MXPA01000091A

MXPA01000091A - Labeling apparatus and methods thereof.

Info

Publication number: MXPA01000091A
Application number: MXPA01000091A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Svatoboj Otruba
Original assignee: S Con Inc
Priority date: 1998-06-26
Filing date: 1999-06-25
Publication date: 2002-10-17
Also published as: CA2335935A1; WO2000000397A2; EP1098815A2; WO2000000397A3; AU5084599A

Abstract

Attraction (106) and cutter (130, 170) mechanisms are used on a rotatable drum (100) to controllably sever segments of material from a web (4), with the drum (100) rotated at a rate greater than that of the web (4) to provide tension in the web. A carrier mechanism (400, 460) may be used having at least one article carrier (410a-410e) pivotably coupled to a rotatable hub (409) and controlled via a camming mechanism (429, 442). A fluid dispenser (1094) may also be used to direct a flow of fluid toward a nip (1178) formed between an adhesive roller (1092) and the drum (1038), from a position upstream from the nip (1178). A starwheel (1020) may also be used including a rotatable hub (1204) and an engagement surface (1208, 1210) resiliently coupled thereto defining a pocket (1024) for engaging an article. Furthermore, a discharge starwheel (1042) may be used to transfer articles from the discharge end of an arcuate guide (1040) that opposes a label transfer drum (1038).

Description

LABELING EQUIPMENT AND METHODS FOR THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates in general to labeling machinery, and in particular to the application of adhesives, band registration and handling of articles therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a large number of consumer product markets, particularly those with low margin and / or price driven, there is a current need for several ways to reduce product costs. For example, manufacturing techniques at the moment, which reduce costs by minimizing stocks, have increased their importance. In addition, improved packing materials and techniques are constantly being developed to minimize the packaging component of product costs. Manufacturing at the moment may involve significant demands on the manufacture of the product and packaging equipment, due to the rapid response that is often required to satisfy customer orders on time. As a result, there is a current need for a way to increase the manufacturing speed of the product and packaging equipment, so that inventory costs can be reduced without adversely affecting a manufacturer's ability to promptly meet customer orders. . For example, for bottled beverages such as soft drinks, beer, juice, liquor, etc., significant efforts have been invested to reduce costs, associated with the application of product labels to beverage containers such as glass bottles, plastic bottles, aluminum cans and the like. A particularly effective form of labeling cost of beverage containers uses a continuous web of preprinted polymer label material, which is cut to predetermined lengths, supplied with adhesive, and applied directly to the surface of a container. Adhesive costs can also be reduced by applying adhesive only to the front and back edges of individual labels, and by placing the labels completely around the containers. Labeling machines have been developed capable of operating at a relatively high speed, for example, as high as 750 containers / minute or more. However, it has been found that such machines are limited in several aspects. A significant problem associated with such conventional labeling machines is that it is difficult to reliably control the tension in a web of label material that is being processed at high speed. Among other concerns, a large roll of label material rotated at high speed has a large momentum, which often requires a dedicated tension mechanism between a supply of label material and a cutting mechanism. However, a tension mechanism can introduce variable voltages at different points along the band, not to mention the increase in complexity and the increase in the cost of the machines. Moreover, in many conventional label machine designs, separate cutting and transfer (or vacuum) drums are used, with the web at least partially drawn to a downstream transfer drum, before cutting a web label. with a cutting drum upstream, an arrangement that can introduce variable tension to the band before and after cutting. As a result of these stress concerns, more conventional labeling machines require that a non-stretchable polymer film, such as propylene or polystyrene, be used as web material. Stretchable polymer films such as polyethylene are often unsuitable for use with such machines, because the varied tensions in the band can stretch those films and introduce unacceptable position errors when the band is cut. However, web material constructed from non-stretchable polypropylene or polystyrene can be 3 or 4 times more expensive than a stretchable material such as polyethylene. As a result, many conventional labeling machines do not allow a producer to take advantage of the substantial savings that they could otherwise have by using less expensive films.

Therefore, there is a significant need in the art for an improved way to control the tension in a web of material, particularly when a web of label material is supplied in high speed labeling machines and the like. Moreover, there is a significant need for a way to control web tension, so that less expensive stretchable polymer films can be used in high speed labeling applications. The process of transporting articles such as containers through a label transport drum introduces another significant problem associated with conventional labeling machines, as well as with other machinery that uses multiple stations that require different transport parameters at different stations. For example, with respect to labeling machines, many designs of conventional labeling machines use turrets or star wheels to transport individual items through a label transfer drum, at a controlled rate and with a controlled separation or "step "between sequential articles, so that each article is initially presented to the transfer drum, in a position where a trailing edge of a label is located. Typically, a turret is a rotating body that includes mechanisms arranged around the periphery to hold articles of its upper and lower sides. A star wheel is typically a rotating body that includes cavities disposed around its periphery, which touch the sides of the articles to cause them to advance through the machine. Articles that move through a transfer drum are typically rotated as they pass the transfer drum (eg, by contact between the drum and a fixed guide), so that the labels on the drum are placed around the drum. articles. Turrets typically provide the highest degree of precision in handling and transporting items. However, due to the additional components and coordinated movements required to put upper and / or lower clamping mechanisms in contact with articles, the turrets are relatively slow and expensive. Star wheels are typically faster and less expensive, but they have the disadvantage that items are not held in such a secure manner, and may be misaligned within the star wheels. For example, star wheels are typically used in conjunction with a conveyor belt that supports the articles and moves at a fixed linear speed. Then, a label transfer drum rotates with its outer surface traveling in the same direction as the conveyor belt. The velocities of the cavities in the star wheel and the outer surface of the drum are typically matched, so that an article comes into contact with a label on the drum while each is traveling at the same speed. The articles can also be rotated or rolled around their longitudinal axis to place the label around the article, typically by passing the article through a fixed guide, or by contacting the article with a belt that moves relatively faster. Since the leading edges of successive labels are spaced apart from each other along the outer surface of the transfer drum, it is often necessary for the articles to be separated by the appropriate pitch, to ensure proper alignment of articles and labels. This typically requires that the star wheel and the transfer drum rotate in such a way that articles and labels travel faster than the conveyor belt. However, unless the linear speeds of the articles are identical to that of the conveyor belt, the articles may tilt within the cavities of the star wheel due to friction., as the articles slide along the surface of the conveyor belt. As a result, the applied labels may have loose or folded portions due to the misalignment of the articles relative to the labels. Moreover, apart from the time when the labels are applied, it is often desirable to minimize the rotation of articles while they are arranged on the conveyor belts, so that the articles are transported in a more controlled manner. Conventional star wheels, which operate at a constant speed, often are not able to adequately control the rotation speed of articles, which can result in improper registration of labels and / or obstructions of items to high speed.

Some conventional designs also incorporate feed screws on the inlet and / or discharge sides of a label application station to transport the articles in a linear direction. The feed screws can also have variable steps to control the linear velocity of the articles, and thus the separation between articles. However, the feed screws are also unable to accurately control the rotation speeds of the articles, and thus, incorrect registration of labels and / or blockages of articles remain a significant problem. Therefore, there is a significant need for an improved form for transporting articles, such as containers, through a transfer drum in high speed applications, in particular so that the movement of such articles is carefully controlled. The high-speed operation of continuous feed labeling machinery also requires careful control over labels, as they are fed from the supply roll, cut from the web, supplied with adhesive and applied to containers. In most continuous feed labeling machinery, labels are transferred from station to station by a sequence of rollers and drums. A variety of mechanisms, including band tension, clamps and mechanical legs, and vacuum surfaces, are typically used as assistants in the transfer of labels (either cut or not cut from a band) from station to station.

