The invention provides a labeling apparatus and method of labeling containers, wherein the control of the labeling operation is dependent on the supply of the labels. Also, there may be used a continuous length of labels rather than individual pre-cut labels, resulting in a very high-speed operation. The labeling device includes a continuous supply of labels, cutting means for providing individual label lengths, adhesive applying means for printing the labels, and label applying means for applying labels to individual containers. Operating in conjunction with the labeling components are means for controlling and transporting an individual container between a container receiving and container discharge station, whereby the label is applied to the container before the discharge station, thereafter wrapped about the container.
Method and apparatus for continuous high speed application of labels to containers wherein the adhesive is applied to a predetermined location upon each of a succession of containers moved past a vacuum drum applying the leading edge of a label to each container at such location. The labels are successively cut from a strip by means ensuring continuous label movement and have an adhesive applied to a trailing edge thereof before application to containers. The containers are then moved to a discharge station where the labels are wrapped about the containers.
An automated placement of flat valves on a balloon strip. Included is a vacuum platen which receives the free end of a row of valve films. A cutting blade severs a single valve from the film, which is held in place by the vacuum platen. The vacuum platen is then moved through a series of motions for positioning above a heating element which is raised to bond the valve to the balloon strip.
A machine and method for applying heat shrink labels or the like to articles such as containers having cylindrical body portions and an end portion or portions adjoining the body portion and sloping inwardly therefrom. The label has a length such that its leading end overlaps the trailing end and a seam is formed at the overlap. The label is secured to the article by adhesive between the leading end and the container and by adhesive between the overlapping leading end and trailing end. The label is of a width such that it projects beyond the junction or junctions of the end portion or portions with the body portion, resulting in free standing edge or edges which are then heat shrunk onto the container. To provide pressure in forming the seam of the free standing edge or edges, a tongue or tongues are interposed between the article and the intended seam which provide a continuation of the body of the article.
A machine and method for applying heat shrink labels or the like to articles such as containers having cylindrical body portions and an end portion or portions adjoining the body portion and sloping inwardly therefrom. The label has a length such that its leading end overlaps the trailing end and a seam is formed at the overlap. The label is secured to the article by adhesive between the leading end and the container and by adhesive between the overlapping leading end and trailing end. The label is of a width such that it projects beyond the junction or junctions of the end portion or portions with the body portion, resulting in free standing edge or edges which are then heat shrunk onto the container by heat from an external source. A tongue is interposed between the heat source and the seam at each free standing edges or edges. This tongue serves as a heat shield to moderate application of heat to the seam. Most advantageously the end of each tongue is wedge shaped so that as it is extended it acts as a wedge to urge the free standing edge toward the article. In a preferred embodiment of the invention heat is applied in the form of hot air in stages such that the free standing edge or edges are shrunk commencing with their junctions with the container and progressing to the outer edges whereby no air is entrapped.
Labelling equipment is provided for applying wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers. The equipment includes a label carrier having a wheel rotatable about its axis, a vacuum system coupled to the wheel to retain labels on the wheel, a feeder for directing containers individually to the wheel adjacent the periphery of the wheel to receive a label, and a drive system for receiving containers from the bottle feeder and for rolling the containers upon receiving the label from the label carrier. The drive system includes at least one belt engaged about the wheel in slipping relationship therewith to permit the belt to move faster than the periphery of the wheel and including a portion for moving in contact with the container immediately after the container leaves the feeder to both carry the label off the wheel and to engage it on the container. A cutter arrangement is provided with a lobe which removes tension from the label as it is severed from the strip of labels.
