JPS5984728A - Labeller - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to placing labels on containers, and more particularly to an apparatus for placing flexible tubular labels on containers.

[Prior art]

Labeling a product container, such as a plastic bottle or spit, has been a time consuming procedure compared to the speed of filling and filling the container with product. When these types of containers were first introduced, labeling information was applied to the containers by silk screening methods. Later, preprinted plastic sleeves were used as labels.

The sleeve was first applied by hand and then subsequently heat shrunk into intimate contact with the container.

Manual assembly was slow, so a machine was constructed to place the tubular label on the container. Although conventional machines have substantially sped up the labeling process compared to hand-made labeling, very high-speed operation is still not possible. Necessary for factories.

This type of machine was rather typically constructed for packaging industry. Continuous motion of the ordered parts of the machine was accomplished primarily by position sensitive electrical or pneumatic switches and pneumatic actuators associated with associated valve controllers.

The time required to operate the control switch and pulp controller is
During continuous operation, downtime and delay times were created at the end of the stroke of the actuator. The delay time significantly extended the machine cycle time. The use of these actuators also created machine component accelerations and inertia forces that were large enough to cause damage to machine components and labels when attempting to operate the machine at the desired high production speeds.

[Disclosure of the invention]

The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus for applying foils to containers. A labeling apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention in which tubular labels are individually removed from a label supply and stretched and positioned around a container by a continuously operating, harmonically moving labeling assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is capable of operating at very high production rates, an apparatus for placing tubular labels on containers comprises an assembly defining a labeling station, a container-directing unit, a label The present invention includes a feeding unit, a label sticking mechanism including a label engaging device, and a drive unit.

The container directing unit delivers successive containers to a labeling station. The label feeding unit positions the label for assembly onto the container. The label engagement device retrieves the label from the storage section and places the label on the container at the labeling station. The drive unit L coordinately moves the label engagement device along the travel path between the labeling station and the label feeding unit in order to label successive containers of the labeling station.

A preferred labeling mechanism includes a cam structure that cooperates with a label engagement device during movement along the travel path to manipulate the label onto the container at the labeling station.

The drive unit is in dynamic communication with a controller that provides an output control signal indicative of the exact location of the labeling assembly on the route of travel. The signals are used to order the operation of the labeling assembly to the operation of other components of the labeling device.

A preferred embodiment of the invention uses a periodically operated container feeding mechanism, which is typically driven from a drive unit via a breakaway clutch. , the clutch engages in response to generation of a position control signal indicating that the labeling assembly is away from the container travel path and away from the labeling station.

The illustrated preferred container feeding mechanism includes a container engaging advancement member that moves in a coordinated manner to advance the containers one step at a time to a labeling station. The advancing member is driven by a rod and crank, which are clutched and unclutched by a drive unit when the advancing member is in a predetermined position. An L-shaped grate with a container engaging advancer is preferred and reciprocates across the container feeding conveyor from a rest position to a container ejection position. As the grate advances from the rest position to the container pushing position, the grate pushes the containers into a passageway extending across and past the labeling device. When the machine is first placed in use, repetitive cycling of the grate creates a row of containers along a travel path through the passageway. Nuclear Passage 1r, including Reiling Station. Once the labeling machine begins a cycle to apply a label, the grate will synchronize with the labeling motion when the label feeding unit is near the top of the travel path to grasp another label for the next cycle. Make a reciprocating motion and push the row by the diameter of one bottle. This extrusion moves the row one bottle diameter, ejects the labeled bottle from the passageway, and inserts a new unlabeled bottle into the passageway. In effect, each cycle of the extruder advances the column a distance that is an integral multiple of the diameter of one of the bottles to be labeled.

The labeling station has a perforated bottle support connected to a vacuum source. Is the vacuum source perforated? In cooperation with the data support, a pressure differential is created over the bottle to be labeled. The pressure difference secures the bottle to the stay 7 and stabilizes it. As the labels descend through the sides of the bins at the labeling station while the bins in the row are in contact, the bins that have just been labeled downstream from the station and the next bin to be labeled upstream from the station are separated. It is possible to push its downward course during this period. This possibility is
This is true because the bins are lightweight and there is nothing to obstruct the small movements of the bins required for a label to pass between adjacent bins.

As the L-shaped plate advances and the four sides of the L push new bottles into the row and advance the row, the other side of the L-shaped plate is used to block the bottle feed along the container feed conveyor. Effective. After the grate has been substantially retracted to its rest position, the bin feed conveyor advances the next bin into the space between the just-extruded bin and the grate to replenish the bin of the next extrusion cycle. supply.

A preferred labeling device uses tubular labels that are separably secured to each other in web form, successive labels are joined along a line of weakness in the web, and each label is cut from the web. It can be placed separately on the container. The label is suitably marked, which mark is not easily visible in ambient light but is responsive to stimulating radiation. The labeling apparatus is equipped with a landmark detector that detects the position of the web near the end of the web and generates an output signal for maintaining the web in the detected position. A suitable detector is responsive to approximately 3660X units of light. Suitable landmarks and methods for their use are described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
ner and BQrnard Larner” C
ontlnuoua Web Reglstratlo
Label feeding and placement onto the bins of the labeling station is accomplished through a new and improved label clamping and cam arrangement.

The present invention provides a pair of spaced apart vertically reciprocatable clamp assemblies. Each clamp assembly has a cooperating noyo which is biased into the clamping arrangement when a label is applied. The clamp and cam cooperate to cause the clamp to reciprocate as follows.

1) When the clamp is at or near the peak of movement,
Clamp the label located on the Kraangestion.

2) Separating the label from the web as the next label on the web is moved to the clamping station and stopped there in response to a signal from the landmark detector.

3) As the clamps move downward toward the labeling station, move the clamps apart from each other to stretch the clamped labels.

4) After the label reaches the desired position around the bin to be labeled, cam the jaw action against the action of the spring.

5) Upon return, the pneumatic actuator opens the jaws of the clamp, effectively moving the clamp assembly along the cam alignment line to effect clamping alignment with the next groove.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 and 2 show a labeling device for applying a sleeve-shaped plastic label 11 to a container 12. FIG. The illustrated labeling device l() is located between the container supply conveyor 14 and the container delivery co/veyor 16. Containers are introduced into the apparatus 10 from the supply conveyor 14 and labeled containers are directed from the apparatus 10 to the delivery conveyor 16 1, the container illustrated as being in the form of a Norasgic soft drink bottle. It is fed between conveyors 14 and 16 via passageway 2 ( ) within device 10 .

The preferred labeling device lo includes a pace 22 formed by a framework of steel structural members (see Figures 3-5) that are welded together. The pace 22 defines a horizontal support surface 23 on its upper part. A vertical support assembly 24 projects upwardly from the support surface 23 and, in a preferred embodiment, supports the vertical rule.
) 24a and a grate support bracket 24b.

pace 22 and support assembly 24 (with suitable housing)
It is covered by a four-way wall 25 and an access door 26 (FIGS. 1 and 2). An operable control panel 27 is installed along one side of the device.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the label feeding device 30 supplies each label 11 to successive containers 12.
Labeling station 32 is where the
; a container directing unit 34 for supplying containers 12 to two labeling stations 32 ; labeling station 3;
a label supply unit 36 for positioning the individual labels; a label application mechanism 40 for moving the individual labels and positioning them one by one on the individual containers at the labeling station 32;
; and container orientation unit 34 and labeling mechanism 4
It includes a drive unit 42 for operating the 0. The operation of the container orientation unit 34 and labeling mechanism 40 is ordered by a control device 44 (FIG. 4) which, like other components of the apparatus 1O, is driven in part from a drive unit 42.

