US2570876A - Label gluing and attaching apparatus, especially for association with gluing machines - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 9, 1951 Y E. R. SLOYER LABEL GLUING AND ATTACHING APPARATUS, ESPE FOR ASSOCIATION WITH GLUING MACHINES Filed June 50, 1949 Enventor 66 wooo R, L0yER Oct. 9, 1951 E. R. SLOYER LABEL GLUING AND ATTACHING APPARATUS, ESPECIALLY FDR ASSOCIATION WITH GLUING MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 30, 1949 E. R. SLOYER 2,570,876 LABEL GLUING AND ATTACHING APPARATUS, ESPECIALLY Oct. 9, 1951 FOR ASSOCIATION WITH GLUING MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 30, 1949 4 W000 /P. (94 0 y all-v O I NRO MN Oct. 9, 1951 E. R. SLOYER 76 LABEL GLUING AND ATTACHING APPARATUS, ESPECIALLY FOR ASSOCIATION WITH GLUING MACHINES '5 SheetS Sheet 4 Filed June 30, 1949 Zhwentor [L W000 R. SLOYER. f

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(lttorneg Oct. 9, 1951 6 7 t M 5w ww u S I C5 E P s E s U T m P P A E. R. SLOYER LABEL -GLUING AND ATTACHING FOR ASSOCIATION WITH GLUING MACHINES Filed June 30, 1949 4 W000 R. awn-7e,

Patented Oct. 9, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 18 Claims.

This invention relates to label gluing and attaching apparatus, especially for association with gluing machines.

In the art of set-up paper box making it-has been customary torprovidefa stiff inner tray :of relatively heavy cardboard -or 'the like of rectangular shape, upon which-a wrap having four 'flaps extending from atop (or bottom) area is folded in adhesive relation to complete a box portion. Both "bottoms and tops of the box are similarly formed, when-used in telescoping relation and the *Wrap .is such usually-as to have a pleasing visual efiect in the finished box. After the boxes are formed, if the wraps are unprinted, it is-customary in certain types of boxes toapply a printed label of-somesort on the outer surface of the set-upboxportion, usually on a side or end wall thereof, although, of course,

adjacent to the mechanisms, for securing such attachment, which complicates the problem. Such hand attached, or even machine attached, labels interfere with thesmooth and cheap volume production-of the complete set-up boxes.

It is common in the box making plants to have one or a plurality of gluing machines in which the wraps are successive y coated with a la er of glue, and fed toward an o erative or an endless conveyor and held in place While feeding, by a vacuum maintained on the lower face of the conveyor effective a ainst the glued wrap through pores/apertures, or like interstices in the conveyor. At the deliveryend the operative manipulates the glued wrap to remove it from the suction grin of the conveyor to associate the tray and glued wra together in pressed relation to form a complete set-up box portion bearing a label.

In the broadest aspect of the invention a device is provided having a linear path of movement. and so dis osed as to enable a label-engaging element at one end of the path to move a vertically downwardly upon the uppermost label of a stack of labels, to engage and by suction to retain such label on said element, to transport the element with the label across a glue roller disposed in its linear path, and finally to move 2 the label-attached portion-of the element, glued side-doWn,-against the uppermost wrap of astack of wraps or such other devices (such as a succession of box portions in place of the labels). This 'basic vertical-ended linear 'movementis secured by various important forms of actuation and control, especially such as to coordinate and synchronize the label-attaching with the actuation of a standard gluing machine for paper wraps. The invention, therefore, in its complete aspects, visualizes an operative entity arranged for support on or adjacent to astandard gluing machine and from which it derives the timing, the power, and the suction tosynchronously attach labels to wraps as the latter are moved from a stack, coated with glue and transported onan endless conveyor toward the operative. This represents a cheap but highly efficient, and the .preferred "embodiment of the invention. Another phase of utilization of the invention is =comprised-of What may be designated as portable or semi-portable label'attaching apparatus, in that, although in the preferred instance, arranged for coupling and for timing synchronism with the standard or conventional gluing machine, it is provided with its own power plant and its own suction device, and thi therefore may be attached to such gluing machine. or may be simply operatively associated therewith. In a modified portable type the organization is a self-energized and controlled device self-supported and movab e to any point desired, -as,-for instance, to a point at which labels are to be applied to set-up box lids after the formation of the latter, so as to be independent of the wrap and tray assembly.

