GB1563892A - Labelling apparatus - Google Patents

Description

(54) TMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO LABELLING APPARATUS (71) I, HERBERT LA MERS, a citizen of the United States oF America, of 2317 Palma Drive, Ventura, California, 93003, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement :- This invention relates to improvements in labelling apparatus.

All previous and presently known machinery for applying pressure sensitive labels to an article use the same kind of carrier web for the labels, and the same kind of label removing method.

The conventional carrier web consists of a series of labels with a viscous (pressure sensitive) adhesive applied to a carrier strip of paper which has been coated on the label supporting side with a release agent.

The labels are spaced along the strip, and the unneeded waste (or matrix) from which the labels have been die cut is alwavs removed during manufacture.

The labels are removed sequentiallv by pulling the carrier strip around a rela- tivelv sharp edoe under tension. The label, because of its stiffness, releases from the carrier web and continues in a straight line over the edge rather than bend sharply and follow the carrier web.

This established method has a number of drawbacks : (1) The need to remove all the lvaite or matrix from between and around labels dur'ne manufacture, because its presence tends to hold obels in place during peeling.

This waste removal requirement makes the labels cost much more, because it limits the printing and die cutting speed severely and because a sreat deal of costly extra material has to be added around each label to make the ladderlike waste # genou, to remove bv ouHmg it free after die cutting on a printing press.

(2) The label peeling process used in all previous labelling mechines requires pulling the web under high tension over a relativelv sharp edge. Tinv cuts or nicks caused hv the die cutting and slitting weaken the web and it frequently breaks, especially at high speed.

(3) Small invisible interruptions in the release coatinz are common. Through them the label adhesive is able to adhere string'y to the unprotected carrier web.

When this occasionally occurs at the lead- ing edge of a label, it will not peel but will Follow the carrier strip around even a sharp edge. The same can happen when the adhesive is cold, or too old.

(4) The need for-reat stiffness in the label material prevents the use of many clesired materials such as plastics, or very thin labels. or very soft and pliant labels.

(5) During the peeling process, labels are being proiected beyond the peeling edge and are essentially unsupported, except occa- sionally on one side (opposite the adhesive).

Thev are easily disturbed and deflected hv small irregularities tramp particles of ad hesive. air currents, or static electricity.

(6) The means of actuallv applying the labels varies, including a blast of air (inaccurate at any distance and does not apply labels firmly), a roller (inaccurate), and a plunger (too rigid and destructive on mov- in- products).

(7) Automatic labelling machinerv is very costlv. partly because of sophisticated electronic label sensino and web control systems within the labelle.

It should be appreciated therefore that a lrbel carrving arrangement and apparatus for applying labels therefrom to goods.

@which permits the use of very thin and soft labels as well as stiffer labels, which nermits the use of lower cost label strins, and which permits label application at hieher speeds and with greater reliability than nrecently known svstems would be most desirable According to the invention there is pro vided apparatus for automatically # tiallv annlvine lahels to obiects from a label strip including first and second # rier strip portions and a @@@@@@@@@ @@ @@@@@@ adhered therealong so as to bridge said @@@- rier strip portions, comprising a plate having first and second substantiallv planar surfaces and an edge lying substantially in the plane of said plate, said plate edge including first and second non-aligned edgc portions strip transport means for moving said label strip along a first path extending substantially contiguous with said first planar surfacc toward said edge portions and then along first and second branch paths respectively extending around said first and second edge portions and thence adjacent said second planar surface, said strip transport means including take-up means positioned downpath from said first and second edge portions for engaging both said first and second carrier strip portions to pull them at the same rate along said first and second path branches at a linear rate and feed means positioned up-path from said edge portions for engagement with said carrier strip portions and adapted to tend to reduce their rate of movement to less than said linear rate thus creating tension in said carrier strip portions, and label-applying means operable to engage labels immediately adia- cent to said edge portions as said carrier strip portions are simultaneously separated from each other and from said labels and to press said engaged labels against objects to be labelle.

Preferably said first and second edge portions converge towards an apex to form a V-shaped recess extending into the plate.

