MXPA97009691A

MXPA97009691A - Computer controlled labeling machine to apply labels, including elastic labels and sensitive brands to the articulated touch

Info

Publication number: MXPA97009691A
Application number: MXPA/A/1997/009691A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Otruba Svatoboj; E Bright Lyn
Original assignee: B & H Manufacturing Co Inc
Priority date: 1995-06-07
Filing date: 1997-12-05
Publication date: 1998-10-15

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer controlled labeling system, which has a computer, means of transporting articles, including a pie plate and a wedge for holding an article having an arbitrary peripheral surface configuration and a peripheral dimension of surface having a zone of maximum diameter and one or more adjacent ones of smaller diameter, and means for controlling the angular position, rotational direction and speed of said plate of cake and said wedge, for transporting said article to be labeled along a fixed article transport path, defined by said article transport means, and means for applying elastic labels to said articles including a cutter for cutting an elastic segment of sheet material from a roll of material, and a rotary vacuum motor to hold sheet segment, a method to apply an elastic label to a predetermined location of the surface of said article, comprising: providing an elastic segment of sheet material having a leading end and a trailing end, and having an unstretched length between said leading and trailing ends which is less than the length of the surface of said article to be covered by said segment, tension the segment to increase the distance between the front and rear ends so that the length of said tensioned segment is greater than or equal to the length of the surface of said article to be covered by said segment, the distance between said front and rear ends of the portions of the segment overlapping the smaller diameter areas will decrease as the tensioned segment is allowed to come off and return to said unstressed length, so that said stretched segment , by letting it be released, a peripheral dimension of said article that is emitted is prevented from returning to said slack length. s is greater than said slack length, and by letting it come off, returning to said unstressed condition, said label adheres strongly and firmly to said area or areas, and the portion of said maximum diameter area remains in a stretched condition; the article is tensioned to overlap said area of maximum diameter and said area or adjacent areas, by adhering the front end of the tensioned segment to the article by applying adhesive to said front end, wrapping the segment while still in the tensioned condition around said article so that overlapping said zone and said adjacent area or areas, said adhesive substantially securing said leading edge to said article before said segment is released from said vacuum drum, and securing the rear end of the segment to said leading end or to the adhesive applied article to adhere said end back or said region underlying said former rear end, before said tensioned segment is released to conform to said article, and controlling said tensioning and said application of said segment by: the selection of a numerical value of angularly controlled otation, a numerical value of controlled rotational direction, and a numerical value of controlled rotational speed for each of said rotating vacuum drums, said tortea plate and said wedge, and a numerical value of controlled wedge position which values in combination to define the spatial and temporal relations between said vacuum drum, said tortea plate, said wedge and said cutter provided for the application of said label on said article in said predetermined place, and mathematically characterizing the spatial and temporal relationships said numerical values and characteristics of said article and said label including: at least a circumferential dimension of said article, a dimension li neal along the direction of the label corresponding to said circumferential dimension of the article for said label to be applied, and a place on said article where said label will be appliedtransporting said article along said trajectory, controlling the speed of said means of transportation, in said computer, computing a numerical value of angular orientation controlled, a numerical value of controlled rotational direction and a numerical value of controlled speed for each one of said rotary vacuum drum, said tortea plate and said wedge, and a numerical value of controlled wedge position, said numerical values in combination defining the time and spatial relationships between said drum, turret plate, wedge and cutter that is provide for the application of said label on said article in said predetermined place, in said computer, generate a control signal corresponding to each of said numerical values controlled, in response to said computed numerical values, and apply said control signals to said means of transport, and said means of application of elastic labels of said tag being tensioned in a predetermined manner when applied to said article and in said predetermined place on said article, and said tensioning being sufficient so that, when the applied tensioning force is released by relieving the length of the material, the part or parts of the segment overlapping said area or adjacent areas will adhere strongly and firmly to said area or areas, or sufficiently strong so that the segment may shrink by heat over said area.

Description

COMPUTER CONTROLLED ETIOUETATION MACHINE TO APPLY LABELS INCLUDING ELASTIC LABELS AND MARKINGS SENSITIVE TO THE TOUCH IN ARTICLES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a turret type labeling machine such as that described in US Pat. No. 4,108,709 and which is incorporated herein by reference, containers are continuously delivered to a rotating turret; each container, in turn, is held between an upper wedge and a lower wedge transported by the turret; the container, held in this way, is rotated in orbit around the central axis of the turret towards a label selection station where it comes into contact with the leading edge of a label transported by a transport of labels such as a vacuum drum rotary; the label is released from the vacuum drum and is wrapped around a container as the container is made to rotate about its axis; and with the label wrapped around it, it is transported by the turret to a container release station where the labeled container leaves the turret. In this operation, it is necessary to rotate each container held between a pair of wedges in an orbit around the axis of the turret and it is necessary to rotate the container on its own axis to wrap around the label. Other labeling machines are known, such as, for example, the one described in U.S. Patent No. 4,242,167 entitled "Labeling Machine" which is incorporated herein by reference. In the aforementioned US Pat. No. 4,108,709, the rotation of the container is achieved, for example, by a fixed wheel a and coaxial with the upper member of a pair of wedges and a pad that is concentric to the axis of the turret. The contact between this wheel and the pad causes the respective wedge to rotate, together with the container. This means that the rotation of the containers is quite effective but is limited in many ways. For example, the container can rotate in only one direction and its speed is set by the speed of the turret and by the radius of the wheel and the pad. In the same way, this method of rotating the container for wrapping the label may not be effective for containers that have cross sections that are usually not circular. The invention also relates to the application of elastic labels in containers and other articles. It is common practice to apply labels to containers and other articles by supplying a continuous length of label material from a roll, cutting them into suitable lengths which are transferred to a rotating vacuum drum which selects each label in turn on its cylindrical surface by means of vacuum and transport each label to a label application station where they wrap around the container. For the purpose of adhering the label to the container, glue is applied to the container and / or the label, usually to the latter, at its front end and at its rear end. An adhesive can be formed on the site by the use of a solvent. The heat seal of the overlap between the back end of the label and the front end of the label can also be used. From this moment for convenience, the terms "label" or "labels" and the term "container" will be used, but it should be understood that other sheet material materials may be applied, for example, for decorative purposes, identification bands, strips with metallic evidence, etc. and that other articles that are not containers can also have labels or other material sheet material to apply on them. The aforementioned label application to the containers can be carried out with a block of pre-cut labels instead of separate labels from a continuous length of label material.

Representative patents that relate to the aforementioned label application are U.S. Patent Nos. 4,108,709; 4,108,710; 4,500,386; 5,091,040; 5,137,596 and 5,269,864. This application of labels can also be carried out and is often carried out with a heat-shrinkable label material which, after application to the container, is subjected to heat so that it contracts, for example, in a recessed area of a container or in a container. portions with different contours such as neck or flange of a container. For example, in U.S. Patent 4,704,173, this heat shrink labeling is illustrated by applying a label to a container having a cylindrical body above and below which are portions of the container of smaller diameter. The contraction contracts the label on those areas of smaller diameter. An alternative to this label application by heat shrinkage / contouring is the application of elastic labels, which are stretched before application and which, after application, contract and adhere firmly to the recessed and / or contoured portions of the container . An example of this elastic labeling and the method and machinery to achieve it is supplied by Automatic Label Systems of Twinsburg, Ohio, which supplies what are called "Auto-Sleeve® elastic sleeve labels". Auto-Sleeve labels are formed first in sleeves. The sleeves have a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the container to which they will be adapted and the sleeve fits tightly on the container and when applied in this way it contracts and relaxes to fit the container firmly. This method avoids the need to use glue, heat or solvent to adhere the label to the containers and avoid the need to heat the label on the containers to contract the label material on the container. However, this method first requires that the material of the elastic label be formed into a sleeve, and then adapt this sleeve over the container. Apart from the technology of the sleeve, the stretching of labels has been avoided or reduced to date. Providing characters in Braille, and with other touch-sensitive markings on containers allows people with diminished vision to know the contents of packages or containers. Conventional containers having braille signs or marks molded therein have been developed as part of the container manufacturing process. In addition, the marks can be printed directly on the container. Applying the signs in Braille at the time of printing presents problems due to the difficulties that would be encountered at the point of application. Cut and grouped labels that have Braille markings or signs have a tendency to fit and therefore adhere to each other as each label is consecutively removed one at a time during the application of the labels to the container or article. In the event that a continuous roller has signs of Braille or other marks, the roller itself would be unbalanced due to the marks. This type of roller in this way would have difficulties during the mentioned process as soon as the rolled and / or unrolled with precision. The problem can be particularly acute when the marks are formed on elastic label material. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a method and apparatus for applying marks that can be recognized to the touch in containers at production speeds that overcome the deficiencies of previously known methods and apparatuses for the application of these marks to containers or articles. An object of the present invention is to provide a more versatile means of operating a turret type labeling machine mentioned. Another object of this invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for applying Braille signs to labels at production speeds.