It is among the ob ects of this invention: to provide a label a plying attachment for gluing machines; to provide a device for gluing and attaching labels to desired surfaces; to improve the art of label applying devices; to improve the detaied structure of label applying devices; to provide a label applying attachment for coupling or association with a gluing machine of such adjustment as to apply a label to any portion of a wrap prior to the attachment of the latter to a tray for the formation of a box portion having anapplied label; to reduce the cost of applying labels to boxes; to reduce the costs of manufacturing boxes; to .provide an improved method of applying labels to boxes; to provide means for attaching a label to a vbox with a greater than usualnumber of pressings so as to enhance the adhesive attachment thereof; and other advantage will become more apparent as the description proceeds.

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this description:

Fig. 1 represents a fragmentary perspective of the apparatus of this invention with certain parts omitted for clarity, attached to a conventional gluing machine, shown in broken or skeletonized form.

Fig. 2 represents a perspective of the apparatus of this invention, taken from the opposite direction from Fig. 1 with certain parts omitted for clarity, with the standard or conventional gluing machine removed.

Fig. 3 represents a perspective of the label carrier of the device.

Fig. 4 represents a transverse vertical section through the label carrier shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 represents a partially fragmentary plan of the label attaching assembly of this invention, with the actuating portion broken away in part.

Fig. 6 represents a fragmentary plan of the actuating portion broken awayfrom Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 represents a fragmentary side elevation of the guide bar, the label carrier slidable thereon, the rack for actuating the label carrier and the tripping lever for actuating the label carrier, in mid stroke remote from tripping actuation of the tripping lever.

Fig. 8 represents a similar side elevation, toward the end of the stroke.

Fig. 9 represents a similiar fragmentary side elevation of the parts shown in Figs. '7 and 8, at the beginning of the return stroke in the opposite direction from the stroke of Fig. '7.

Figs. 10 to inclusive represent fragmentary diagrammatic side elevations of the roller on the lever and the sliding cam plate on the central rack bar in the several successive relative positionings thereof in completing the end of a relative stroke in one direction and the beginning of a relative stroke in the other direction.

Fig. 16 represents a side elevation partially broken away of the ratchet drive for the actuating rack of the label attaching device of this invention.

Fig. 17 represents a horizontal section through the assembly of Fig. 16. I

Fig. 18 represents a fragmentary transverse section through the glue roller of this invention. M

Fig. 19 represents a fragmentary plan, partially in section, of the label hopper and its step-bystep feeding mechanism.

Fig. 20 represents a fragmentary vertical section through the mechanism of Fig. 19.

Figs. 21, 22, and 23 represent fragmentary details of the assembly of Fig. 19.

The detailed construction of the standard gluing machine with which the invention is primaril ada ted to cooperate varies according to the particular manufacture involved, and as this, per se, forms no part of the present invention, it need be merely briefly described to recite the ortions thereof of importance so far as this invention is concerned.