In a preferred embodiment, the envelope 11 is cylindrical and formed from a preprinted resilient stretchable plastic film material, such as polyethylene plastic or the like. As shown by FIG. 3, consecutive cells are
Tubular rolls 9 are releasably connected to each other to form a web of paper, roll sheets, etc. The adjacent edge of the label is defined, for example, by a line of weakness in the web, such as a perforation across the web. Although the illustrated web is flat and coiled for storage, other storage techniques may be used. Web is filed on July 7, 1980.
No. 166,499, the disclosure of which is utilized in this application with respect to the web. In the disclosed embodiments, the label elastically stretches when assembled onto the container, so that the label remains in place resiliently clamping onto the assembled container.

The label feeding device 30 includes a feeding of labels, which are fed from the feeding device at a controlled rate as dictated by the labeling method. The device 30 includes a web support structure 5
0, where a web of labels is shown spirally wound into a roll or coil configuration. The web is unwound and the continuous labels forming the web are separated and placed on the container. Although not shown, a feed motor and web tensioning mechanism are utilized to control the payout of the label from the sea urchin roll. The web is directed onto a feed roll 52 and from there to a label supply unit 36. The various components of dispensing device 39 may be of any suitable or conventional construction well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore the details of the construction of dispensing device 30 are not shown or described in detail.

The chain component of the feeder R30 is arranged IW in a metal plate housing designated by the reference numeral 54.56.

Label supply unit 36 receives the web from supply device 30, stretches the labels and positions the individual labels for separation from the web and placement on the container by labeling mechanism 4o. The feed unit 36 is illustrated in FIG. 3 and includes a web stretching mandrel 60 . suspended from a mandrel support 62 . It includes a web position detector 64, a web break 66 that cooperates with the mandrel 60 under the control of the position detector 64, and a support rod 68 secured to the vertical support (gray) 24a.

A mandrel 60 extends inside the tubular web and the web is stretched as it passes through the mandrel.

Mandrel 60 is formed from a tubular sheet metal or plastic body and has a frusto-conical portion 70 at its upper end and a generally cylindrical skirt 72 forming its lower end. The striping arm 74 rotates the mandrel skirt 72.
placed outwardly of the lower edge of the skirt to stretch the bottom edge of the label placed on the skirt. The skirt 72 is provided with several pairs of cutouts 76 on the sides, one at the base of the skirt.
Alternatively, the supported label can be grasped and pulled downwardly against the mandrel. A support needle 78 extends upwardly from the cone 70 to hold a mandrel roller 80. Roller 80 cooperates with mandrel support 62 to enable the label web to pass through roller 80 and then the mandrel.

Mandrel support 62 is preferably formed by a support arm 82 (see FIG. 3) that carries a roller 84 on its projecting end. A roller 84 supports mandrel rollers 80 and the label web is fed between six pairs of rollers. Support arm 82 can be adjustably positioned perpendicular to the device by clamp 86. Clamp 86
The arm 82 and the vertical support rod 68 . It acts between.

A web position detector 64 senses the landmarks on the two pels when each successive label is properly positioned with respect to the mandrel 60 and produces a web break operation signal. Web position indicia are precisely placed on each label and the detector 64 and mantle 60 are positioned such that the bottom edge of each label is aligned with the detector 64. The detector 64 is preferably designed to detect all of the wavelength shifted light emitted by the normally invisible or nearly invisible indicia printed on each label. The preferred detector 64 is
US Pat.
klng Detsettor) J. , the disclosure of which is utilized in this application in its entirety with regard to idle detectors. Additional details of the construction and operation of detector 64 can be obtained by consulting the referenced applications, so a detailed detailed explanation is not necessary in this application.

The detector 64 is adjustably supported relative to the labeling station 32 by a support assembly 90 (see FIG. 3).9 The support assembly 90 includes a clamp 92 and the assembly 9
0 is connected to the support rod 68 by the clamp 92.

This allows support assembly 90 to be adjusted to the desired vertical position and clamped in place. Assembly 90 is formed by a grate-like body projecting outwardly from support bar 68 and defining a central opening. A mandrel 60 is placed within the opening. , the detector 64 is a position adjustment mechanism 94
The mechanism 94 is connected to a support assembly 90 by a mechanism 94 that allows ultra-high vertical adjustment of the detector relative to the mandrel.

Each web break 66 is disposed on each side of the mandrel 60 and is rigidly suspended from a support assembly 90 (see FIG. 4). Each web break includes a solenoid assembly 100 and a play rod 102 secured to a support assembly 90. Break z9y 102 is located on the solenoid armature close to the mandrel. When solenoid assembly 1 (10 is energized, ! Rake knot 1
( ) 2 moves rapidly to engage the web material around the mandrel.

The force of engagement between the break mater and the web is sufficiently great that the web is prevented from moving relative to the mandrel. Thus 1. As the labeling assembly moves the label from the waste mandrel to the container, the label conveyed by the labeling assembly is severed from the web by application of the web break 66. Once the web is thus cut, the label that the web break engages is positioned with its newly cut lower end aligned with the bottom of the mandrel 60.

Solenoid assembly 100 is energized by an output signal from detector 64 indicating that the indicator mark on the ramille has reached a predetermined position with respect to the mandrel. The activation of the break is momentary, but long enough to ensure web severing. Blake is then deactivated to free Webb.

Labeling station 32 is located below mandrel 60 so that labeling mechanism 40 can lower cut labels onto containers at the labeling station. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the container is located at a labeling station on one wall of a vacuum manifold 110 (see FIG.
10 has a perforated grid-like upper wall r11+, on which the container 12 is located. Container i#;t: is kept upright and stable by the differential pressure acting on the container. Manifold 11
The vacuum pressure within 0 is created by a centrifugal vacuum pump 112, which vacuum pumper 112 is located within the framework structure forming the pace 22. True too!・J? The water inlet is hermetically connected to the manifold 110 by a conventional port, not shown.

Container directing unit 34 directs containers from conveyor 14 one at a time.
moving the containers, advancing the containers one by one to the labeling station 32 in time relation to the operation of the labeling mechanism 40, and then moving the containers to the delivery conveyor 1.
Advance to 6. Examining Figures 2.5 and 6, we find that
Unit 34 consists of a container advancing member 120, which member 1
20 is the clutch 122 and harmonic
Drive unit 4 via drive transmission 124
Driven from 2. Part @120 is L-shaped,
It has a container extrusion surface 126 and a container adjacent surface 128ffi.

The member 120 functions to be reciprocated by a drive transmission 124 to separate a container from the row of containers on the conveyor 14 and to push the container a predetermined distance into the passageway 20. While one container is being pushed into the apparatus, the next successive container on conveyor 14 is moved into adjacent surface 128. Member 124
When the container returns to its original position, the container is moved by the conveyor into a sump position where it engages the extrusion surface 126 during the next cycle of operation.

The containers 12 within the device 10 remain adjacent to each other so that when additional containers are pushed into the passageway 20, all containers are advanced and one container is delivered onto the conveyor 16. The container within the passageway 20 has a guide rail 12 that engages the container.
9 along a predetermined path, the guide rail 1
29 is the passage 2 excluding the labeling station 32.
0 along the side of the container.