In addition, another object is to provide a method and apparatus wherein the continuous roll of label material is marked with touch sensitive signs with labels cut from the roll and applied to the containers. Yet another object is to use an adhesive application apparatus to apply drops of glue in a predetermined controlled pattern on the surface or reverse side of a label to produce touch-sensitive marks. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and machinery for the application of elastic labels in the form of a sheet, such as for example in U.S. Patent 4,500,386 or U.S. Patent 4,108,709 and in order to apply the labels therein. elastic conditions without the need to previously form a sleeve. Still another object of the invention is to provide computer control and synchronization for the label handling apparatus in order to achieve the aforementioned labeling objectives.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The difficulties and limitations mentioned above are greatly diminished by the provision of a turret-type labeling device controlled by computer to control the mechanism of label application during the application of labels on containers. The turret-type labeling device controlled by computer has a turret powered by a motor inside a container handling station and one more sensors that provide information on the operational status of the turret. Each container handling station has a motor for operating the container handling station and one or more sensors that provide information on the operating status of the container handling station. A label application mechanism can also be provided, such as a motor driven vacuum drum that has sensors to provide information on the operating state. A computer is coupled to the motors and sensors for the processing of the information of the received state and to generate control signals in response to the signals received to drive the motors and to carry out the correct labeling of the containers. The sensors usually provide information on speed, direction and position. The computer is programmed to process the status information together with the pre-stored information, including information related to the characteristics of the labeling apparatus, the size and shape of the containers and the desired labeling characteristics of the container.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus and a method for identification by persons with diminished vision are provided. The method includes the supply of a sheet or coil of material, preferably, with the printed part on one side to be used as a label. Subsequently, a mark that can be distinguished by touch on a portion of the sheet or coil is provided to identify packages by touch for people with diminished vision. The sheet of material is applied to the article, such as a container or becomes part of the article. The step to supply the distinguishable mark by touch may include the application of a glue pattern to the sheet. The glue pattern can be applied either on one side of the label containing the printed part, or otherwise, on the opposite side adjacent the article which produces protrusions or ridges on the label, which are preferably formed on a film or light weight paper. Alternatively, the sheet of material can be stamped, engraved to produce ridges or punched to produce depressions. In addition, it is possible to directly apply the glue pattern to the product without using a separate label material. By applying the computer control methods and the apparatus to the container and the label handling apparatus and to the apparatus for applying the glue to a label or directly to the container, a greater precision is obtained when applying the mark and locating the mark in the container, and a particular advantage when applying Braille signs for people with diminished vision who would otherwise have difficulty locating Braille signs. In another aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus for the application of elastic label material is provided. The elastic label material, for example, elastic polyethylene, is supplied continuously to a cutting instrument such as that shown in U.S. Patent Number 4,181,555 and each label, after passing through the cutter and before if cut on individual labels, it is supplied to a rotating vacuum drum and its leading edge is placed on the rotating vacuum drum, which holds the label by vacuum. Alternatively, but less desirably, the pre-cut labels are fed from a block thereof to a vacuum drum, as for example in U.S. Patent Number 4,978,416, which likewise are held by the drum vacuum. empty. In any case, the peripheral speed of the drum is controlled, as for example using computer control techniques such as those described, in such a way that the peripheral speed of the drum exceeds the linear speed of the bobbin or the sheet of the label arriving at the drum. drum before application to the container. In the absence of a sufficiently high vacuum, this would lead to the sliding of the label on the vacuum drum. However, using a sufficiently high vacuum prevents this slippage. In this way, the label is held firmly in the drum by the vacuum and by reason of the fact that the peripheral speed of the drum is controlled to make the feeding of the label through the cutting instrument greater, the label is stretched. Alternatively, the leading edge of the label can be held in the vacuum drum, for example in accordance with that described in the United States Patent of Eder 5,116,452. The combined use of a clamp and a vacuum strong enough to hold the anti-slip label can also be used. In this way, the label held in stretched condition in the drum comes into contact later, for example, at the leading edge and at the trailing edge with a glue applicator which applies glue to the front end and the rear end in such a way that when The label is wrapped around the container and adheres to it. A solvent applied to the label and absorbed by the label can also be used to form an adhesive on the site. Alternatively, thermal sealing of the label ends may be achieved with each other as for example in U.S. Patent Number 5,137,596. The relationship problem of the tag of its stretched condition when released from the vacuum drum can be treated as follows. The adhesive applied to the front end of the label to adhere to the container may be an adhesive that sticks quickly and firmly to the label and container, so as to avoid or reduce the relaxation of the label as it exits the vacuum drum. and joins the container. Examples of these adhesives are given below. Alternatively, or together with the use of such an adhesive, the adhesive may be applied at a series of spaced points along the label or around the periphery of a container. In this way, the first point or set of adhesive points near the front end of the label will be followed by a point or set of points spaced a short distance from the first point or group of points, and so on. Therefore, the label will adhere firmly to the container as each leaves the vacuum drum and is prevented from relaxing or the relaxation of the label is not important. Adhesive can be applied to the container instead of the label or can be applied to both the container and the label. In the United States Patent 3, 834,963 the application of adhesive to the container is shown. The application of adhesive to the container can be (as in US Pat. No. 3,834,963) applied to both the container and the label, and the pattern of adhesive applied to the container can vary. For example, a line of adhesive can be applied to the container for adhesion to the front end of the label, or it can be applied to both the front end and the rear end of the label, or it can be applied to the entire circumference of the container in the form of a succession of points. From this moment, the adhesive "points" will be referred to in this way and as indicated in connection with the application of the label, the adhesive can be applied in the form of a band or stripes to the container and / or the label. The container labeled subsequently is removed from the label application equipment. This portion or portions of the elastic label remaining on a recessed surface or surfaces of the container will contract over the recessed portion or portions. If there is a recessed area in the container having a magnitude such that the relaxation of the label will not be sufficient, for example, in the case of a deep groove in a container intended to be held by hand, a heat-shrinkable label with the help if necessary, of perforations superimposed on the area or deep recessed areas to release the air trapped between the label and the container. Heat is applied to contract the label on or within this area or deep recessed areas. Instead of using a higher peripheral speed of the vacuum drum to stretch the label, the container can be controlled in such a way that it rotates at a peripheral speed greater than that of the vacuum drum, thereby stretching the label. The peripheral velocity of the container is the compound of the speed at which it is rotated, its diameter and the speed at which it travels after making the first contact with the label. The speed difference of the label while it is in the drum and this composite speed can be regulated very precisely by gears or motors controlled by computer as described in more detail later. To prevent the label from slipping into the container due to its higher peripheral speed, an adhesive can be used that firmly and quickly. Alternatively (and / or in addition to this procedure), adhesive may be applied in a succession of points such that the label adheres to the container, not at one point but at several points. The label can also be stretched with both procedures, ie operating the vacuum drum at a peripheral speed greater than the supply of the label and also causing the container to rotate at a compound speed greater than the peripheral speed of the vacuum drum. Elastic labels that have conventionally printed markings, such as Braille markings for people with diminished vision, can also be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate the embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: FIGURE 1 is an illustration which shows a perspective view of a turret arrangement of the preferred embodiment showing only the set of lower wedges. FIGURE 2 is an illustration showing a diagrammatic view of a way of operating the aforementioned turret. FIGURE 3 is an illustration showing a diagrammatic view of another mode of operation where front and back labeling is carried out. FIGURE 4 is an illustration showing a diagrammatic view of a labeling operation carried out by means of a turret of the preferred embodiment for applying front and back labels on containers other than cylindrical containers.

FIGURE 5 is an illustration showing a diagrammatic view of selected components such as motors / actuators, sensors, control lines and interfaces of the computer controlled turret assembly. FIGURE 6 is an illustration showing a block diagram of simplified hardware of the computer, interfaces, actuators / motors and sensors of the preferred embodiment, and FIGURE 7A-7B is an illustration showing a flow diagram of an algorithm to control the operation of the labeling apparatus. FIGURE 8 is a view of a container that can be labeled by the method and apparatus of the present invention. FIGURE 9 is a visa of the upper plane than the label application machine suitable for use in the present invention. FIGURE 10 is a section taken through a portion of the machine of FIGURE 9. FIGURE 11 is a view of the container of FIGURE 9 with the label applied thereto. FIGURE 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of the method of the invention.

FIGURES 13 and 14 show alternative types of articles to which the labels according to the present invention can be applied. FIGURE 15 shows a sequence of the feed cylinders of the labels that achieve the stretch of the label. FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of an article with Braille signs thereon, marked in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of a label with Braille signs thereon that is affixed to a lid or cover of a container. FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of a label with Braille signs that has been applied to the top of a beverage container, or alternatively, can be applied to one side of the beverage container. FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of a label with Braille signs thereon. FIGURE 20 is a schematic top view of an alternative labeling apparatus that applies Braille signs on the labels during the attachment of the labels to the containers. FIGURE 21 is a perspective view of a glue blowing gun used to apply drops of glue to a label or container.