In a preferred embodiment said feed means and said take-up means comprise respective rollers mounted on a common drive shaft, said take-up roller having a diameter slightly larger than said feed roller thus tending to take up said carrier strip portions at a greater rate than the feed of said label strip, at least one of said rollers being permitted to slip relative to said label strip or strip portions respectively.

Said label-applying means may include label handling means alternately operable to pick up and release a label, label transport means operable in synchronism with said label handling mcans for moving said label handling means between a pick-up position immediately adjacent to said edge portions whereat labels are picked up as said carrier strip portions are simultaneously senarated from each other and from said labels and a release position whereat said labels are released, the operation of said label transport means being synchronized with the movement of said iabel striD.

In order that the invention may be readilv understood certain embodiments thereof will now be described by way of examp'e with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :- Figure I is a partial perspective view of a labellin asparatus constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a view taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1, showing details of a label carrying arrangement thereof; Figure 3 is a view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure ; Figure 3A is a view taken on the line 3A-3A of Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a more complete perspective view of the tabelling apparatus of Figure 1 ; Figure zizis a partially sectional plan vic. v of the apparatus of Figure ; Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 4, showing some of the details of the plunger carrying apparatus thereof ; Figure 7 is a partially sectional side view of the apparatus of Figure 4 and shows other details thereof; Figure 8 is a view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a front elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 10 is a view taken on the line 10-10 of Figure 5; Figure l l is a view taken on the line ll-ll of Figure ; Figure 12 is a sectional front view showing the bellows of the apparatus of Figure 9; Figure 13 is a bottom view of the bellows of Figure 12 ; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the label roll of the apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 15 is a front elevation view of a fan-folded label strip; Figure 16 is a partial perspective view of a label strip which includes a matrix surrounding the labels ; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a step stripper apparatus constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 is a partial perspective top view of a further label strip ; Figure 19 is a partial perspective bottom view of a label strip of Figure 18 ; Figure 20 () is a view taken on the line 20-? 0 of Figure 18 ; Figure 21 is a partial plan view of a label strip ; Figure 22 is a partial plan view of a labellinv apparatus constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the in vention ; Azure 23 is a view taken on the line 25-? 5 of Fieure 22: and Figures 24 and 25 are respectively crosssectional views of a preferred bellows shaoe illustrating it at three stages of oDeration.

Figures 1-3 illustrate details of a label strip 10, which includes an elonvated yack- in mPh or rarrier strin 12 and a rnilltinl ; rity of labels 14 spaced along the lenath of the carrier strip. Each of the labels 14 has a front face 14a with a decorative design or other marking printed thereon, and a rear face 14b with contact adhesive thereon.

The carrier strip has a front face 12a with release coating, such as silicone, which facilitates stripping of the label adhesive from the carrier strip. The carrier strip 12 includes a separation lin"16 extending alon its length at a middle portion thereof, to divide the carrier strip into two carrier strip portions 18, 20 that support different portions of the label 14.

Apparatus shown in Figure I for stripping the labels 14 from the carrier strip 12 includes a label stripper or separator in the form of a plate 22 having a substantially V-shaped edge region or notch 24 which forms a pair of separator edges 26,28.

The carrier strip with the labels thereon initially moves along an upper face 30 of the label separator towards the V-shaped edge portion or region 24. with the separa tion iine 16 aligned with the bottom of the V. Each of the carrier strip portions 18, 20 extends around a different one of the separator edges 26,28, so that the carrier strip is pnlled apart thereat. The strip portion 18 which extends around the separator edge 26, moves along the underside or lower face 32 of the plate, extends around an auxiliary guide edge 34, and then extends along the upper face 30 of the separator plate. The other carrier strip portion 20 extends in a corresponding manner, around the separator edge 28, around another auxiliary guide edge 36, and then along the upper face of the separator plate. It can be seen that as each label 14 moves into the V-shaped notch 24, the two carrier strip portions 18, 20 are directed downwardly and apart from each other, so that the label tends to continue to move in the direction of arrow 38. The label cannot follow the two halves of the carrier strip through the notch. As shown in Figure 3A. the radius of curvature R of each edge, such as 28, need not be sharp. Instead, the radius R is greater than the thickness T of the carrier strip, which minimizes the possibility of tearing the carrier strip. If desired, the separator edges need not be stationary but may be rollers of suitable diameter.

