US524916A - tardif - Google Patents

Description

{No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 1. FfTARDIF 8: W. WE'I'HBRBD.

GAN LABBLING MAGHINB.

No. 524,916. PatentedAug. 21, .1894.

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- P. TARDIF & W. WET-HERBD.

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

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'(No` Model.)

GAN `LABELING. MACHINE.

Patented Aug. 21,1894.

- UNIT-ED i STATES .PATENT OFFICE FREDERICKTARDIFAND WOODWORTH WETHERED, OF SAN FRANCISCO,

CALIFORNIA, ASSIGrNORS4 TO SAID TARDIF AND LOUIS SLOSS, JR., OF

SAME PLACE.

CAN-LABELING MACHINE.

sPEoIFIcA'rIoN forming part of Leiters'. Patent No. 524,916, dated August 21, `1894.. Application led January 14 1393- Serial No'. 4.58,396. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern: i

Beit known that we, FREDERICK TARDIF and WooDWoRTH WETHERED, citizens of the United States, residing in the city and county of San Francisco, State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements 1n Machinery for Aftixing Labels on Cans or other Cylindrical Packages; and we hereby of the label, and then on the overlapping end thereof, means of feeding or presenting the labels, stretching and disposing the same with exactness around the can or package, and forming a complete joint at the lap where the ends meet.

Our invention includes for this purpose varions mechanical devices and functions that will be pointed out and explained in connection with the drawings herewith, in which- F1gure 1 is a side elevation, partially in sectlon, showing a labeling machine constructed according to our invention. Fig. 2 is an end view of the same machine. Fig. 3 is a partial plan view showing the top of the runway, and

some of its connected'details. Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial section through the mechanism for pasting the lap of the labels. Fig..5 is an enlarged view of a distributing valve or tube for applying paste ou the lap of the labels. Fig. 6 is an end view of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view, partially in section, throughV the mechanism for distributing the paste over the exterior of the cans, and for the inner side of the labels. Fig. 8 is a transverse section through one of the adjustable guides for holding and adjusting the labels as they are presented for pasting. Fig. 9 is a section throughthe label-supporting table, showing the arrangementof adj ustable guides or gages to accommodate the varying widths of ,the labels. Fig. 10 is an enlarged transverse section through the devices for pasting the lap of the label. j Fig. 11 is au enlarged detail perspective View showing the construction and arrangement of the paste hopper and the leverage mechanism for operating the valve which is located in the bottom of said hopper.

Similar figures of reference denote corresponding parts in the diderent igures of the drawings. 'y

The main supporting frame (l) We make preferably of metal tubes, joined and connected as shown, the whole being 'mounted on casters (2) so the machine can be readily moved about or out of the way when not in use. i

On the top of the main frame (1) are placed two cross rails (3) attached to the two members (4). Fasten'ed to these two rails (3) are vertical standards (5) on which is pivoted at (7) the main table or run-way (6) containing the principal mechanism of the machine.`

This main table or frame (6) is set adj ustably in an inclined or diagonal position as shown in Fig. 1, so the cans orvpackages (8) are fed in on` a chute (9) and rollk through the machine, their gravity performing the various operations of pasting and applying the labels, as will be 'hereinafter explained.

On the top of the machine is provided a tank (10) to contain paste or other liquid mucilaginous matter that can be drawn oftl as required by the faucets (11) into the hoppers (12) and (13), from where it is distributed to the exteriorv of the cans at (14) andto the lap of the labels at (15).

j The labels (16) to be applied are placed on the platen (17) which is the top part of a triangular frame composed of members (17) (18) (19) as shown in Fig. 1. This frame rests on the rollers (20) bearing on the pivoted cam levers (21) and is free to move up or down as these levers are raised or depressed, moving precisely parallel by reason of the links (22), attachedto a crosshead (23), which slides up and down on the rod (24;). The cam-levers (21) are formed at their top with a cam shape, or a developed curve, where they bear on the rollers (20), as shown iu Fig. 1, so that as the levers assume differentnpositions, or as the `weighted ends (27) descend, the upward pressure on the rollers (20),and on the platen (16), will be uniform irrespective of the angle at which the levers stand. The shape of this curve on the bearing ends of the levers (21) is made to a developed curve so that the upward pressure and leverage is uniform irrespective of the angle at whichthe levers stand roo e meer@ kand can be made to compensate for the diminishing weight of the labels as the platen 17 ascends. We are aware that such levers are known and used for a similar purpose, vbut of the simple kind exerting a force de` pendention their angular position, and thus lnsure a perfectly uniform pressure and rev sistance to the withdrawal of the labels (16) from beneath the tube (34). y