FIGURE 22 is a sectional view of the glue blowing gun taken generally along line 7-7 of FIGURE 21. FIGURE 23 is a schematic top view of a portion of another embodiment of a labeling device that uses a die to record the signs of Braille on a label that is subsequently applied to a container. FIGURE 24 is a sectional view of the die with projections therein used in the labeling apparatus of FIGURE 23. FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of a label that is formed in a roll between a vacuum drum and a cylinder. FIGURE 26 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a labeling apparatus used to place the Braille signs on labels that are subsequently applied to containers. FIGURE 27 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a labeling apparatus wherein a label, secured to a vacuum drum and passed adjacently by a glue blowing gun, receives drops of glue. FIGURE 28 is a fragmented sectional view taken through the glue blowing gun of FIGURE 27. FIGURE 29 is a sectional view of a label with glue drops located on the underside thereof which has been applied to the adhesive. a container producing protrusions identifiable by touch on the label. FIGURE 30 is a perspective view of a glue application apparatus designed to emit glue in a spiral pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following relatively detailed description is provided to satisfy the patent statutes. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the invention. The following description is in the form of an example, rather than detailed. Referring now to FIGURE 1, the lower portion of a labeling turret 10 is shown. The labeling turret 10 is driven by the shaft 11 mounted on the structure / box 12 of the machine and is fixed to a plate 13. Despite In that a circular turret 10 is illustrated, a variety of container transports can be used in conjunction with this invention. For example, a linear transport or a transport that defines a previously defined path can be used. A plurality of lower wedges 14 are provided which are spaced angularly about an axis 11, each of which supports a container or other object as shown at 15 between a container selection station, where each container is associates sequentially with one of the plurality of wedges 14, and a container release station, where the association ends. Each wedge is fixed to an axis 16 which is driven by a wedge motor 17. A sensor 18 is mounted on each motor 17 by a coupling 19. The sensor 18, as well as other sensors that will be identified herein, may be example encoders, of which different types are known in the art, or other types of sensors. The shaft 16 can be coextensively positioned with the coupling 19. The function of the wedge sensor 18 is described below. There is an upper wedge (not shown) for each of the lower wedges 14 which is in axial alignment with the respective lower wedge. Suitable means exist for the inlet feed and the outlet outlet of containers to introduce the containers into the turret and to remove them from the turret after they have been labeled. And appropriate means of transporting the labels are provided to place the labels in each container in a label release / application station (label application).

These means are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Number 4,108,709. A simple embodiment of a vacuum drum 214 for holding a label 36 is shown. The vacuum drum 36 is connected by a drum shaft 213 to a drum motor 210 and a drum sensor 211. The vacuum drum, the associated adhesive application device 201 and the label cutting device form the labeling application station. The vacuum is supplied by a suitable vacuum pump (not shown). Also, means are provided for moving the top of each pair of upper and lower wedges out of the lower wedge in order to allow a container to enter and move downward to hold the container in place between the wedges. upper and lower. Suitable cam means for the aforesaid function are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,108,709, which also serves to lift each upper wedge in order to release a labeling container. A sensor and actuator arrangement capable of probing the position of the upper wedge and moving the upper wedge accordingly can also be provided. The arrangement of the sensor and the actuator would be similar to that discussed above with respect to the turret 10 and could be modified as appropriate. The actuator can usually be an electric motor or an air cylinder of which there are different types. The axis of the turret 11 is driven by an electric motor 25 through an axis of the motor 26, the gear of the motor 27 and the gear of the turret 28. A sensor of the turret 31 is also coupled to the axis of the turret 11 opposite to the motor 25. A gear of the sensor 29 mounted across the axis of the sensor 30 to the sensor 31 is coupled to the gear of the turret 28. The motor 25 rotates the turret around the center of the shaft 11. Each wedge motor 17 rotates one Wedge 14. During the labeling, it is convenient to control the orbital speed of the turret 13 and therefore the orbital speed of the wedges 14 around the center of the main axis 11. It is also advisable to control the speed and the direction of rotation of each wedge 14 on its own axis . For example, assuming turret 13 turns counterclockwise, it may be convenient to turn the turret 13 at a higher or lower speed, to spin a wedge 14 faster or slower, to rotate a wedge 14 in the counterclockwise or counterclockwise direction of the hands and to start and stop the rotary movement of a wedge 14 completely. It is generally convenient to start the rotation of each wedge 14 before its container touches the front end of the label in order to adapt the linear velocity of the label and the velocity of the surface of the container at the point of contact, and in some applications to ensure that the label is placed exactly in reference to a certain brand or characteristic of the aforementioned container. Referring now to FIGURE 2, four containers numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4 are shown and are transported by the turret 10. A vacuum drum is shown at 35 with a label 36 held on its cylindrical surface by vacuum, this label has a leading edge 37 that touches the container 2 at a tangent point. An adhesive is applied to the portions of the label 36, through an adhesive station 201. It is convenient to reduce the sliding between the surface of the container 15 and the vacuum drum that carries the label 35 during contact. As the container 1 approaches the labeling station its motor 17 is regulated in such a way that when it reaches the position of the container 2, it will be caused to rotate by its motor 17 at a speed such that its orbital velocity around the center of main shaft 11 (indicated by arrow I) and its rotation speed (indicated by arrow III) cause it to move forward at the same speed or a little faster, and in the same direction as the label; that is, the velocities in the tangency line of the container and the leading edge of the label are the same or slightly different to maintain adequate tension. By this, the slippage between the leading edge of the label and the container is prevented or precisely controlled. Referring to FIGURE 2, the container 3 has lost contact with the vacuum drum and a loose end, or what is known as the "loose" or rear end of the label 203 is wrapped around a container. It is convenient that the loose end be as short as possible to avoid interference with the labeling of the next container 2. It may also be desirable to pack the wedges 14, and consequently the containers 15, as close as possible to each other. To achieve these objectives, the motor 17 of the respective wedge 14 can be adjusted in such a way that the container 3 can rotate faster than the container 2, at least until finishing the wrapping of the label as shown by the container in the position 4. The command can be for a specified period of time or for a specified number of turns of the container. Once the label has been fully applied, the motor 17 can be adjusted to decelerate or stop the rotation of the container. The control algorithm and the coordination with the motors and sensors is described later. A cylinder at rest or alternatively a linear sliding arm, or other pressure applying device 202 may also come into contact with the rotating container 3 to spring-force the label 36 into the adhesive contact with the container 3. The cylinder in Rest 202 can be incorporated along with each wedge 14 as shown, or in the form of a single station associated with vacuum drum 35. The need for this additional pressure application device will depend on factors such as the type of adhesive, the diameter of the container and the labeling material. Other methods can also be used to press the label with adhesive to the surface of the container, for example, a flow of air direct to the container can be directed in a suitable manner to push the label toward the surface of the container. Although it is usually convenient to match the linear velocity of the container and the label at the tangent point of contact, it may also be convenient alternatively to rotate the container 2 at a speed such that the tangent velocity of the container exceeds that of the label on the drum, thereby exerting traction on the label. Referring to FIGURE 3, a front and back labeling operation is shown in which the container 2 has a front label 36F applied thereto by a vacuum drum 35F and a container 5 has a back label 36B applied thereto by a drum vacuum 35B. The apparatus of FIGURE 3 is substantially the same as in FIGURE 2, with the exception that a second labeling station is present in addition to the first labeling station. The control system and the one-way algorithm are more complex for a multiple labeling station apparatus, and will be described in more detail below. Assuming the subsequent label 36B is applied to a position 180 ° of the front label 36F, it will be necessary to change the orientation of the container with respect to the tangent point of the respective vacuum drums 35F and 35B by 180 °. The container 4 represents a container placed in a position between the two labeling stations after the first label has been applied. This 180 ° turn or change of orientation can be achieved by any multiple of 180 °, for example, the container can be rotated 3 x 180 ° = 540 °, between two labeling stations. This operation can be applied to labels that are in a more or less relative angular orientation that is not at a distance of 180 °, for the application of three or more labels, and for the application of labels to the sides of a non-cylindrical container . In all cases, the container rotates between two labeling stations by the desired amount or an appropriate multiple of it.

In addition to the change of orientation, the container at 5 must also have a speed such that it reduces to slippage when the label 36B is applied on a single labeling station apparatus. This requirement can be easily achieved in the above manner. However, additional problems arise when multiple labels are placed in a container. When the orientation or relative location of two labels is important, both the orientation of the container relative to the vacuum drum 35B, and the speed of the container should have desired values. This agreement is achieved despite the intermediate acceleration of the container to facilitate wrapping of the label, and the deceleration necessary to match the tangent speed in the vacuum drum 35B. Subsequently, the control mechanism to achieve this operation is described. Another aspect of the invention relates to the labeling of containers that are not cylindrical. For example, containers that have a rectangular cross section or an oval cross section. As for cylindrical containers, simple or multiple labeling can be provided. The rotational speed of the wedge can be varied during labeling such that each point on the surface of the container, as it makes contact with the applied label, has a suitable speed that agrees with the speed of the label entering, or slightly different to maintain adequate tension. Referring now to FIGURE 4, a process for multiple labeling of rectangular containers is shown. The process for labeling rectangular containers is analogous to the process illustrated in FIGURE 3 for cylindrical vessels but more container movements between stations may be required. In FIGURE 4, a front, rear and side labeling operation is shown in which a container 1 has a front label 1F applied thereto by means of a vacuum drum 40F, the container 3 has a back label 41B applied thereto by a vacuum drum 40B and the container 5 has a side label 41S applied thereto by a vacuum drum 40S. Assuming that the labels have to be applied on three different faces of the rectangular container, it will be necessary to rotate the container between the vacuum drums 40F, 40B and 40S. Containers 2 and 4 represent the containers at intermediate points between the labeling operations. Each label application process is completed between the labeling stations and container C reorients for the next operation. As for the cylindrical containers, some pressure or force may be required to push each label with the adhesive towards the surface of the container. This impulse force can be achieved through some pressure devices in the manner mentioned above, such as with a cylindrical globule mounted in the form of spring 240F, 240B, 240S or for example, by means of a directed flow of compressed air. The rectangular container can also be rotated at a higher speed between stations but this rotation itself may be insufficient to adhere the container label to a rectangular container under certain conditions due to disturbance of the air flow caused by an irregularly shaped container. When the shape of the container deviates substantially from the cylindrical shape, it may be advisable to control the orientation of each container at each site as it passes through a revolution of the turret or more generally as it traverses the predetermined transport path. The direction of the container can also be achieved by orienting the container against a cylindrical roller 240B, as shown in FIGURE 4. To achieve the above and the other controls of the movements, a computer controlled control system is supplied by a computer 20 and it is described later. Referring again to FIGURE 1, a perspective view of a computer controlled turret type labeling device 10 of the preferred embodiment is shown. For better clarity in illustrating the function of the present invention, the turret assembly 10 is shown isolated from the rest of the system. The discharge and loading of containers 15 inside and outside a turret-type mechanism is generally known in the art. A sample method in U.S. Patent Number 4,108,179 issued to Hoffman. In the preferred embodiment, the turret arrangement 10 is connected through a plurality of control lines to a computer 20 through a plurality of interfaces. The control lines provide different communication channels for polling the position of each sensor 18 and 31 and for driving each motor 17 and 25 either directly or through output transmitters to effect the desired operation. For example, two or more electrically conductive wires may be provided from each motor and sensor to the computer controller or a multiplexer arrangement or an electric bus arrangement with fewer wires may be used. Some motors and / or sensors may require additional cables or a common ground conductor to reduce the number of cables needed for communication. These methods of communication and control are known in the art. The computer 20 is programmed to process the signals received from the sensors 31 and 18 and to generate suitable response signals to the transmission motors 25 and 17 mounted on the turret assembly.