In order to advance the label carrying arrangement 10, it is necessary onlv to pull the two carrier strip portions 18,20 along the paths of the arrows 40,42. The labels 14 on the carrier strip 12 will then move beyond the V-shaped edge region 24 and become separated from the carrier strip.

Of course, in order to apply the labels to articles indicated at A, it is necessary to provide a means for reliably moving the freed labels against the articles. A labelling machine, to be described below, provides a plunger which engages the labels and reliably applies them to the goods.

Figures 4-9 illustrate details of a labelling machine 50 which moves the ! abe ! strp) 0 to apply the labels 14 thereon against articles A. The labelling machine 50 includes a frame 52 with an upstanding center wall 54, a label guiding and moving ap paratus 56 on the first side of the upstand in (T wall 54, and drive and control apparatus 53 on the other side of the upstanding wall.

The) label guiding and moving apparatus 56 includes a supply recl 60 rotatabty mounted on the frame and carrying a roll of the label strip 10. The label is guided from the rcel 60 around a guide roll 62 and past a spring strip 63, around a feed roll 64, and along the upper side of the separator plate 22 towards the V-shaped edge region 24 thereof. The two carrier strip portions 18, 20 which have bsen separated at the V- shaped edge region 24, are pulled along their respective paths by a pair of tensioning rollers 66,68. After passing through the tensioning rollers 66,68, the two carrier strip portions 18,20 may be directed into a bin for later disposal, A plunger apparatus 70 which is-dis- posed near the V-shaped groove 24 of the separator plate, serves to engage each label before, during, and after its separation from the carrier strip, and to carry that label against an article A, so that the adhesivebearing face of the label is pressed against the article. The articles are carried on a conveyor apparatus C past the labelling machine, and movement of the plunger 70 is timed so that a label is applied to each article passing thereby. As illustrated in Figure 7, the plunger apparatus 70 includes a plunger or bellows supporting plate 72 and a bellows 74 with an inner portion 76 fixed to the plunger supporting plate and an outer end face 78. A flexible hose 80 extends from a pressure control 82 to a tubular coupling 84 which opens to the inside of the bellows 74. The pressure control 82 can supply a low pressure which is less than atmospheric, or vacuum, through the tube 80 to the bellows 74 to contract the bellows from the relaxed position shown at 74 to a contracted position wherein its end face is at 78a. Alternatively, pressure control 82 can supply pressured air through the hose 80 to the bellows 74 to expand the bellows to the configuration indicated at 74b wherein the end face has been thrust out to the position 78b. When a label lies against the end face 78 and air pressure is applied to the bellows, its end face 78 pushes the label against an article.

The bellows support plate 72 can move substantially longitudinally as indicated by arrows 86. Thus, the plate 72 can move the bellows 74, in its contracted position, rearwardly to the position indicated at 74c wherein the face of the bellows at 78c lies over the next label to be separated from the backing strip. Thereafter, the bellows support plate moves down so the bellows engages a label, and the support plate advances the bellows 74 in synchronism with advancement of the label strip 10 so that the bellows face 78 moves with the label while the label is being completely separated from its carrier strip. The bellows is then extended towards the position 78h to press the label against an article that is to be labelled. fn order to securely hold a label against the bellows face 78 prior to applying the label to an article, and to then reiect the label from the bellows face as the bellows withdraws from the article, the bellows face 78 is provided with slits that form a hole 90. as shown in Figure 8. The hole permits a low rate of air movement through the face into the bellows, when a vacuum has been applied through the tube 80 to the bellows. A vacuum is applied to the bellows to hold it in a contracted state while it is first pressed against a label at the position 74c in Figure 7. The vacuum continues to be applied while the bellows moves with the label as the label separates from carrier strip and passes off the V-shaped edge of the separator plate 22. The vacuum rot only keeps the bellows contracted, but also serves to holcl the label firmly against the face of the bellows When the bellows tics opposite the article to be labelled. nressured # "as such as air is suddenly applied to the hellos, vs. The pressured air causes the bellows to expand towards the configuration 74h to cress against the article.