The illustrated container advancement member 120 is slidably attached to the guide bar 1
30 (id<6 figure)
It is fixed at 32. The link part shrine 132 is a connecting rod 136
It is connected to the crank 134 via. crank 134
is driven from a drive shaft 140. A drive shaft 140 extends from the crank 134 through the clutch 122. The drive shaft 140 is connected to the output part of the clutch 122,
When the clutch is engaged, the advancing member reciprocates in a harmonic manner along the guide payload. Clutch power is continuously driven from the drive unit 42 through the Nain drive transmission.

Clutch 122 is electrically operated and, when deenergized, disengages and leaves member 120 at rest. This is the normal state of the clutch and the container advancement member 120 is normally placed in the position illustrated by FIG. When clutch 122 is energized, member 120 moves to advance the container of device 10 a predetermined distance into passageway 20 (as illustrated by FIG. 6);
It is then retracted to its normal position. When member 120 has completed its reciprocating motion, clutch 122 is deenergized. In the illustrated device, the clutch is operated by a mechanical switch 1
It is deenergized by operation 50. The switch 150 is opened by a cam 152 located at the end of the shaft 140. The switch 150 remains closed to energize the clutch whenever the pusher member 120 is away from its normal position. The container engaging member 120 reciprocates quickly compared to the operation of the labeling mechanism. and member 12
0's operation is adjusted to coincide with a certain period of time.

During that period, the labeling mechanism is not in a position to interfere with movement of the container through the apparatus 10.

The connection between connecting rod 136 and crank 134 is connected to member 1
Adjustable to adjust 20 strokes. This allows containers of different sizes to be pushed into the apparatus 10 while ensuring that the containers are accurately located at the labeling station 32.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive means 42 comprises an electric motor 160, the output of which is
Combine with 62. The output shaft of the speed reducer is fixed to a set of sprockets, from which both the container directing unit 34 and the labeling tfim 4o are driven. , as best shown in FIG.
164, a chain 166, a cross shaft 168 and a chain clutch human-powered Sugerocket 169.

The labeling mechanism 40 consists of a reciprocating support frame 200, a harmonic drive transmission 2 (2) 2 between the drive unit 42 and the frame 2 (10), and a lapel grit assembly 204 carried by the frame 200. The grits/mother assembly is effective for gripping the label located at the clamping station at the lower end of the mandrel 60 and pulling the label onto the container at the labeling station. solid 204
releases the label when properly positioned on the container and is then driven upwards again to repeat the labeling cycle.

The support frame 200 consists of a pair of parallel cylindrical support shafts 210, which are supported by slide bearings 212 protruding from the grate 24a).
It is supported in contact with Ft, allowing vertical reciprocating movement along R-.

Both ends of the support shaft 210 are fixed together by a connecting rod 214. Due to the heavy weight of the support frame 200 and lapel grate assembly 204, a counterweight 220 (FIG. 5) is suspended behind the support grate 24 and a chain 222.
It is connected to the support frame 200 by. The chain 222 is wound around a sedge rocket 224 supported on the upper end of the grate 24a. The counterweight 220 ensures that the labeling mechanism 40 reciprocates quickly and smoothly in a harmonious manner and that each part of the apparatus 10 is not subjected to unduly large inertial forces.

The illustrated harmonic drive transmission 202 of the support frame 200 includes a motor 160 and a speed reducer 1.
62 also consists of a crank arm 230 driven via a chain and a sedge rocket 232. Connecting rod 234 extends between crank arm 230 and an adjacent one of coupling rods 214 . When motor 160 operates,
Support frame 200 beam 2 links 230 and connecting rod 234
A sinusoidal harmonic motion is imposed through . Thus, the lapel grit assembly reciprocates along the path from the mandrel 60 to the labeling station 32.

Fly farm 230 is adjustably connected to connecting rod 234 so that the stroke of the support frame can be modified as required. This adjustment is utilized within predetermined limits to allow labels to be placed on different containers having a wide variety of heights.

The label gripper assembly 204 consists of a pair of Grino-jam mechanisms 250 (see FIG. 4), each mechanism 250 being mounted on each axis of the support shaft 210 by a respective Grino-9-support assembly 252. It will be retained. The two grits arm and jaw mechanisms 250 and the two grits and jaws support assemblies 252 are each identical, so only one of each of these assemblies will be described in detail. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the chrysoA-jaw assembly 250 is formed by a pace grate 260, a fixed nozzle 262 attached to the pace plate 260, a movable jaw 264, and a jaw actuation mechanism 266. .

The fixed shot member 262 is formed by a support 270 and a semi-cylindrical sleeve-shaped jaw 272. The support 270ij: screwed to the pace grate;
272 extends upwardly from support 27(). Joe 2
72 has a radius of curvature that is less than the radius of the inner wall of the mandrel 60, so that when the gripper jaw mechanism 250 is positioned to grip a label supported on the mandrel 60, the jaws 272 are smaller than the radius of the inner wall of the mandrel 60. 264 close to it and expanding upwards, and on the other hand t3f movement show 264
is located outside the mandrel and label.

Movable jaw 264 has a curved inner surface that curves along the curvature of fixed show 262 .

The movable jaw 264 further includes a cutout 76 in the mandrel.
It has a protruding grid i#-i4 pin 274 that is aligned with the i#-i4. Therefore, when the movable show is actuated towards engagement with the fixed jaw, the label at the end of the mandrel will be marked with grit/? −
It is held between the pad 274 and the cylindrical surface of the fixed show 272.

The jaw actuation mechanism 266 includes an actuation rod 276 affixed to the movable jaw 264, guide blocks 280, 282, and 284 affixed to the Pace Gray 260, a biasing spring 286, an air piston cylinder actuator 290, and a mechanical actuator 292. include. An actuation rod 276 extends through each guide glock. Sgeling 286 is
It acts between the operating rod and the guide Glock 282 to bias the oJ moving Fujiyo 264 toward engagement with the fixed show. Mechanical actuator 292 and pneumatic actuator 290 are each operable to overcome the biasing force of sedge ring 286 and allow opening between the jaws.

Biasing gel ring 286 is preferably a helical compression spring, which is compressed between guide shaft 282 and collar 294, which is secured to actuation rod 276. The force of the compression spring is such that the movable and fixed grips are held tight at all times when the force of the compression spring is not restrained by either the pneumatic actuator jiff, 290 or the mechanical actuator 292. be.

A pneumatic actuating cylinder 282 is fixed to the guide book 282, and its piston is engageable with a stop horn 296 fixed to the actuating rod 276. When air is supplied with pressure to the pneumatic actuating device 290, the piston extends. Te bar 276
and retracting the movable show 264 from the fixed jaw.

Sgeling 2 when the air actuated cylinder opens to the atmosphere
86 Rapidly Recloses the Jaws The strength of the 5 Sgeling is such that when the air actuated device is vented, the show closes almost instantaneously. The air-operated device is shown as being supplied with air at pressure through a suitable hose with an air supply.

Cylinder ventilation is controlled by conventional electrically operated valves, not shown.

Mechanical jaw actuator 292 includes biasing jaw actuator 28
6 to quickly open the show and release the labels located on the container of the labeling station. A preferred mechanical show actuator is God 276
It consists of a body that is fixed to the body and forms a pot 302. - Zetsu) 302 is an operating lever 304 that hangs down from there.
It is for. Holding the cam follower roller 306 at the hanging end opposite to the old lever 304#i, the base plate 2
It operates against a fulcrum formed by 60.