Focusing on the turret assembly 10, an axis of the central turret 11 is provided to rotate the turret plate 13. The axis of the turret 11 is driven by a motor 25. A transmission shaft 26 extends from the motor 25 and it is used to drive the axis of the turret 11. The portion of the labeling apparatus containing the engine 25, the gear of the engine 27 and the front gear 28, as well as the related components is found in the case of the transmission motor 60. It is separated by a division 61 of the turntable plate 13 and handling stations of the container 24. In the same way, a sensor of the turret shaft 31 is also located in the case of the transmission motor 60. the axis of the turret 11 rotates, the movement of the axis of the turret 11 is transferred from the gear of the turret 28 to the gear of the sensor 29. This movement is probed by the sensor 31. The sensor 31 generates a variety of electrical signals rep Representatives of the direction, speed and angular position of the axis of the turret 11 in response to the probed movement and the position of the axis 30. For some sensors, the electrical signals generated are pulses that can be coded to represent the direction, speed and angular position of the axis. This signal propagates through the control lines 22 and 21 to the computer 20.

A plate of the turret 13 is mounted coaxially with the axis of the turret 11. A variety of container handling stations 24 are connected to the turret plate 13. Each of these stations 24 contains a motor 17, a rotating shaft 16, a sensor 18 and a mounting surface for containers (or wedges) 14. The motors 17 are mounted on the lower part of the turret plate 13 by means well known in the art. The rotating shaft 16 extends from the motor 17 through an aperture of the shaft in the turret plate 13. A sensor 18 is connected to the base of the rotating shaft 16 (through a probe coupling 19) to monitor the speed, angular position and direction of rotation of the rotating shaft 16 and thus of the container 15 located in this place. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor 18 is a rotary optical encoder. Magnetic flux type selection sensors may also be used, but may not be as accurate as optical devices. Also, some types of motors have an integral position encoder so that a single unit can provide the motor and sensor functions. The optical encoder 18 reads the position of the rotating shaft 16 in a variety of evenly spaced increments around a full 360 degree rotation of the rotating shaft 16. For example, an optical encoder having 500 angular increments evenly spaced around A full 360-degree rotation of the shaft can also be used. The greater the number of increments, the greater the precision with which the speed, direction and angular position can be probed. An electrical signal propagation station 23 is mounted on the upper part of the turret plate 13 around the transmission shaft 11. This station 23 allows a continuous propagation of the electrical signal between the lines going from the computer 20 to the rotating stations 24 and vice versa. The methods and apparatus for providing the electrical signal propagation station 23 are generally known in the art. The sensor 18 provides the computer 20 with information about the angular position of the container 15 very accurately at any instant of time. The location and angular orientation are identified with respect to a fixed point of the orientation of the angular axis that is previously calibrated in the position sensor 18, as indicated above. Given the exact information of the position of the container, the computer 20 can send the appropriate signals to the motor 17 to move the wedge 14 through a desired movement. These engines 17 can be AC or DC motors depending on the operating conditions, and other relevant considerations. Also, gradual-speed motors can be used. The electric motors 17 rotate the wedges 14 (and the containers 15 therein) at a specific speed, in a specific direction and for a specified duration based on an excitation signal or control signal provided to the engine 17 by the computer 20 An engine suitable for this embodiment is selected based on the characteristics of the wedge 14 and the container 15, and particularly on the required output power, speed characteristics, torsion requirements and the operating environment. The computer 20 of the preferred embodiment allows an operator to easily modify the labeling parameters as compared to the slow and careful process of modifying the mechanical labeling apparatus of the prior art. A general-purpose computer of the type referred to as for example an IBM-compatible computer with sufficient processor speed can be configured with suitable interfaces for polling and controlling the labeling apparatus. The control methods are known in the art and are illustrated in standard reference texts such as for example Incremental Motor Control (Incremental Motor Control) - Volume I - DC Motors and Control Systems (CD Motors and Control Systems) edited by Benjamín C Kuo and Jacob Tal, published by SRL Publishing Co. Referring to FIGURE 5, an illustration of the components that are part of the computer control system is shown. The components are identified with the same reference numerals that appear in FIGURE 1. Of particular interest are the turret engine 25, the turret sensor 31, a variety of wedge motors 17, the wedge sensors 18, the vacuum drum motors 210 and vacuum drum sensors 211. For each motor 25, 17, 210 there is an associated command signal comprising an angular velocity commanded O and an angular position commanded _. For each sensor 31, 18, 211 is there an associated sensor signal that includes the measured angular velocity? and a measured angular position _. Commanded signals and measurements are supplied or received depending on the characteristics of the particular devices. The angular speeds commanded and measures include both the magnitude (speed) and the direction. Referring to FIGURE 6, a simplified hardware diagram of the computer, interfaces, actuators and sensors of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. Not all aspects of the digital computer are illustrated, the general structure of which is well known in the art. The information in the form of electrical signals is the input to the input interface 101 of the computer 20. The interface 101 includes the hardware for signal conditioning and its operation is under the control of the software process control algorithm and the operating system of the computer. The interface can include analog-to-digital conversion circuits when sensors 18 and 31 produce analog signals and the digital computer is used. The signals of other sensors indicating the condition of other components of the labeling apparatus can also be received at the interface. For example, the status of other components of the labeling apparatus can be supplied to the interface using the appropriate sensors. The position of the upper wedge (not shown), the state of the vacuum drum including the speed and angular orientation, as well as the state of supply of the labels may also be provided for example. At interface 101 the input signals can be filtered to suppress noise, processed to identify the source sensor and the data itself can be validated against predetermined characteristics to verify that they are in the proper range and are not clearly erroneous.

The input interface 101 may be a parallel interface in which different signal channels are usually processed simultaneously, or may be a serial interface where the signals are accepted and processed sequentially. Methods for interfacing devices, including sensors, to computers are well known in the art. After the interface 101 has received the sensor inputs and has performed the initial processing, the interface provides information about the status of the labeling machine to the computer 20 which is usable in the subsequent processing steps. When the computer 20 is a digital computer, the state information is generally provided in the form of a variety of status words, coded as binary bits. Control of the analog computer can also be used, in which case the status information can be a variety of voltage levels in different control lines. The state information is read through a block of the compute processor 102 which performs logical and arithmetic operations based on the state information, the shape storage device of the stored parameters 104 and the operator inputs from the 103 keyboard when necessary or convenient. The logical and / or arithmetic processing steps or algorithm can be accessed by an operator from the keyboard 103 or retrieved from a storage device 104, such as computer memory and / or computer disk device. . A suitable processing algorithm will define the characteristics of a variety of control signals based on different system parameters including: the geometry of the turret plate 13 and the wedges 14, the probed position, the rotary direction and the speed of the plate of the turret 13 and the wedges 14, a mathematical description of the container fastened 15 in a given wedge 14, the dimensions of each label to be applied, the relative location with the container 15 where the label will be applied, a description of the movement of the container to achieve the desired labeling, and other parameters related to the characteristics of the overall apparatus as necessary. The processing algorithm will use this information and the specified operation in order to calculate the appropriate control signals for the different motors 17 and 25 and other components such as the vacuum drum, in order to achieve the desired operation. The logic and arithmetic processor will also validate the parameters of the calculated control signal to verify that they are not clearly erroneous based on the current state of the apparatus, the physical capabilities of the components including the motors 17 and 25, and the desired operation. The suspicious conditions will be indicated by the error conditions. In general, some of the calculations can be achieved and the results can be pre-stored in such a way that only a minimum number of calculations need to be carried out during the operation of the labeling machine. The control features are supplied by a variety of output states or control words generated under software control in the compute processor 102, and are supplied to a variety of output interfaces 105. In most cases, it would be a simple output interface 105 is sufficient, in other cases it may be beneficial to provide more than one interface, such as for example separate interfaces for controlling the turret motor 25 and the wedge motors 17. The output interface 105 can directly generate the signal suitable analog or digital output (pulses) based on the information provided by the processor 102 to drive the motors 17 and 25 to the desired movement. In particular, a commanded speed, direction and position for each motor 17 and 25 will be calculated. The output interface 105 can include a variety of digital to analog converters to translate the digital control signals into suitable electrical analog signals for the motors. 17 and 25. The output interface 105 may also include amplification stages. In other cases, it may be convenient to interpose an output driver 106 between interface 105 and motor 17 and / or 25. The additional output driver is required only when the motor excitation signal required has a voltage or current greater than advisable or possible to supply directly from the output interface 105, or when the control signal can be generated more effectively externally to the computer or its interface. For example, the output driver 106 may be an amplifier, or it may be a voltage controlled oscillator that generates a variable frequency pulse signal for a stepper motor. In general, the output motor signals are analog signals less than a few amps and 10 volts; however, the use of motors that require higher current or voltage signals is within the scope of this invention. In one embodiment of the invention, direct current (DC) motors are used for the motors 17 and 25. In this embodiment the output interface 105, or the optional output driver 106, provides an analog frequency signal zero, constant voltage amplified and selectable towards each CD motor.