For the application of thin flexible labels. and where precise location of the label on the article is not important, the houle 9n is formed so that some air leaks out. The pressured air tends to reject the label from the face 78 of the bellows, but it does not matter if the label flies off the bellows even as it is moving towards the article if the distance to the article is not great The pressured air reiection of the label helDs in preventing the label from sticking to the bellows as the bellows contracts and draws awav from the article. The bellows nor mallv begins to withdraw from the article as the Dressure therein is reduced but is still at a substantial level, inasmuch as the completely unpressured bellows tends to assume a configuration wherein its face is at 78 when pressure in the bellows reaches the atmospheric value.

Figure 12 illustrates the shape of the bellows 74 in its relaxed state. The bellows is molded of elastomeric material, with a recess 81 in the bellows face, and with three slits cut into the recessed portion to form the houle 90. The recess forms three flaps 83 which can readily bend inwardly but not outwardly. Accordingly, when a vacuum is applied to the bellows, air can pass into the bellows through the hole 90. However, when pressured air is applied inside the bellows, the flaps 83 tend to press against one another to close the hole and minimize the escape of air from the bellows. The flaps 83 therefore form a check valve which couples the face of the bellows to the inside thereof, to allow air flow substantially oniv in a direction into the bellows.

When the bellows contracts, the inside of the bellows end contacts a substantially rigid internal member 85 that limits the contraction of the bellows. The interna member 85 has a guide surface 85 which engages a correspondingly shaped surface 78e of the bellows end to not oniv limit the longitudinal contraction of the bellows end, but also to laterally position it. As a result, the bellows begins each exnansion from the same lateral Dosition and or-entation. This results in the bellows tending to extend along the same path each time. to provide greater accuracy in the positioning of the labels on the articles. When the bellows is contracted, its end face lies at the plane 87. while when fullv extended without an article in the wav the bellows can expand to the plane 89. Normaliv, an article is positioned about three auarters of the distance from the plane 87 to the nlane 89. In examining causes for erratic directions of bellows expansion, it has been found that one cause is that the folds of thL bellows mav tend to stick to one another when compresse during the apnlication of vacuum in the bellows. When the bellows begins expanding. tocations which tended to tick tozether, tend to resist extension and the bellows tends to curve as it exnands.

Tt has been found that the aoDlication of release powder such as is used in plastic in jection moldine, eliminates the sticking problem. the oowder being applied to both the inside and outside of the bellows fold.

It has been found that the release powder remains in place during long continuous use of the bellows.

As illustrated in Figures 5 and 9, the an- paratus for advancing the ! abe ! carrvins arrangement includes a motor 91 which is coupled through a belt 92 to a oulley 94.

The pullev shaft 96 is couoled through a sinole cvcle clutch 98 to a drive shaft 100.

The single ccle clutch 98 merely permits operation of the machine one cycle at a time. the drive shaft 100 rotating only one revolution each time a pin Ino is pulled out and released, hut the shaft 100 rotating con tinuousiv if the pin 102 is retained in a pulled-out condition. The drive shaft 100 rotates a crank 103 that drives a rack or slide 104 back and forth. Ihe shde) U4 has gear teeth engaged with a gear 106 that is coupled through an overrunning clutch 107 to a sprocket wheel 108, so that the sprocket wheel 108 turns in only one direction. This sprocket wheel 108 is coupled by a timing belt 110 to another sprocket wheel 112 which drives another single cycle clutch 113.

The sing ! e cycle ctutch drives a toothed whee) 121 and a feed shaft 114. The feed roll 64, which pulls the label strip off the supply reel, is fixed to and driven by the feed shaft 114. The single cycle clutch is enabled to turn the feed shaft when a pin 117 on the slide IW hits a pawl 119 to pivot the pawl out of engagement with the toothed wheel 121 on the feed shaft, which releases the single cycle clutch for turning the feed shaft 114. Thus, the feed roll 64 cannot turn until a predetermined time in each cycle. The feed roll can then rotate just enough to advance the label strip 10 by a distance S equal to the ccnter-to-center distance of the labels along the strip. The slide 104, at that time, will have moved pin 117 out of engagement with the pawl ll9, which stops further rotation of the wheel 121 and feed shaft 114.