As the cam follower roller is moved transversely to the orientation of the container at the labeling station, lever 304 pivots about the fulcrum to pull body 300 laterally away from the container to open the jaws.

The mechanical actuator is associated with a cam grate 310 (see Figures 3 and 4) which is secured to and extends upwardly from the horizontal support surface 23.

The cam rung 310 defines a cam rung 312 which is connected to the labeling station and the cam follower roller 7.
306, so that when the label reaches the proper position with respect to the container, the cam follower roller 306 rides on the cam rung 312, effectively jerking the jaws open and releasing the label. The illustrated cam 310 is
Can be adjusted vertically to accommodate different containers and/or labels.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the grit jaws in a closed position with the protruding ends of the fixed jaws engaged. The engaged identification jaws form a cylindrical shape. This is the situation when the grits arm and jaw mechanism 250 is gripping a label placed on the mandrel 60. The engaged fixed jaws extend within the interior of the mandrel so that the label material is not unduly compressed when the label is cylindered between the fixed show and the movable jaws.

Typically, labels are applied to containers having a diameter larger than the 6O label mandrel, and therefore, in order to assemble the label around the container at the labeling station, the Glitz Flat--NoyotR assembly 250 must be laterally separated from each other. Must be. Grino? - The support assembly 252 is configured to allow lateral separation of the gripper-jaw mechanism 250 as it grips and moves the label towards the containers of the labeling station. Grits/? - Support assembly 252 (see Figures 3 and 4)
consists of a support pace member 320 and an articulation member 322. The pace member 320 is fixed to a corresponding one of the support shafts 210. Articulation member 322 is supported by pace 320 and in turn supports each gripper-jaw mechanism 250. The pace member 320 fixedly holds an id rod 324, the fixed guide rod 324 extends horizontally with respect to the pace,
Articulation member 322 is slidably mounted on guide bar 324 for movement laterally relative to support pace 320 . Articulation member 322 is provided with a support ring 328 to which gripper-show mechanism 250 is attached. A pair of biased sedge rings 330 are each placed around a respective guide bar 324 . Sgeling is
Acts against articulation member 322.

The jaw joint part 322 is connected to the cam follower roller 332 (fourth
(see figure), the roller 332 cooperates with a cam plate 334 supported on the support 23. A cam ramp 3 that can be engaged with a roller 332 is attached to the cam grate 334.
The cam rung 336 is conveniently shaped with 36 covers. This configuration provides for movement of the IJ horn-to-jo assembly laterally away from the contour of the container at the labeling station, when the label is gripped between the grits and jaws. It is “as it is”. This 111 of the Grino arm support assembly 252
The design makes it possible to open the label to a diameter range that is larger than the container and is therefore particularly useful when extended onto the container. Position the label around the rabbit to make it easier.

The operation of the labeling mechanism during one complete cycle of operation is:
It is as follows. Gu1 no Tsuno 9-jaw machine mzso
Assume that is at the bottom of its stroke and the label has just been applied to the container at labeling station 32. Grino Tofuyo mechanism 250 is Cam Gray) 310
actuates mechanical show actuator 292 to open jaw 26.
2.264 is open. At the same time, the cam grates 334 are in contact with the articulation member cam followers 332 so that the Glitz Kujo mechanisms are laterally spaced from each other. By the way, this interval is the same as when containers are pushed into the labeling stage gin 32 or station 3.
I was bitten from 2 and I was like, “Oh! ) is not large enough to

When the kritshanoyoo mechanism begins to move upwards from the bottom of its stroke, the pneumatic actuator 290 is supplied with compressed air through its control pulp and the mechanical actuator 29
2 to keep the jaws open. Grishi
As the jaw mechanism continues to move upward, the mechanical actuator 292 moves away from the cam grate 310, but the jaws remain open under the action of the pneumatic actuator [290]. The gripper show mechanism is
As you continue to move upwards, stay open and remain spaced. However, when the cam follower 332 of the articulation member traverses the cam rung 336, the resulting grid t? - the jaws are moved into engagement with each other by biasing sedge rings 330 (see FIG. 7);

The Greeno-Yar-Shaw mechanism continues to move upward, decelerating. When the grit tube-jaw equipment reaches the top of its stroke, the stationary jaws are placed inside the mandrel and the air actuator II 290 is vented. Biased gelling 286 quickly closes the show and grips the label on mandrel 60.

As the show begins to move downward, the web of labels is pulled down on the mandrel. This withdrawal continues until the next successive indicator mark on the label is detected by the detector 64 and the web break 66 is engaged and the label gripped by the jaws is separated from the web.

The gris-jaw mechanism with the severed label continues to move downwardly from the mandrel and is actuated by the jaw articulation member 322 and its associated camroot 334 to move the gris-jaw mechanism. and release it. The label is moved over the container at the labeling station and pulled in one direction along the container by a grip-and-arm-jaw mechanism.

The mechanical jaw actuator 292 is then operated again by its associated cam grating 311) to open the gripper jaws and release the label into position on the container.

One important feature of device 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is that the operations of its various components can be easily correlated. This is particularly true for the operation of the labeling mechanism 40 and the container directing unit 34;
The functions of the unit 34 must be ordered. Therefore, in one cycle of operation, Grishi Gu mechanism 2
The container is guided to the labeling station only during the part when 51) is above the container height. The timing of this operation is critical. This is because only during a small portion of the motion ν cycle, the Grishi mechanism 250
may be located above the container to order these functions as well as to control the timing of other component operations such as the actuation of the gripper jaws. .

A schematic diagram of the control device 44 is shown in FIG.

The controller WL44 consists of a digital encoder 350 and an electrical logic unit 351, which receives an input signal from the encoder 350 and outputs the input signal rg, 10.
produces an output signal at precisely predetermined times during each cycle of .

Encoder 350 is of conventional construction and is driven by a timing pel (352fC) as shown in FIG. The belt 352 is wrapped around a pulley driven by the drive shaft of the crank 230. Digital encoder 350 produces a series of different electrical inputs and zeros during each revolution of crank 230. Therefore, for each digital signal produced by encoder 350, there is a precise position for crank 230 (and therefore frame 200 and its associated components).

The output from encoder 350 is provided to logic unit 351. The units 351 may be made in any suitable or desired configuration and are therefore not shown in detail.

Logic unit 351 produces output control signals at precise times during a cycle of the device in response to predetermined signals from encoder 350. The logic unit can generate a large number of outputs, but for simplicity, only three output utilization devices are used in the ninth
□Disclose in connection with the figure.

Referring to FIG. 9, a logic unit 351 is shown managing the operation of an electrically energized pulp controller 360. The pulp controller 360 is /? Control pulp operation for the actuator 290 is controlled between a state in which the lude supplies compressed air to the actuator 290 and a state in which the pulp vents the actuator to atmosphere. Logic circuit 351 is advantageously adjusted such that logic unit 351 outputs an output circuit in response to a position signal generated by digital encoder 350 when the grit or soy mechanism reaches a predetermined position approximately at the bottom of its stroke. produces an output on line 36,4 to 366.

Circuit 366 produces an output signal to energize pulp controller 360, which adjusts the t+1 valve to supply compressed air to actuator 290. Grishi
The signal produced by digital encoder 350 causes logic unit 351 to produce an output J on line 368 to output circuit 366 when the f-7'EI assembly reaches the top of its stroke. The output passage 366 de-energizes the knob controller 360 so that the control valve is vented to the atmosphere and the jaws quickly close to a force of 1 on the mandrel 60. Lape A
・Allows you to grasp.