On the rod (24) is placed a coil spring (25) which in part supports the weight of the label frame, or compensates for the weight of s the labels, as the thumb nut (26) is adjusted up or down, but the main part of the weight of this label frame, and labels on the platen (17) rest on the levers (21) which have counrter-balancing weights (27)'at their outer ends as shown. The mechanism just described maintains a constant and uniform upward thrust on the platen (17) causing it to rise as the labels are removed. I

Besides the links (22) there are provided at each side corner-guides (28), shown in section at Fig. 8, which serve to steady the platen (17), and also to adjust the pile of labels laterally at that end, so as to conform to the po-v sition of the runway (6).

The angle ,or inclination of the platen (17) is made adjustable by means of the movable member (29), and any tendency to downward movement, caused by the weight of the cans (8) rolling over the top of the labels (16), is checked by the pawl or detent (30) held in position by the spring (3l) or by any other suitable means to prevent reaction of the platen 17. The angle of the main table or 'frame (6) is adjustable by means of the slotted strut (3.2).held by the bolt or screw (36). o

To provide for variation in the width of the labels, there are adjustable guides (48), shown in the section Fig. 9, and also in the plan view, Fig. 3. These guides or gages (48) are supported on the bars (49), adjustably 'attached to the rails at (71), orin any other suitable manner so as to be adjustable transverse lto the platen (17), by means of the screws (50), so the labels (16) when of different widths are kept central with respect to the platen (17) and the cans (8).

Referring nowl tol the devices for applying the paste, the hopper (12), Figs. 1 and 7,*is with the hinged wiper or distributing brush (6]), supported by radial arms 51 rigidly secured at their ends upon the brackets 56 fastened to the top of the frame or runway 61- see Fig. 11. This hopper (l2) is formed integrally with ya cylindrical lshell or pipe (52), into which. is tted a valve or tube '(53) corresponding in most respects to the one (33), shown in the enlarged view Fig.'5provided withslots or perforations (54) (55) the former coinciding with 'the slot (76) in the ou tershell or tube (52) where the paste is discharged. This tube has an oscillating movement, and ispperated automatically by means of the bellcranks (57), which is pivoted to the brackets 56 links, (58), and lever (59), as shownin the side View, Fig. 1. The bell cranks are pivotally mounted upon the uprights 56. The

rear arms 57 of these bell cranks are pivoted to the upper ends of the links 58, there being a connection 70 between the outer ends of The forward arms vof the bell cranks are attached by means of links 8l to the slotted arms 82, which are affixed to the paste-distributing tube. When the bell cranks oscillate, these links 8l by acting on the arms 82, rotate the paste-distributing valve in the proper manner as will'bie hereinafter explained. This lever (59) is actuated by the gravity of the cans (8) rolling over and depressing the end (60) ofthe lever (59), at the same time by means of the linkageI just described, causing a partial rotation of the tube (53), and permitting intermittentlyLas each can passes, a quantity of paste to escape from the hopper (12) on the cans (8), and tothe brush or wiper .(61), thus covering uniformly a portion of the circumference of the cans with paste, in such position that las thecan rolls on down the inclosed `runway (.6) the pasted portion of the circumference comes in contact at (62) with the pile of labels (16).

In' Fig. 7, a can is shown directly beneath .the paste valve, which is represented as closed so that no paste can issue therefrom. This can has just arrived at this position, and simultaneously with its being there, the preceding can is depressing the end 60 of lever 59 which results in opening the paste-valve and discharging the paste upon the surface of the can which is directly below said valve andit also results in lifting the detent and allowing the following can to pass beneath the same. The paste-valve 53 is therefore not opened until a can gets directly beneath it. Then itis opened sufficiently long to permit the ,discharge of enough paste upon a portion of the surface of the can. Then it closes as the can leaves it and the wiper 6l spreads the paste over the can surface. The pasted can rolls on toward the end 60 of lever 59 and as it strikes and depresses it, resulting in again lifting the detent,'thefollowing can which was admitted at the previous lifting of the detent, will have arrived at the position shown in Fig. 7, where it is ready t receive its coat of paste, while the next following can will be admitted past the detent. At the same time the lever (59)is depressed, and as the can, being pasted, passes the wiper (61) the detent (70) formed on the bell crank (57) is raised, permitting another can' to follow, asl indicated in Fig. 1,v so the operation goes on intermittently and automatically. The outer label adheres to the can (8) and is wrapped around itsperiphery as the can'rolls on, to the position indicated in the enlarged view Fig. 4, the label extending from,` (63) to (64) Qn thecan as indicated,