Referring to Fig. 1, the gluing machine II] which is e sent ally a wra g uing machine, rov des a step-by-step, vertically adjustable, wrap-supporting shelf or platform, II which is arranged to receive and suitably to retain in vertical columnar form, a plurality of box Wrans I3, shown in a stack I2 in Figs. 1 and 2. The wraps are of any useable shape and usually include a plurality of flaps 9. In Fig. 1, the upper wrap I3 is shown as having a label I4 applied to a selected fl p 9 thereof, prior to the application of glue to the reverse side of the entire wrap l3. The label I4 shown has been applied to the top wrap I3 of stack I2 by the machine of this invention, in synchronism with the removal of the previous top wrap in the stack I2, shown at If on the perforated conveyor I6, the latter having passed through the glue roller assembly of the gluing machine I0, and automatically disposed on the intermittently moving conveyor I6, leading toward a suitable box-assembling and pressing machine. The label I4 on wrap I5 has been given a plurality of pressings, one by the label-attaching device of this invention in applying the label to the wrap, one by the pressing the combined wrap and label receive in passing through the glue rollers and on to the conveyor of the gluing machine, and receives an additional pressing when wrap I5 is applied to the tray of the setup box. This is of importance in securing better adhesion of labels than has heretofore been pos sible. The glue machine II] is operated through a cycle, starting with the removal of the top wrap I3 from the stack l2, moving it through glue-applying rollers internally of machine I0, and delivering it upon the conveyor I6, and advancing same through a certain predetermined cyclic distance. The complete cycle, including the operation of the internal glue roller assembly, advances the glued wrap on the conveyor I 6. The cycle is initiated in any desired manner, usually automatically or manually when the operator removes a glued wrap I5 from the conveyor I6, remote from the label applying or gluing end thereof after a succession of cycles has moved the instant glued wrap close enough to the boxmaking machine end thereof for the operator to remove the glued wrap for application to a tray to make a set-up box. It will be understood that upon pulling a suitable trip wire (not shown) by the operator or by other actuation effective upon gluing machine I0, a mechanism (not'shown) ineluding a suction-operated head or other wrap manipulating mechanism, is superimposed against the upper surface of the top wrap I3 of the stack or wraps or wrappers I2, as an incident to the initiation of a gluing cycle for a wrap. Suitable power means are provided with machine I9 by which the glue and complemental rollers,- the wrapper-elevating and feeding instruinen tality, and the conveyor I6 on the rollers, are all cyclically actuated. It is a feature of gluing ma chine I I; also to provide a suitable blower or suction device to create a suction, not shown, but represented by the stack I1 with which it is in communication. The intake forstack ll is adjacent to and eifective against theunder-surface of the conveyor l6, inducing downward flow through the perforations therein, to hold the glued wrapper tightly against the surface of the conveyor during its progress toward the operator. This constitutes a suction device which is utilized with the preferred form of the instant invention. 7

The Stokes and Smith gluing machine may be considered as illustrative of the gluing machine Iii. In this type of machine the driven glue roll er makes 8 revolutions in. each complete. cycle of. gluing and conveyor advancing. The gudgeon or like bearing element in which the shaft. of the glue roller is journalled on one side of the Stokes and Smith machine is removed, and. the driving pinion gear I8, by means of a simple: adapter shaft 1, is mounted externally of the apparatus and its keyed to and turns with the in-- ternalglue roller (not shown) by the power source.-

:aaimszc :nrcvided therefo :indhemeohine. Elie admirin p i n g ar n8 is unidireetionally int rmittently ad .en in hepreferred iuse the instant inti. th mil ion-gear 1118 the-p w s c ;.n -l h sta 47 th uctlv .g et ier furniShaII-cfthe power ror the-actuation -;-of the:laibelrattachingiapparatus.

The preferred embodiment f the :instant iii-nvention- -provides a generally transversely extending horizontal qbed plate 20, ri idly mounte by theesings ting posts or ecolumns z-al. em v bly connected to t e con e or assemmy heus n the gluing machine J0 tnot :Shown) -..or"vv l 1ic h co um s alter tive y p oi etd wnwardl-vafrom the bed plated!) to form legsztoisupport thelabelr n .machine assembly in ependentof the luin m chine [i0- Thi .-;1a.tter d rm of supportis pre- .ferre w er the la el n machine is to -be comparatively-p rtable either with or without-its awnmower and suction dViCeS,'tlI1 contrast to the more or lesspermanentattachment contemplated with the assembly of'Fig. 1.