Pressurized air is also used in some labeling machinery to improve label control. For example, pressurized air directed towards the leading edge of a label can be used to help direct the label from a cutter drum to a transport drum after the label has been separated from a band, or to help direct the label from a transport drum to the surface of a container. In addition, in some applications, pressurized air may be provided to an unsupported portion of the back side of a bag formed between the leading and trailing edges of a tag placed around a non-cylindrical article, to reinforce the bond between the leading and trailing edges. One area of particular interest for many labeling applications is to control the speed of the labels during the application of the adhesive. The used adhesive applicators are typically used to deposit an adhesive material such as a hot-melt adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive composition, to a label immediately before placing it in a container. Typically, such applicators include an adhesive roll which forms a grip with a label transport mechanism such as a vacuum drum, and which is supplied with a source of adhesive on its outer periphery, so that adhesive is applied to a label supported on the transport mechanism as the label is fed through the adhesive roller.

A difficulty associated with conventional adhesive applicators is that the leading edge of a label can in some cases be separated from the surface of the transport mechanism, and follow the adhesive roller as the leading edge of the label exits the grip formed by the roller. of adhesive and the fundamental transport mechanism. When this occurs, the label will often clog the adhesive applicator and the rest of the labeling machinery, resulting in a defective product and downtime associated with cleaning and re-starting the machine. In this regard, some adhesive applicators use mechanical devices such as a series of parallel wires adjacent to an adhesive roll, to prevent the leading edge of a label from being placed around the roll. Nevertheless, in many cases the parallel wires leave undesirable patterns on the adhesive applied to each label. In addition, drops of glue on the wires can contaminate both the labels and the transport mechanism. Poorly adjusted wires can also crease or displace the labels on the transport mechanism, resulting in defective labeled items. Other labeling machine designs use mechanical retention devices, such as clamps or legs on a transport mechanism, to hold the leading edge of each label as the label passes through an adhesive applicator. Moreover, in some designs in which the labels are transported through an adhesive applicator by means of a vacuum drum, a relatively high level of vacuum is used to resist the adhesion of labels to the adhesive applicator. However, mechanical retention devices and the like are often mechanically complex and can negatively impact performance and reliability. Increased vacuum levels can induce stretch of label material and require the use of larger and more expensive vacuum pumps. Another difficulty associated with conventional adhesive applicators is the over-spray of adhesive that often occurs during the application of adhesive to the leading edge of a label. In particular, when a label passes through the grip between an applicator roller and a transport mechanism, the leading edge (which is supported on the surface of the transport mechanism) can be separated from the roller by a space through which it can sprinkle excess adhesive. A portion of the adhesive may be deposited on the surface of the transport mechanism, resulting in contamination of the mechanism. Unless the over-spray is periodically cleaned from the transport mechanism, the transport mechanism can clog and interrupt the machine, requiring more extensive and longer cleaning, and restarting operation. Since all downtime negatively impacts the efficiency and productivity of the labeling machinery, cleaning operations of any kind are often highly undesirable. Therefore, there is a substantial need in the art for an improved way to feed labels through labeling machinery, and in particular to improve the reliability of the application of adhesive to labels. The high-speed operation of continuous feed labeling machinery also requires careful control over the containers to which the labels are to be applied. Considerable development efforts have been invested, for example in improving the handling of containers, either full or empty, during a label application operation. The containers are typically fed to and from a labeling machine by a conveyor belt. Typically, feeder and discharge mechanisms are used to transport containers from the conveyor belt, pass them through a label transport mechanism, and return them to the conveyor belt. Significant development efforts have been directed towards the feeding mechanism at the head of a labeling machine, incorporating feed screws, star wheels, belts and similar devices, to remove containers from a conveyor belt and pass them through the mechanism of transport of labels with a desired separation. Star wheels, for example, are sprockets that transport containers around a curved guide within the spaces formed between adjacent teeth, also referred to as cavities. In some implementations, multiple star wheels are used, for example, where a small flow star wheel introduces leading spaces between incoming containers., so that the containers can be lifted by a relatively larger feed star wheel for transportation through a label transport drum. However, a potential problematic feature of a star wheel is that in some cases there may be spaces between a container, the star wheel and the guide around which the container is transported. At high speed, the presence of spaces can introduce vibrations and endanger the stability of containers fed through the labeling machine, possibly causing the container to feed incorrectly and obstruct the machine. In addition, on the unloading side of a labeling machine, comparatively less attention has been devoted to the stability of containers transported back to a conveyor belt after they have been labeled. With many labeling machines, for example, the labels are placed in a container holding the container between a fixed curved guide and a rotating label transport drum. Once the label is applied, one or more moving belts located downstream of the drum, makes contact with the containers and attempts to cancel the rotation of the container before it returns to the conveyor belt. However, at higher speeds, the belts may not provide adequate stability, particularly with lightweight containers that have relatively high centers of gravity (eg, two-liter, empty plastic beverage containers). Incorrect feeds may occur, clogging the machine and requiring a more time cleaning and restart operation. Therefore, there continues to be a significant need for an improved way to reliably transport containers through a labeling machine, and in particular, to improve the stability of containers transported by feeding and unloading mechanisms of a labeling machine during high speed operations. US 5380381 describes in general a labeling machine with a variable speed cutting head, which cuts labels from a web before transporting them to a vacuum drum. DE 1255567 describes in general a cutting drum with a radially movable blade, used to cut labels of a strip before transporting them to a vacuum drum. DE 4314142 describes in general a device for placing clamps around articles using pairs of arms operating jointly, driven by cam arrangements. DE 3529716 describes in general a device for transporting articles, wherein conveyors of sliding articles are movable radially, for unloading defective articles to an alternating conveyor belt. GB 2187163 describes in general a labeling apparatus with vacuum ports and blow ports in a label drum. DE-U 1961419 describes in general a transport of articles with variable speed arms for transporting articles. WO 97/10953 describes in general a labeling machine with a feed star wheel, for transporting articles to a labeling station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention addresses these and other problems associated with the prior art, providing in one aspect an apparatus and method utilizing a rotating drum, implementing both an attraction mechanism and a cutting mechanism for controllably cutting segments of material from a band. The drum rotates at a speed greater than the speed at which the web of material advances, so that the attraction mechanism provides tension in the band. Moreover, the cutting mechanism cuts segments of material while at least a portion of the web of material is attached to the outer surface of the drum, using a retractable blade disposed on the drum and configured to rotate with the drum. In addition, an adhesive applicator is positioned near the drum to apply an adhesive to at least a portion of the label, while the label is attached to the outer surface of the drum. Consistent with another aspect of the invention, a star discharge wheel is used to transfer articles from the discharge side of an opposite curved guide to a label transfer drum. The drum and the curved guide adhere a label to an article, placing in joint operation the label around the article as the article rotates between the drum and the curved guide. Consistent with one aspect of the invention, the profile of the outer surface of the discharge star wheel is configured to reduce the rotation speed of the labeled article, as the labeled article is held by the outer surface of the discharge star wheel . Consistent with another aspect of the invention, the profile of the outer surface of the discharge star wheel is configured to decrease the separation between successive articles transferred by the discharge star wheel. These and other advantages and features, which characterize the invention, are set forth in the appended claims hereto, and which form an additional part thereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention and of the advantages and objectives achieved through its use, reference should be made to the drawings, and to the descriptive matter that accompanies them, wherein illustrative embodiments of the invention are described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top plan view of a labeling apparatus consistent with the invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the primary components of the label application assembly of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the label applicator drum of Figure 1, with portions thereof removed. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the label transfer drum of Figure 3, taken along line 4-4. Figures 5A-5D are functional top plan views of the label transfer drum of Figure 3, in different rotational positions thereof, illustrating the cutting steps of a label, applying adhesive thereto and transferring the label to one container. Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the control system for the labeling apparatus of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a dynamic band registration process for the etching apparatus of Fig. 1.

