Patent GB-1389241-A (GB)
Title: Addressing machine
IPC: B65C9/18
Filed: 1972-06-09
Abstract: 1389241 Cutting apparatus XEROX CORP 9 June 1972 [15 June 1971 (2)] 27018/72 Heading B4B [Also in Divisions B6 and B8] An addressing machine for transferring address bearing labels or the information thereon to articles, e.g. newspapers, using uncut labels in strip or sheet form (label form), and adapted for use with various label sizes, includes a labelling head with label transfer means, a pair of form feeders, a pair of trim knives to trim the label form edges, knife means to cut the label form into strips of uncut labels, label strip knife means to cut the strip into individual labels, and drive means, and is characterized by (a) first gauge means for the trim knives movable to preset stops to position the knives for a selected label form, (b) second gauge means movable to preset stops to position the form feeders for said selected label form, (c) third gauge means movable to a preset stop to preset the cutting stroke of the label strip knife means for said selected label form, and (d) means for changing the drive transmission ratio to match the speed of the trimming knives, the form feeders and the label form knife means with the selected label form. The machine 10, Fig. 1, has a quick change head 21 mounted above article feeding mechanism 9 comprising supply hopper 14, feed shuttle 8, gate 16, transport belt 18 and transfer wheel 20. The labelling head comprises trim knives 70, 70<SP>1</SP>, Fig. 4, downstream of pin feed mechanisms 35, 35<SP>1</SP> the pin feeds being adjustably positioned on shaft 54 and drive shaft 53 for adjustment for different label sizes, as described in Specification 1,389,242 which is referred to. The trim knives on shaft 73 are driven by shaft 80 which supports the corresponding anvils (72), Fig. 5 (not shown), the knife 70<SP>1</SP> being locked in a preset position on the shaft 73, the knife 70 being adjustable for different label sizes by a gauge mechanism 75 comprising a stop 76 fixed to the shaft 73 in preset position and having a driving pin (78) engageable with one or another of holes of different depths in the knife 70. The preset gauge means for the form feed 35<SP>1</SP> is somewhat similar, Fig. 6 (not shown). The anvil wheels (88), Fig. 5 (not shown), are spring-loaded to urge them against the knife edges to provide the shearing action, such spring-loading also serving to maintain the driving pin 78 in the selected bore. Strips of labels are cut from the label form 31 by guillotine 34, Fig. 2, and advanced by feed rolls 39, 40 into the nip of rotary knife 41 which comprises a blade 42 on roll 42 co-operating with anvil roll 43, the rolls 42, 43 advancing the label strip one label length at a time, the roll 42 having an undercut part 45 to limit its strip feeding and its stroke being variable by relative rotation of ports (90, 91 and 91<SP>1</SP>), on the driving shaft (96), Fig. 7 (not shown). Cut labels 30 leaving the knife 41 are picked off by vacuum shoe 26 on wheel 20 and brought into contact with articles to be addressed, the labels being either secured to the articles by adhesive or, after transfer of the information thereon to the article, being carried away. Change speed gearing 168, Fig. 2, enables the speeds of the form feed &c. to be changed to suit the selected label size.