Upon the bed plates?! 0 two-spaced PEEELHGLIIQEl- ,zontalrguides '22 and-.23 are provided in fixed-relation, ;parallel to the longitudinal extent .of the --bed plate and-parallel to the axis 1 ofwdriving pinion .gear l l.8 ,,ha.vin g rundercut portions J receive the-ends of e n rpend cu1ar1yint secting hori- \-zontal V'longitudinal guides 14 and .25. Guide;2.5 issuitablyapertured and threaded transversely source, .and .to-

t re ive th h rizont threaded shaft -;2-.6, on-

form width and thickness for the major klongitudinal portion thereof ,in ,alignment with the guidesld and 25, \was to permit a wide rangeof longitudinal adjustments. At the delivery end .of the label-attaching mach ne plate 3i) is ,lat- .er lyehl rgedca at 3.2.10.0 supportthelahel hopper or labelstack support, the -,driven.glue roller, and the extensions 22 and 2.3 which .assist in aligning or supporting the stacksof Wraps,,all .to be described. Centrally above and spaced from the p1ate 3.0,.at a desirable location relative .there- 1 to, alongitudinally extending stationary horizontal planar supporting bar 33 is disposedhfirm- ,ly mounted by suitable additional an le member o the lik ot h wn) upon the upstandin channel or angle bar -3 5. .Channel 3-4 .is rigidly anchored to the upper surface of plate 33. This s emb y o supp rtin l ar and anglev bar .341 also c rries th ri id and fixed vertically plan r horizontal guide rail .35., normal to horizontal su portin ba .33 u o which the label carri r to he described, is movab e long tudinally of the as mb y- A shaft '36 is firmly j ournalled in the two thrust bearings 3'! and -38 mounted on platetfl, spaced on opposite sides of the channel 34 and carries the-central or delivery pinion 46. Pinion'dfi is in permanent mesh with the centrally d-isposed de- "livery rack 4| guided in parallel relation to-the stationary guide bar .or rail 35 by .the-flange-roller A2 ,iournalled on channel 34 above delivery (pin- :ion r40. iRack 141,, :illustratively sand ipreterably. has downwardly presenting ateeth. :Eor clarity, :mller $4.2 is {omitted ;from'.-Figs. 37 1110119, inclusive. At .the power inputend, shaftdifi is connectedtoa universal joint :43. ,The :base plate :25 includes, or at one side carries, the flontigudinallywextend- .ing side bar as extending toward the delivery end of the label attaching machine, parallel to the-longitudinal axis :of plate 138 and bar :33, :to whichqside bar a bracket 14-5 is attached.

.A shortzshaft. 46 is :journa'lledi'in the bracket 'dii and one end thereof connects to a universal joint M. Adjacent or juxtaposed endsofthezuni- .versal joi'ntsdl and-d3 are connected-in :mutnally rdriven relation by the telescopic co-axial :drive shaft components dB and :59 respectively. The outer end of theshort shaft 46 carries'a transmitting :pinion; gear 35 l, in permanent mesh withthe upwardly presenting teeth of a transmitting -,0r actuating rack52. FIhel-atter is 'slidablyguidedbetween the transmitting pinion-5-l and'therollers 49 and 53 (mounted on-the rockingguide'platei5 il. ,The latter is journal-led .orpivoted at =55 to *the !Side bar 44. ,The :pivot 55 forms an .axis about which the rack-52 and plate 54 rock as the-rack reciprocates in response :to the input of power from the power take-off to be described. Reciprocation of upwardly presenting rack 52 forces anopposite reciprocation of the downwardlypresenting "delivery rack Al, through the gearing linkage justdescribed. The free :end of delivery rack AI is engaged by atension spring 1:61! an- .chored-to the plate 36 by arm lthandfimposinga constant bias urging-rack 4|, the -g.earing linkage and rack 52, -toward .a predetermined starting attitude orposition of the; parts.