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a start-up procedure for the labeling apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 9 is a timing diagram illustrating the times of operations in the labeling apparatus of the figure 1. Figure 10 is a top plan view of a labeling apparatus alternate to that shown in Figure 1, which utilizes a turret article transport mechanism. Figure 11 is a top plan view of a labeling apparatus consistent with the Invention. Figures 12A-12D are functional top plan views of the article discharge portion of the labeling apparatus of Figure 11, which illustrate the transfer of items from the drum to the conveyor belt by the star discharge wheel. Figure 13 is a functional top plan view of an article discharge portion of the labeling apparatus of Figure 11, illustrating the position of an article at a plurality of points during the rotation of the discharge star wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Returning to the drawings, where similar numbers denote similar parts in the various views, Figure 1 illustrates a labeling apparatus 10 consistent with the principles of the invention. The apparatus 10 is used primarily to apply labels continuously to a plurality of articles 2 transported by an article transport mechanism (e.g., a conveyor belt 22) from an inlet side 22a to an outlet or discharge side 22b. The apparatus 10 can be used with any number of article designs, including several containers with vertical cylindrical portions, for example cans or bottles. The items may be suitable for use in packaging for beverages or food, or any other type of packaged goods. For example, a suitable application of the apparatus 10 is in the application of effigies to plastic soda bottles of a single portion, among others. The articles 2 are transported through a label application assembly or mechanism 25, using a pair of conveyor mechanisms 400, 460, which are described in more detail below. The conveyor mechanism 400 transfers articles 2 along a curved guide 14 to a label application station 20 disposed opposite to the assembly 25. As will be discussed in more detail below, the conveyor mechanism 400 operates to vary the spacing between successive articles passing through the guide 14, between an entrance side close to a first separation 22a and a station close to a second separation 20 that is dependent on the spacing between labels provided on an applicator drum 100 in the application assembly of labels 25.

The application station 20 includes a curved guide 18, against which the articles are compressed by the applicator drum 100 as the effets are applied to the articles. The guide 18 includes an elastic friction surface for imparting a rotating action to the articles, as they pass through the label application station, so that the labels are placed around the articles. The conveyor mechanism 460 performs essentially the same operation as the conveyor mechanism 400, except that the mechanism 460 operates to decelerate articles from a predetermined first separation that coincides with the separation of effigies in the applicator drum 100, to a second predetermined separation suitable for transportation. on the conveyor belt 22. By doing so, this arrangement imparts greater stability to the unloaded articles, minimizing the movement of the articles relative to the conveyor belt on the discharge side of the path 16. In general, each conveyor mechanism is configured to sequentially transport items such as beverage containers, along a guide article holding surface, and between the first and second stations, while varying a predetermined transport parameter for the articles. In the embodiment described here, the predetermined transport parameter is the passage of the articles, that is, the separation between successive articles. The articles are transported by means of article conveyors, arranged on the ends of arms that are pivotably coupled, to a central rotating hub. A step variation mechanism used by each conveyor mechanism is based on a cam action for rotating the arms relative to the rotating mass, and in this way, the passage between the transported articles can be controlled mainly through rotary movement, to provide reliable operation at high speed for high capacity production machines. The first and second steps may depend on several factors, for example, the linear and / or rotational speed of the articles, the size of the articles, etc. As such, the parameters of nearby stations that may need to be matched to provide controlled passage with a conveyor mechanism, may not be calibrated in terms of separation, but instead may be based on speed or other parameter, as will be more evident below. However, given the step, speed, article size, etc. are interrelated, it will be appreciated that a conveyor mechanism consistent with the invention can be configured in an alternative way to control other parameters. The labels are supplied to the applicator drum 100 from a band supply 30, providing a band 4 of labeling material. Typically, band 4 includes a pre-printed polymer material formed of a polymer such as polyethylene. other materials can also be used, including polymers such as polypropylene and polystyrene (among others), although polyphenylene has the additional advantage that it is significantly less expensive than other polymers. Polyethylene film tends to be more sphrable than films of other polymers. However, due to the constant tension provided in the web 4 by the unique design of the label application assembly 25, the stretchability of this material does not adversely impact the quality of the labels supplied by the assembly. The band supply 30 includes a pair of supply rolls 32, 34 that supply band 4 to a measurement roller assembly 50. Only one of the supply rolls 32, 34 is active at a time, and a switching mechanism can be used. conventional (not shown) to switch between the rolls with a minimum stop time. The measurement roller assembly 50 operates as a linear feed speed sensor, which uses a freely rolling roller 52 coupled to a rotational position sensor 54. The roller 52 has a known diameter such that the linear speed of the outer surface of the same, and therefore the speed of linear feeding of the band, can be calculated directly from the rotational speed of the roller. The sensor 54 may be any known rotational position sensor, for example, an optical encoder. The band 4 continues from the assembly 50 to a band path control assembly 60 that is used to maintain lateral alignment of the band in the assembly 25. Then, the band 4 continues to a registration sensor station 70 that detects the position of registration marks arranged on the band. The station 70 includes a roller 72 and a registration sensor 74 arranged opposite the roller 72, in a lateral position relative to the web, to detect registration marks disposed therein. The registration sensor 74 can be placed at virtually any point between the band supply 30 and the applicator drum 100 in the alternative. It should be appreciated that the registration marks may take any number of forms, either printed or otherwise formed in band 4. The printed registration marks may be arranged outside of a visible area on the effigies, or may be integrated within them. of the design printed on a label. Moreover, the registration marks may be arranged in a cutting position for a label, or may be spaced a predetermined distance from it. Other registration mark designs can be used in the alternative. From the recording station 70, the band 4 continues to the surface of the applicator drum 100, wherein an attraction mechanism arranged on the outer surface of the drum applies a controlled tension to the band. Moreover, a pair of movable cutting assemblies 130, 170 disposed on the drum 100, operates to cut labels from the web 4 as each assembly 130, 170 passes a fixed blade 82 into a cutting station 80. As will be discussed further detail below, the speed at which the band 4 is supplied by the band supply 30, is controlled in relation to the rotation of the applicator drum 100 (which is driven by a main drive motor 85), so that a predetermined length of the strip is disposed forward of a cutting assembly 130, 170 as the assembly passes. the fixed blade 82, and in this way individual labels of the band 4 are cut in a controlled manner. An adhesive station assembly 90 is arranged beyond the cutting station 80, to apply adhesive to the leading and trailing edges of each label using an application roller 92. As will be discussed in more detail below, adhesive is applied to the adhesive. the front side of the label before cutting it from the band 4, so that the tension in the band helps to maintain the leading edge of the label on the outer surface of the applicator drum 100, as adhesive is applied to the leading edge thereof. After adhesive is applied to the front and rear edges of a label, the label is presented to an article 2 by rotation of the applicator drum 100, and thus, rotation of the applicator drum 100 through the application station of labels 20, places the label around the article as the article rolls against the guide 18.