The two tensioning rollers 66,68 which pull the carrier strip portions, are fixed to the same feed shaft 114 to which the feed roll 64 is fixed. Therefore, as the feed roll 64 feeds the label strip 10 towards the V shaped notch 24 where the labels are separated from the carrier strip, the ten sioning rolls 66,68 turn in unison to pull the carrier strip portions 18, 20 to thereby pull the label strip over the edges of the notch 24. In order to assure tension in the carrier strip portions 18, 20, the two ten sioning rollers 66,68 are constructed with a diameter E slightly larger than the dia meter of the feed roll 64, resulting in the surfaces of the tensioning rol ! s 66,68 turn ing slightly faster than the surface of the feed rolls 64. The tension rolls 66,68 are in the form of rubber tires that permit slippage of the carrier strip portions) 8. 20 thereon, so that the strip portions are pulled to maintain tension but are not pulled so hard as to tear them. As shown in Figure II, backing rolls 120 are provided to press the carrier strip portions such as 18 against a corresponding tensioning roller 66. Also, a stripper blade 121 is provided that ex tends into a groove of the tensioning roller to insure separation of the carrier strip portions from roller 66. An alternatiuc arrangement would be to put sprockets on the tensioning rollers engaging slits 226 and omit them on feed roller 64.

At a first time in each cycle of operation, the bellows 74 descends against a label and begins moving forwardly with the label. fn order for the labelling machine to operate properly, it is necessary that at that time the label strip be positioned so that there is a label at the position 14p shown in Figure 5, which is the position at which the face of the bellows descends against the label. fn order to accurately control the positions of the labels, the feed roll 64 is provided with sprockets 122 for engaging the label strip. As shown in Figures 5 and d 10, the sprockets 122 are spaced about the feed roll by the distance S between the labels, and are designed to fit into the separation line 16 between the carrier strip portions and into the space or gap 15 between the labels. Thus, a label carrying arrangement or label strip forms its own sprocket holes at gaps 15 and the feed roll 64 is formed with sprockets that engage the sprocket holes of the label strip to control the positions of the labels in the machine.

It may be noted that these sprocket ho ! es at the gaps 15 between adjacent labels, arise automatically in the production of the label carrying arrangement, and it is not necessary to form special sprocket holes along edges of the backing strip to enable control of label position in the machine. Ad ditional sprocket holes can be provided, however, to avoid contact of labels with sprockets.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the plunger apparatus 70 is moved back and forth by a tow bar 130 which has an inner end fixed to the slide 104 and an outer end fixed to the bellows-supporting plate 72. Although the primary motion of the bellows-supporting plate 72 is back and forth in the direction of arrows 86, it is also necessary to raise the forward end of the plate 72 which holds the bellows 74 during rearward motion of the bellows. This is to prevent the bellows from rubbing on the label strip during such rear ward n . otiorw. The support plate 72 is guided by a pair of rearward tabs 132 which can move back and forth in guide slots 134 formed in guide ways 144 on the machine frame, while the front of the plate has a pair of tabs 136 which can move along either of two guide slots 138, 140 that are separa ie cd by a divider 147. When the support plate 72 moves slightly forward, in the direction of arrow F, from the position shown in Figure 6, each of its forward tabs 136 which has been moving along the lower slot 138, becomes free to move up towards the level of upper slot 140. A forward spring 142 disposed along each of the guide ways 144, urges each tab 136 to move up, so that when the slide 72 moves rearwardly its tabs 136 slide at a higher level. As a result, the contracted belows of the plunger apparatus 70 can move rearwardly to a position over a next label (14p in Figure 5) to be applied, without rubbing against the label strip. As the forward tabs 136 ap proach their rearward position, they pass rearward of the divider 147 that separates the upper and lower slots, and also pass under a rearward sprint 148 that urges the tabs 136 downwardly. The tow bar 130 which moves the support plates 72 back and forth, has a series of slots cut into it, to provide increased flexibility, to permit the front portion of the support plate to move up and down a small distance as it moves back and forth.

The use of apparatus to move the label a distance beyond the separator edges before thrusting the tabet towards an article, avi̲ds'hiI ing"of the label. Hinging is the phenomenon of the rear end of the label tending to stick to the separation edge or carrier strip, and therefore to tend to resist movement against an article to be labelle.

