US1425350A - Sheet-feeding method and means - Google Patents

Description

J. C. THOM'.

SHEET FEEDING METHOD AND MEANS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.14, 1921.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922;

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SHEET-FEEDING METHOD AND MEANS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I4, 1921- Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

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Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

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APPLICATION FILED MAR-14. I921- 425 350 Patented Aug. 8, 1922,

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JAMES C. THOM, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR T0 COMBINATIDN MACHINE COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION 01% DELAWARE.

SHEET-FEEDING METHOD AND MEANS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 8,1922.

Application filed March 14, 1921. Serial No. 452,391.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Janus C. THOM, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sheet-Feeding Methods and Means, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for feeding blanks or sheets and more particularly to a method and apparatus for successively feeding individual blanks or sheets, such as labels, for application to packets or containers and has particular reference to the provision of a method and apparatus of the nature referred to, in which sheets or labels of varying dimen sions may be individually fed from a stack or pile in an eflicient manner and may be fed in centered or registered relation for application to the packets or containers.

In the art of labeling packets or containers, a series of label blanks or sheets placed in stack or pile formation, in a sup-- ply magazine, the labels being fed individually from the supply stack either from the top or bottom thereof, the labels being then fed through an adhesive supplying station where the labels receive coating of adhesive and to a station where the adhesively coated labels are applied to the packets or containers. The pile or stack of labeled blanks which are fed from the magazine is obtained by cutting a stack of large sheets having a plurality of label im )rints on each sheet, such stack being cut into a plurality of piles of labels equal in number, as is apparent, to the number of label imprints on such largesheet.

In order to have each label properly centered in the supply magazine and properly fed in centered relation therefrom for proper registry with the packets or con-- tainers to which such labels are to be applied, it is requisite that all the labels should have the same dimensions in width and length, guiding means, spaced such width or length in the magazines being required to guide the labels in the desired centered and registered position. It has been found, however, practically impossible to attain this desired end, principally for thereason that it has been found impossible to cut all the labels to the same dimensions. It has been found, for example, that after the cutting operation the "labels have varying widths or lengths. This has been found to be especially true with labels of relatively small dimensions such asare used for application to small packets or containers. With such relatively small label blanks the percentage variation in they dimensions of the cut labels assumes relatively large proportions, this resulting in numerous defects in label feeding.

One of the principal defects in label feeding resulting fromthis practical inability to obtain constant dimensioned labels in the cutting operation lies in the failure to obtain eflicient selection of individual blanks from the label stack. As referred to above, the labels are fed individually from the magazine for label coatingand label application. This is usually accomplished by the.

provision of a picker operative for selecting a label either from the top or bottom of the label stack, means being usually provided in the magazine for restraining label remov'al, such means functioning so as to permit only single sheets to be selected by the pickerand so as to prevent multiple sheet selection by such picker. Such means .usu ally comprises lips ,or flanges overhanging in the path of label movement and cooperating with the labels for preventing such multiple label selection or removal. The amount or degree of overhang of the restraining lips or flanges forms a very im portant consideration. Such restraining means, for example, should not provide too large an overhang for the reason that too large an overhang will prevent, rather than restrain, label removal activity. All that has been found necessary for efficient label restraining activity is a very short overhanging lip or flange engaging the label edge. For illustration it may be suggested that if the point of a pin be ever so slightly bent, as by movement of the pin over a rough surface, the resulting minute hook or overhang in the pin point is suflicient to grip the edge of a sheet for restraining movement thereof. It has been found, however, due to the variations in the dimensions of the labels used, that if a short lip or overhang be provided, although the labels of larger dimensions, are effectively engaged and restrained, the labels of smaller dimensions will fail to be engaged by the protruding lips with the result that the picker will properly functioning as respects the smaller size labels, will prevent rather than restrain removal by the picker of the larger sizelabels, this also resulting in improper label feeding. The provision of a method and means in which multiple label selection will be prevented and individual label selection facilitated is, therefore, an obviousdesideratum.