LABEL APPLICATION ASSEMBLY Figure 2 illustrates the primary components involved in the supply and cutting of labels from band 4, in a controlled manner. The assembly 25 is under the control of a control system 200, which operates to control the supply speed of the band 4 relative to the rotation of the applicator drum 100. The applicator drum 100 is rotated by a main drive motor 85. coupled to the drum by a coupling shown schematically at 86. The speed of rotation of the drum 100 is measured by a rotational position sensor 88, which can be any type of known rotational position sensor, such as an optical encoder. The control system 200 also receives the output from the sensor 54 to generate from it a measurement of the linear feed rate of the band 4. The control system 200 also receives a registration signal from the registration sensor 74. In response at these inputs, the control system 200 controls a drive motor 36 for controlling the rotation speed of the supply roll 32, and thus the feed speed of the belt 4. The drive motor 36 is typically a servomotor, and as such, additional input to the control system 200 is provided by a rotational position sensor 38 (e.g., an optic encoder), which provides feedback of the drive motor 36. It should be appreciated that a similar servomotor can also be used to drive the supply roll 34 in a similar manner. Thus, the assembly 25 is configured in a master-slave relationship, and in this way the supply speed of the band 4 is controlled in relation to the speed of the applicator drum 100. In the alternative, an inverse configuration can be provided, wherein the rotation speed of the applicator drum 100 is controlled in relation to the feed speed of the band 4. Furthermore, it may be desirable in some applications to control both the feed speed of the band 4 and the rotational speed of the applicator drum 100. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the configuration illustrated here. One embodiment of the invention uses a servomotor with an integrated encoder such as the Centurion FSM 460 servomotor such as the drive motor 36 and rotational position sensor 38, with an optical encoder HR 625-500-x-BEI from Dynapar, coupled to a diameter measurement rule of 50.93 mm used for the rotational position sensor 54 and measurement roller 52, an optical model NT-6 sensor available from Sick for the registration sensor 74, and an optical encoder HR-625-2500- Dynapar x-BEI used for the rotational position sensor 88. The rotational position sensor 54 can be engaged with a ratio of 80/40 to the measuring roller 52, to provide a resolution of 0.0393 mm / count or 25.5 beads / mm. It should be appreciated that these components are simply examples of a wide variety of components that can be used in assembly 25 in the alternative. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the applicator drum 100 in greater detail. The applicator drum 100 includes a rotating drum body 102 configured to rotate about a fixed arrow 120. The rotating body 102 includes an outer surface 104 having several vacuum ports 106, disposed therein and supplied with a vacuum source and / or positive pressure through a group of distribution channels 108 coupled to a vacuum port 109 (Figure 4). Two groups of raised pads 110, 111 and 112, 113 are disposed on the outer surface 104 to receive the leading and trailing edges of a label as the label passes an adhesive application station, so that the adhesive can be applied to the edges. opposite of the labels. An applicator roller (not shown in Figures 3 and 4) is compressed against the roller, but the material arranged between the pads will not be compressed. Thus, adhesive is applied only to the material supported on a pad. As will be more apparent below, the pads 110 and 111, and the pads 112 and 113 are spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the drum 100 at a distance greater than the length of the labels, so that the leading edge of each label may have adhesive applied before the label is cut from the band. This reduces the likelihood that a label will stick to the adhesive roll due to the additional tension provided by the uncut web. It is desirable for the drum body 102 to be an interchangeable component, so that different predetermined lengths of labels can be adapted in the apparatus 10. Different lengths of labels are adapted using different relative spacings between the pads 110 and 111, and between the pads 112 and 113. It may also be desirable to allow the front pads 110, 112 to be removed from the outer surface 104 and placed at various points thereof to support different label lengths. The separation of the pads 110 and 112, and of the pads 112 and 113, will vary depending on several factors, including the desired length of the labels, as well as the relative positions of the cutting station 80 and the adhesive station assembly 90. The determination of the desired separation for any given combination of parameters is completely within the ability of those skilled in the art. As shown in Figure 3, two groups of pads, pads 110 and 111, and pads 112 and 113, are provided around the circumference of the rotating body 102, each aligned with a cutting mechanism 130, 170. It should be noted that any number of associated cutting mechanisms and raised pads may be arranged around the circumference of the drum body 102 in the alternative. As best shown in Figure 3, the cutting mechanism 130 (which is configured similarly to the cutting mechanism 170) includes an oscillating body 132 mounted so as to be pivotable about an arrow 134 extending parallel to the arrow 120. A spring 136 (FIG. 4) is mounted on concentric with the arrow 134 to compensate expansion by temperature in the bearing (not shown), through which the oscillating body is mounted so that it pivots about the arrow 134. As shown in figure 3, on one side of the body 132 a follower cam assembly 140 is provided which includes a roller 142 rotatably mounted about an axis 143. The shaft 143 is secured by a bolt 144 to a follower body 145, and a flexible sheath 146 seals the assembly . The cam follower assembly 174 of the cutting mechanism 170 (FIG. 4) is configured similarly to the assembly 140. The blade assembly 150 is disposed on the opposite side of the oscillating body 132 from the follower cam assembly 140. A blade of knife 152, which has an edge 153, is secured to the side of the oscillating body 152 by a bolt or other clamping mechanism 154. The edge 153 of the knife blade 152 projects through an opening 114 in the outer surface 104. of the body 102, immediately following the front pad 111 around the circumference of the body 102. A spring assembly 160 that includes a spring 162 extends perpendicular to the arrow 120 and brings the cutting assembly 130 to a position extended, with the blade 152 projecting through the opening 114 beyond the outer surface 104. An adjusting screw 164 controls the spring tension 162. The roller 142 of the assembly s The cam follower 140 travels along a cam 122 disposed on the outer surface of the arrow 120. The cam 122 is circular in cross section with the exception of a recessed portion 124. The recessed portion 124 may have any number of profiles, example, a flat profile as illustrated in Figure 3. The recessed portion 124 is angled so that the roller 142 engages the portion when the blade 152 of the blade assembly 150 is directly opposite the blade. fixed 82 of cutting station 80, thereby extending blade blade in this position to cut a label from the web. Figures 5A-5D illustrate the cutting steps of a label of the web 4 and application of the label to an article 2 presented at the label application station 20. As shown in Figure 5A, a leading edge 4a of the Strip 4 is shown as it is fed to the blade 152 of the cutting mechanism 130, to a position where the leading edge slightly exceeds the pad 110, when the pad is disposed opposite the roller 92 of the adhesive application assembly 90. In this position, the drum 100 rotates so that the pad 110 slides under the roller 92, leaving the band 4 in the middle and applying adhesive 6 to the near leading edge of the band 4a. At this point, the label is not yet cut off from the band, whereby the tension that is provided by the attraction mechanism, generated by the vacuum ports on the outer surface 104 of the drum 100, helps attract the leading edge 4a towards the outer surface of the drum, and thus away from the adhesive roll 92. Thus, this often eliminates the need for a blow mechanism on the adhesive roll, or the need for an increased level of vacuum near the leading edge. , as is required in many conventional designs.

As also shown in Figure 5A, the blade 152 of the cutting mechanism 130 retracts as the roller 142 travels along the elevated portion of the cam 122 on the arrow 120. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the drum 100 has rotated to the point where the blade 152 is directly opposite the fixed blade 82. The strip 4, which is fed at a speed less than the speed of rotation of the drum 100, has been fed to the desired label length, so that the precise point at which the band is to be cut is located between the blade of the blade 152 and the fixed blade 82. With the roller 142 of the cutting mechanism 130 contacting the recessed portion 124 of the cam 122, the cutting mechanism 130 is pivoted about the arrow 134 to extend the blade 152, and thus providing a cutting action with the fixed blade 82 to separate a label 5 from the band 4. Then, as shown in Figure 5C, be further rotation of the drum 100, the pad 111 slides under the adhesive roller 92 to apply adhesive 6 to the leading edge 4b of the label 5. In addition, at this time an article 2 comes into contact with the leading edge 4a of the effector 5, so that the adhesive thereon adheres to the article 2. The label is turned on e the article 2 and the outer surface 104 and it is rolled around its longitudinal axis to place the label 5 around the article. As can also be seen from this figure, a new leading edge 7a is ed the band 4.