As described above, the application of vacuum and pressured air to the bellows through the hose 80 is controlled by the pressure control 82. As illustrated in Figure 9, the pressure control 82 includes an air pressure in ! et t50 through which pressured air is constantly applied, a vacuum inlet 152 to which a vacuum is constantly applied, and an outlet 154 which is coupled to the hose 80. A valve member 156 can move up and down to alternately couple the outlet 154 to either the air inlet 150 or the vacuum inlet 152. A rod 158 fixed to the valve member 156, is moved up and down by a cam 160 that is fixed to the drive shaft 100. The cam 160 is configure so that a vacuum is applied to the pressure control outlet 154 during the time when the bellows engages a label and moves with the label to a position opposite the article to be labelled. The cam is configured to then operate the valve member t56 so that pres sured air is applied to the bellows to extend it briefly, near the end of its forward travel after which the vacuum is again applied to the pressure control outlet.

The angle A (Figure 5) of the V-shaped s'ot 24 is shown as being on the order of 90 for the labellinj machine of Figures 4-9. If the labels 14 are spaced close to one another along the length of the carrier strip, then at the beginning of each cycle, the next label to be applied 14p, will be positioned with a considerable area 14r of its leading edge portion unsupported by the plate 22 or by any part of the carrier strip. Such exposure at the area 14r arises because the labe ! strip 10 must have been advanced at the end of the previous cycle so that the previous label 14t was advanced clear of the carrier strip. The existence of an unsup portecl label region 14r is disadvantageous where very thin and flexible labels, such as one mil thick polyethylene labels, are utilized, because such labels are subject to fluttering or other disturbances due to the vacuum and air pressures applied in their vicinity, prior to the bellows face 78 making contact with the label. The existence of an unsupported label region 14r (shown in Figure 5) can be avoided by increasing the angle A of the V-shaped stout to a greater anglc, such as from 90 to an angle B of 135', as shown for the stripper 265 of Figures 22 and 23. This can allow a previous label lle to have been moved cear of the guide plate 166 while the next label I'f has little or no region which is unsupported. By making the stripper 265 of a single peice of material and by maintaining its edges in the same plane, the strip portions do not slip sideways along the auxiliary edges. It may be noted that in a typical label strip, as with circular labels, the gap between adjacent labels is approximately i of an inch, and a large angle of at least 110'is required to avoid any unsupported label region at the next label to be applied while permitting the previous label to ad vance clear of the support plate.

The separation technique utilized in the present invention, permits the utilization of a tow cost label carrying arrangement or label strip of the type shown at 190 in Figure 16. The label strip 190 is identical with label strip 10 of Figure 1, except that it includes a scrim or matrix 192 surround ing the tabets i4b and of the same material as the labels 14b. The matrix 192 is die cut to form separation lines 194 around each label and separat ; on slits 196 which lie between the labels and over the separation fines 16b of the carrier strip 12b. In a typical prior art process for the production of the labels 14b, the labels are die cut from a strip of label material, with the cutting fines separating the strip of label material into label areas forming the labels 14b and a matrix area forming the matrix 192.

Heretofore, the matrix area 192 had to be removcd from around the labels 14b prior to packaging and selling the labels. because of the way labels were separated from the carrier web, i. e., bending the web around a sharp curve, around which the label would not foliow. If the matrix material is left in place, because of the presence of fine bridging Filaments of paper or adhesive between label and matrix material, which are still present despite die cutting, the label will not consistently separate or peel away from the carrying web. By utilizing the label strip 190 with the matrix 192 left on the carrier strip, the cost of the labels can be reduced since the cost of matrix removal is eliminated and matrices can be made thinner and of thinner paper stock, as can labels The matrix 192, which is divided into two portions by the separation slits 196, is divided into two portions by the separation slits 196, is pulled apart by the separation apparatus of the present invention, with each half of the matrix such as 192a, 192b moving with the carrier strip portion under it around the edges of the separation plate.

