Patent ID: 7802671

Claim:
In a marking apparatus of the type having a marking device for selectively applying a mark to a container, an auto-feed assembly, comprising: (a) a staging assembly for processing a plurality of containers; (b) a singulator assembly in communication with the staging assembly for isolating at least first and second containers from the plurality of containers, the singulator assembly comprising: (i) a feed channel sized and configured to receive the at least first and second containers; (ii) a gate in communication with the feed channel and configured to selectively restrain the first container within the feed channel; (iii) a retention device that is selectively actuatable between a retaining position, wherein the retention device is engaged with the second container received within the feed channel, and an open position; (iv) an adjustment mechanism operably coupled to the retention device and configured to selectively change the size of the feed channel and the position of the retention device within the feed channel such that the singulator assembly is adapted for use with containers of at least first and second sizes; and (c) a shuttle disposed between the singulator assembly and a portion of the marking apparatus, the shuttle adapted for transporting the first container to the portion of the marking apparatus.