Another principal defect resulting from the variation in dimensions of the cut labels lies in the failureto secure proper centering of all the labels in the magazine stack and the failure to obtain as a consequence properly registered labels as applied to the packets or containers. For the purpose of accommodating or receiving all ofthe labels,

the dimensions of the magazine compartment or pocket should be as large or larger than thelabel of largest cut dimensions. In such amagazine pocket it has been found that the labels of smaller dimensions are subject to the liability of shifting to one side or of turning in the magazine within limits, this resulting in an improperly centered label in the magazine a'nda selection, of such label'by the picker in decentered position. WVith the labels fed to the containers in this decentered position thelabels applied to the containers will be out of registry with the containerwalls, and where the container and label are both ofsinall or nar row dimensions, an imperfect registry is conspicuously apparent. been found desirable to provide a method and apparatus whereby such labels may be properly centered in the magazine and may be properly fed for label registration.

The principal objects of my invention therefore include, in addition to the provision of a method and means for feeding label blanks or sheets, the provision of such a method or means in which the blanks will be individually fed in an efiicient manner; the provision of a method andmeans of this type in which any label of a stack of labels of varying dimensions may be individually selected in a facile manner, with the minimizing of multiple label selection or removal; the further provision of such means in which any such label of a stack of labels of varying dimensions may be properly cen- It has therefore tered in the supply magazine and properly fed for registry in label application;-the still further provision of "anovel form of label and novel guiding and centering means associated therewith and the provision of such method and means simple in structure and operation accomplishing the necessary functions in an eflicient and facile manner. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and such other objects vas may hereinafter appear, my invention consists-in the elements and their relation one to the other, 7

as hereinafter particularly described and sought to be defined in the claims, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings which show a preferred embodiment ofmy.

invention and in which- I Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stack of labels showing excised portions therein in registering relation to provide guide ways or channels,

Figure 2 is a plan view of apparatus used in g, parts being broken away,

Figure 7 is a plan view of the same, Figures 8 to 11 are diagrammatic views of a label feeding apparatus showing the various steps during which the labels are centered in the magazine and fed in centered registry relation for label application to a container, and

FigurelQ is a perspective view of a container with a registered label thereon.

Before describing my apparatus and method in detail I will briefly state the principles underlying my invention and the operative steps I employ in providing for the label" selection and registration above referred to. The labels, after being cut in pile or stack formation, are fed into a well or shaft, a series of oppositely disposed rotary cutters in the form of rotary saws being provided for excising portions of the labels in the edges thereof as the label stacks are fed through the said well or shaft. The labels, after this excising operation, are pro vided with a plurality of similar milled portions or saw kerfs, the registering saw kerfs of the superposedlabels in the stack defining a way or channel adapted as a guide for subsequent label centering and registration. The depth of the milled portions or detail of one of the magazine adapted for multiple label feedsa-w kerfs is predetermined such that all the.

label's, irrespective of dimensions, are provided with such saw kerfs. This is effected by so arranging the rotary saws that the distance- (as measured along a line, for example, parallel to a width or length of the label)- between the bottoms of saw kerfs in a label is less than the width of the label of smallest width in the stack, the distance between the bottoms of such saw kerfs being equal in each label and being of a predetermined constant value. The excised labels are then, hand, fed into a magazine provided witha p-lurality'of vertically'disposed guide rods havinga cross section preferably similar; to the cross sectional configuration of the saw" kerfs, the guide rods being spaced in the magazine a distance equal to-the predetermined constant distance between the saw lrerf bottoms; the guide rods and the guide channels provided by the saw kerfs forming cooperating guiding elements for centeringeach labelof-the stack in the magazine, this cooperation permitting of registry label feeding. Since each label irrespective of dimensions, is provided with excised portions, it will be evident that the guide rods, will contact the edges-of each such label. I therefore further provide each guide rod at an end thereof with a slight overhanging lip or flange just sufiicient to perform. the label restraining function, it

being evident that such slight overhang will while at the same time permitting with fa cility single label selection by the label picker above referredto. The labels, after being individually removed from the magazine by the picker, are then fed in centered relation in. any desired manner to a label,

applying station. and the label-is there applied to a packet or container in registered position, thereon;

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings.v the label stack 20 comprises a series of superimposed labels L.. the widths or lengths of these labels varying in dimensions, as hereinbefore referred to. Each. of the labels L is provided preferably with a. plurality of excised portions 21. these excised or cut out portions of the superposed labels registering, asshown. in Figure 1 of the drawings, such registration providing elongated channels or ways in the stack, these channelsbeing adapted for cooperation with guide means for the guiding and centering of the stacks oflabels in the. further use thereof. The excised portions 21 are pro.- vided in the edges of the labels and may be provided in, any spaced manner desired. The preferred arrangement is shown in Figure 1-, in.- which. the cut out portions. 21 are arranged in. opposed: relationship, each.