The labelling strip can be provided in different forms. As illustrated in Figure 14, the label strip 12 can be provided as a roll 200 of many turns with a cardboard tube 202 at the center that fits onto a shaft of the labelling machine. Figure 15 illustrates a fan-folded arrangement 204 of the labelling strip 12, which is used for producing computer printed labels. The apparatus for moving the carrier strip portions in different directions to separate them from one another and from the labels also can have a variety of forms. In the apparatus of Figure 1, the separation edges which form a V-shaped notch, are nonaligned because the axes of the edges extend at an angle of less than 180 from one another, but with the axes of the edges substantially intersecting one another at the bottom of the V. In Figure 17, a separation device 210 is illustrated which includes a pair of separation edges 212, 214 with their axes 212a, 214a also nonaligned, but with the axes of the edges extending parallel to one another but spaced from one another along the path of the labels 14h. This apparatus performs better than prior art separators which utilize just one edge around which a carrier strip is pulled, because in the present device only half of the carrier strip must be separated from the label at each separation edge. It may be noted that more than two separate carrier strip portions and a corresponding number of edge means can be provided, as in the separator 216 of Figure 17A.

The moving of the labels in a positive manner towards the separation edges as by the feed roll 64 (Figure 4), and in synchronism with pulling of the carrier strip portions by the tensioning rolls 66,68, is important in minimizing the tension which must be applied to the carrier strip portions.

By reducing the tension in the carrier strip portions required to pull them around the edges, the machine minimizes the possibility of tearing the carrier strip portions. The reduction in required tension is due to the "capstan effect", which is the phenomenon that a rope wrapped about a capstan cannot be easily pulled if there is even a slight tension in the other end of the rope, but can be easily pulled if the other end of the rope is fed towards the capstan. The feed roll 64 serves to positively feed the label strip towards the separation edges in svnchronism with the tensioning means pulling the carrier strip portions, so that the carrier strip is maintained under tension, but the machine operates properly with only a resta- tivclv small tension.

In the apparatus oF Figure 4, the positive feeling of the label strip is accompl ; shecl by the roll 64 which has the thin sprockets 1'2 that project through the separation line of the carrier strip and into the gap between adjacent labels. The thin sprockets could damage the labels if more than a small force is applied to the label strip. To avoid this, other sprocket holes can be formed in the label strip. Figures 18-20 il ! ustrate a label strip 220 which includes a carrier strip 222, labels 14 ;, and a matrix 224 of label material, wherein both the carrier strip 22 and matrix 224 have cuts in them for re ceiving sprockets. Cuts 228 in the matrix and cuts 226 in the carrier which lie under the cut regions of the matrix, form weak ened regions which can be easily penetrated by sprockets such as that indicated at 230.

The cuts 226, 228 can be formed without producing confetti-like waste which would have to be removed from the cutting machine. Figure 21 illustrates still another iabel strip 240, which includes a matrix 242 over a carrier strip, and with tabs 244 cut in the carrier strip and overlying tabs 246 cut in the matrix, for receiving sprockets.

It is also possible to form cuts or holes only in the carrier strip, but near the edge of the carrier strip, so that sprockets can pass through the carrier strip and merely pressing the edges of the matrix away from the carrier strip. All these cuts can also be in the label area if necessary.

Figure 24 and Figure 25 are cross sectional views of a preferred bellows shape.

Figure 24 actually is a split view with the left half showing the bellows 270 when its interior is at atmospheric pressure. It will be seen that the bellows may have the form of the frustum of a cone or a pyramid.

The right side of Figure 24 shows the bel lows 270 when fully retracted, as happens when a vacuum is established in its interior.

Figure 25 shows the bellows 270 when fully extended and applying a label to an object 272.

The reason the form shown is preferred is because, upon retraction of the bellows as in Figure 24, there is no sticking together of the folds. This occurs with the usual cylindrical or square shaped bellows. Upon expansion thereafter the bellows may not extend fully or extend with the base at an angle, thus defeating label application.

Furthermore, because of the frustum of a cone shape, the bellows, when extended against an object, as shown in Figure 24, wraps itself partialy around the object, insuring proper label placement.

Thus, the invention permits the highly reliable separation of labels from the strip while permitting the use of a wide variety of labels including very thin and flcxiblc labels.

By utilizing this invention, the label carrying web is made far less expensive to manufacture (as much as 30. Labeis can now be made of material of extreme thinness and Hexibility (001"soft poly- ethylene, for example). The peeling process is 100 positive. The label must separate when thc carrier web passes through the Vshaped notch. Furthermore, the process of peeling does not require any appreciable tension of the web.