Then, as shown in Fig. 5D, the tag 5 has been placed almost completely around the article 2, and will continue to do so until the proximal leading edge 4b with adhesive 6 of the tag 5 makes contact with the article. In addition, the new leading edge 7a of the band 4 is approximately in the same position as the leading edge 4a was in Figure 5A, immediately before the application of adhesive, by virtue of the roller 92 pressing the band against a front pad 112. Therefore, in the event of additional rotation, the cutting mechanism 170 will cut another label of the band 4, and the process will be repeated. Thus, with this configuration, the drum 100 processes 2 labels during each complete rotation of the drum. With other numbers of raised pads and matched cutting mechanisms, different numbers of labels can be handled by the drum 100 in the manner described herein. The control system 200 is illustrated in more detail in Figure 6. The control system is mainly controlled by a CPU 202 controller, which may be, for example, a digital processor CSM / CPU 502-03-853-03 of Gidding & Lewis, among others. An operator interface and control block 204 are shown connected to the controller 202 through a discrete input module 206. The block 204 provides a user interface for the apparatus 10 with an operator, for example, by sending status information to an operator. operator through a video screen and / or through various indicators on the control panel, as well as providing various operator controls, including "start" and "stop" buttons, "intermittent operation" and "automatic" buttons, label power buttons "on" and "off" and adhesive buttons "on" and "off", among others. The controller 202 provides output through a discrete output module 208, to generate a digital signal speed control to a main drive frequency control block 210, which controls the main drive motor 85 to operate in modes " fast or slow". The block 210 receives a signal from a potentiometer 211 that controls the total speed of the main drive, and is used by an operator to equalize the speed of operation of the assembly 25 with the supply of articles. Moreover, the block 210 sends a control signal to the analog speed signal control block 212 to control the speed of a conveyor belt motor 214 coupled to the conveyor belt 22 (Fig. 1). The controller 202 also serves as an interface to the various sensors used to provide band registration by means of an I / O module 216. Specifically, the module 216 provides an interface between the controller 202 and linkage of the servo amplifier 42, encoders 54, 88 and register sensor 74. Servo amplifier 42 is coupled to servo motor 36 and its associated encoder 38 (not shown in FIG. 6). Also shown is the connection of the servo amplifier to a second servo motor 40, which drives a web supply roller 34 in a manner similar to servomotor 36. It should be noted that only one of the motors 36, 40 is driven at a time, based on the roll supply that is being operated through assembly 25. Module 216 also provides an interface to the controller 202, to a vacuum drive frequency control block 218 which drives a vacuum motor 220. By means of this arrangement the level of vacuum (or attraction) supplied to the outer surface of the applicator drum 100 is controlled. The blocks 210 , 212 and 218 are coupled to a main power source 222. Power is also supplied via block 222 to an oil pump motor 224, to a turret raising / lowering motor 226 (if equipped this way) and a transformer 228. The transformer 228 provides the power signals for a bus 203 coupled between the controller 202, the servo amplifier 42, a power source 230, band path control station 60, adhesive applicator 90 and an air conditioning unit / heat exchanger 232. The power source 230 supplies power to the operator interface and machine control block 204 and input module 206. The band path control station 60 receives input from a band guide sensor 62, and sends control signals to an actuator 64 to provide lateral band alignment, in a form generally understood in the art. The adhesive applicator 90 provides control signals to a bar heater 94 and a base heater 96, which respectively heat the applicator roller 92 and a tank in the applicator 90. These latter components are used in a number of device designs. of conventional labeling, and will not be discussed here in more detail. Figure 7 illustrates a closed loop control algorithm 250 used in the controller 202 to control the servomotor 36 to provide band registration consistent with the invention. The algorithm 250 uses a plurality of computational blocks 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262 and 264 to drive a control signal to the servo amplifier 42, to operate a servomotor 36. The blocks 252-256 are synchronized by the front flank of the output of the registration sensor 74, while the blocks 258, 260, 262 and 264 are synchronized by a clock signal represented at 266, for example, a 2 kHz clock signal. The control algorithm 250 attempts to maintain a pulse ratio between the drum positioning encoder 88 and the linear feed speed encoder 54 (designated E1 and E2) according to the equation: R0 = L0 / (pD (E20 / E1o )) where R0 is the nominal ratio, L0 is the nominal label length, D is the diameter of the freely rolling roller 52, and E10 and E20 are the total number of pulses, respectively, for full revolutions of the encoders 88 and 54. For each effector n, block 252 receives the outputs of pulse trains (designated E1 and E2) from drum positioning encoder 38 and linear feed speed encoder 54, to generate an E registration error signal that is the difference, expressed in pulses, between the position of the registration mark in the effigy detected by the registration sensor 74 and the preset (or expected) position of the mark. Block 254 calculates the length of a record mark n label to record mark, in pulses from linear feed speed encoder 54 (designated E2n). This information is used in block 256 to calculate a relation between coders 88 and 54 for the next tag (n + 1) that is corrected for the register error E, using the equation: R (n + i) = (E2n ± E) 7E10 Block 258 calculates the actual ratio Ra of the number of pulses of each of the coders 88 and 54, between the timestamps, using the actual pulse trains of the coders 88 and 54, ie: Ra = AE27? E1 Block 250 calculates an error of relation E, which is the difference between the current relation Rn (ie E2r E10), and the real relation Ra, using the equation: In addition, a command is calculated so that the servomotor reach the real relation in the following time interval, using the equation: R = Ra ± Er Then, block 62 generates from the command of block 260 the proportional and integrated feedback signals to control servo motor 36. This information is added with the feedback of derivative gain generated by r block 264, based on the feedback signal from the servo motor 38 encoder (designated E3). It should be appreciated that the simultaneous use of integrated, derivative and proportional feedback signals is well known in the art. Moreover, it should be appreciated that other control algorithms that use the equations mentioned above can also be used in the alternative. A self-learning start routine 280, executed by the controller 202 of the control system 200 to initialize the apparatus 10, is illustrated in more detail in Figure 8. The routine 280 configures the apparatus 10 to operate with a new roll of web material, using a method self-learning that often eliminates the need in many applications for an operator to manually enter the length of the label. The routine 280 is executed by an operator after the operator installs a new web roll and feeds the leading edge of the web to the assembly 25. The routine begins at block 284 by advancing the web (for example, in response to a user input received from an operator through controls 204) through assembly 25, until the registration sensor faces the first record mark in the band. At this time, the operator presses the "Stop" button to manually interrupt the device. Then, in block 286, the band is advanced (eg, in response to a user input such as operating a "start" or "intermittent operation" button by an operator) until the registration sensor is close of the next brand on the band. Then, the operator presses the "stop" button again to stop the device. During blocks 284 and 286, the output of the register sensor and linear feed rate encoder are monitored to determine the number of pulses between the marks, and thus, the nominal length of the label (L0) in terms of the output of the linear feed speed encoder. Then, in block 288, the band is advanced in response to user input from an operator; however, in this block, the controller automatically advances the band and attempts to stop it precisely at the next registration mark, without additional operator intervention. At this time, the operator may also be required to indicate to the system whether the automatic advance successfully ended directly at the next registration mark. Assuming that this operation was successful, in block 290 the controller receives the user input from an operator to manually position and / or advance the web to the desired cut-off position for the label (e.g., in response to the proper drive for the "rewind" and "advance" buttons by an operator). Then, the operator operates a button or indicates in some other way to the controller that the cutting position has been established. During the manual rewind / advance, the controller monitors the output of the linear feed speed encoder, to set the cutoff position in units of the pulses of the linear feed speed encoder relative to the registration mark. Then, in block 292, the controller attempts to operate the apparatus to cut the first label, based on the registration information calculated above for the band, for example, in response to an appropriate user input from an operator. The controller stops the apparatus after cutting the first label, and in block 294, waits to receive recognition from the operator that the cut of the label was acceptable. If unsuccessful, a procedure similar to block 242-292 may be repeated, or the routine may end with a failure indication. However, if successful, the controller stores the program in one of several program storage locations. After the program is stored, the apparatus is ready to begin processing items using the closed loop control algorithm mentioned above, when an appropriate user input from an operator is received. The sequence of logic signals in the apparatus 10 is illustrated at 300 in Figure 9, wherein each signal, synchronized according to the rotational position of the drum (i.e., from 0 to 360 degrees, with each complete rotation, or cycle, designated as AD). A signal from the container detector 320 is shown "on" upon receipt of each container in the apparatus 10.