In order to drive the actuating or transmitting ,rack 52, a telescopically adjustable connecting ,rod 56 engages, through an onset, at one end with thetrack 52 and at the other end :is pivotally mounted on the crank throw or wrist :pin 51. The latter is eccentrically mounted on :theratchet driven plate 58, journalled on the stub shaft '61. .Plate :58 is driven from the gear 6!], when the latter is meshed with .drive pinion t3, in one direction only through the spring pressed pawl-device .59. 'Gear :65 is also mounted on the stub shaft 6-l and the latter is mounted rigidly on the pivoted lever 613',hav-ing a pivot mounting-b pin =69 or the like :on the frame :of gluing machine 1-8. The lever -63 has a handle sportion'fii5 and a :motion limiting and adjustin slotted extension :64, having the adjustable Wing muted for setting the lever :63 with gear .55} thereof selectively in mesh, or out of mesh, with the glue roller driven pinion gear l8 of the gluing machine IG. When gear is in mesh with the pinion 58, upon cyclic operation'of the glue roller driving pinion 18, upon-the master energization of the gluing machine M, the pinion l8 drives gear '50 and through the pawl 59 also drives plate '58 and the attached connecting rod from the predetermined angular setting of the latter against the bias of spring I161. The gear 60 is predetermined in its tooth relation to gear 18 so that the proper cyclic rotations of the pinion gear la in response to the energization of the gluing machine Ill rotates the vgear 60 to such degree that the connectin rod racks "back to the starting position in the other 75,

stroke of the rack cycle. IEPhis pulls plate .58 relative to the gear 60 and is freely permitted by the spring pressed pawl 59, as will be clear.

It will be observed that a driven reciprocation of the plate 58, driving the rack 52 in one direction, will cause an opposite simultaneous reciprocation of the delivery rack 4 I.

The label transferring device comprises a car- 'rier body 69 guided slidably on the rail 35, and having suitable guiding extensions for the vertically movable labeling head 62. The latter at its upper end carries the roller 03 in substantial transverse alignment with the vertically adjustable cam surface 64. At the lower end the movable head portion 62 merges into the label-contacting apertured-surface lower plate 65, mounted in peripherally sealed spaced relation to a parallel plate 66, mounted on and movable vertically with the movable labeling head 62 by flanged tubular connector 82.

The apertures 6'! in the plate 66 connect with a space 68 leading through a vertical bore I! to a lateral flexible conduit II. The latter connects with a fixed valve portion I2 of the vertically fixed portion 69 in communication with a vent aperture 13 therein. The latter is normally closed by the valve I4, biased b the spring "I5 toward closing, with the upper end of rod I6 of the valve disposed at a suitable point vertically as to be horizontally in line with the camrning surface ll of the horizontall disposed and movable venting rod or link I8. The horizontal rod I8 at one end carries the roller 80, arranged to be abutted and moved by the camming surface 64 of the movable head when the latter is vertically depressed to a desired degree. The other side of the venting aperture I3 from line II communicates with a source of suction through the flexible conduit 8|. Preferably, this leads into the evacuated conduit or stack ll of the gluing machine I0. Alternatively, in the form of the device having its own power and suction apparatus it will be coupled to the suction side of the latter, independent of any gluing machine suction source.

The label suction head comprised of the bottom apertured plate 65, the upper plate 66, and the flanged tubular connector 82, is removably mounted on the end of the movable labeling head 62, held in place by the set screw or the like temporary connector 83. A series of such heads of varying lateral dimensions and sizes is provided, respectively according with the various sizes of labels I4 to be manipulated. When changing from one label size to another, the label head is changed to accord with the size of the new label, so that the selected apertured plate 65 is substantially coextensive with the instant label.

