can be extracted and the sleeve disengaged at the end of the depositing cycle.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning sleeves on products such as bottles. The products are conveyed in the upright position one after the other along a conveyor line and the sleeves are removed from a sleeve-feed system by transfer members above the product. The assembly comprises a single sleeve-feed system and two pairs of alternately-operating transfer members which are installed on either side of the product conveyor line. Each transfer member is supported by a carriage to travel the length of an active path along the side of the product at the sleeve-application position in order to remove a sleeve and place the sleeve on the product, in an alternating manner with the other transfer member from the pair, while the carriage of the other transfer member from the second pair moves the other transfer member from the second pair along a return path at a distance from the active path.

Abstract: An elongate, tubular, transparent thin-film scallop bag formed with a tapered, open top edge and a closed bottom edge, and sized to hold a column of scallop medallions. The bag includes a plurality of regularly spaced perforations for eliminating trapped and excess moisture trapped during the filling of the bag with the scallops, and further formed with at least one vent hole larger than said perforations near the base of the bag to relieve back air pressure during the loading process. The bag's composition includes at least a twenty percent mixture of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), at least a thirty percent low density polyethylene (LDPE), and at least forty-five percent Metallocene 8C. The novel composite provides the requisite strength for a thickness that can carry the necessary perforations spacing without tearing or stretching, while providing a surface characteristic that is smooth and allows the scallops to slide easily into the bag.

Abstract: A tamper-evident band is provided which includes a pull tab which is more easily located and more easily grasped by a consumer for removing the tamper-evident band from a container. A method is also disclosed for applying a heat-shrinkable band to a container such that the band is correctly conformed to the configuration of the container with the pull tab properly located for ease of identification and ease of removal.

Abstract: A dual mode strapper for strapping an article is illustrated with a strap-forming mechanism capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strap-forming mechanism defines an opening in which the article is received. The dual mode strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around the opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of a strap roll up device are disclosed which may be used to conveniently roll up and secure tie down straps or other similar articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for positioning sleeves on products such as bottles. According to the invention, the products are conveyed in the upright position one after the other along a conveyor line and the sleeves are removed from a sleeve-feed system by transfer members above the product. The inventive assembly comprises a single sleeve-feed system and two pairs of alternately-operating transfer members which are installed on either side of the product conveyor line. Each transfer member is supported by a transport means such as to travel the length of an active path along the side of the product at the sleeve-application position in order to remove a sleeve and place same on the product, in an alternating manner with the other transfer member from the pair, while the means for transporting the other transfer member from the second pair moves the latter member along a return path at a distance from the active path.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding an opened tubular label from a tube spreader onto a cylindrical object, e.g. a product cylindrical container, being conveyed past the spreader in a manufacturing environment. The spreader is adapted with an array of wires forming a skirt from the lower surface of the spreader to the top of the cylindrical container. The wires are short at the upstream edge of the spreader to not contact the upper surface of the cylindrical container, and long at the downstream edge of the spreader to contact the upper surface of the cylindrical container.

Abstract: A packaging system for packaging a compressible article, such as a stack of interfolded paper towels, includes a sleeve supply arrangement for supplying a packaging sleeve to a loading area, a reciprocating article supply arrangement for selectively positioning a compressed article in the loading area, and a sleeve advancing arrangement for advancing the formed sleeve onto the compressed article at the loading area. After a sleeve is advanced onto the compressed article, the article supply arrangement is moved away from the loading area. A movable stripper engages the article and the sleeve during movement away from the loading area, to strip the article and the sleeve from the article supply arrangement. As the article and the sleeve are removed from the article supply arrangement, the article undergoes decompression and establishes contact with the sleeve to maintain the article and the sleeve in frictional engagement, to form a pack.

Abstract: Sleeving equipment for egg packages includes a sleeve dispenser that cuts and dispenses a sleeve one by one, a sleeve control jig that controls a sleeve that is dispensed by the sleeve dispenser, a first egg package conveying device that conveys egg packages before the sleeve is positioned around the egg package, an egg package inserter that inserts the egg package into the sleeve, a second egg package conveying device that conveys the egg package and the sleeve placed around the egg package and a heat tunnel that heat shrinks the sleeve whereby the sleeve is fixed to the egg package. The sleeve dispenser cuts and dispenses the sleeve in vertical direction, and the sleeve control jig rotates the sleeve into horizontal direction before the egg package inserter insert the egg package into the sleeve. The egg package inserter inserts the egg package into the sleeve horizontally.