label being thus provided with a plurality of sets of oppositely positioned cut out portions. The cut out portions 21 are milled.

to a predetermined depth in the labels,.suchr that the distance (as measured, for example, between the bottoms of a set of. cut'out portions 21, such distancebeing designated in Figure 1 as d) is less. than the width of.

the label of smallest width in the stack. Looked at from another aspect, the milled portions 21 are cut to such a depth such that each label, irrespective. of width or length,

as (Z equal in every such label. Although. I have shown the excised portions as arranged in opposed relation, it willbeapparentthat' other means ofarranging the excised portlons may be provided, the principle involved being that each label be provided:

with a milled portion such as 21 to coop erate with other means he'reinbelow described; in detail for label centering and, registration. L

Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, I have shown a means which may be used in providing themilled or cut out portions 21 in the stack of labels 20. Such means may comprise a well or shaft 22, bounded by walls the walls being provided with a plurality of spaced slits or apertures 24, in which rotate a plurality of spaced rotary cutters or saws 25 the saws 25*extending into the well 22- a predetermined distance,

as clearly shown in- Figure 2 of the drawings'. 'The rotary saws 25 are so spacedly mounted as to provide the spaced. milled portions or saw kerfs 21 in a label stack 20. asshown in Figure 1; mounted on a plurality of shafts 26, journalled in a plurality of standards 27. mounted on the base plate-28=; the shafts 26 being 26 are each provided with opposed thrust collars S0 for the purpose of preventing endwise movement of these shafts in order to keep the end rotary saws 25 in exact centred position. are each provided with thrust" nuts 31 also functioning to prevent endwise movement of these shafts and to maintain the rotary saws 25' on these shaftsm properly cen-.

tered position. The rotary cutters or saws may be arranged or spaced in any desired The intermediate shafts 26- The cutters 25 are manner. the preferred arrangement being;

shown in. the said Figure 2, this arrangein opposed relation to provide the saw kerfs in' s milaropposed relation, the distance between 'any two opposed rotary cutters being equal to d and thusbeingequal to the distance dbetween the bottoms of saw kerf 21..

The labels,atter they are obtained from the cuttingoit a large sheet containing the plu rality ot-imprints, are 'ted into the shaft or well 22 and are tedin such shaft in centered position, the opposedly rotating saws 25 aiifh mg in centering any glVGHStELCk of labels ably by the walls 33, the distance between opposing walls being large enough "to accommodate the largest wldth oil label obtained by the prior cutting operation. The

magazine is provided also with a plurality of spaced guiding elements 34, these guiding elements having preferably a cross sectionatconfiguration simllar to the cross sec- .tionalcontour of the QIQCISBtl portions 21 ot the labels; The guiding elements 34k in the formpre'lerably of guide rods, are arranged in thecompartment 32 similar to the spaced arrangement of the saw lrerfs 21 in the labels. Furthermore, the distance between any two opposed guide rods, 3a made substantially equal to the distance between the bottoms of set of opposed saw lrerts 21.,

this distancebeing designated also as din Figure 3 of the drawings ltwill be apparent that whei'r a stack of labels containing labels otvarylng widths istinserted from the top into the magazine compartment 32, that.

the guide rods will receive the saw kerfs 21, the saw her-ts and the guide rods forming interengaging guiding elements, thisresulting in the proper superposed registra- .tion ot each label in the stack. Furthermore,since thedistance between any set of opposed rods is equal to the distance between the bottoms .ot saw lrert's, it will be evidentthat the guide rods 3% will contact a portion. of each label, irrespective of its width, thiscooperation resulting in the centering of each label both transversely and longitudinally in the compartment 32.