For example, during the initiation of an effector supply operation during a cycle A, a logical label feeding signal 310 may be enabled, typically in response to the operation of an "on" button of label feeder by an operator in the apparatus, or in response to a signal provided by an external device such as a sensor that detects when one or more containers or articles are close to being received in the labeling apparatus. Upon a signal from the container detector 320 interlocked "on", an internal tag feed logic interlock signal 330 is latched before the start of cycle B, so that a cycle with respect to the logic feed signal is effectively delayed. of labels. Then, after the blade has passed the cutting position (the 0 degree position) at the start of cycle B, a servo motor command signal 330 is held to start the drive motor 36. The motor speed profile of drive 36 is illustrated at 360, including a minimum possible acceleration phase 362 that is between about 15 and about 115 degrees, a necessary minimum overspeed phase 364 from about 115 to about 270 degrees, a deceleration to nominal speed phase 365 of about 270 to about 285 degrees, and a nominal speed phase 366 thereafter, which is related to a machine speed of Vn-CPM (containers per minute) x L (label length).

Figure 9 also illustrates an adhesive roll logic signal 370, which is initially illustrated as being enabled to reflect that the adhesive should be applied to any label processed by the apparatus 10. If the adhesive application is enabled, immediately after the signal Servo motor 340 is held, a logic signal from the adhesive roller 380 is applied, and a solenoid of the adhesive roller (represented by the signal 390) is held delayed by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the signal 380 (so that the adhesive can be applied to the last label whenever labeling is stopped, as described below). Assuming now, for example, that the label feed logic signal 310 is disabled during cycle A. With the label feed logic signal 330 delayed one cycle relative to the signal 310, the signal 330 is not unlocked until just before Then, in cycle C, the velocity profile 360 of the drive motor 36 is altered to perform a stop, including a minimum deceleration phase 367 of about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees, and a phase of rewind 368 which serves to remove the band a predetermined distance (e.g., approximately 2-3 mm behind the blade of the blade) and thus maintain the band in a ready state just beyond the drum that continues to rotate. After a rewind, the command signal of servomotor 340 is suspended, and the speed of the drive motor goes to zero in step 369.

Also during cycle B, once the logical feed label signal is unlocked, the logic signal of adhesive roll 380 is unlocked to inhibit the application of adhesive, resulting (after a delay of approximately 120 degrees to allow that the adhesive is applied to the last label) the solenoid signal hold of the adhesive roller 390. FIG. 9 further illustrates a restart of the label application in cycle D, with the logic power signal of labels 310 being enabled during cycle C. In this case, the label feed logic signal 330 is held just before the start of cycle D, and the servomotor command signal 340 is applied to start drive motor 36 and make that the drive motor follows the velocity profile illustrated in 360. However,, in this cycle the logic signal of the adhesive roller 370 has been disabled, so regardless of whether the logic signal of the internal roller 380 is "on", the signal of the solenoid 390 does not hold, and no adhesive is applied to a label. It should be appreciated that the development of suitable control programs to implement the functionality described herein, and in particular in relation to Figures 7-9, is entirely within the ability of one skilled in the art. Therefore, no further discussion is provided here.