The label manipulating carrier device 69, slidable on and relative to the guide bar 35, is attached to the end of the rack ll in any suitable manner, and, illustratively, by means of the flanged plate 84, engaged with the device 69 and rack M, as will be clear. The arrangement of the parts of the label manipulating carrier are such that with one given degree of downward motion of the movable head portion 62 and its assembly, the attached label-engaging plate 65 is moved downwardly through a desired vertical stroke without disrupting the suction on and through the lower face of the plate 65. Therefore, with such given degree of downward motion, the upper label I4 is engaged, and upon the return upward movement of plate 65, is removed from and elevated above a stack 85 thereof, when the plate 65 is juxtaposed to the stack 85 in the appropriate portion of the cyclical motion of the apparatus. On the other hand, a given downward of greater vertical extent than the first instance mentioned, is sufficient to cause vertical engagement and horizontal reaction of the roller from cam surface 64, moving horizontally slidable rod I8 carrying cam surface 11, horizontally. At the substantial termination of the downward stroke the valve rod I6 is forced downwardly; driving the valve I4 from its seat to vent the vacuum. This ermits a glued label, previously adherent by suction to the lower face of plate 65, to be pressed downwardly against the appropriate portion of the top wrap I3 of a stack of wraps I2 when juxtaposed thereto, or against the appropriate surface of a formed box portion, in an alternative use of the label-attaching mechanism. The movable element 62 is normally biased upwardly by the spring 81 surrounding guide pin 88, which is effective between the flange of bracket movable with head 62, and the stationary guide 9|, carried by the vertically stationary portion of the label-carrying device. In this connection, it will be observed that although upward movement of the assembly including sliding member 62, under the bias effects release of the pressure from cam surface 60 against roller 80 and this may secure horizontal retraction of shaft I8, through reaction by cam face 'I'I from the upwardly pressed end of rod I6, this may not be sufliciently effective. It is preferred to provide a rigid abutment element 92 extending vertically from the upper surface of the venting rod 18, in position to be engaged transversey by the camming surface 93 of the bracket 94 mounted on the supporting bar 36. The bracket 94 is adjustably mounted on the supporting bar so as to positively retract the valve-actuating horizontal rod I8 through reaction with the pin or abut ment 92, just before the movable portion 62 of the carrier device is deflected downwardly to the final degree necessary to pick up the top label of a stack by suction effective on the bottom plate. This ensures the avoidance of venting of the suction at the time that the suction in the pick-up is essential.

Suitably supported upon the plate 30 in aperture 99 are the label hopper or magazine defining plates 95, 96, 91, and 98, adjustable by wing nuts I00 in depending end walls IEII, to define a label stack magazine hopper. The lower surface of the label stack rests upon a table I02. The latter is mounted upon the substantially horizontally curved arm I03 enlarged into the generally oval guiding extension I04, guided for vertical movement by fixed posts I05. The oval portion I04 is centra ly apertured to permit a vertical threaded shaft I06 to pass through to engage the complemental split nut portions Ill'l and I08, the halves of which are mounted for mutual relative pivotal motion on respective pins I09 between shaft meshing and unmeshing relations, with the spring biased manual gripping arms H0 and II I. When the gripping arms are released, they cause the nut portions to engage and mesh threads with the threaded shaft I06, so that rotation of the latter moves the split nut and therefore the table I02 and its actuating connections I03 and I04 vertically. The shaft I 06 is journalled at the upper end in a bracket II2 carrying the spring pressed pawl II3. Keyed to the shaft I06 is the ratchet wheel II4, the teeth of the periphery of which are engaged by the pawl II3 to ensure motion in one direction only.

Mounted upon the centrally movable rack 4I were 1 ring pressed'detent element H 5; movable isf'af fixedl'ic'jusing" H6 against the bias of spring H 9 and n adjustable transversely of rack- 41" so. as to lengagejand' turn the ratchet wheel H4 selectively' through atlea'st'two different degrees of angular] motions The first" degree is througho'ne' tooth m vement between etchin s" of: the pawl 1'13; with the detent I I5 1at'its greatest adjusted retfactio U ir'l'io'using H6; atwhioh it engages bjhirid 'onetooth of'ra'tchet wheelii l asthe' care r'iermoves past the detent. The other degree is with the detent H5 extended further froriit'rie housin'g'to"engagebehin'd'two' or more teethon' wh'efel H4. This moves the ratchet wheel through twofof such 'teeth, or through three of such teeth, or evenmore'if desired. This isto 'regul'atethe vertical adjustments'of the supportihg plate oi table Ii321atfthe" bottom of the label st'aick,'. in accordance withfthe' thickness ofthe respective labelsfin the stack, and to vertically advance the stackfby the thickness of'afiabel as the top'label thereof is'removed, The ratchet Wheel ll' l'jand its"clriveri shaft areca'pable' of rotation only" in 'rection and 'thedetent' I I5 simply moves a'xi l'yjih; the'housing" H6 against thespringin one direction of motion of rack il whereas, in thereversefdirection it actuates the ratchet whe'eh While"'yi'e1ding in thehousing'a's the wheel turns; In order to actuatethe roller 63 andthusith'e mova le'portion BZQfthe labeI carrier, 'the'lower surfa ceFofthe' plate or bar 33' carries a do wn wardlyis ping cam I! vertically generally registe1redwith' the stack of labels, and of such dispositio' a'r'idcontour as who engaged by rol-ler63 to":