Abstract: A dual mode strapper for strapping an article with a strap-forming mechanism is capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around an opening in which the article is received. When the strapper is operating in the first mode, the pre-formed strap holding area receives the pre-formed strap and maintains it in spaced-apart relation from the article before dispensing it from the holding area onto the article to be strapped.

Abstract: A banding machine is useful for applying rubber bands on lobster claws, grocery bunches or other plural articles in need of bunching together. The machine has a pivotable sub-frame with two pairs of side-by-side fingers. The fingers in each pair are operable to move apart from the adjacent finger to spread a rubber band when placed on the fingers. The machine has two reels of a rubber tube stock and two pairs of grippers to safeguard controlled feed of the tube to band cutters. The fingers are each designed to facilitate disengagement of the rubber bands from the fingers when the fingers are spread i.e. in a band application position and an object, e.g. lobster claw, is placed between spread fingers of a finger pair.

Abstract: An adjusting device that is mounted in a film packaging machine includes a moving mechanism that selectively moves two support blocks in opposite directions and toothed wheels mounted to the support blocks in a symmetric manner and driven by a timing belt that is mechanically coupled to a motor for rotating film drive rollers that are mounted to selected ones of the toothed wheels. Thus, the film drive rollers are movable in opposite directions with the support blocks for adjusting the distance between the rollers, which allows for accommodation of packaging films of different sizes between the rollers, while not interfering with the operation of the film drive roller for driving the packaging film therebetween. This arrangement allows for uniform application of driving force to the film by the film drive rollers and thus realizing smooth and stable movement of the film in packaging an article.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping groups of products (7) in tubular lengths of stretch film (4) comprises a rotating carousel (1) equipped with a plurality of wrapping units (2) having bars (3) for holding and stretching to size a succession of tubular film lengths (4) fed to a station (S1) and for placing the stretched tubular film lengths (4) around respective groups of products (7) to be wrapped fed one after the other.

Abstract: An adjusting device of a thermo shrinkable film machine includes first and second blocks movably mounted on two rails between two sideswalls on the base of the machine. Each of the two blocks has a wheel for contacting the film on a shaft. Two rotatable rods have two threaded sections of different directions of threads which rotatably extend through the two blocks respectively. The two respective ends of the two rotatable rods are connected to a rotating piece which is rotatably received in a case located between the first and second blocks. A driving wheel drives one of the rotatable rods so as to move the two blocks in opposite directions and to adjust the distance between the two wheels contacting the film of different thickness.

Abstract: A reinforced bulk bin, and methods for making same, wherein a collapsible bulk bin, preferably fabricated from paper, paperboard and/or corrugated paperboard, is provided with a reinforcing plastic sleeve, which is placed on the bin while in its collapsed configuration. When in place, and prior to the bin being deployed, the sleeve is under tension. When the bin is deployed, the sleeve exerts restraining force, distributed over the surfaces of the side walls of the bin. The sleeve may be positioned on the collapsed bin either manually or mechanically.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station having a griper arrangement, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans. The gripper arrangement is adjustable to handle sleeve labels of various diameters to permit the labeling of containers of various diameters by one gripper arrangement.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant, a closing station, a container information adding station in the form of a labeling station having a electromagnetic operated sleeve label cutting arrangement, the station being configured to add information to containers in the form of bottles and cans.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for attaching a label jacket to objects, such as bottles or similar items, where a jacket label is seized by its forward margin by a spreading jaw unit and pulled in axial direction over the object, where the object, before the pull-over application, is held by the area of its mantle surface, by positive and/or friction lock, the pull-over process is started, the holding device on the mantle surface is temporarily released as soon as the spreading jaw unit at least partially surrounds the object at its mantle surface, and, at the latest before the desired adhesion height of the label jacket on the object is reached, the latter objects is again seized by the area of its mantle surface, which is now covered with the label, and in the process the label is affixed in a non-slip manner, while the spreading jaw unit is pulled off.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fitting stretchable sleeves on containers in the form of a substantially prismatic or cylindrical carton, the opening of which is at least partially surrounded by a rim projecting out towards the exterior. Sleeves are cut from a stretchable sheath and stretched to assume a section slightly bigger than the section of the carton. The sleeve is placed on the carton by moving it from above the base in the direction towards the rim. The apparatus comprises a sheath feed and a sleeve cutting device, a transfer drum equipped with transfer elements, and a placing turret equipped with placing units with two placing elements, each having a stretching tool and a clamping block. A container feed positions the containers, in steps, in synchronization with the placing elements, in the placing zone, the base of the container being turned towards the placing elements.