In an alternative embodiment, alternating current (AC) motors are used for the motors 17 and 25. In this case, a current or alternating voltage signal (non-zero frequency) is used to drive or control each motor 17 and 25. In another embodiment of the invention, stepper speed type motors are used for the motors 17 and 25. The signals used to control the motors are pulses, where each pulse corresponds to a partial rotation of the motor shaft. The variation in motor speed can be made by increasing or decreasing the pulse frequency. The acceleration characteristics of the motor can be modified by increasing the pulse frequency according to a characteristic of the desired acceleration ramp. Different types of engines can be combined in a single embodiment of the invention as long as the software program controlling the process and the interfaces are configured accordingly. After the movement of the turret 13 and the wedge 14 in response to the control signals, new sensor signals from the sensors 18 and 31 are received in the input interface block 101, starting the process again. The system is sampled with sufficient frequency to maintain operational control. The sampling rate required is a function of system dynamics, including turret speeds and wedge motors. The labeling apparatus is compatible with different types of motors, however, the preferred embodiment incorporates the stepper motors. Stepper motors have a particular advantage for this application because angular velocity and angular position respond directly to input commands. A stepper motor can be made to move from a known angular position to an angular position commanded by a simple command, such as a pulse sequence. Speed can also be commanded in a similar way. The stepped speed motors can be maintained at a desired angular position by issuing the appropriate commands, without the additional motor shaft separating the components and without agitation occurring in servo-controlled feedback loop systems without the stepper type motors. The stepper motor is a component of the stepper motor system. The gradual speed motor control system that activates the appropriate coil or coils within the motor to make the motor rotor move or stop according to the desired ones is important for its operation. The desired operation of the motor is achieved by activating the selected coils of the extractor in sequence that causes the corresponding movement (or alignment) in the rotor. The controlled acceleration or deceleration of the stepper motor is achieved by increasing or decreasing the speed, first with gradual slow speeds and then at higher speeds. When decelerating a stepper motor, the high speed is gradually reduced. In some stepper motors, an impulse causes the motor to move through a fractional part of a complete revolution. For a stepper motor that has 500 steps in 360 degrees, the motor shaft rotates 360/500 = 0.72 degrees / step. The speed of a stepper motor with the mentioned one is controlled by the frequency of impulses or steps. This increase reduces the oscillations and potential loss of synchronization that could result from sudden changes in the pulse frequency. The engine and engine control technology are well known in mechanical techniques. Referring now to FIGURE 7, the control system is described in terms of one embodiment of a two-station labeling turntable similar to that illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 5. The flow diagram of the FIGURE 7 illustrates the three primary phases of the operation. There is an initial synchronization phase during which the control system commands the different motors to operate at or close to their nominal speed values, and to align their axes in some nominal programming of angular orientations. Although the initial synchronization step may not be necessary for the operation of the labeling apparatus, its inclusion substantially eliminates the possibility that a characteristic of some component, such as the orientation of the axis of a motor, is incorrect and does not can be corrected in the time available at an important stage of labeling. Sufficient time is allocated for the initial synchronization phase in order to ensure virtually synchronization, eliminating malfunctioning of the components. During initial synchronization, all sensors 18, 31, 211 are read or sampled through the input interface 101. Their values are subsequently evaluated against some standard or nominal parameters and the appropriate commands, in the form of number and frequency of pulses are sent to the stepper motors through an output interface 105 and the output driver 106. The output driver 106 can include the stepper motor controller and operate to convert the commands from the computer 20 to a sequence of equivalent impulses.

After the initial synchronization, there are three possible stages in which a container 15 mounted on a wedge 14. Referring to FIGURE 3, a container in position 1 approaches the drum 35F of the front labeling station. We can see that the positions of the container are part of a continuous movement of the container around the turret. The wedge motor 17 and the vacuum motor 211 must enter this phase with sufficient time before the tangent contact in such a way that the desired angular velocity and orientation can be achieved in all the initial conditions anticipated and following the synchronization. It is convenient to match the angular velocities in order to reduce the relative slip, the possible wear of the component and damage to the label. It is advisable to match the angular orientation of the wedge 14 with its oriented container 15 with the vacuum drum 35F in such a way that the label is properly placed on the surface of the container 15. For a system of the simple labeling station, such as example in FIGURE 2, the orientation of the container may not be important if the container is rotationally symmetrical. The container at location 2 receives the label 36F, and maintains its matching speed until the trailing edge of the label has exited the vacuum drum. The wrapping phase of the label can be started at this time. The wrapping phase includes an acceleration of the wedge motor 17 to a desired wrapping speed. Once this speed has been achieved, according to those determined from the wedge sensor 18, the wrapping speed is maintained for a fixed number of revolutions, or equivalently, for a fixed period of time. A pressure source such as a cylinder 202, or a linear sliding arm, or a directed stream of compressed air, cooperates with the rotating container and the trailing edge of the unbonded label to propel it toward the surface of the container. After contact, the label is secured with the previously applied adhesive. The number of revolutions R, necessary to complete the high speed envelope is previously determined and is part of the control program. A full rotation is sufficient when using a pressure device; A higher number of revolutions may be necessary to wrap the label when a pressure device is not available and the wrapping is achieved by rotating at high speed. The processing of the container after the wrapping will depend on which step of the wrapping of the label has been made. If the second step of the label has been completed, as for example when the back label 36B has already been applied, then the motor of the wedge 17 can receive a command to decelerate in preparation for the exit of the container 15 from the turret. If the container is in position 4 in FIGURE 3, then you must prepare for your second labeling operation. As described above, this requires coordination of the angular velocities and orientations to carry out substantially non-slip labeling and proper label placement. As long as it is not the acceptance phase of the label, the wrapping phase of the label and the deceleration phase of the wedge motor, the speed and orientation of the wedge motor are not important and can therefore General to be programmed to maintain a nominal angular speed of the wedge motor. The relative angular orientation during this phase is monitored but does not need to be corrected. This speed maintenance phase is usually present before the acceptance phase of the label and between the acceptance phase of the label and the wrapping phase of the label. The start and end of the different phases is determined previously based on the characteristics of the container 15 and the operational characteristics of the turret apparatus. The phase should start with sufficient time before the action to allow the desired speed and orientation to be achieved. In an embodiment of the present invention for the application of multiple labels in non-cylindrical containers, the required control could be more complex in a certain way. For example, with reference to FIGURE 4, a control approach may be advantageously used in some other way. The rectangular shape of the containers have two impacts on the control system. First, the rotation of the containers to facilitate wrapping might not be fully effective due to the potentially unfavorable air currents caused by the rotation of a non-symmetrical vessel. Second, the rectangular shape of the container defines a different distance from the center of the turret as each surface of the container is presented for labeling. These two differences of a cylindrical labeling apparatus require a more general approach as regards the orientation of the container than that necessary for a cylindrical container, but which is also applicable for cylindrical containers. The operation of the system is based on the control of the angular orientation of each motor of the wedge 17 as a function of the relative angular orientation of the turret. Referring to the labeling operation in FIGURE 4, a rectangular container is shown in position 1. This container has been oriented by suitable commands to its wedge motor 17 in order to present a desired location of the container surface desired A towards the vacuum drum 40F for labeling. Although the container 1 is not rotating in the direction in which the cylindrical container was rotated, its angular orientation is controlled, such as rocking (partially rotating) the container towards the vacuum drum 40F at the appropriate time to accept the leading edge of the label 41F and swinging it out of the drum a moment later in order to accept the label without damaging the vacuum drum 40F. The container can be continuously oriented in order to clear the vacuum drum 40F. Observe that the vacuum drum may not be placed generally at the minimum tangent point of the container and that the different vacuum drums can necessarily be placed at different distances from the turret, or from the center line of the transport path to facilitate the different surfaces of the container for labeling. The ability to continuously orient the container also allows the repositioning of the container for a subsequent labeling operation on a different surface. For example, in FIGURE 4, the container 2 is turned clockwise in order to present the suitable surface for labeling in the vacuum drum 40b. The orientation also allows a pressure device such as a spring-loaded cylinder 240b illustrated in position 4 to be used to drive the label coated with adhesive towards the surface of the container. The orientation of the container can be adjusted as the container passes through the pressure application station 240b in order to maintain a relatively constant pressure. Other pressure devices such as, for example, a linear sliding arm, a brush, or a stream of directed compressed air can also be used to urge the label to contact the surface of the container. Stepper motors are used for wedge motors 17 for this implementation, since stepper motors can be easily commanded to change the orientation in incremental increments. In this embodiment, for each angular orientation of the turret, the motor of the wedge 17 is programmed in a particular angular orientation. The 360 ° rotation of the turret can be divided into zones with different accuracy requirements. For each increase in the position of the turret, or for each zone of increases in the position of the turret when necessary, a desired value of the angular orientation of the wedge and the velocity in a memory storage device is stored. This sequence of positions or commands to achieve these positions is stored in the memory and is retrieved from the memory and output to the motor of the wedge 17 at the appropriate time. Some prediction and correction schemes can be used for closed loop control systems in order to reduce calculations when advisable. Methods for the implementation of the prediction / correction control system are known in the art. Only a sequence of stored positions is required for all wedge motors since they all go through the same sequence of commands at different times. The turret sensor 31 is used to verify the location of the turret at any time and corrections can be carried out. The sensors of the wedge 18 are read to verify that the programmed orientations have been achieved. The control of the vacuum drums is substantially the same as for the cylindrical labeling apparatus of Figures 3 and 7 in relation to the synchronization phase and the acceptance phase of the label. The timing of this form is maintained substantially continuous, and the wrapping phase of the tag is included in the orientation of the wedge motor as a function of the angular orientation of the turret.