As mentioned above, the operation of pneumatic actuators tends to be too slow in most cases, but in the case of the present device 10, rapid operation of actuator 290 is not critical. Actuation device 29
The only requirement for 0's high-speed operation is Grishi 9--)
It is effective to open the jaws at one time, when the yaw mechanism moves from the lowest position to the upper end of the stroke.

Actuator 290 is readily operable as intended during that time interval. On the other hand, when the control knob of the actuator 290 operates to vent the actuator, the shift yaw actuation snoring is effective for quickly closing the show.

The illustrated controller 44 also includes container orientation unit 34.
is also configured to regulate the start of each cycle of. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the container-directed clutch 122 includes:
Operated by controller 362. When the gripper soybean 250 is raised just high enough to allow container movement to and away from the labeling station 32, the digital encoder 350 generates an output signal that outputs a signal to the logic unit. 351 produces an instantaneous output signal at 2 in 370. The signal on line 370 is shown as being input to i+fur 372, which produces an instantaneous output effective to energize clutch controller 362. As soon as the clutch is fully engaged, the mechanical control switch will be closed to effectively complete the operation, so that the container directing unit 34 continues to operate throughout its entire cycle of operation. The gear ratios between drive unit 42 and assembly 40 and between drive unit 42 and unit 34 are sufficiently different that unit 34 can complete one cycle of its operation more quickly than assembly 40. Finally, controller 380 for landmark detector 64 is shown operated from logic unit 351 responsive to output from digital encoder 350. Under these circumstances, the landmark detector becomes sensitive to other radiation incident on the detector during normal operation (eg, radiation from landmarks applied for manufacturing purposes). In such a situation, it would be desirable to operate the UV detector only within a short "window" of time during which the label II travels along the mandrel 60. Referring to FIG. 9, encoder 350 produces an output signal just as the gripping mechanism grips a label on mandrel 60. Referring to FIG.

A resulting signal is generated by unit 351 on 2-in 382 to initiate operation of landmark detector controller 380. A second signal is generated on line 384 to terminate landmark detector operation when the gripper has advanced a predetermined distance below mandrel 60.

It should be understood that logic unit 351 is adjustable to respond to different outputs from encoder 350. This allows adjustment of the timing of the operation of the device to accommodate containers and/or labels of different shapes and sizes. Similarly, cams 310, 334 can be adjusted or replaced with cams having different shapes to accommodate different containers. Furthermore, the mandrel 60 and the jaws 262
．． By replacing 264 with an element of appropriate shape,
Labels can be easily applied to containers having various cross-sectional shapes.

Although one embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, the invention is not limited to the construction of this disclosure.