The interengaging cooperation between the guide rods 34; and the out out portions 21 of each label L affords a simple method and for"tacilitating single label selection. To

for. preventing multiple label feeding in Figure a pl this endeach of the guiding elements 34 is provided-at an end thereof with an overhanging lip or flange 35, shown in detail 5-01 the, drawings, this overhan being just suflicient for restraining labeil withdrawalflrom the stack in the magazine. i igure l 'ot the drawings shows the manner in whichthe restraining lips 35 cooperate with the bottom label L of the stack. Since each of the, labels has a portion about the excised portion in contact with the guide rods 3st, the overhanging lip must cooperate with every label in the stack, irrespective of the dimensions ol any one label. In this manner multiple label selection is avoided,

the overhang being just sufficient to restrain label withdrawal activity while not preventing label selection altogether.

in Figures 6 and 7 1 show the applica ition ot my registering method andmeans in a multiple label magazine as used for feeding a plurahty of labels for application to rality oi: containers, as disclosed in the (to-pending application otJonathanPeten son, EverialNo. 44:3,370, filed February 8, 195 1. The magazine shown 111 Figure 6 con'ri a plurality of compartments 32,

'ises configuration land. having similarly spaced guiding rods 341-, each, of the guiding rods being prov ded preferably atthe bottom end thereof wlththe overhanging lips 35.

it will heapparentfrom Figure 7 that the labels L andfL in the successive labelcompartmcnts will be substantially centered and gistered, irrespective of the varying widths ot the labels as shown in the saidfigure.

"the labels are adapted to be fed from the bottonna suction picker 36 being preferably used. torselecting the. bottom label of each staclr of labels. The suction picker comprises a suction chamber 37 anda plurality of piclter elements 38, each element 38 hav ings1; tion port'39opening into the suction chamber 37; the said suction port 39 being open attheconcave face 40 0f the suc tion element 38. The picker 36 is adapted to be reciprocated to and tromtlielabel magazine lVhen the saidpiclrer'is in a position ad acent the magazme, the suction in thechamber 37 communicating with the ports 39 will be operative for removing the bottom label of each stack, the concave con tour of each picker element 38 facilitating ren'ioval oi the bottom label by permitting curling thereof, each of the overhanging lips permitting aacuay of selection of such bottom label while restraining the next succeeding label from being removed during such selectingoperation. The pickermechanism tormsno part of my present inven tion, as any means tor selecting'each of the labels from the stack may be used, such pic K31 mechanism being here shownior purposes of illustration only. It will be an t-illflll ot the compartments being. of similar parent that since each of the labels is properly centered in the magazine, that the picker mechanism 36 will remove each label in properly centered relation for further label application operations.

In Figures 8 to 11 I have shown the method of label selection and application disclosed in the above mentioned copend ing application, Serial No. 443,370, this method being here shown for illustrative purposes to further point out how the labels, after being removed in centered and registered relation, are registered with respect to packets or containers for proper registered application thereto. In Figure 3 is shown the suction picker 36 referred to hereinbefore, a label L being shown on the picker after removal therefrom from the magazine compartment 32. As hereinbefore referred to this picker is adapted for reciprocating operation and when in descended position as shown in Figure 9, a horizontal reciprocating label remover 41 is moved in overlying relation with respect to the picker 36; the said label remover 41 also being provided with a suction box 42 and a series of suction ports 43 adapted, when connected to an exhaust mechanism, to remove the label L from the picker 36 when the suction box 37 is opened to atmosphere. The label remover 41 is then moved out of overlying relation with respect to the picker 36 and moved into overlying relation with a series of movable belts 43', 43 and 43 the label L being then deposited on the said movable belts. These belts are each provided with an adhesive coating, as shown, for example, in Figure 11 of the drawings, such adhesive coating being designated as 44 and 44 the labels, after being deposited on the spaced belts 43, 43 and 43 receiving on their under side a coating of adhesive from the said belts in a manner as will be apparent. The spaced belts convey the label to a label applying station, belt 43 before the label reaches the label applying station being moved out of contact relation with the label, as diagrammatically shown in Figure 10 of the drawings. At the label applying station a packet or container C is moved upwardly into contact with the label L, the upward motion of this container effecting removal of the said label from the spaced belts; means (not shown) being provided for applying the said label about the walls of the container C. After the feeding and labeling operations a labeled packet or container is obtained, as shown in perspective in Figure 12 of the drawings, it being particularly noted that the label will be produced in properly registered position on the lateral walls of the container, this resulting from the label centering operations and the feeding of the said labels in such centered or registered position. Although I have shown in detail one method of label selection and label application, it will be apparent that any other method or means for selecting the labels from the magazine and for applying the labels to containers may be utilized, my invention comprehending the feeding of these labels into properly registered and centered position in the magazine and the feeding of these labels from the magazine in such centered relation for registered label application.

