Improvements in Machines for Labelling Cans.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 6th June, 1895-Accepted, 17th Aug., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines for Labelling Cans.
I WILLIAM GRIFFITH TRETHEWEY, of Delbruck Block, Vancouver British
Columbia Canada, Notary Public, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to improvements in machines for labelling cans; and its
novelty and advantages will be fully understood from the following description and
claims when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which:
Fig. 1, is a vertical, longitudinal section of my improved machine.
Fig. 2, is a plan view of the same with part of the endless belts broken away.
Fig. 3, is an enlarged, detail, side-elevation of a portion of the machine.
Fig. 4, is an enlarged, detail plan view of a portion of the machine.
Fig. 5, is a detail, enlarged section taken in the plane indicated by the line x, x,
of Fig. 1.
Fig. 6, is a detail, enlarged, perspective view, illustrating the label support and
its guide frame.
Fig. 7, is an enlarged, detail plan view of the rollers, through the medium of
which an adhesive is applied to the periphery of the cans.
Figs. 8, and 84, are detail perspective views of the two kinds of label guides and
holders employed.
Fig. 9, is a detail view of the roller for applying adhesive to the lap ends of the
labels.
Figs. 10, and 11, are detail views, in section, which will be hereinafter
described.
Fig. 12, is a transverse section illustrating the preferred form of belt.
Fig. 13, is a transverse section illustrating a modified form of belt, and :
Fig. 14, is a section illustrating a modified construction of roller for applying
adhesive to the lap ends of the labels, and :
Fig. 15, is a detail view illustrating a modification hereinafter referred to.
In the said drawings, similar letters and numerals designate corresponding parts
in all of the views, referring to which :-A, indicates the bed of my improved
machine, which is preferably mounted upon and secured to legs as B, and is
provided with openings a, (see Fig. 2.); and C, indicates an adjustable frame which
is arranged above the bed A. This frame C, is provided at one end with a
depending apertured branch b; and at its opposite or forward end, it has the
parallel branches c, designed to rest on opposite sides of the wheels D, and form a
bearing for the shaft E, thereof. The forward end of the frame C, is supported
above the bed A, by the frame C', which comprises the bars c', which are pivotally
connected at one end to the bed A, as indicated by c³, and have bearings at their
opposite or forward ends, and the curvilinear bars d, which depend from the forward
ends of the bars c', and extend through the apertures a, in the bed and have a
plurality of apertures e, as shown. These apertures e, are designed to receive
removable pins, which bear upon the bed A, and by reason of said apertures and
pins, it will be perceived that the forward end of the frame C, and the wheels D,
may be adjustably fixed at various elevations above the bed A, for a purpose
presently described. The opposite or rear end of the frame C, which has the
angular brauch b, receives the threaded shank g, of a fork shaped frame F, and said
frame F, which affords a bearing for the shaft G, of the wheels H, aud is
adjustably connected with the frame C, by the outs as h, is provided with a

page_text: vertically-disposed aperture i, to receive the threaded shank j, of the frame I,.
which rests upon the bed A, and is provided with nuts as k, upon its shank
through the medium of which the frame F, may be adjustably fixed at various
altitudes.
The parallel wheels D, and the parallel wheels H, are designed to receive the
endless can-moving belts J, and by reason of the said wheels being mounted in the
manner just described, it will be seen that the belts may be adjustably fixed at
various elevations above the bed A, to suit caus of various diameters and may
also be readily tightened when desired'; it being 'simply necessary' when it is
desired to increase the distance between 'the belts and the bed A, to move the
frame C, upwardly and adjustably fix it through the medium of the pins f, and
move the frame F, upwardly and adjustably fix it by the nuts k, and when it is
desired to tighten the belts, it is simply necessary to turn the nuts h, so as to move
the frame F in the direction indicated by arrow (see Fig. 1.) when any, slack in
the belts will be taken up! The said wheels D, and H, being adjustably fixed by
set screws or other suitable means on their shafts E, and G, may also together
with their belts J be fixed at various distances apart, to suit icans of various
lengths.