ALTERNATIVE MODAUDADES One skilled in the art will appreciate that the label application assemblies and conveyor mechanisms described herein can be used independently of one another. For example, as shown in Figure 10, a labeling apparatus 500 may include a label application assembly 25 ', which includes a web supply 30', measurement roller assembly 50 ', path control assembly band 60 ', registration sensor station 70', cutting station 80 ', adhesive station assembly 90' and applicator drum 100 '. Each component in the label application assembly 25 'can be configured similarly to the corresponding disassembled components in the label application assembly 25 of the labeling apparatus 10 of Figure 1, or it can include any of the alternatives described above for any of those components. However, the apparatus 500 includes an article transport assembly alternate to the arrangement of transport mechanisms and conveyor belt for the apparatus 10 of Figure 1. Specifically, the apparatus 500 includes a conveyor belt 502 that transports articles to and from the apparatus 500. The articles 2 are received from the conveyor belt 502 using a feed screw 510 which provides a controlled separation between articles. A first star wheel 520 transfers articles from the feed screw 510 to a turret 540. Then, the articles are presented by the turret 540 to the drum 100 'of the assembly 25' for applying labels to the articles. Upon further rotation of the turret 540, the articles are transferred to a second star wheel 530, and then to the conveyor belt 520 for transport outside the apparatus 500. It should be noted that the use and configuration of feed screws, star wheels and turrets, is generally well known in the art. In addition, it should be appreciated that other article transport assemblies can be used in the alternative, for example, various other arrangements of feed screws, turrets and / or star wheels, among others. In addition, it should be appreciated that the transport mechanisms described herein can be used independently of a labeling apparatus for transferring articles. In the fields of packaging and / or bottling, for example, these mechanisms can be used to transport items such as containers with a controlled passage between them, in various applications such as bottling machines, filling machines, cleaning machines, packaging machines , etc. Moreover, in other fields, transport mechanisms can be used in other applications to provide controlled passage between items transported by them. Furthermore, as discussed above, the parameter controlled by a transport mechanism consistent with the invention may be another transfer characteristic related to the pass, such as speed. This would allow, for example, that a transport mechanism be used to transfer articles from a first station that sends the articles at a first speed to a second station, which receives the articles at a second speed, among other applications. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to any particular field or application of the transport mechanisms described herein. Figure 11 illustrates another alternative labeling apparatus 1000 consistent with the principles of the invention. With the exception of the specific modifications and improvements discussed below, apparatus 1000 is similar in configuration and operation to the various designs discussed above. The apparatus 1000 is used primarily to apply labels continuously to a plurality of articles 2 transported from a feed mechanism 1002 to a discharge mechanism 1004 (here, both implemented by a common conveyor 1006). Other feeding and unloading mechanisms, suitable for the particular articles transported to and from the labeling apparatus 1000, can be used in other applications, for example, feed screws, belts, etc. The term "feed", as used hereafter, re to an upstream position or direction in relation to the flow of articles and labels. Likewise, the term "discharge" re to a downstream position or direction in relation to the flow of articles and labels. The articles 2 are transported from the feeding mechanism 1002 to an assembly or label application mechanism 1010, using a feed conveyor mechanism 1012, and then to a discharge mechanism 1004 using a discharge transport mechanism 1014. The mechanism of 1012 feed transport includes a star flow wheel 1020 and a feed star wheel 1030. The star flow wheel 1020 includes a plurality of teeth 1022 defining a plurality of cavities 1024, with each cavity retaining an article 2 for transing it from the feed mechanism 1002 to the feed star wheel 1030, along a defined path between a feed guide 1026 and a curved guide 1028. The star wheel 1020 includes a pair of discs coupled in an elastic form , which minimize the space between a retained item and the star wheels of flow and power during the transof the article between the star wheels. The feed star wheel 1030 includes a plurality of teeth 1032 defining a plurality of cavities 1034, each for retaining an article 2 for transalong the curved guide 1028, to a label application station 1036 disposed in a form opposite to the assembly 1010. The star wheels of flow and feed 1020, 1030 increase the separation between successive articles received from the feeding mechanism 1002, at a suitable distance to apply labels provided on a label transmechanism (here, the drum of label transor applicator drum 1038), in label application assembly 1010. Other label transmechanisms, suitable for transing a label to an article for application of the label thereto in the alternative, may be used, including both Rotary transas linear, such as belts, mobile pads, soul Diner for cut labels, etc. The application station 1036 includes a curved guide 1040 against which the articles are compressed by the applicator drum 1038 as the labels are applied to the articles. The guide 1040 includes an elastic friction surface to impart a rolling action to the articles, as the articles pass through the label application station, so that the labels are placed around the articles. The discharge transport mechanism 1014, which incorporates a star discharge wheel 1042 having a plurality of teeth 1044 defining a plurality of cavities 1046, performs essentially the same operation as the transport mechanism 1012, except that the mechanism 1014 operates to decelerate articles at a linear speed suitable for transport by the unloading mechanism 1004. By doing so, this arrangement imparts greater stability to the unloaded articles by minimizing the movement of the articles relative to the unloading mechanism 1004. The articles are transed by discharge starwheel 1042 along a curved guide 1048 and within a space formed between the guide 1048 and a discharge guide 1050 for discharge into the discharge mechanism 1004. In the illustrated embodiment, the guides 1026 , 1028, 1036, 1048 and 1050 are all adjustable laterally (for example, through adjusting screw arrangements). te, not shown) to adapt to the width of the article's path to accommodate difnt article diameters. For labeling machines that are used only with one type of article, such adjustments may not be required. The effets are supplied to the applicator drum 1038 from a band supply 1060 which provides a band 4 of labeling material. The band supply 1060 includes a pair of supply rolls 1062, 1064, which provide the band 4 to a measurement roller assembly 1066. The measurement roller assembly 1066 operates as a linear feed speed sensor using a roller which freely rolls 1068, coupled to a rotational position sensor 1070, for example, an optical encoder. The band 4 continues from the assembly 1066 to a band path control assembly 1072 (which includes a roller 1073), which is used to maintain the lateral alignment of the band in the assembly 1010. Then, the band 4 continues to a recording sensor station 1074, which detects the position of registration marks arranged on the band. The station 1074 includes a roller 1076 and a registration sensor 1078, disposed opposite the roller 1076 in a lateral position relative to the web, to detect registration marks disposed therein. From the recording station 1074, the band 4 continues to the surface of the applicator drum 1038, where an attraction mechanism (here, a plurality of vacuum ports) disposed on the outer surface of the drum, applies a controlled tension to the band . Moreover, a pair of movable cutting assemblies 1080, 1082 arranged on the drum 1038 operate to cut labels from the web 4 as each assembly 1080, 1082 passes a cutting station 1084 having a fixed blade 1086. In some applications, it can it being desirable to use friction reduction mechanisms on one or more of the rollers 1068, 1073 and 1076, to minimize the amount of force required by the attraction mechanism on the drum 1038 to stretch the web 4 from the supply rolls, particularly during the initial start-up of the labeling apparatus. For example, in one embodiment, it may be desirable to couple the roller 1068 to an air turbine of conventional design, which can be used to effectively compensate for the friction and inertia of the other components that feed the band 4 to the drum 1038, allowing this way a smaller vacuum is used in the drum 1038. However, in other applications the reduction of friction in the web supply rolls may not be required. An adhesive station assembly 1090 is arranged beyond the cutting station 1084, to apply adhesive to the leading and trailing edges of each label using an application roller 1092, after the label has been cut from the web in the web. cutting station 1084. A fluid manifold 1094 can be used to direct a fluid flow (eg, pressurized air) toward the grip formed between the roller 1092 and the drum 1038, from a position upstream of the grip. Doing this reduces the likelihood that an effigy follows the roller 1092 after the application of adhesive thereto. In addition, in some applications, the fluid flow may allow a free portion of the leading edge of a label to be placed around the roller 1092 before the free portion passes into the grip, which improves the application of adhesive to the leading edge, and often reduces any overspray of adhesive on the outer surface of the drum 1038. Furthermore, by reducing the likelihood that the effigy follows the roller 1092, the level of vacuum provided to the outside surface of the drum can often be reduced to a minimum the stretching of the band, and frequently improving the trajectory of the band as well as the cut. After adhesive is applied to the leading and trailing edges of a label, the label is presented to an article 2 by rotation of the applicator drum 1038, wherein the rotation of the applicator drum 1038 through the label application station 1036 places the label around the article as the article rolls against the guide 1040. Figures 12A-12D illustrate the configuration and operation of the discharge star wheel 1042 in greater detail, with a plurality of articles 1240, 1242, 1244 and 1246 illustrated at various points along the guide 1048. Each cavity 1046 of the discharge star wheel 1042 is defined by a series of arcs between adjacent teeth 1044. In the polished modality, the width of each cavity (defined by the spacing between adjacent teeth) is greater than the diameter of each article, so that the precision required to hook an article into a cavity is reduced. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each cavity is defined by a first, second and third sections 1250, 1254 and 1252, with the first and second sections 1250, 1252 defined by the leading and trailing edges of adjacent teeth, and with a radius of curvature less than that of the third intermediate section 1254. Section 1254, which provides an engaging surface that is initially contacted with an article, is provided with a relatively large radius of curvature to minimize the coefficient of friction between the cavity and the article during the initial contact with it. However, section 1250 has a smaller radius of curvature to provide a relatively greater coefficient of friction with the article, once the article has engaged with section 1250. Providing a higher coefficient of friction helps cancel the induced rotation about the article by the label application procedure. However, the transition from section 1254 to section 1250 is gradual, so that the coefficient of friction increases as the article slides back into cavity 1046, and a gradual deceleration of the rotational speed of the article is obtained. As shown, for the example of Figure 12A, the article 1246 is initially in contact with a cavity of the star wheel 1042 between adjacent teeth 1044. Then, as shown in Figure 12B, the article 1246 is allowed to slide from return to engage with the front tooth 1044, with the rotation thereof canceled by the coefficient of friction with the section 1250 of the cavity.

Returning again to FIG. 12A, the configuration of the star wheel 1042 is also specifically designed to stabilize the discharge of articles from the guide 1048 onto the discharge mechanism (here, conveyor 1004 of FIG. 11). Each tooth 1044 of the star wheel 1042 is configured to impart a decreasing linear velocity to each article as it is discharged along the guide 1050 to the conveyor belt. The rotational speed of the star wheel 1042 is selected to provide a tangential speed of articles transferred by the star wheel 1042, which is initially greater than the linear speed of the conveyor belt. However, by transporting the articles along a linear portion of the guide 1050, and providing a decreasing linear velocity through the engagement with each tooth 1044, the linear velocity of the articles decelerates below the speed of the conveyor belt. , thus allowing the conveyor belt to transport the articles away from the star wheel, once the linear speed thereof falls below the speed of the conveyor belt. As illustrated, for example, by article 1242, the article is fully seated within a cavity of the star wheel 1042 as the article engages with the curved guide 1050. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, according to FIG. As the article is advanced by the star wheel 1042, the linear velocity of the article along the direction of the conveyor belt decreases as the article is transported by the tip of the tooth 1044, against which the article rests. As shown in Figure 12C, further rotation of the star wheel 1042 results in a further decrease in the speed for the article 1242, until the conveyor belt picks up the article and carries it away from the star wheel 1042, as it is shown in figure 12D. Figure 13 illustrates in another form the linear velocity imparted to an article carried by the star wheel 1042, at equal time intervals during rotation of the star wheel 1042. The position of the star wheel and the container 1242 is illustrated in 6 points of time f0-f5 with the linear movement of the article during each time interval between them denoted as d? -d5. The speed of advance of the conveyor belt during the last two time intervals is illustrated in c4 and c5 (it being understood that the conveyor belt is advanced at the same speed also during the previous time intervals). It can be seen that from time t0 to time t2, the article is advanced at a linear speed that exceeds the speed of the conveyor belt. However, once the linear velocity decreases below the speed of the conveyor belt at time U, the article is advanced at the speed of the conveyor belt, and subsequently transported away from the discharge star wheel. It should be appreciated that other star wheel profiles may be used in the star discharge wheel 1042, consistent with the invention.