Various applications, modifications and uses of the invention may be found by those skilled in the art, and the invention includes all such applications, modifications and uses, which are included within the scope of the claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for implementing the present invention. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1 with several cities removed. FIG. 4 is a cutaway front view of the device of FIG. 3 with some parts removed and the pouring part a cut away. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a container-directing unit forming part of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a plan view of a portion of the labeling assembly forming part of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the control device for the device of FIG. 1; [Explanation of main symbols] 10...Device 11...Glasstic label 12...Container 14...
・Container supply conveyor 16...Container delivery conveyor
20...Aisle 22...Pace 2
3...Horizontal support surface 24...Vertical support assembly
24 Milk...Vertical grate 24b...Grate support bracket 25...Armnel 26...Access door 27...Control/gunnel 30...Label supply device 32...Lahering station 34... ...Container orientation unit 36...Label supply unit 40...Label pasting mechanism 42...
- Drive unit 44...control device 50
... Web support structure 52 ... feeding roll
54, 56...Golden kite plate no kong 60...Mandrel 62...Mandrel support 64...
・Position detector 66...Web break 6
8...Support rod 7()...Truncated conical part 72...Skirt 74...Spring arm 76...Cutout part 78.
...Support needle 80...Mandrel roller 82...
・Support N7-m 84...Roller 86・
・・Crank 90・・Support assembly 92・
...Crank 94...Position 1 adjustment mechanism 100
. . . Solenoid assembly 102 . . . Pre-extraction mud 110 . . . Vacuum manifold 112 .
Clutch 124...Transmission 126...Container extrusion surface 128...Container M
Contact surface 129... f idle rail l 30...
・Guide rod 132...Reciprocating link part I 134・
...Crank 136...Connecting rod 140
... Drive shaft 150 ... Mechanical switch 152
...Cam 160...Electric motor 162.
...Reduction gear 164...Right angle gear drive unit 166...Chain 168...Cross shaft 169...Chain and clutch! Rocket 200... Reciprocating support frame 202... Drive transmission 204... Lapel Grits,? −
Assembly 210...Support shaft 212...
Slide bearing 214...Connection rod
220... Balance weight 222... Chain
224... Suge rocket 230... Crank arm 232... Suff0 rocket 234... Connecting rod 250... Gripper show mechanism 2
52... Glitz grip holding assembly 260... Pace brake') 262... Fixed jaw member 264... Movable jaw 266.
...Noyo operation rock structure 270...Support
272... Show 276... Operating rod 280.282.284... Guide block 286.
... Spring 290 ... Piston cylinder actuating device 292 ...
Mechanical actuator #294...Color 300...
Main body 302... Vivit 304.
...Operation lever 306...Cam follower roller 310...
...Cam plate 312...Cam lung 32
0...Supporting pace member 322...Joint part removal 3
24...Fixed guide rod 328...Support ring 330...Eccentric Suge ring 332...Cam follower roller 334...Cam plate 336
...Cam Lang 350...Encoder 3
51...Logic unit 352...Timing pel)
360... Valve controller 362... Clutch controller 364.368.370.382.384... Line 366... Output circuit 372... Buffer 380... Detector controller/r\permission Applicant: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Dormitory - An apparatus for applying a tubular label to a product, comprising: a) a structure defining a labeling station; b) feeding successive containers to two labeling stations. C) further label supply means for positioning individual labels in predetermined positions with respect to said labeling station; d) for removing labels from said supply means and assembling labels onto product rolls at a labeling station; label applying means comprising a label engaging mechanism movable periodically along a travel path for attaching; e) drive means for imposing harmonic motion on said wall engaging rock structure; and f. ) a second drive transmission body between the drive means and the container feeding means for causing the drive means to operate the container feeding means in temporal relation to the movement of the label engagement mechanism; A device consisting of 2. The device according to claim 1:
a second drive transmission body between the drive means and the container feed means for causing the drive means to operate the container feed means in temporal relation to the movement of the label engagement mechanism; Device. 3. In the apparatus as set forth in claim 2, further comprising: said second drive transmission member controlling the operation of said container feeding means during a portion of each cycle of operation of said label engaging mechanism; The device consists of a latch capable of securing the lock to achieve this. 4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the label supply means comprises a landmark radiation detector; and the label includes a positioning landmark effective for emitting light. and wherein the detector is responsive to light emitted from the landmark to adjust the positioning of a label for engagement by the label engagement mechanism. 5. In a device for applying a cylindrical label to a container,
1. A label application apparatus for removing successive labels from a label supply and assembling each label onto a respective container, the apparatus comprising: a) first and second label holders movable relative to each other;
4'-jaws having between them a closed position for gripping a label and an open position for releasing said label; b) gripper-show actuating means comprising: 1) said Sgelling means for biasing the jaws into the closed position,! 1) a movable member for opening the show against the force of the sliding means; C) a grit for periodically moving the show along a predetermined route of travel; Conflict - Jiyo support means;
and d) cam means cooperating with said movable member to open said show and release said label when the label is assembled on a container. 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: the Grid I? - the jaw actuating means further comprises a fluid-operated actuator operative to maintain the jaws open against the force of the sliding means as the jaws move from the labeling station to the label supply source; and wherein when the show is positioned to grip a label from a label supply, the fluid-actuated actuator is rendered ineffective to counteract the force of the spring means. 7. A method of labeling containers, comprising: a) adjoining a plurality of containers in a row along a path; b) positioning one of the containers in the row at a labeling station; C) the one container. Step of applying pressure difference: d) Part 1
e) pushing a row of containers along a path, removing said one container from said labeling station; and positioning another container on said station; and f) after said other container is positioned on said two belling stations and a pressure difference is applied to said other container. a method comprising: applying a sleeve to; 8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein: the method is carried out by a machine and the extrusion step ejects the labeled container from the machine. 9. The method according to claim 7, comprising:
and, when said one container is labeled, positioning a further bottle in a position to be added to the queue. 10. A method of applying labels to bottles using a machine, comprising: a) sequentially positioning each of a plurality of bottles at a work station; and b) as each bottle is positioned at the work station;
applying a sleeve label to each bottle; the step of applying a sleeve label comprising: 1) applying a pressure differential to the positioned bin to secure and stabilize the bin at the work station; elongating the end sleeve of a series of interlocking label sleeves and simultaneously placing the sleeve in the Krang station; III) gripping the extended end sleeve with a pair of follower clamps; IV) directing said clamp to a work station. moving the terminal sleeve toward the work station and simultaneously stretching the next sleeve of the interlocking label on the mandrel; ■) sensing the arrival of the next sleeve at the Kraangestion; Vl) continuing the clamping movement towards the work station until the terminal sleeve is pulled into the desired position on the pin; , then releasing the clamp grip and placing the terminal sleeve on the bottle positioned in the desired orientation; and vll) returning the clamp to the Klangestion. Method. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of "stretching" the distal sleeve as the distal sleeve is lowered. 12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said stretching step is accomplished before the label is drawn onto the bottle. 13. The method as claimed in claim 1O, wherein: during the return step the pair of clamps are moved towards each other. 14. A method as claimed in claim 1(), wherein said step of releasing said clamp grip is spaced apart.
15. A method of applying labels to bottles using a machine having a passageway, the method being accomplished with a pair of cams, comprising the steps of: a) feeding a plurality of bottles to a machine having a container delivery conveyor; b) ) extruding a first bin into the passageway with a harmonically driven L-shaped extrusion grating and simultaneously using the grate to interrupt the feeding of bottles by a delivery conveyor; C) returning the extrusion grate to the original left step of returning to position and feeding the second bottle into the space between the first bottle and the extrusion grate; d) pushing the second bottle into the passage so that the second bottle overlaps with the first; e) repeating steps C) and d) with the other bin, while guiding the extruded bin along a predetermined path including the work station through the aisle; e) repeating steps C) and d) with another bin; f) applying a sleeve label to each bin as the bins are positioned at the work station, the steps of: I) applying a pressure differential to the positioned bins to secure the bins at the work station; and stabilizing; 11) stretching the terminal sleeves of a series of interlocking label sleeves and placing the sleeves one at a time in the Kraangestion; 111) clamping the stretched terminal sleeves with a pair of harmonically driven clamps; lv) moving the clamp towards the work station and moving the terminal slug towards the work station and simultaneously stretching the next sleeve of interlocking labels on the mandrel; V) clamping the clamp towards the work station; vl) fully sensing that the next sleeve has arrived at the cystectomy and stopping the next sleeve of the interlocking label, whereby movement of the flang separates the distal sleeve from the next sleeve; continuing said flang movement toward the work station until pulled to the desired position on the bin, then releasing the flang grip and placing the terminal sleeve on the bin positioned in the desired orientation; and vl) said flang a return step comprising: returning the flang to said Kraangestion; and g) such that extrusion and concomitant movement of the bottle along a predetermined path occurs when said flang is at or near said Kraangestion. ordering repetitions of said extrusion step d) into said label application step f); 16. A method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising the step of removing the labeled bottles from the machine with a container feed conveyor after the labeled bottles have been ejected from the machine; method including. 