The belts J; are provided in their inner sides as better shown in Fig. 12, with
grooves a³, to receive the peripheral ribs a'; of the wheels D, H, which are
designed to prevent the belts from slipping off the wheels; and said belts are
provided with a convex-curved outer side a; as shown in Figs. 11, and 12, or with
an angular outer side a¹, as shown in Fig. 13, or are otherwise formed to adapt
them to engage the corners only of the cans as shown in Fig. 5. This adaptation
of the belts J, is highly advantageous' inasmuch as when they engage the corners
only of the cans, they are not likely to remove any of the adhesive therefrom, and
are not likely to become gummed which is very objectionable as it interferes with
them rolling the 'cans over the bed of the machine as presently described..
K, indicates an inclined can-feeding plate, which is connected to the forward
end of the bed A; and L, indicates an inclined rest which is adjustably; connected
to the plate K, preferably by the set screw 1, which takes through a slot m, in the
plate, as shown. This rest L, is inclined upwardly in a direction opposite to the
inclination of the plate K, and it is designed and adapted to the rotary feed-
regulating device M, to better hold the series of cans after it has released 'the
foremost one. The said regulating device M, which is provided in its opposite
sides with concave seats n, to receive the cans, is fixedly mounted on a *shaft P,
journaled in an arm'q, connected to one of the bars d, of the frame C₁, and it is
rotated from the shaft E, through the medium of the sprocket wheels », s, and the
belt 't. Consequently it will be seen that the said 'regulating device M, will be
rotated at a speed corresponding to that of the belts J, and will permit the cans
which are deposited on the plate K, above the block L, to pass at regular intervals
to the bed A, where they will be engaged and carried forward by the endless
belts.
Y,
Suitably connected with the bed A, of the machine and resting beneath the
same, is a pan or receptacle N. This pan or receptacle is designed to contain a
suitable adhesive to supply the can gumming /roller P, which turns in it and
extends through the openings us in the bed A, so as to engage and apply adhesive
to the peripheries of the cans as they pass. The said roller P, which is rotated
from the shaft E, through the medium of the sprocket wheels w, a, and the belt
is provided with flanges z. These flanges z, are designed to permit the adhesive to
accumulate upon the periphery of the roller so that when the cans roll over the
said flanges 2, adhesive will be applied to the peripheries of the cans and will be
prevented from getting upon the ends of the same. The roller P, is prevented
from applying an excess of adhesive to the cans by the roller Q. This roller Q,
is provided with the fixed and adjustable flanges 1, and 2, designed to clean the
adhesive from the ends of the roller P, and it has its shaft 3, journaled in the
spring pressed bearing blocks 4, (see Fig. 3.) whereby it will be seen that it will

page_text: be yieldingly pressed against the roller P, and will therefore be enabled to remove
all surplus adhesive therefrom. The roller P; is preferably made up of two outer
disks 27, which, are adjustably fixed, on the shaft by set screws or other suitable
means, and one or more intermediate disks, which are arranged on the shaft and
are clamped between the outer disks, as shown. This construction as will be
readily observed, permits of the removal of one of the intermediate disks,
shorten the roller P, or the interposition of more disks, 28, to lengthen the roller
and it will therefore be appreciated that said roller may be readily suited to cans
of various lengths, which is an important desideratum. The intermediate disks 8,
may be flanged as shown or unflanged as is most desirable.
to
In lieu of the disks or sections 27, 28, the adhesive applying roller P, may if
desired be formed of two telescoping sections, as shown in Fig. 14. By reason
of this construction it will be observed that the length of the roller may be readily
increased or diminished to; suit cans of various lengths, by simply fixing the
sections at various distances, apart.
The sprocket belt y, may be tightened when the shaft E, is lowered by adjusting
and adjustably fixing the arm 77, which carries an idler wheel 78, in engagement
with said, belt as, illustrated.