Abstract: A packaging device includes a film fitting mechanism, a film shrinking mechanism and a controller. The film fitting mechanism fits a tubular heat shrinkage film over a film cylinder and moves the film a distance along the cylinder and cuts a length of the film off. The length of the film is then conveyed to the film shrinking mechanism. The film shrinking mechanism is arranged next to the film fitting mechanism and includes a base for supporting an article to be packed with the film that is cut by the film fitting mechanism and heating units for supplying high temperature air flows to the film thereby making the film shrink and tightly wrap over the article. The controller controls and coordinates the operations between the film fitting mechanism and the film shrinking mechanism.

Abstract: Device for sleeve-label labeling machines, with proposal that means are provided that render the label tube taut and/or spread the label tube during the cutting step.

Abstract: A central positioning device for a labeling machine of heat shrinkable film includes an upper section and a lower section connected to each other with a fastener; a positioning member provided at an upper end of the lower section; the upper section revolving to adjust for an angle and secured by the positioning member; the film passing through the upper section being pushed downward to change its orientation; a logo on the film falling on a square bottle exactly as required; and folding marks of the film merely falling on the corners of the bottle without displacement to ensure the precise location of the subsequent film to wrap around the bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for enwrapping a horizontally oriented product in a sleeve. A sleeve is formed by opening a flat tubular film and cutting a selected length of tubing. The sleeve is further opened in a forming tube to a cross sectional shape comparable with the cross sectional shape of the product. The forming tube is moved from a receiving position to a discharge position and the sleeve is moved in a horizontal plane to enclose the axially aligned product carried on a horizontally oriented conveyor.

Abstract: The tubular banding applicator converts a flat tubular material into a cut length expanded tubular sleeve and mounts the sleeve circumferentially on a container. A driver moves a selected length of flat tubular material from a supply station, around a spreader, and into a hollow former having a retaining gate at an exit thereof. A cutter severs the selected length of tubular material from the supply station and a flow of air directed at a side of the flat tubular length assists in opening the sleeve. A conveyor carries a series of containers along a path to position each container in turn in alignment with the opened tubular sleeve. The driver moves a second selected length of flat tubular material from the supply into the former, thereby ejecting the first open sleeve from the former onto a container aligned below. The sleeve is subsequently caused to shrink to securely enwrap the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses and a method for pushing tubular films over elongate objects, which preferably have varying cross sections, in which one, preferably two, conveyors (5, 6) transport the objects (4) lying freely, by the objects (4) being held, preferably in a clamping manner, at at least one, preferably at both ends, by a holding device (7), in which a pushing means guides a sleeve (27), on which the film tube (9) is arranged, over the object (4) in order to withdraw the sleeve again at a later time, in which a further pushing means (28, 32) holds the film tube in such a way that the film tube is pushed off the sleeve as the sleeve (27) is withdrawn, in order then to extend around the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a machine for heat-shrinking sleeves made from a film of heat-shrink plastics material and engaged individually on articles such as bottles. In accordance with the invention, the machine comprises a fixed structure, an article support arranged to move along a vertical central axis between a low position in which articles can be put into place or removed, and a high position in which an article is fully received in a pre-heater chamber surmounting a shrinkage chamber, together with a controller governing parameters of temperature, support travel speed, and time, during the operating sequences of the method. This enables ordinary consumers themselves to cause sleeves to be shrunk onto bottles.