17. A bottle feeding mechanism in a bottle labeling machine having a work station at which bottles are located and labels applied to the bottles, the mechanism comprising: a) plotting a bin travel path through the bottle labeling machine to said work station; , a pair of spaced apart guides; b) an extruder capable of reciprocating movement from a rest position to a bin extrusion position by a predetermined number of bin diameters from the work station; and C) an extruder coupled to the grate. The plate driving body is a plate driving body, and each time the grate is moved from a rest position to a bottle pushing position, the grate reciprocates and pushes out a bottle onto a path, and thus any bottles on the path are moved along the path. A bin feeding mechanism consisting of: a grate moving body which is moved forward along; 18. A bottle feeding mechanism as set forth in claim 17, wherein: the plate drive body is a harmonic motion. A feeding mechanism, wherein: the distance between the guides is adjustable to draw a travel path that is adjustable for the width of the bin to be labeled; 2. The bottle feeding mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the extruder is a grate with an L-shaped cross section, one side of which achieves bottle extrusion, and the other side of which achieves extrusion. The mechanism is a pusher which blocks subsequent movement of the bottle into the space between the grate rest position and the bottle path except when the vessel is substantially in the rest position. 21. A bottle feeding mechanism for use in a labeling machine or similar machine comprising: a) a guide defining a linear travel path; b) said guide for linear movement from a rest position to a bottle ejection position and back. an L-shaped pushing grate supported on a guide; C) a grate drive assembly for causing selective reciprocating movement of the grate along said guide; d) a drive assembly including a clutch; and e) a grate. a control means for sensing a condition in which reciprocating motion is desired and for causing the clutch to be actuated in response to the sensed condition. 2. A mechanism according to claim 21, wherein: the drive assembly drives the grate in harmonic motion. 23. A bottle labeling machine comprising: a) a housing and frame structure defining a passageway having a working station therein; b) a travel path for bottles through said passageway to and through said working station; a guiding mechanism for setting; C) an apertured bin support along the route of travel and at the work station; d) for pushing successive bottles onto the route and a distance equal to an integral multiple of the diameter of one of the bottles being pushed out; a cyclically movable bin pusher for advancing a row of bins along a path during each cycle; e) a bin support to achieve a pressure differential across the working station and the bins positioned on the support; a vacuum source coupled to the body; and f) a labeling assembly supported by a housing and frame structure &C for applying labels to bins positioned at a work station. U. An improved label application mechanism comprising: a spaced cam cooperating with and positioned to effect movement of the clamp and clamp jaws as the clamp reciprocates; b. ) said cam and clamp: 1) clamps the label located on the crank station between two rings of each when the clamp is at or near the end of the movement; 11) the clamp performs the label application operation; moving the clamps away from each other to stretch the clamped label when moving towards the station; 111) when the label is positioned on the object of the labeling station, moving the clamps to release the label; Opening: IV) As the clamps move towards the Kraangession, move the clamps closer together so that one jaw of each clamp is inside the other label and positioning the handle so that the other jaw of the label is outside of the other label; 25. A bottle labeling machine comprising: a) a housing and frame structure defining a passage having a work station therein; and b) a two-ring assembly supported by the housing and frame structure; The labeling assembly includes: 1) a label supply source for providing a web of interlocking tubular labels to feed the labels to a clamping station along a label supply path; 11) along a label path, one label in said label path; 111) a movable mandrel comprising a surface adapted to open each label when successively moved along the mandrel; 111) a movable mandrel comprising a spaced pair of clamps and a clamp driver; IV) a clamp; V) a label application mechanism including a standoff cam positioned to cooperate with the clamp to effect movement of the clamp and clamp jaws as the end label of the web is reciprocated by the clamp; a detector that senses the presence of a second label in the Kraangestion when pulled and emits a signal in response to the nuclear sensing; and vl) each time the detector emits a signal in response to said sensing; A machine comprising: web braking means connected to a detector for braking the web; 26. A bottle labeling machine comprising: a) a how song and frame structure defining a passageway having a work station therein; b) establishing a bin travel path through said passageway to and through the work station; a guiding mechanism; C) a bottle support with an opening along the travel path and at the work station; d) pushing the bottles sequentially onto the path over a distance equal to an integral multiple of the diameter of one of the bottles being pushed out; a cyclically movable bin pusher for advancing the row of bins along the path during each cycle; e) a bin support for creating a pressure differential between the working station and the bins located on the support; a vacuum source connected to; and f) a labeling assembly supported by a clamp frame structure in spaced relationship with the work station, said labeling assembly comprising: I) providing a web of interlocking tubular labels; 11) a supply of labels for feeding along the label supply path to the Kraangestion; a mandrel comprising a surface adapted for opening; 11) a movable label application mechanism comprising a spaced apart movable clamp and a clamp driver; 1v) a movable label application mechanism cooperating with the clamp and causing the clamp and a label application mechanism including a spaced cam positioned to effect movement of the clamping jaw; aa) clamping the label positioned at the clamp jaw when the clamp is at or near the end of its movement; bb ) moving the clamps apart from each other to stretch the clamped labels as the clamps move toward the work station; ee) to release the labels when the labels are positioned on the bins; opening the clamps; dd) moving the clamps closer to each other as the clamps move toward the Kraangestion, so that the noyo of one of each clamp enters inside the label of the other and positioning the noyo such that the other noyo is outside said other dowel; and ■) when the end label of the web is pulled along the label path by the clamp, the entire presence of the second label of the Kraangestion a detector for sensing and emitting a signal in response to the sensing; and a braking means connected to the detector for braking the web each time the detector emits a signal in response to the sensing; ; The machine. 27. A bin labeling machine comprising: a) a housing defining a passageway with a work station therein; and a frame structure; b) a guide for establishing a bin travel path through the passageway to and through the work station. mechanism; C) a bottle support with openings along the travel path and at nine working stations; d) for pushing the bottles sequentially onto the path, by a distance equal to an integral multiple of the diameter of one of the bottles being pushed out; a cyclically movable bin pusher for advancing a row of bins along a path during each cycle; e) a bin support for providing a pressure differential between the working station and the bins located on the support; a connected vacuum source; and f) a labeling assembly supported above the work station by a housing and frame structure; a label supply source for feeding along the label supply path to the Kraangestion; ll) along the label supply path and adapted to open each label as the labels are successively moved along the label supply path; a mandrel comprising a reciprocating surface; lv) a vertical E1 pivoting label application mechanism comprising a spaced apart pair of vertically reciprocating clamps and a clamp reciprocating drive; lv) cooperating with the clamp as the clamp reciprocates as follows: and a label application mechanism comprising a set of spaced pairs of cams positioned to effect movement of the clamp 0 and the clamp jaws; aa) a label positioned in the crangestion when the clamp is at or near the apex of its movement; bb) moving the clamps apart from each other as the clamps move downwardly toward the work station, stretching the pre-grated labels; ee) stretching the labels onto the bins; dd) opening the clamps to release the label when positioned; dd) moving the clamps closer to each other as the clamps move upward toward the clamping station so that one show of each clamp is positioning the jaws so that the other jaw of each clamp is outside said other label; and ■) when the end label of the web is pulled down by the clamp, the clamping station a detector for sensing the presence of a second label and emitting a signal in response to said sensing; and vl) detecting for braking the web each time the detector emits a signal in response to said sensing; A machine consisting of a pair of web brakes connected to a machine. 4. A clamp assembly for use in installing label sleeves on bottles, comprising: a) pace and town 1l;
jJ-) a body comprising a yaw guide; b) a body further comprising a fixed jaw; C) a movable jaw mounted on the body for movement along the jaw guide between a label clamping position and a label releasing position. d) biasing means for biasing the movable jaw into its clamping position and applying label clamping pressure when the movable jaw is in its clamping position; e) when the label is positioned on the bin; , a first actuator for moving the movable jaw against the biasing means to effectuate label release; and f) a mechanism for retaining the movable jaw in a label release position when the assembly is positioned to clamp a label. Another actuating device for: an assembly consisting of: 2. An assembly as claimed in claim 28, wherein: the first actuating device includes a camming gear. 30. A stopper clamp assembly for use in a stopper machine for applying bottle labels, comprising: 1) a support portion including a guided and mounted piece for reciprocation between a label supply position and a label positioning position; b) a support portion further comprising a secondary clamp support piece supporting the remainder of the assembly; C) an extension clamping plate mounted on the arm piece and holding a fixed jaw near one end; d) on the plate. a jaw guide mounted on and extending towards the other end of the pace from a position proximate to the fixing jaw; e) a jaw guide slidably mounted on the guide for movement between a label clamping position and a label release position; a movable jaw; f) a spring in biasing relationship with the movable jaw for biasing the jaw toward its label clamping position; g) a movable jaw positioned in its label release position prior to clamping of the label so that the pouring suge ring is movable; a fluid actuator connected to the movable jaw to enable moving the noyo into its label clamping position; h