The operation and use of my'method and apparatus will, in the main, be apparent from the above description. thereof. Each label stack 20 is provided with a plurality of saw kerfs or milled portions by a milling machine, as shown in Figure 2, each label of each such stack being provided as a result of this operation with similar saw kerfs; the superposed saw kerfs forming guiding channels for cooperation with similarly spaced guiding means 34 in the magazine compartment 32, this cooperation between the guiding channels and theguiding means resulting in properly registered labels as regards width, length and height. The slight overhanging lips 35 in each of the guiding elements 34 provide means for effectively restraining multiple label removal and for efficiently permitting single label selection. The centered and registered labels are then fed in such centered relation for registered label application to containers and packets.

It will be apparent from the above that I have provided a method and means for feeding sheets in the form of labels so that such labels may be individually selected in an efficient manner from the label source or supply and so that the labels may be fed in properly centered and registered position for application to packets or containers. It will be also apparent that although I have shown my method and apparatus asapplied to label feeding, that such method and apparatus is applicable broadly to all sheet feeding where similar problems of sheet selection and registry are involved.

While I have shown my device in the preferred form, it will be obvious that many changes and modifications may be made in the structure disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention, defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A stack of labels comprising a series ofindividual labels of varying dimensions, the labels being provided with registering cut out portions in the edges thereof, the registering cut out portions defining a guide channel means, the distance, in any one label, between the bottom of a cut out portion in a label edge and a predeterminedpoint edgesin a label of smallest dimensions in y the stack.

tering cut out portions defining guide channel means,the distance in any one label,

between the bottom of a cut out portion in a label edge and a predetermined point in an opposed label edge being less than the distance between the corresponding label edges in a label of smallest width in the stack. y

3. A stack of labels comprising a series of individual labels of varying dimensions, the labels being provided with registering cut out portions in the edges thereof, the registering cut out portions defining a guide channel means, each label being provided with a plurality of cut out portions, the

distance in any one label, between the bottom of a cut out portion in a label edge and a predetermined point in an opposed label edge being less than the distance between the corresponding label edges in a label of smallest dimensions in the stack.

4:. A stack of labels comprising a series of individual labels of varying dimensions, the labels being each provided with a plurality of opposed cutout portions cooperating for label registration, the distance, in any one label, between the bottoms of opposed cut out portions being less than the distance between the corresponding label edges in the label of smallest dimensions in the stack,

5. A stack of sheets comprising series of superposed sheets of varying dimensions provided with registering cut out portions in the edges thereof, each sheet being provided with a plurality of cooperating cut out portions, the distance in each of the sheets of the series, between the bottoms of a similar pair of cooperating cut out portions being of a predetermined and constant length.

6. A sheet blank comprising a body portion having a given configuration or body outline and provided with cooperat ng ex cised portions in the edges thereof, the said excised portions being formed by taking the said blank having the given body outline and cutting into the body thBI6OIll,ftl1 distance between the bottoms of a pair of cooperating excised-portions being of a predetere mined length. a

7. Alabel comprising a body portion having a given configuration or body outline and provided with a cut-out portion in an edge thereof adapted for registration of the label, the said cut-out portion being formed by taking the said label having the given body outline and cuttinginto, the body there y.- r,t he distance between the bottom ofthe gout-out portion and agiven point in an op posed edge of the label being of a predeterinto the body thereof, the distance between the bottoms of a set of cut-out portions being of a predetermined length, the said set being adapted for label registration.

9. In combination, a supply magazine holding a stack of sheets or labels of varying dimensions, said magazine including guide means for the sheets, the sheets being pro vided with registering excised portions formed by cutting into the body of the sheets and defining a guide way or channel cooperatingwith the guide means, the distance between the bottom of an excised portion and a predetermined point 111 a label body being constant throughout the label stack.

10. In combination, a supply magazine holding a stack of sheets or labels of varying dimensions, said magazine including opposedly spaced guide means for the sheets,

the sheets being provided with similarly spaced registering excised portions formed by cutting into the body of the sheets and defining guide ways cooperating with the guide means, the distance between the bot-- toms of spaced guide ways being constant throughout the sheet stack.

11. In combination, a supply magazine holding a stack of sheets or labels of varying dimensions, said magazine including inset guide rods disposed vertically in the magazine, the sheets being provided with registering excised portions formed by' cutting into the body of the sheets and defining gif 'de ways cooperating with the guide rods, the distance between the bottom of an excised portion and a predetermined point in a sheet being constant through-out the sheet stack.