Embodiment of Application of Elastic Labels to Containers Referring now to Figure 8, a container 510 is shown having a cylindrical body 511, an upper portion 512, an inclined neck or flange 513 and a curvature 514 in the lower part . This container is labeled as described below. Referring now to Figure 9, which is taken from Figure 1 of U.S. Patent 4,109,709 but is simplified, a supply of continuous labels 520 from a roll of this supply and a label feed (not shown) passes through of a cutter 521 that separates the supply of labels into individual labels 522. Before separating a label from the supply of labels, its leading end is conveyed to a vacuum drum 523 and, as it is transported by the drum to a container, adhesive is applied by means of a glue applicator 524 at its front end and at its rear end, or both at its front and rear end as described above, the glue pattern being applied as described above. The separate label with the adhesive applied thereto arrives at a turret 525 which selects the containers 526 of a feed star wheel 527. The turret selects each container in turn, rotates it and transports it through the vacuum drum 523 , where it comes in contact with the front end of a label in the vacuum drum. The vacuum is released at this point of contact in such a way that the label is released and will adhere and wrap around the container. As described above, the label is elastic and shrinks thanks to the fact that the vacuum drum has a peripheral speed that exceeds that of the supply of the labels as they are fed into the vacuum drum, and the slipping of the label due to the vacuum exerted by the vacuum drum 23 and / or a clamping device described above or by both methods. Referring now to FIGURE 10 which is taken from FIGURE 2 of US Pat. No. 4,108,709 but is simplified and omits parts and employs different reference numbers, the turret has a number of pairs of wedges 530 and 531 that secure the recipients among them. As the turret continues to rotate, the upper wedge 530 is rotated by a wheel 532 and an axis 533, the wheel 532 rotates by contact with a pad 534 having a circular arc centered on the axis of the turret. The front end of the label contacts the rotating container and is also moving around the turret axis, and the vacuum is released such that the label is free to adhere to and move with the container. To prevent the stretched label from relaxing when released from the vacuum drum, the adhesive on the label and / or the container acts to hold it in the container in the stretched condition. In this way, the label is applied to the container in a stretched manner. The portion of the label remaining on the flange 513, of course, will relax and adapt to the shape of the flange closely. Likewise, the label will relax and adapt in the curved portion of the bottom 514 of the container. Referring now to FIGURE 11, a labeled container is shown here. The label is firmly applied to the cylindrical body of the container, to the rim 513 and to the curved portion of the bottom 514 of the container. Referring now to FIGURE 12, the label cutter 521, the vacuum drum 523, the glue applicator 524 and a container appear in diagram form. The double-headed arrows indicate the stretching of the label between the feeding of labels and the vacuum drum and between the vacuum drum and the container. Referring now to FIGURE 13, a different kind of container 540 is shown, such as one that has the shape of a familiar Coca Cola bottle. This bottle has a lower body portion 541, a conical portion in the upper interior 542 and a middle portion 543 that is convex. A label 522 is shown applied to this central portion. In U.S. Patent Number 5,403,416, a heat-shrinkable label is applied by adhesive from the area of maximum diameter of this middle portion with its upper and lower parts not yet attached to the container. These upper and lower portions subsequently thermally contract over the middle portion 543. In accordance with the present invention, the label, shown at 522, is stretched and applied and adapted to the total surface of the middle portion 543 by relaxing from its condition. stretched. Referring to FIGURE 14, there is shown another type of article labeled 550 (a decorative article of a Christmas tree) having a convex mid portion 551 to which a stretch 552 of decorative material has been applied by means of the apparatus and method described above. The 552 fits firmly over the entire convex mid portion 551. Referring now to FIGURE 15, a label supply roll 560 is shown, this roller is driven by a roller feed motor (not shown) to feed the stock material. the label 520 in the direction indicated by the arrow. The label material is partially wrapped around a cylinder 561 that rotates at a peripheral speed s2 greater than the peripheral speed sl of the roller 560. Vacuum can be applied to the surface of the cylinder 561 to prevent slippage of the label material. As a result, the label material is stretched between the roller 560 and the roller 561. The roller 560 can be operated to be printed to the label material that comes out of it at a constant speed as the roller decreases in diameter. The peripheral speed differential (s2-sl) can be achieved by coupling a sensor to the roller feed motor to probe its speed and a separate sensor coupled to the cylinder drive motor to drive the cylinder 561 in order to probe its speed and access both speeds probed to a computer so that the computer can maintain in this way a precise speed differential as for example by applying corrective transmission control signals appropriate to the motors and thus maintaining the stretch of the material of the label in the default values. Alternatively, one or the other motor can be controlled to rotate at a fixed speed, or at a variable speed which results in, for example, a constant peripheral feed speed for the label material. And the other motor, for example the cylinder transmission motor, driven at a peripheral speed greater than the linear speed of the input coil of the label material. In this case, the drag exerted by the label material as it is stretched from the feed roll, is probed by a torsion sensor as for example those conventionally known coupled to the transmission cylinder 561 and the speed at which the 1-cylinder transmission engine is activated, adjusted as a feedback to maintain a constant torque and a relatively constant amount of stretch of the label. The latter method can be advantageous over the differential speed control itself if lots of labeling material or even material within the same batch are stretched inconsistently. The moving parts of the machine described above, such as the label feed, the cutter, the vacuum drum, the glue applicator, the turret, the wedges and the roller 560 in FIGURE 15, can be operated by means of individual computer controlled engines, as for example in U.S. Patent 5,380,381 or U.S. Patent Application of Bright and Otruba Serial No. 08/122, 857 filed on September 16, 1993. Among other advantages of the application of elastic and stretched labels are the following: The elastic labels reduce the breakage and fragmentation of the containers. If a plastic container is filled with a gaseous drink and then sealed, it will expand due to the pressure of the gas and when it empties it will contract. In this case, the elastic label will expand and contract as the case may be. An elastic tag can be heated before being applied, thus allowing easier stretching. The above illustrations and verbal description have been presented with respect to the articles, each with a body portion of a maximum diameter with one or more portions adjacent thereto and with smaller diameter. For example, as in the case of containers having cylindrical body portions and at one end an internal conical rim, or as in FIGURE 14 with spherical bodies. The invention is also applicable in articles such as, for example, a cylindrical bottle or other container having on its cylindrical surface protruding portions which serve as decoration and which remain outside the cylindrical surface. The elastics, for example, the transparent elastic label material, can be applied on the projecting portions and on the cylindrical body of the bottle. For example, the article may have a decorative projection. By the method of the invention, a transparent elastic label may be wrapped around the container in a stretched position so that it is on top but does not obscure the protruding decoration. The applied label will contract on the surrounding cylindrical surface. It will therefore be apparent that a new and useful machine and a new and useful method for applying s of sheet material, for example, labels, to containers and other articles have been supplied.