The label is held by the application p ! un- ger before, during and after the peeling process, so that, in one sense, the label does not have to be transferred to any place after peeling, because it is already in that place.

The method of label application is a pneumatically-actuated bellows which holds the label firmly by vacuum until extended by a blast of low pressure air. It can apply labels over a wicle range of product height variation, is extremely fast (about 6 millisec- onds), is conformable to product shapes, and can easily label products going by at high speed (24"per second) without damage.

Another advantageous characteristic of the new labelling system is the elimination of any electronic label sensing or electromechanical web drives, which must bc sophisticated for high speeds and therefore expensive and inclined to failure. The elimination oF such abe ! sensing and web drive systems is possible due to the use of various slits in the label carrying web, which are employed somewhat like sprocket holes, by the machine, to control the advance and location of the labels within the machine.

Thev are available at no cost because of their special design which is only suited for the kind of die cutting used to make pressure sensitive labels.

Claims (11)

1. WI-TAT I CLAIM IS :- 1. Apparatus for automatically sequen tially applying labels to objects from a label strip including first and second parallel carrier strip portions and a plurality of labels adhered therealong so as to bridge said carrier strip portions, comprisin-a plate having first and second substantially planar surfaces and an edge lying substantially in the plane of said plate. said plate edge in cluding first and second non-aligned edge portions, strip transport means for moving said label strip along a first path extending substantially contiguous with said first planar surface toward said edge portions and then along first and second branch paths respectively extending around said first and second edge portions and thence adiacent said second planar surface, said strip transport means including take-up means positioned down-path From said first and second edge portions for engaging both said first and second carrier strip portions to pull thcn1 at the same rate along said first and second path branches at a linear rate and feed means positioned up-path from said edge portions for engagement with said carrier strip portions and adapted to tend to reduce their rate of movement to less than said linear rate thus creating tension in said carrier strip portions, and labelapplying means operable to engage labels immediately adjacent to said edge portions as said carrier strip portions are simultan- eously separated from each other and from said labels and to press said engaged labels against objects to be labelle.
2. 2. Apparatus according to claim I in which said first and second edge portions converge towards an apex to form a Vshaped recess extending into the plate.
3. 3. Apparatus according to claim I or 2 wherein said take-up means includes at least one roller mounted for rotation and having a peripheral surface for engagement with said first and second carrier strip portions, and drive motor means coupled to said tape-up means for rotating said roller.
4. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 adapted for use with a label strip with sprocket holes therein, wherein said means positioned up-path from said edge portions includes sprocket means for engagement in said sprocket holes, and drive means for driving said sprocket means to feed said label strip along said first path.
5. 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said take-up means positioned down-path from said first and second edge portions include sprocket means for engagement in said sprocket holes, and drive means for driving said sprocket means to pull said label strip along said first path.
6. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which said take-up means includes first and second rollers each having a row of sprockets formed on the peripheral surface thereof and dimensioned to engage sprocket holes in said first and second carrier strip portions, and motor drive means for rotating said rollers to pull said carrier strip portions along said branch paths.
7. 7. Apparatus according to any of claims I to 3 wherein said feed means and said take-up means comprise respective rollers mounted on a common drive shaft, said take-up roller having a diameter slightly larger than said feed roller thus tending to take up said carrier strip portions at a greater rate than the feed of said label strip, at least one of said rollers being permitted to slip relative to said label strip or strip portions respectivelv.
8. 8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein said label-apply ing means includes label handling means alternately operable to pick up and release a label, label transport means operable in synchronism with said label handling means for moving said label handling means between a pick-up position immediately adjacent to said edge portions whereat labels are picked up as said carrier strip portions are simultaneously separated from each other and from said labels and a release position whereat said labels are released, the operation of said label transport means being synchronized with the movement of said label strip.
9. 9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims further including guide means disposed between said first and second edge portions and said take-up means for directing said carrier strip portions along said first and second branch paths extending opposite to said first path.
10. 10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims in combination with a label strip further including a matrix surrounding said labels and formed of the same material as said labels, said matrix being split along a line extending proximate to the adjacent edges of said carrier strip portions.
11. 11. Label applying apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.