12. In combination, a supply magazine holding a stack of: sheets or labels of varying dimensions, said magazine including opposedly spaced guide means for the sheets, the sheets being provided with similarly spaced registering excised portions forming guide ways and cooperating with the guide means, the distance between the opposed spaced registering excised portions forming 'guideways and cooperating with the guide constant length.

14. In combination, a supply magazine holding a, stack of sheets or labels, said magazine including guide means for the sheets, the sheets being provided with regis tering excised portions forming a guide way or channel and cooperating with the guide means; the guide means being provided at one end thereof with a short overhang adapted to cooperate with each sheet at the excised portion thereof to restrain withdrawal of the same from the magazine.

15. In combination a supply magazine holding a stack of sheets or labels of varying dimensions, said magazine including opposedly spaced guide means for the sheets, the sheets being provided with similarly spaced registering excised portions; forming guide ways and cooperating with the guide means, the distance between the opposed guide means being less than the distance between opposite edges of any label in the stack; the guide means being each provided at an end thereof with a short overhang adapted to cooperate with each label at the excised portion thereof to restrain withdrawal of the same from the magazine, the construction being such that a short overhang will suffice for cooperation with all labels irrespective of the variation in dimensions of such labels.

16. In the the method of centering a series of superposed sheets or labels of ing widths or lengths, the step which consists in excising portions of the label edges to a depth such that each of the labels may be contacted by a guiding element set into the guiding way formed by the superposed excised portions.

17. In the method of centering a series of superposed sheets or labels of varying widths or lengths, the steps which consists in milling or sawing the superposed series of labels in opposed edges thereof to a depth such that each label irrespective of width or length is provided with opposed excised portions.

18. In the method of centering a series of superposed sheets or labels of varyingwidths or lengths, the steps which consist in milling or sawing the superposed series of labels in opposed edges thereof to a depth such that the distance between the bottoms of the excised portions in opposec edges of each label will be of a predetermined constant value.

19. The method of centering a series of superposed sheets or labels of varying widths, which consists in providing similar cut out portions in each of the labels, in providing a magazine having guiding elements located at equal distances from a median line of the magazine and'in positioning the series of superposed labels in the magazine, the excised label portions forming channels for receiving the guiding elements.

20. The method of centering a series of superposed sheets or labels of varying widths, which consists in providing similarly opposed cut out portions in each of the labels, in providing a magazine having guide rods located at equal distances from a median line of the magazine and in positioning the series of superposed labels in the magazine, the excised label portions forming channels for receiving the guide rods.

21. In the method of feeding sheets or labels of varying widths or' lengths into registering position on containers, comprising the steps of excising portions of each label so that the distance between the bottoms of the excised portions in each label is of a predetermined constant length, providing guiding elements spaced a distance equal to such predetermined length, and feeding the labels between the guiding ele ments with the excised portions receiving the guiding elements, whereby each label is centered irrespective of its width or length.

22. The method of feeding sheets or labels of varying widths or lengths into registering position on containers, comprising the steps of excising portions of each label so that the distance between the bottoms of the excised portions in each label is of a predetermined constant length, providing guiding elements spaced a distance equal to such predetermined length, feeding the labels between the guiding elements with the excised portions receiving the guiding elements, whereby each label is centered irrespective of its width or length and in then feeding each centered label into registered position for application to a container.

23. The method of feeding sheets or labels of varying widths or lengths into registering position, comprising similarly excising portions of each sheet to provide a body portion in each sheet of predetermined and unvarying length, feeding the sheets at a sheet supply station with the said body'portion centered between guiding elements and feeding the sheets successively from said supply stationin centered and registered position to a second station.

24. In the method of feeding sheets or labels of varying widths or lengths into registering position on containers for application thereto, comprising similarly excising portions of each sheet to provide a body portion in each sheet of predetermined and unvarying length, and feeding the sheets at a sheet supply station with the said body registration.

portion centered between guiding elements whereby the sheets are centered for label in which means are provided for restraining multiple sheet selection, the method of restraining multiple sheet selection while permitting ease of single sheet selection which consists in similarlyexcising portions of each sheet suchthat each sheet irrespective of width or length is provided with such excised portions and in feeding such sheets through restraining elements locatedin the path of the excised portions of the sheets. i

Si ned at Chicago, 1n the county of Cook and tate ot Il1in0is, this 8th dey'of'Mamch A.D.1921; p p JAMESC. THOM.

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