) a cam lever pivotally mounted near the other end of said pace; and I) interconnecting a movable jaw and a cam lever so that spring forces are overcome when the cam lever is actuated by a cooperating cam. a linkage for moving the movable jaw to its label release position; 31. A flange assembly for use in a machine for applying bottle labels, comprising: &) a support portion including a guided and mounted piece for reciprocation between a label supply position and a label positioning position; b) - a support portion further comprising a spare flang support arm piece supporting the remainder of the assembly; C) an extending flang pace mounted on the arm piece and holding a fixed jaw near one end; d) a pace a pair of guide bars mounted thereon and extending from one section near the fixed jaw towards the other end of the pace; e) slidable on the guide bars for movement between a label clamp position and a label release position; a movable jaw mounted on; f) a pair of coiled gel rings around said guide rod and in biasing relation with the movable jaw for biasing said jaw toward its label clamping position; g) for clamping the label. a pneumatic actuator connected to the movable jaw for previously positioning the movable jaw in its label release position, wherein a spring moves the movable jaw to its label clamping position when the pneumatic actuator is vented; h) a cam lever pivotally mounted near the other end of said pace; and I) a cam interconnecting a movable jaw and a cam lever, the cam lever cooperating with the cam; an assembly comprising: a linkage which, when actuated, causes the sgelling force to be overcome and the movable jaw to be moved to its label release position; 32. An assembly according to claim 31, wherein: a cam follower roller is rotatably mounted on a cam lever. 33. A product labeling machine comprising: a) a housing and frame structure defining a work station; b) a guide mechanism for establishing a product travel path to and through the work station; C) a guide mechanism for establishing a product travel path to and through the work station; and at one work station, an apertured product support; d) moving the products sequentially on the path so that the path is covered during each cycle by a distance equal to an integral multiple of the diameter of one of the products being moved; a cyclically movable product mover for advancing the product along; e) a vacuum source connected to the product support to provide a pressure differential across the product located at the work station; and f) work y, f - a labeling assembly supported by a housing and frame structure in spaced relation with the tube; said labeling assembly comprising: 1) delivering a web of interlocking tubular labels along a label supply path to a crano station; a feeding reservoir label source; 11) a mandrel along the label feeding path and including a surface adapted to open each label as the labels are successively moved along the label feeding path; ) An 8T moving cylinder application structure including a spaced apart 0° moving clamp and a clamp drive body each having a plurality of shows; IV) When the clamp moves as follows, a label application mechanism including cam means positioned to effect the movement of the clamp; aa) clamping the label positioned on the clamp when the clamp is at or near the end of its movement; bb) moving the clamps together; ee) opening the clamp to release the label when the label is placed on the bin; dd) moving the clamp towards the Kraangestion. Then, when moving the clamps, one of each clamp
positioning the jaws such that one jaw of each clamp is inside the other label and the other jaw of each clamp is outside said other label, and ■) the end label of the web is fed into the clamp 7' a detector that senses the presence of a second label of the clamp station when pulled along the path and emits a signal in response to said sensing; and vl) a detector that emits a signal in response to said sensing; a braking means responsive to the detector to brake the web on each occurrence of the web. 34. A clamp assembly for use in a machine for applying labels, comprising: a) a supporting part including a guided and mounted part for reciprocation between a label supply position and a label positioning position; b) a support portion further comprising a second clamp support arm piece supporting the remainder of the assembly; C) an extended clamp pace mounted on the arm piece and holding the first clamp jaw; d) a pace a guide mounted thereon and extending from a position near the first jaw toward the other end of the pace; e) slidably engaged with the guide for movement between a label clamp position and a label release position; f) a movable jaw in a biasing relationship with the movable jaw for biasing the show toward its label clamping position; g) a sliding jaw on the movable jaw for positioning the movable jaw in its label release position prior to clamping of the label; a connected actuating device for enabling the sgelling to move the movable jaw into its label clamping position when said actuating device is released; h)
a cam cooperator mounted on the pace; and 1) interconnecting a movable jaw and a cam cooperator such that when the cam cooperators are actuated by the cooperating cams, sgelling forces are overcome and the movable show is an assembly comprising: a linkage device for allowing the label to be moved to its release position; 35. Apparatus for assembling tubular labels onto products, comprising: a) an agate supply system for storing tubular labels; b) a structure defining a labeling station; C) a structure defining a labeling station; label feeding means for positioning the labels next to each other; d) container directing means for directing each successive product to a labeling station; e)
a label applying means comprising a label grit or mechanism movable between said label feeding means and said labeling station, said glino-arm mechanism gripping a label positioned by said label feeding means; label applying means, which achieves the movement of the labels to the labeling station; f) a drive means for said label grit 4-mechanism, comprising a drive motor and a drive transmission; said transmission body is connected to the lapel grip arm mechanism and configured to impose a motion on the grip arm mechanism, the gripper I! a drive means for moving said gripper mechanism along said movement path; and g) a drive means cooperating with said gripper mechanism during movement of said gripper mechanism along said movement path to effect processing of said label onto a product. cam means for achieving; h) said label feeding means comprising a label support, a landmark radiation detector positioned in alignment with said label support, and a cam between said label on said support member; damping means for damping the relative movement; 1) a label in the supply system includes an eye, an indicia effecting the emission of light to the detector, the detector controlling the operation of the damping means; apparatus 6.36, an apparatus for assembling a cylindrical label onto a container, comprising: a) a container for storing a cylindrical label; a label supply system; b) a structure defining a labeling station; C) label feeding means for positioning a label adjacent said labeling station; d) a container for directing each successive container to the labeling station. Orientation means; e)
Label application means comprising a DJ capable label grit flattening machine between said label feeding means and said labeling station, said Glino! - a label applying means, wherein the mechanism is adapted to grasp the label positioned by the label feeding means and move the label to the labeling station; f) a drive motor and a drive transmission body; Grits? - drive means for the mechanism, the transmission body being configured to connect the drive motor to the label gripper mechanism and to impose a harmonic motion on the grits and - mechanism, the gripper mechanism being configured to and g) co-operating with a coughing mechanism during the movement of the glyno-(- mechanism along the movement path) to dispose of the label onto the container. cam means for achieving; h) the label gripper mechanism includes first and second relatively movable label clamping jaws operable between open and closed positions; said jaws gripping the two bells between said noses in a closed position, said noses being biased towards the closed position by means of a sliding means; 1) said cam means being cooperable with said gripping mechanism; a cam member, the glyph/4'-mechanism being gripped by the jaws to effect opening of the jaws against the force of the sliding means when the glyph/4'-mechanism is in a predetermined position with respect to the labeling station; The label is released; the device. 37. Apparatus for assembling tubular labels onto containers, comprising: &) a label supply system for storing tubular labels; b) a structure defining a labeling station; and C) adjacent to said labeling station. label feeding means for positioning the labels; d) container directing means for directing each successive container to a labeling station; e)
Label application means comprising a lapel grip mechanism movable between the label feeding means and the labeling station, the gripping mechanism gripping the label positioned by the label feeding means. f) means for driving said lapel grip mechanism, comprising a drive motor and a drive transmission body, said transmission body being said drive motor; is connected to the lapel gripper mechanism and configured to impose a harmonic motion on the gripper mechanism, the gripper mechanism moving harmonically along the motion path. means; g) cam means cooperating with the Glino-Mater mechanism during movement of the Glino-Mater mechanism along the movement path to effect processing of the label onto the container; h) movement of the Glino-Mater mechanism; an electrical signal generator driven from said drive means in a temporal relationship with said drive means to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the Glino mechanism along said path of motion; and l) said Glino mechanism. a signal responsive means for effecting operation of said container directing means when the mechanism is in a predetermined position along said path of motion. 38. A device for applying tubular labels to containers a)
a structure defining a labeling station; b) container directing means for directing successive containers to the labeling station; C) label feeding means for positioning individual labels in predetermined positions with respect to said labeling station; d) navigation. label applying means including a label engaging mechanism movable periodically along a path for removing labels from said feeding means and assembling labels around containers at a labeling station; e) said label engaging means; drive means for imposing a harmonic motion on the mechanism; f) between said drive means and said container-directing means, said drive means causing said container-directing means to move said container-directing means in temporal relation to the movement of said label-engaging mechanism; a second drive transmission body for operating; g) the label engagement lll!; a second drive transmission body including a latch engageable to effect operation of said container directing means during a portion of each cycle of operation of the mechanism; and h) controller means for controlling operation of said clutch. and includes an electrical signal generating means for generating an electrical signal in cooperation with the driving means when the label engaging mechanism is in a predetermined position on the travel route, and in response to the signal, the clutch is activated. A device consisting of: controller means adapted to effect coordination. 39. A method of labeling products, comprising: a) adjoining a plurality of products in a row along a path; b) positioning one of the products at a labeling station; e) applying a pressure differential to one product. Multiplication stage; d) Part 1
applying a label to one product by sliding a sleeve over the product; e) removing the one product from the labeling station and positioning another product at the station; f) placing the another product at the labeling station. applying the sleeve to said other product after the product has been positioned and a pressure differential has been applied;