..R, indicates an opening in the bed A, in advance of 'the can gumming mechanism;
and U, indicates the guide frame of the label support V. "The said guide frame U,
may be and preferably is formed in one piece, as shown and it comprises the lower
cross-bar; 12, which is adjustably connected to the connecting bar 13, of the
legs B, by a bolt 14, which takes through a slot, 15, in said connecting bar,, and
the upright bars 16, which have, teeth 17, on one side, and grooves 18, in their
opposite sides and are provided at their upper ends with lateral branches 19, which
are, designed to be adjustably connected, to the bed A, by bolts 21,, which take
through the slots 7, in the bed as shown. The label support V, as better shown
in Fig. 6, preferably comprises, the horizontal portion 22, upon which the label
block 23, is placed, the vertical portion 23, which is designed to rest against the
uprights 16, of the guide frame, and the portion 24, which rests between the
uprights 16, and has the extension, 25, provided with projections 26, designed to
enter the grooves 18, in the uprights. 16, and hold the support steady; and said
support V, is gradually moved upward as the labels are removed by the weight 27,
which, is connected by a. rope or chain, 28, taking over a sheave, 29, with the
support, and retrograde or downward movement of the support is effectually pre-
vented by the pawls 30, which engage the teeth 17, of the, frame upright's 16, as
better,illustrated in Fig. 6.
.
W, W', indicate the label guides of which two are preferably employed on each
of the opposite longitudinal sides of the label space. These guides W, W', as
better shown in Fig. 8, respectively comprise a vertical portion 31, which forms
the guide for the labels, and a horizontal portion 32, which has a longitudinal
slot 33, and they are adjustably connected to the bed A, by,bolts which take
through the slots 33, and 7, whereby, it. will be seen that they may be readily
adjusted in the directions of the length and width of the bed and may be adjustably
fixed in various positions according to the size of the labels employed which is a
desideratum.
The several guides W, W¹, are provided in their upper ends with notches b',
and in these notches are arranged the hooks or retaining device W3, which extend
inwardly and downwardly from the guides and have their lower ends pointed as
illustrated to enable them to penetrate the uppermost label of the stack as the same
is raised by a passing can. The said retaining devices W³, normally bear at their
lower ends against the uppermost label of the stack adjacent to the edges, thereof
and they serve to hold the labels true or in their proper position and to prevent more
than one label from being raised at a time. When the uppermost label upon
which the devices W³, bear, is raised by a passing can, the devices will offer but
little resistance to the removal of the said label, as they will readily cut through
the paper.

page_text: The guides W, which are arranged in advance of the guides W₁, as better shown
in Fig. 1, are provided on their forward sides with wings W2, which extend forward
from the guides and rest in the same vertical plane as the vertical portion 31,
thereof. These wings W2, have their edges inclined downwardly from the upper
ends of the vertical portions 31, to a point below the uppermost label of the stack,
and they are designed and adapted to enable the cans to roll up to and over the
upper ends of the guides W, and while upon the guides to draw the uppermost
label out of engagement with the devices W³, of guides W, so as to enable the
said devices W³, to engage the second uppermost label and prevent it and the
remaining labels from being moved out of position by the disengagement of the top
label from the devices W³, of the guides W₁. The guides W', have the upper
ends of their vertical portions inclined as indicated by W, to enable the cans to
take upon them and while upon them to disengage the top label from their
devices W³, without disturbing or moving the lower labels. Said incline W+, of
the guides W1, also serves to raise the can to the proper elevation to enable it
to pass over the label pasteing roller X, which has its shaft loosely arranged in
slots of arms Y, connected to the vertical portions of the guides W', as shown.
The label pasteing roller X, may be and preferably is corrugated, and it is by
preference formed of a number of disks or sections 7, 8, similar to the sections
forming the roller P, whereby it will be seen that it may be readily increased or
diminished in length to suit cans of various lengths.
The roller X, in practice, is preferably arranged about the distance illustrated
in advance of the rear ends of the labels for a reason which will be hereinafter
illustrated; and in rear of the opening R, through which the labels pass, is arranged
a plate Y¹, which is adjustably connected with the bed A, and has its forward end
inclined or beveled as shown, so as to enable the labelled cans to take upon it.