In addition, a person skilled in the art will also appreciate that the various improvements to the effector application assemblies and transport mechanisms described herein can be used independently of each other in other applications.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An apparatus comprising: (a) a band supply configured to supply a web of material, including a sequence of uncut labels; (b) a rotating drum configured to receive the web of material, the drum including an outer surface; (c) an attraction mechanism disposed on the outer surface of the drum, and configured to attract the web of material to the outer surface of the drum; (d) a drive mechanism coupled to the drum, and configured to rotate the drum and advance the outer surface thereof at a speed greater than a speed at which the web of material is advanced from the web supply; (e) a cutting mechanism coupled to the drum and configured to cut a strip of material label, while at least a portion of the web of material is attached to the outer surface of the drum, the cutting mechanism including a retractable blade disposed on the drum and configured to rotate with the drum; and (f) an adhesive applicator placed near the drum, for applying an adhesive to at least a portion of the tag, while the tag is attached to the outer surface of the drum.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the band supply includes a second drive mechanism configured to advance the web of material at a predetermined speed, characterized in that the second drive mechanism includes a servomotor and a rotational position sensor, wherein the rotational position sensor includes an optical encoder, wherein the apparatus further comprises a registration sensor, disposed between the drum and the web supply, the registration sensor configured to detect registration marks located at predetermined positions on the web of material, wherein the retractable blade is configured to cut the segment of the web of material to a predetermined rotational position of the drum, wherein the cutting mechanism further includes a blade retraction mechanism, coupled to the retractable blade and configured to selectively retract the blade inside the outer surface of the drum, and wherein the blade retraction mechanism includes: (a) a fixed cam disposed about a rotational arrow of the drum; and (b) an oscillating assembly mounted to the drum and configured to pivot about a pivot axis parallel to a rotational axis of the drum, the oscillating assembly including the retractable blade on a first side thereof and a cam follower on a second side thereof, which follows the fixed cam as the drum rotates around the rotational arrow, wherein the retractable blade extends and retracts selectively by rotating the drum around the rotational arrow.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a linear feed speed sensor disposed between the band supply and the drum, generating the linear feed speed sensor, an output signal associated with a speed linear feed for the material web, including the linear feed speed sensor a freely rolling roller, which has a fixed diameter and which holds together the web of material between the web supply and the drum, and a position sensor rotational coupled to the roller that rolls freely and that sends the output signal for the linear feed speed sensor.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized in that the adhesive applicator is positioned to apply an adhesive to at least opposite edges of a cut label, after the label is cut by the cutting mechanism, and where the blade retraction mechanism is configured to selectively retract the retractable blade within the outer surface of the drum near the adhesive applicator.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a conveyor belt configured to pass a container through the drum to trap the segment after the application of adhesive and in this way transfer the segment to an outer surface of the container.

6. A method for cutting segments of predetermined length of a band of material, comprising: (a) advancing a web of material towards a rotating drum; (b) attracting the web of material in connection with the outer surface of the drum; (c) cutting a segment of the web of material while at least a portion of the web of material is attached to the outer surface of the drum, using a retractable blade coupled to the drum and configured to rotate through the drum; (d) rotating the drum and advancing the outer surface thereof at a speed greater than the speed at which the web of material is advanced from the web supply; (application of an adhesive to at least a portion of the segment while the segment is disposed on the outer surface of the drum

7. The method according to claim 6, further characterized in that the segment cut of the material web includes cut from the segment of the material web to a predetermined rotational position of the drum, the method further comprising: (a) actuation of a web supply with a drive mechanism; (b) detection of the rotation speed of the drive mechanism; c) detection of the rotation speed of the drum, (d) dynamically controlling at least one of the rotation speeds of the drive mechanism and the speed of rotation of the drum, so that a predetermined length of material is advanced to the predetermined rotational position of the drum, in such a time that the drum is placed in the predetermined rotational position. all in accordance with claim 6, further characterized by comprising the detection of a linear feed rate for the material web, using a rotational sensor coupled to a free rotation roller having a fixed diameter, and trapping the material flow web above the drum. 9. The method according to claim 6, further characterized by comprising the retraction of the retractable blade near an adhesive applicator used to apply the adhesive to the segment, and transfer of the segment from the drum to a surface of a container afterwards. of the application of adhesive. 10. An apparatus comprising, (a) a first curved guide having feed and discharge sides; (b) a label transfer drum that includes an outer surface configured to support a label, the drum rotatably engaged or set to the first curved guide, to adhere the label to an article supplied to the feed side of the first curved guide , placing the label around the article as the article rotates between the drum and the first curved guide, wherein the rotation of the article between the drum and the first curved guide imparts a rotational velocity to the article about an axis of rotation; (c) a second curved guide including feed and discharge side, the feed side disposed near the drum and the discharge side disposed near a discharge mechanism; and (d) a discharge star wheel that includes an outer surface and rotatably coupled near the discharge side of the first curved guide and opposite the second curved guide, the discharge star wheel configured to transfer the labeled article from the drum and along the second curved guide to the discharge side thereof, wherein the outer surface of the discharge star wheel is configured to provide a greater coefficient of friction with the labeled article than that provided by the second curved guide, to reduce the rotational speed of the labeled article, as the labeled article is caught by the outer surface of the discharge star wheel. 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further characterized in that the outer surface of the discharge star wheel includes a first and a second teeth arranged around the periphery thereof and forming a cavity therebetween, the cavity configured to retain the article labeled as the article is transferred along the second curved guide, and wherein the first tooth of the discharge starwheel is configured to trap the etched article at least during a portion of the transfer of the labeled article along the second curved guide, wherein the first and second teeth are spaced apart each one peripherally a distance greater than a diameter of the labeled article, defined perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the article where the unloading mechanism includes a conveyor belt having a linear speed, and wherein the outer surface of the star wheel Discharge is set to decrease the linear velocity of the article labeled along the direction of the conveyor belt, below the speed of the conveyor belt near the discharge side of the second curved guide; in this way, the conveyor belt will transport the labeled article from the cavity once the linear velocity of the labeled article imparted by the discharge star wheel decreases below the speed of the conveyor belt. 12. A method for labeling an article, comprising: (a) placing an effigy around an article, rotating the article between a first curved guide and a rotating label transfer drum; and (b) transferring the etched article away from the first curved guide and drum and along a second curved guide to a discharge mechanism using a discharge star wheel rotatably coupled near a discharge side of the first guide curve, wherein the discharge star wheel includes an outer surface configured to hold the labeled article with a coefficient of friction greater than that provided by the second curved guide, to reduce the rotational speed of the article, as the tagged article is caught by the outer surface of the discharge star wheel. 13. The method according to claim 11, further characterized in that the transfer of the tagged item using the discharge star wheel includes retention of the tagged article within a cavity, defined between a first and a second tooth disposed around the periphery of the unloading star wheel, and fastening the effected article with the first tooth of the discharge star wheel, at least during a portion of the transfer of the article along the second curved guide, wherein the unloading mechanism includes a conveyor belt having a linear speed, and wherein the transfer of the article labeled using the discharge star wheel includes decreasing the linear velocity of the article along the direction of the conveyor belt below the speed of the conveyor. conveyor belt. 14. An apparatus comprising: (a) a label application station configured to apply labels to a plurality of articles, with successive articles separated by a first separation; (b) a conveyor belt configured to transport articles labeled with a second separation less than the first separation; and (c) a discharge star wheel rotatably engaged between the label application station and the conveyor belt, the discharge star wheel including an outer surface having a profile that decreases the spacing between successive articles, between the station of application of efiquetas and the conveyor belt.