GB714372A - Improvements in or relating to labelling machines - Google Patents

Abstract

714,372. Labelling-machines. FAIREST, Ltd., M. May 15, 1953 [May 16, 1952], No. 12387/52. Class 73 [Also in Group XVI] Relates to a labelling-machine in which a rotatable delivery member 16, Fig. 1, is formed with suction openings at spaced positions round its outer face and is adapted by suction to extract a label from a reciprocating stack 19 and carry it to the labelling station. The delivery member 16 has interior compartments shown in positions 1-6 in Fig. 1 in communication with the suction openings, a suction passage 30, Fig. 2, leading into each compartment and a rotary plate valve 21 comprising an upper member 22 rotating with the member 16 with ports 29 connected to the suction passages 30 and a lower stationary member 23 having one port 28 which communicates with one port 29 of the rotary member 22 when a compartment associated with that port 29 is in position 1, Fig. 1, adjacent the label stack 19, the stationary member 23 also having an arcuate port 32 registering simultaneously with the ports 29 of the compartments when in positions 2-5, separate suction connection's from separate vacuum pumps to the two ports 28, 32 being provided. The arrangement is such that each compartment when in position 1 opposite the label stack is subjected to a high degree of suction to extract the label and then when the delivery member is moved through positions 2-5 to the labelling station a lower degree of suction is applied through the arcuate port 32 sufficient to retain the label until removed by adhesive contact with the article. No suction is provided at position 6. The delivery member may be cylindrical, e.g. if the member itself is used to produce or assist a rolling of a cylindrical article over the label or as shown, multi-faced, e.g. if the article is to be pressed against or rolled over the label, and driven intermittently to bring faces to rest at the label stack and labelling station. Cylindrical articles 11, such as bottles, as fed upright on a conveyer 12, a driving band 14 at the labelling station rotating each article over a label on the delivery member 16. Where thermoplastic labels are used, a heating element 20 is located opposite compartment position 3 and a heated stream of air is directed to the label, or alternatively with ordinary gummed labels, adhesive may be applied at position 3 in which case the high degree of suction may be retained up to and including this position.