Said plate Y¹, is of such a thickness or is so raised from the bed A, that when the
cans are upon it, they will be pressed more tightly by its belts J, and in consequence
the labels will be securely affixed on the cans before the cans are discharged from
the machine.
In order to prevent the belts J, from giving upwardly at the point where the
cans pass over the stack of labels, I provide the series of rollers 39, better illustrated
in Figs. 1, and 2. These rollers 39, are journaled in frames 40, carried by spring
arms Z, which are pivotally connected to the frame F, whereby it will be seen that
the several rollers will be pressed downwardly upon the belts at a point above the
label's for the purpose before stated.
The rollers 39, are provided on their peripheries with ribs Z', designed to take
into the grooves a³, of the belts J, and they are consequently enabled to perform
the additional function of preventing the said belts from being pressed laterally
outward by the cans.
42, indicates the can guides which are preferably flanged to receive the rims of
cans and extend the full length of the machine and are adjustably connected to the
bed A, and plate K, thereof, so that they may be adjustably fixed at various
distances apart to suit cans of various lengths.
75, indicate guide flanges for the cans which are adjustably connected as better
shown in Fig. 15, to the guides 42, and are preferably arranged on opposite sides of
the roller P.
76, indicates uprights which are adjustably connected to the guides 42, between
the wheels D, H, and are designed to rest on the outside of the belts J, to assist
the rollers 39, in preventing the belts from being pressed outwardly by the cans.
In the practice of my invention, the belts J, the guides 42, the label
guides W, W', the inclined rest L, and the label-supporting guide-frame U, are
adjusted to suit the size of the cans and that of the labels to be applied thereto and
when the labels are placed on the block 23, of support V, the machine is ready
for operation.
In operation, the machine is set in motion and the cans are placed by the
attendant upon the feed plate K, between the end thereof and the rest L. From

page_text: this point the cans will be taken at regular intervals by the feed regulating
device M, and allowed to roll down the inclined feed board to the bed A. Here
the can will be engaged by the belts J, and will be caused to travel over the
roller P, which will apply an ample supply of adhesive to its periphery. The can
will then roll over the labels and guides W, and W', and will take up the uppermost
label and continuing to roll, will wind the label upon it. The can will now roll
over the roller X, and apply a portion of its adhesive to said roller, and as it
continues to roll forwardly, the uppermost label of the stack which has been
released will be drawn beneath the roller X, and adhesive will be applied thereto
at or adjacent to the rear transverse edge so that as the can is rolled forwardly,
the rear transverse edge of the label which overlaps the other edge, will be securely
fastened.
The final passage of the labelled can between the belts J, and the plate Y¹, will
result in the label being securely fixed in position on the can before the latter is
discharged from the machine.
As the can passes over the periphery of roller P, the flanges, of said roller
engaging the can will adjust it so that when it is carried over the labels, it will
rest transverse thereto.
It will be seen from the foregoing that my improved machine, considering the
work it is adapted to do, is very cheap and simple, and it will also be seen that
the machine may be readily taken apart and may consequently be easily repaired
when worn or broken. It will also be seen from the foregoing that the machine
requires but one attendant and that it is adapted to efficiently label a large number
of cans in a short space of time which is an important desideratum.
I have in some respects specifically described the construction and relative
arrangement of the several parts of my improved machine in order to impart a full
and clear understanding of the same, but I do not desire to be understood as
confining myself to such construction or arrangement as such changes or
modifications may be made in practice, as fairly fall within the scope of the
invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
1. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed, and belts taking around
wheels and adapted to engage the corners of a can, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
2. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed and belts taking around
wheels and having outer sides of such form that they are adapted to engage the
corners only of a can, substantially as specified.
3. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed, sliafts arranged in
suitable bearings above the bed, parallel wheels adjustably fixed on said shafts so
that they may be arranged at various distances from each other and parallel belts
taking around the wheels, substantially as specified.
4. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed, shafts arranged in
suitable bearings above the bed, parallel wheels mounted on said shafts and having
peripheral ribs, and belts taking around said wheels and having grooves in their
inner sides to receive the ribs of wheels, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
5. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed, and belts taking around
wheels and having convex outer sides whereby they are enabled to engage the
corners only of a can, substantially as specified.
6. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed, a frame arranged above
the bed, wheels mounted in said frame, a belt taking around the wheels, and a
resilient or spring arm connected with the frame and carrying a roller adapted to
bear against the inner side of the belt, substantially as specified.
7. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed, a frame arranged on the

page_text: bed, parallel wheels mounted in said frame and having peripheral ribs, belts taking
around the wheels and having grooves to receive the ribs thereof, and rollers carried
by arms connected with the frame, and bearing upon the inner side of the belts and
having peripheral ribs adapted to engage the grooves in said belts, substantially as
specified.
8. In a
can labelling machine, the combination of a bed, shafts journaled in
suitable bearings above the bed and carrying parallel wheels, parallel belts taking
around said wheels and adapted to engage the corners of a can, and uprights
arranged on the outer sides of said belts between the wheels, and adapted to
prevent the cans from pressing, the belts laterally outward, substantially as
specified.
9. In a can labelling machine, a roller for applying an adhesive to the peripheries
of cans, comprising a shaft and two roller sections arranged on the shaft and adapted
to be moved toward or from each other, and a suitable means for adjustably fixing
said sections on the shaft, substantially as specified.
10. In a can labelling machine, a roller for applying an adhesive to the peripheries
of cans, comprising a shaft, two roller sections arranged on the shaft and adapted to
be moved toward or from each other, a suitable means for adjustably fixing the
sections on the shaft, and a removable, section. interposed between said adjustably
fixed sections, substantially as specified.
11. In a can labelling machine, a roller for applying an adhesive to the peripheries
of cans, comprising a shaft, two telescopic sections arranged on, the shaft, and a
suitable means for adjustably fixing said telescopic sections on the shaft, substantially
as specified.
12. In a can.
an labelling machine, the combination of a bed, having an opening for
the passage of labels, means for moving, cans over the bed, a vertically movable
label support, and label guides W, W', connected with the bed on opposite sides of
the opening therein, and having the label retaining devices W³, the guides W, being
also provided..with the wings W2, having the inclined. upper edges and the
guides W, having their upper ends inclined, substantially as specified.
t
13. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed having an opening for
the passage of labels, a label support, means for applying adhesive to the
peripheries of cans before they reach the label opening, means for moving the cans
over the bed, and a roller for applying adhesive to the lap ends of labels; the said
roller being so mounted as to permit of it moving vertically. and being arranged in
advance of the rear edge of the labels, so that a can, will first pass over the roller
to apply adhesive thereto and will then draw the rear edge of the uppermost label
from beneath the roller, so as to rotate .said roller and enable it to apply adhesive
to the label, substantially as specified.
14. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a. bed, a platform or feed
plate connected to the bed, an adjustable rest arranged on the platform or feed
plate and a rotary device mounted in vertically adjustable bearings adapted to
serve in conjunction with the obstruction L, to regulate the passage of cans to the
bed, substantially as specified.
15. In a machine, for labelling cans,, the combination of a bed,., a frame C,
arranged above. the bed, a belt wheel mounted in said frame C, a frame: F,
Ladjustably connected with the bed and also adjustably connected with the frame C, a
belt wheel mounted in the frame F, means for adjustably supporting the frame C,
above the bed, and a belt taking around the belt wheels, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
16. In a machine for labelling cans, the combination of a bed, the frame C,
comprising the arms c', pivotally connected at one end to the bed. and having
bearing apertures at their opposite ends and the arms d, connected to and depending
. from the arms c¹, and having a plurality of apertures to receive pins adapted to bear
on the bed, a frame. C, connected. with the frame C', a wheel mounted in said
frane C, a frame 1, connected to the bed and having a threaded shank, a frame F,
having an aperture to receive the threaded shank of the frame: 1,.aud.baving a

page_text: threaded shank adapted to take through an aperture in the frame C, nuts mounted:
on the threaded shauks of the frames I, F, a wheel carried by the frame F; and 'a:
belt taking around the wheels substantially as specified.