Referring next toipasting the lap of the labels, and especially to Figs.'2 and 4, liquid paste or mucilaginous matter is fed from the TIO hopper (12) by gravity alone, but, from theV hoppers orfunnels (13), by means of compressing cylinders (37) and pistons (38), one of which is shown in section in Fig. 2. The paste falls from the tank() into the funnels (13), and thence through the pipes (39) until the cylinders`(37) are filled, then the cocks (40) are closed and the weight of the pistons (38) andtheir connected parts rests on the iuid (41) forcing it down into the pipe Vor cylinder (34), and out at the perforations i (35) and (42) on the inner surface of the label (43), being pasted, as shown in Fig. 4. The

` liquid enters the tube (33) through inlet apertures (44), shown in the enlarged View Fig. 5. These apertures (44) coincide when yin working position with the two pipes (45) leading from the cylinders (37) to the horizontal pipe (34), Fig. 2. In case of obstruction in the slot (35), in the tube (33), this slot is turned `to coincide with one (46) in the pipe required tension of the label (43). The can then rolls on to receive the final operation of pressing down and smoothing the lap `at (67) Figs. 1 and 10, where the hinged and Iiexible pressing pad (68) performs thispress.- ing and smoothing operation, and is at the end of the lap of the label, lifted cleanof the can by means of the wiper (69). These' devices arey mounted on a hinged lever receiving light pressure from a spring 96, as shown in Fig. 10. From here the cau rolls off completed. The .lever 75 when near its horizontal position rests on` a lug or `pin 97 which keeps it from dropping too low after the can has passed. The wiper arm 69 eX- tends down wardesomewhat below the pressing pad 68 so that `as the can rolls beneath the arm 69, it will lift said armand consequently lift` the pad 68 clear of the can so that in this way at the end of the lapofwthe label the presser is lifted 0E the can. The arm 69 is therefore so timed or placed in respect to the pad 68 that the latter islfted clear of the lap in order that any paste pressed out of the lap will not adhere to the pad and thus prevent it from slipping freely over the following can. This is more clearly seen by referringto the enlarged detail sectional View, Fig. 10. This wiper 69 is thought to serve a useful purpose because it clears the pad 68 from the can as soon as the pressing operation is ended and prevents the pad f rom uselessly rubbing upon the can surface after it leaves the Ilabel and roo thereby retarding the free rolling movement of the can. In these various operations it will be seen that the only operative force employed is the gravity of the cans, which force is controlled by the inclination of the runway ro5 This depends upon the fluidity of the paste used and we need not include such devices in` our present invention. The pointer 47 is afffixed to the tube 33 near the end thereof as issy clearly shown in Fig, 5. When the apertures 44'in the tube 33, coincide with the supplyl pipes 45, the pointer 47 will be in its vertical` position as shown in Fig. 6 where it points to the figure 2.

will be delivered upon the labels. ing the tube 33 to one side or the other and placing the pointer upon figures `I or 3, the` Valve can be closed and the discharge of paste stopped.

from beneath the tube where it has been i exposed to the paste, issuing through the aperture (42). At the same time some tension is given the label by the roller (65), which if required, may also be covered with paste by means of a slot (66) in the pipe (34), and a corresponding slot in tube The upward thrustof the platen (17) presses the labels (16) against the pipe (34), causingby friction there enough force to stretch the label as shown. The tension of the label tends to revolve the can on its axis and canseit to slip on the runway (6). This we prevent when required by roughening the surface of the runway as at 77 in Fig. 4 by means of sand paper, gum cloth or any other suitable sub-` stance to increase the traction of the can, and thus 'resist the slippingaction and permit the When in this position the slot` 35 will coincide with the slot 42, so that paste( By tnrn`r (6), and feeding frame (9), and that the prolcesses are asrapid as the rolling movement,

and required distance betweenthe cans will permit, also that the operation of the machine is automatic and continuous when once ad- 11o y justed, until the stockgof labels on the'platen (17) is exhausted.