Embodiment for the application of touch sensitive signs in containers FIGURES 16-18 show articles that have signs that can be recognized by touch on them to help people with decreased vision to obtain information about the respective articles. FIGURE 16 shows a cardboard box 30, such as for example the box of a cereal, with signs 32 secured with adhesive to the box 30. The signs 32 have individual protuberances or projections 36. The projections 36 are preferably arranged in a format with conventional Braille letters. Alternatively, an icon or trademark could be formed on the label such as an embossed or engraved area that would be noticeable by people with diminished vision. A glue blowing gun, as will be described later and not shown in FIGURE 16, can be used to blow individual drops with the gun in Braille letter format 32. Alternatively, during the manufacture of the box 30, it could be recorded or signs 32 are printed on the box 30. Also, it is possible to apply the signs 32 to the box 30 by means of a label. FIGURE 17 shows a bottle 40 and a lid 42 with a label 44 secured with adhesive thereto. The label 44 has a pattern of signs 46 thereon, again including an arrangement of projections 50. Alternatively, as seen in FIGURE 18, a label 52 may be applied to the top or side of a beverage can 54 The label 52 contains information that can be obtained with the touch, as for example in the form of protrusions 56 arranged in Braille configuration. FIGURE 19 illustrates a discrete label 60 that is illustrated as being rectangular in shape, although other shapes may also be used. The label 60 has a portion of the leading edge 62, a portion of the trailing edge 64 and an intermediate portion 66 extending between the former. Ideally, the label 60 has printed aspects 68 such as for example words, photographic reproductions or designs on it. The projections 70 are located in the intermediate portion 66. The label 60 is ideally made of a flexible plastic such as a polypropylene film or a polystyrene film, but it can also be made of paper or paper laminates. It is preferable that the material of the label be thin enough to easily produce discernible projections. FIGURE 20 schematically shows a first embodiment of a labeling apparatus 80 used to apply labels 82 or cans 86. A supply of continuous labels or material 90 is stored on a reel 92 pivotally supported by an axis 94. A tension mechanism 100 is used, including an arm 102 and a wheel 104 to keep the supply 90 taut. A transmission cylinder 106, located downstream of the spool 92, rotates against one of the idle wheels 96 to pull the supply 90 downwardly of the wheel 92. A unit of the cutter 110 periodically cuts the continuous supply 90 into labels 82 of predetermined length. A first rotary vacuum drum 108 applies a vacuum A and holds the supply 90 until the supply 90 is cut into individual labels 82. Another approach to the cutting step is first to shear the label which is subsequently transferred to the second vacuum drum 112 The second rotary vacuum drum 112 holds the individual labels 82 using a vacuum. Examples of a vacuum drum that loosely hold a label thereon can be found in U.S. Patent Number 4,242,167, which has been incorporated by reference to this application. The vacuum at the front end portion of the labels 82 is released when the labels move adjacent to the vacuum drum 112 thereby achieving transfer of the label 82 from the vacuum drum 108 to the vacuum drum 112. As the vacuum drum rotates 112, a glue wheel 114 applies glue to the back side of the labels 82, ideally at the leading and trailing edges of the labels 82. The vacuum drum 112 holds the labels 82 until the individual labels 82 are pressed against the containers 86. The containers 86 move in relation to the vacuum drum 112 by means of a star wheel 116 that receives the containers 86 from a conveyor belt 120. The glue on the back side of the labels 82 secures the labels 82 in the container 86. subsequently, the labeled containers 86 are transported by the conveyor 120 to a glue blowing gun 122. The glue blowing gun 122 includes a discharge head 124, conduits 126 and a supply of glue 130. FIGURE 21 shows the head of download 124 with more details. Eight individual nozzles 132 are arranged in each pair found in side-by-side blocks 134 and 135. The nozzles 132 are supplied with glue from the conduits 126. The drops of glue 136 are sprayed properly on the outside of the labels 82. to form a pair of digits in Braille or numbers as the containers 86 pass through the glue blowing gun 122. The drops of glue 136 are quickly dried on the labels 82 to produce signs that can be disconnected by touch. The glue is preferably a solid, molten metal thermoplastic material, which melts rapidly after heating and is then fixed in a firm bond upon cooling. An example of a glue blow gun is commercially available at J & amp;; M Laboratories of Dawsonville, Georgia. Alternatively, a thick ink tank or any other fast-drying liquid medium could be used instead of the provided glue that is dried to form a perceptible mark by touch. A thick liquid medium with a high viscosity (viscous liquid) can be used. FIGURE 22 is a sectional view of the glue blowing gun taken generally along line 7-7 of FIGURE 21. FIGURE 23 shows a second embodiment of a labeling apparatus 150. Once again the Supply 90 is fed from a spool, not shown. The supply 90 is threaded between a pair of cylinders 152 and 154. The cylinder 154, as shown in FIGURE 24 includes a male die insert 156 held therein that includes a predetermined pattern of projections 160 arranged in a pattern of Braille letters default. As the cylinders 152 and 154 rotate, they record in the supply 90 a Braille pattern of projections corresponding to the projections 160. Ideally, the cylinder 152 is a hardened support cylinder. However, it should be appreciated that it may be necessary to use a soft support roller or a corresponding female die to maintain character integrity. An assembly of the cutter 164, located adjacent to the cylinder 152, appropriately cuts the measured labels 166 from the supply 90. The cylinder 152 is a vacuum drum that applies vacuum to hold the supply 90 against it while cutting. the label 166. Each individual label 166 bears the pattern engraved in Braille therein. The assembly of the cutter 164 and the die insert 156 are in register with each other as the cylinders of the die 152 and 154 rotate, such that the Braille pattern and any marking printed on the labels 166 are properly located in relation to the front and rear edge portions on the labels 166. The labels 166 after being cut, pass into a large vacuum drum 170 and are pressed against a glue wheel 172. The glue wheel 172 applies glue to the front and rear edges. of the labels 16 without damaging the pattern engraved in braille on the labels 166. The labels 166 are subsequently transported to engage against the containers 174 carried by a star wheel 176. The glue on the labels 166 is affixed to the containers 174 and the Vacuum applied by the vacuum drum 170 to the labels 166 adjacent to the star wheel 176 is eliminated by allowing the labels 166 to be attached to the r 174. Containers 174 are transported to and from star wheel 176 by a conveyor 178. With labeling apparatus 150, braille projections project outwardly from containers 174. Alternatively, it is possible to fix a cylinder with dies. on the opposite side of the labels in order to produce indentations on the labels after they are stuck to the containers. FIGURE 25 shows cylinders 152 and 154 in perspective recording a label 90 passing between them. FIGURE 126 illustrates a vacuum drum 200 and a glue coupling wheel 202 used in a third embodiment of the labeling apparatus 210. As a label 204 is transported over the vacuum drum 200, a glue wheel 202 applies a predisposed pattern of drops of glue on the labels 204. The cylinder 202 has projections 206 located therein that collect the glue from a tank 208 before transferring the glue to the labels 204. The supply 90, preferably with printed matter therein, it is fed around the cylinder 212 which uses a vacuum to hold the supply 90. A cutter apparatus 214 cuts the individual labels 204 of the supply 90. As the labels 204 are cut, these labels 204 are held in the drum of vacuum 200 by vacuum. When the labels 204 pass between the vacuum drum 200 and the cylinder 202, tactile, tactile Braille signs are formed in the form of drops of glue on the labels 204. A glue wheel 216 applies glue to the back side of the labels 204 The labels 204 are subsequently transported to and pressed onto the cans 220 with the vacuum of the vacuum drum 200 which is released from the labels 204 at this point with the glue holding the respective labels 204 in the containers 220. Once again, a star wheel 212 and a conveyor 224 are used to transport the containers 220 to and from the vacuum drum 200. FIGURE 27 schematically shows a part of a third embodiment of a labeling apparatus 240. Once further, a vacuum drum 242 is used to hold a label 24. A glue blowing gun 246 blows drops 248 of glue onto the back side of the label 244 or the side opposite the vacuum drum 242. The vacuum drum 242 and the blow gun 246 would replace the respective vacuum drum 200 and glue wheel 202 of the apparatus 210 of FIGURE 26. FIGURE 28 is a fragmented sectional notice taken through the glue blow gun of FIGURE 27. When the label 244 is pressed onto a container 250, the drops 248 of glue cause projections 252 to form on the label 244 as seen in FIGURE 29. When applying the glue drops 248 in a braille font configuration, the tag 244 can be read by touch by a person with diminished vision. Also, instead of using a separate glue wheel in low production applications, the blow gun 246 could be used to apply glue to the front and rear edge portions of the labels 244 together with the application of the drops 248. The gun Glue Blower 246 includes a supply conduit 254 and a drain conduit 256. A reservoir 260 stores the molten glue therein under pressure. The nozzles 262 spray drops 248 onto the label 244. A computer controller 270 controls the time and pattern of blowing the glue drops from the blow gun 246 to the labels 244.

The preferred labeling apparatus is the Nordson 272 Controlled Fibrillation System as shown in FIGURE 30, where the design of the nozzle makes air and glue streams easily controllable. The Nordson Controlled Fibrillation System process uses multiple streams of air directed towards the glue, as it is supplied by the nozzle, thereby cooling the glue and forming a spiral pattern 274 thanks to the multiple air currents. Therefore, the Nordson System allows greater control of glue placement. Again, the Nordson Controlled Fiberization System 272 would replace the glue wheel 202 and the blow gun 246 of FIGS. 26 and 27. The Nordson Controlled Fibrillation System emits glue drops to the back side of the label 244, sustained by the vacuum drum 242. The Nordson 272 Controlled Fibrillation System is the preferred labeling device in large part due to its exceptional control of glue placement. In addition, because the reduced temperature of the glue decreases the thermal distortion of the labels during the glue application process without compromising production speeds. While in the above specification this invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments thereof, and various details have been stipulated for the purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to alteration and that some other details described herein may vary considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention. For example, a glue gun may be used to label containers such as those shown in FIGS. 16-18 as they pass below a conveyor line. Furthermore, it is envisioned that a concentrated air pattern emitted from a computer controlled air gun, similar to glue guns 122 and 246, could also be used to perform deformations to the label that produce the pattern of identifiable signs by touch. The above descriptions of the specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be detailed or to delimit the invention to the precise forms presented, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of those explained above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of the invention and their practical application, in order to allow other persons skilled in the art the best use of the invention and various forms of realization with different modifications according to which could be adapted for the particular use contemplated. The purpose is that the scope of the invention be designated by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on April 28, 1997 (06/28/97); original claims 1-5 and 13 modified; new claims 14-20 added; Requests remaining unchanged (6 pages)]

