Patent ID: 6474390
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: B65C,Y10T

Abstract:
A machine for placing labeling sleeves on bottles, comprising:an input station having a receiving unit for receiving the bottles on which a sleeve is to be placed; a sleeve dispensing station fed with a continuous sheath of sleeves, for separating the sleeves; a main turret fitted with units for receiving the bottles distributed regularly around the periphery of this turret, for receiving the bottles transferred by the input station as well as the sleeves to be placed on the bottles as they are rotated on the main turret; an output station taking the bottles fitted with their sleeve from the main turret in order to discharge them; a control system managing operation of the different machine components; each receiving unit comprising a support receiving a bottle; a unit with two suction arms to pick up a sleeve from said dispensing station and to open the sleeve by moving the two arms apart, and a slidable tool mounted parallel with the bottle, the displacement of which relative to the bottle is controlled by a roller which bears on an adjustable cam for receiving the sleeve in two stretching devices borne by the two suction arms, taking it by its two sides located in the peripheral direction by means of the two stretching devices which are controlled so as to move the sides apart, and lowering it so as to place it on the bottle, the top of the sleeve being fixed onto the bottle and said slidable tool being released from the bottom of the space between the bottle and the sleeve; a coupling device for receiving said slidable tool by means of a mechanical hooking link, the control connections of the stretching devices being established simultaneously; an unreeling station receiving a sheath of sleeves which are printed but not separated, having a cutter with a blade and counter-blade to cut off each sleeve at its junction with a subsequent sleeve; and said cam controlling the travel of said slidable tool as it is lowered relative to the bottle while the main turret is being rotated and, in a final phase of lowering the sleeve onto the bottle, a relaxation level for the sleeve so as to allow the sleeve to be relaxed, the top thereof being retained on the bottle and the bottom being held taut by the stretching devices, then controlling the opening of said tool to release the bottom edge of the sleeve and finally enabling the release of the tool as it is lowered below the bottom edge of the sleeve place on the bottle.