" Having thus described the nature and objects of our invention and the method of-constructing and applying the same, what we x15 claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. In a can-labeling machine, an'inclined gravity runway provided with paste-distributing apparatus for the outsideof the cans, izo

consisting of a hopper, slotted outer and inner tubes beneath and connected with the hopper, as herein described, the innerA or supplying tube operated by a lever acted upon by the rolling cans, so as to permit a discharge of paste for each can that passes, in the man-` ner substantiallyv and for the purposes described.

2. In a can-labeling machine, an inclined runway down which the cans may roll' by their 13o ofpaste'as each can passes, a'lever for operating this tube and acting coincidently therewith, a detent that Will permit a can to pass beneath the paste distributing apparatus each time a can rolls away from the same and -over the operating lever, substantially in the manner describe 3. In a can-labeling machine, an inclinedfriction, and permit a free upward movementv of the platen as the labels are removed from its top, and spring connections arranged between the Weighted levers so as to have a `V yielding action thereon in the manner substantially as andfor the purposes specified.

4 In a can-labeling machine, an inclined adjustable runway down which the cans may roll; paste-distribiiting devices, as herein described, for applying paste to the exterior of the can and to the lap of the labels; a labelsupporting platen or platform beneath supported by weighted cam levers and held in pos ition longitudinaliy by means of links; a vertical guiding crosshead and rod, a spring around this rod so the upward pressure of the latter, acting on the links, will prevent. any playin the joints, and thus maintain a steady position of the label-supporting platen, in the manner substantially as described and for the purposes set forth. 5.l In a can-labeling machine, an adjustable inclined runway down which the cans will roll by their gravity; paste-distributing apparatus in connection therewith for the exterior of the cans and also for the lap of the labels; an adjustably-supported label platen o r platform beneath the runway sustained by means of weighted cam levers bearing at or near .the corners thereof, the platen adjustable in respect to its supports so its inclination can be made to coincide with or suit the position of the runway, if the latter be set at greater or less inclination so the rolling cans will press upon the labels with the required force to cause the latter to adhere,'in the manner and for the purposes substantially as described.

. 6. In a can labeling machine, the combination of an inclined runway adjustably supported on the main frame, paste distributing apparatus' for the exterior of the cans and for the lap substantially as described, a labelsupporting platen or platform, weighted levers for sustaining the same so as to raise and present the labels to the'can as they roll over the said platform, and side gages or guides supported on bars adj ustably attached to the rails of the main frame so as to be transversely adjustable to the. platen by screws so that the labels may be held centrally with respect to the runway and the rolling cans irrespective of such variations in the width of the labels as occur in preparing the same, substantially as described.

'7.'In a can-labeling machine, as herein described, paste-distributing apparatus for the laps of the labels, consisting of a slotted outer pipe or tube and a slotted adjustable inner tube fitting therein, the inner pipe having inlets for the liquid paste, and an outlet slot in contact with the laps of the labels to be prepared, and the outer tube having a clearing slot whereby the perforations in the inner tube can'be inspected and cleared when the latter is turned in a position to shut off the supply of paste from the outer tube, in the manner and for the purposes substantially as described.

8. In a can-labeling machine, a runway for the cans, inclined in position so the cans by their gravity will roll down and perform the label-pasting operations herein described, in combination therewith apparatus for applying paste to the exterior of the can and to the lap of the labels, as hereinshown, a hinged pressing pad to fold and compress the laps of the labels, formed integrally with a wiper connected with the pressing pad, and depending alongside of and below it so as to be struck by the can as it leaves the pad, the result of which contact will lift the pad clear of the label and can when the end of the label is reach ed, in the manner substantially as herein set forth and described.

9. In a can-labeling 'or other machine, a feeding platform having vertical adjustment and thrust, supported on cam levers, the bear` ing surfaces of which are formed with a curve, as herein described, so the upward pressure will be uniform at all angles within the levers range; links, to produce parallel movement and a sliding cross head to hold the feeding platen or platform level, and thus presenting the function of guides or slides for the same, in the manner substantially and for the purposes described.

l0. In a can-labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label-supporting platform, the pivoted and weighted levers bearing beneath said platform, the links connected to said levers and a spring acting on said links to cause anfupward pressure on the label platform, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto affixed our signatures in the presence of two witnesses.

FREDERICK TARDIF. WOODWORTH WETHERED.

Witnesses:

ALFRED A. ENQUIsT, WILSON D. BENT, Jr.

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