Patent ID: 7637077

Claim:
An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed, the applicating machine comprising: an operating position inline with the flexible carrier; a first track extending from the operating position; a storage position not inline with the flexible carrier; a first jaw drum releasably positioned in the operating position with respect to the infeed to accept the plurality of containers, the first jaw drum applying the flexible carrier to the plurality of containers, the first jaw drum capable of being released from the operating position and slideably interchangeable between the operating position and a position on the machine not inline with the flexible carrier; a second jaw drum positioned in the storage position and slideably interchangeable between the storage position and the operating position, the second jaw drum slideable to the operating position after the first jaw drum is removed therefrom; and a second track extending from the first track, the first track intersecting the second track at a junction, wherein the storage position of the first jaw drum is on an opposite side of the junction as the storage position of the second jaw drum.