1. In a computer controlled labeling system that includes a computer, means of transporting the article to transport an article that will be labeled and means to apply elastic labels to the articles; a method for applying a leaf material elastic having a front end and a rear end not joined to the front end, to the surface of said article having a zone of maximum diameter and one or more adjacent areas of smaller diameter, this elastic it has an unstretched length between the front and rear ends that is less than the length of the surface of the mentioned article that will be covered by the aforementioned, this method includes: the stretching of the to increase the distance between the front and rear ends; the application of the said while being stretched to the article to superimpose the mentioned area of maximum diameter and the aforementioned adjacent area or areas, adhering the leading end of the stretch to the article, wrapping the while still in the stretched condition around the mentioned article, such that the aforementioned area and the aforementioned adjacent area or areas are superimposed and the trailing end of the stretch is secured to the aforesaid leading end or to the article; and the aforementioned control of the stretching and the aforementioned application by means of: the mathematical characterization of the attributes of the means of transport of the aforementioned article, the aforementioned means for applying labels and that of the aforementioned elastic label; transporting the mentioned article along a predetermined path in spaced relationship with the aforementioned means for applying the elastic labels; the sounding of the speed and the position of the means of transport mentioned; the calculation of the control values including the control values specifying the position, rotary direction and rotary speed to adjust the mentioned means in order to apply the elastic labels; the generation of control signals including the control signals that regulate the position, the rotary direction and the rotary speed in response to the mentioned calculated control values; and the application of the aforesaid control signals to said means of transport, and the aforementioned means for applying the elastic labels in such a way that the aforesaid label is stretched a predetermined amount when applied to the said article and the correct site of said article; and this stretch must be sufficient so that, when the applied stretching force is released, the part or parts of the superimposed area or areas adjacent to the relax adhere firmly and hermetically to the area or areas mentioned or sufficiently joined so that it can be thermocontracted later in the area or areas mentioned.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said elastic is a label and said article is a container having a body portion that includes a zone of maximum diameter, said container possessing one or more adjacent portions or a portion between the limbs of the body portion that are smaller in diameter than the body portion area of maximum diameter.

3. A method for labeling articles for identification by persons with diminished vision including the steps of: providing a continuous roll of sheet material on an unroll roll; unrolling the aforementioned continuous reel of material to expose those of the material sheet to be used as a label in the mentioned article; depositing, in a predetermined part of the aforesaid web sheet of the sheet material, a distinguishable mark by touch to identify the aforementioned article for persons with diminished vision to the touch; cutting the aforementioned predetermined leaf portion of the reel mentioned; and apply the portion of the mentioned sheet to the mentioned article; the aforementioned touch-sensitive marks are deposited on the aforesaid portion of the sheet after said material has been unrolled from the aforementioned uncoiling roll and immediately prior to the attachment of the said label to the said article.

The method of claim 3, wherein said step of depositing a distinguishable mark by touch includes the application of a liquid material that solidifies in a distinctive pattern on the sheet.

5. In a labeling machine, an apparatus for labeling an article with a distinguishable mark by touch, where this apparatus includes: a label application station for applying labels to the aforementioned article during the application of labels; rotating means for unwinding a roller of labeling material; a cutter for cutting one of the aforementioned roller from the labeling material into labels for application to the mentioned article; means for applying liquid to a section of the mentioned uncoiling roll of labeling material in a distinguishable pattern; means for solidifying the aforementioned liquid in the aforementioned distinguishable pattern after application; a rotating vacuum drum to hold the one of the aforementioned label in the cutter and place the one of the mentioned label next to the aforementioned article; a computer controller for controlling: the speed and orientation of the aforementioned vacuum drum, the time in which the aforementioned means for applying liquid apply said liquid to form the aforementioned distinguishable touch mark, said cutter, said rotary means and the wedge mentioned, to provide precise control of the aforementioned labeling operation.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said liquid includes a viscous liquid.

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said liquid includes an adhesive.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said liquid includes a viscous liquid.

9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said liquid includes an adhesive.

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said label application station includes a rotary wedge for holding and rotating said article.

The method of claim 3, wherein said step for providing a sheet of material to be used as a label includes the supply of a sheet of material having printed matter on one side to be used as a label.

12. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said computer control means is coupled to said label application station, said vacuum drum, said rotary means, said cutter, and said means for applying liquid; and wherein the aforesaid computer control means controls the aforementioned apparatus for labeling including the processing of the information received from the sensor means coupled to each of the mentioned label application stations, the said vacuum drum, the means mentioned rotating means, the aforementioned cutter and the aforementioned means for applying the liquid, for calculating the operative state of each of the aforementioned label application stations, the aforementioned vacuum drum, the mentioned rotating means, the aforementioned cutter and the aforementioned means to apply liquid, and to generate control signals in response to the aforementioned calculated state to activate the aforementioned label application station, said vacuum drum, said rotating means, said cutter, and said means for applying liquid with the order to offer precise control and carry or the labeling of the mentioned articles.

13. A method for labeling an article for identification by a person with diminished vision that includes the steps of: providing a piece of material to be used as a label; applying the piece of material mentioned to the article mentioned as the mentioned label; forming on a part of the aforementioned label applied to the aforementioned article, a touch distinguishable mark for identifying said article for the aforementioned diminished vision persons by touch by blowing glue drops from a glue blowing gun onto said labels; generate the aforementioned distinguishable marks by directing a concentrated air stream pattern from the computer controlled air guns; and controlling the time and blow pattern of the glue drops from the aforementioned glue blow gun and the pattern of the air stream mentioned with a computer.

The method of claim 13 wherein said material is a stretchable material and the aforesaid label is an elastic label.

15. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said computer controller further includes: a computer; memory means for pre-storing the predetermined values of the aforementioned vacuum drum, the aforementioned cutter, the said rotating means, the aforementioned wedge and the aforementioned time regulation, coupled to said computer; motor driven article transport means for transporting the item to be labeled; a rotating vacuum drum driven by a motor; a cylinder motor with coil feed; a motor driven by a cutter; a position sensor of the transport means coupled to the aforementioned computer; a sensor of the position and speed of the roller fed by coil coupled to the aforementioned computer; a motor driven by the vacuum drum; a sensor of the angular position and speed of the motor of the cutter coupled to the aforementioned computer; means for reading each of said sensors for the purpose of determining a value of the speed orientation of each of said engines; means for predicting, based on the mentioned values of speed and orientation of the sensor, before said wedge reaches the first application point of the label, the relative angular orientations and the angular velocities of said vacuum drum, the fed roller per coil mentioned, the aforementioned cutter, and the mentioned means of transport; means for generating and applying the speed and orientation correction signals to each of the engines, before the time and the location in which the article reaches the first point of the application of the label, to achieve a predetermined stretch of the label to wrap a label stretched over the mentioned article. The method of claim 3, wherein the adhesive is applied to attach the aforesaid label to the said article by depositing adhesive at a series of spaced points either along the label or around the periphery of a container adjacent to the label , such that a first point of adhesive is applied near the front end of the label and a second point spaced a short distance from the first point, is subsequently applied around the periphery of the container, so that the label is held firmly in the container. container as each of the label emerges from the vacuum drum and prevents it from relaxing significantly. The method of claim 3, wherein the aforementioned stretched label is a heat-shrunk label having perforations that will overlap the recessed area or areas of the container to release trapped air between the label and the container during application and heat shrinkage. The method of claim 3, wherein the label is stretched after joining the leading edge of the label by controlling the article that will be labeled such that it rotates at a peripheral speed greater than the speed of the vacuum drum, stretching This forms the label. The method of claim 3, wherein the label is stretched by operating the vacuum drum at a peripheral speed greater than that of the feed of the label, and rotating the article at a compound speed greater than the peripheral speed of the drum. empty. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said apparatus further includes a torque sensor coupled to the coil driven cylinder for probing the drag exerted by the stretched label material; and wherein said driven cylinder is driven at a speed controlled by the aforementioned computer to maintain a substantially constant torque on the mentioned sensor in order to thereby maintain a substantially constant stretch of the label even when the label material of some shape has inconsistent elastic characteristics. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A computer controlled labeling machine is used to apply labels to an item such as a beverage container. The apparatus and methods provide particular advantages for the application of elastic labels and / or labels with touch-sensitive marks, such as braille signs to articles. The elastic labels are of the type manufactured from an elastic sheet of material and applied to an article by stretching the material during application in the container in such a way that after allowing the material of the elastic label to relax after the application, the label will adhere firmly to the walls of the article, even if the article has a wall of varying diameter. The elastic label can adhere even more firmly to the walls of the article by permucontracción of the label to the article. The touch-sensitive labels provide markings that identify the article for a person with diminished vision, and are manufactured for example by applying a liquid material that solidifies into a distinctive pattern in the material of the label applied to the article. The computer control system provides the means to control the speed and orientation of the labeling apparatus, including the vacuum drum, the relative speeds of the label unwinding roller and the label selection vacuum drum to thereby control the amount of stretch of the label, and to regulate the time at which the liquid application station applies the liquid to form the marks that are distinguished by touch. It also controls the time of the label cutter, the rotation of the turret of the container and the associated apparatus to provide precise control of the labeling operation.