Patent ID: 6471802
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: B65C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for applying labels to articles comprising the steps of(a) feeding a web of label material from a supply reel, said label material having a first side and a second side, said first side having printed indicia defining a repetitive pattern having a mark; (b) providing (i) a vacuum drum rotating at a constant number of revolutions per minute and (ii) a second drum operating at a constant number of revolutions per minute, one of said drums having one or more knives and the other of said drums functioning as an anvil; (c) applying adhesive to said second side; (d) engaging said web to said vacuum drum and moving said web between said vacuum drum and said second drum to successively cut said web into labels, said cuts being made through both said web and newly applied adhesive; (e) sensing each said mark prior to said mark reaching said vacuum drum; (f) causing a variation in speed of movement of a length of said web containing the sensed mark prior to the repetitive pattern containing such mark reaching the area of engagement between said knives and said anvil to cause said web to slip relative to said vacuum drum; and (g) carrying said labels on said vacuum drum into engagement with said articles.