17. In a machine for labelling cans, the combination of a bed, a platform or feed
plate connected thereto, the frame C', comprising the arms e', pivotally connected
at one end to the bed and having bearing apertures at their opposite ends, and the
arms d, connected to and depending from the arms c', and having a plurality of
apertures to receive pius adapted to bear on the bed, au arm connected to the
frame C, and carrying a device adapted to regulate the feed of cans, a frame C..
connected with the frame C', a wheel mounted in said frame C, a frame I, resting
on the bed and having a threaded shank, a frame F, having an aperture to receive.
the threaded shank of the frame I, and also having a threaded shank adapted to
take through an aperture in the frame C, nuts mounted on the threaded shanks of
the frames I; F, a wheel carried by the frame F, a belt taking around the wheels
and mechanism intermediate of one of the wheels and the feed regulating device.
adapted to transmit motion to said device, substantially as specified.
18. In a machine for labelling cans, the combination of a bed having an opening
or space for the passage of labels, means for feeding labels upwardly through said.
opening or space, a frame C, arranged above the bed, a belt taking around wheels
mcunted in said frame, a series of rollers arranged in a frame and bearing upon the
belt at a point above the label space or opening, and an arm connected to the frame
of the rollers and connected to the frame C, substantially as specified.
19. In a machine for labelling cans, the combination of a bed, a wheel mounted
in a frame arranged above the bed, and having its edge fluted or corrugated and a.
device arranged on the bed at the side of the path of the cans and engaging the
fluted or corrugated edge of the wheel and adapted to be oscillated thereby,.
substantially as specified.
20. In a machine for labelling cans, the combination of a bed, wheels mounted.
in a frame above the bed; one of said wheels having one of its peripheral edges
fluted or corrugated, a belt taking around said wheels and adapted to move cans.
over the bed, a lever adapted to be engaged and actuated by the fluted or corrugated
edge of the wheel, and also adapted to engage cans as they pass it on the bed, and
a spring connected to said lever, all substantially as specified.
21. In a machine for labelling cans, the combination of a bed having an opening
or space u, a pan or receptacle arranged below said opening or space, a roller P,
adapted to turn in the pan or receptacle and extending through the opening or
space u, and having flanges at its ends, a second roller adapted to bear against the
first named roller P, and having flanges bearing against the ends of said first named
roller, substantially as specified.
22. In a machine for labelling cans, the combination of a bed having an opening
or space for the passage of labels, an adjustable label gumming device arranged at
one side of said opening or space, adjustable guides connected with the label-
gumming device and a label support movable on said guides, substantially as
specified.
23. In a can labelling machine, the combination of the vertical guide bars having
one of their sides toothed and also having grooves 18, in their opposite sides, the
label support having the portion 24, resting between the guide bars and provided
with projections adapted to enter the grooves 18, thereof, a suitable means for
moving the label support upwardly, and pawls connected to the label support aud
engaging the teeth of the guide bars, substantially as specified.
24. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed having an open space
for the passage of labels, an adjustable label gumming device arranged at one side
of said open space, vertical and adjustable guide bars connected with the label
gumming device and a vertically movable label support, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
25. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed, having an open space
for the passage of labels, label guide and retaining devices connected with the bed

page_text: and adapted to be adjusted longitudinally and transversely with respect thereto, a
label gumming device arranged at one side of said open space and connected with
the label guides, and a vertically-movable label support, substantially as and for
the purpose described.
5
26. In a can labelling machine, the combination of a bed having an open space
for the passage of labels, guides connected with and depending from the bed at one
side of the label space, an adjustable label gumming device connected with label
guides, the vertical, adjustable guides connected with and depending from the bed,
and a vertically-movable label support guided on the guides depending from the
bed, and having a branch resting between the label guides, substantially as and for 1
the purpose set forth.
Dated this 6th day of June 1895.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.