dep stthefllabelplate 65 into firmwengag'ement with t e upper label" I}! of the stack 85; while" maintaining the vacuum or suction thereon;

In*0rjd er to actuate thesarneelement at thev opposite end of; the strokef'compris'ing a half of operation of the label manipulatingdevice ,Qia similar cam' construction may'be'fused} iffidesi' but"it isjpreferred to use the" pivoted leverfass'e niblyj about tobe described; I

in this" preferred form of the device" the lower 'ce ofthe bar 331is recessedor countersunk" a tgm A lever g2: pivoted to the bar 33"byfa horizontalpivot'122, is provided having, a horizonahp1ate l23 seatedinsaid recess' l2@,"so that the-lower surface of the plate E23 is substantially" flush with the lower surface of the bar 33 in the nor al ased together position or the parts at of'label' to such box is preferred (not shown) an the glued labels are to be caused to.

longitndinally and perpendicularly of the lever The roller end of lever 'l2l is biased downfwar lyby; the spring I25, and the same biasing" means urges plate l23'into the recess I29. The IQVQIi lZI hasrOcKing'mOtion relative to its sup porting bar 33; The roller end of the lever. moves i i t plate- 123 'out of its recess.

' Mountedon thedelivering rack ba'rfdi r rm te-j riderthefurgeofispring i255; The 'pla'te' I23 s insubstantial 'vertical alignment with the stac of wraps orflto ananvil upon whichfsetiupf boiiescan be mounted when direct application ffrhe opposite end of the lever :21, from? plate3l23 carries a roller I24 adjustableboth lily upwardly relative to the bar 33, as tl'i" osite end thereof'moves downwardly to move 10 face" comprising" a horizontal or flat area I21, merging into the" upwardly extending' sloping cam'suriace I28; intersecting at I340 the downwardly oppositely sloping surface IE I The plate hasfpreferably two parallel; horizontal slots I32 and 13330;? whichthe plate" I26 is" both held to the bracket E34; mounted on the rack H, and is giifidedfor horizontal motion thereon" means ofthe pairs of pins I35 and H35 respectively in eachslot 132 and 133. Arpair of springs respectiiieiy; I31 and" IE8 areconnected to the bracket 1 3 toplate l25to urge the latter toward thelabel carrier d'evice 69; connected to'the same rack band}; Itjis desired to force the'movable headportionfi" in its maximum stroke downwardly when it' is, necessary to apply the adhesively'c oated label to the top'wrap or" fthe'sta'ck ofjwraps' when juxtaposed thereto. During the course. o fjwh'ich' action the'roller I24 passes both T upia' ndf down" the cam formed of the convergent tionflof the label-manipulating carriervfifli This is e function of the slot and 'pi'n los't, motion co ectiori of'the'pIateQIZG on bracketjwfi. It

will befseen that continuedmotiori of the rackdl from it'silabel engaging'pick-up; through the glueapplying. glue roller assembly (to be described),

to i ltilmate terminal position for'appl iiig'th'e glued label to a wrap or other device, such as a bo; i '1id,; or' set-up boX half, will bring' cam S111?- fafce" I28 of the plate E26 against'roller [2d of;

level @213 he engagement of the rouer lz'e ag"'inst"the cam surface 128, because of the bias ,e'sbririg H25 holds the plate 126 stationary confip te thefinal end portion of their stroke. During" hefirst part'of this portion of the stroke, stztrtingdrorh the position shown" in Figl l fl, the

rack'rnovement moves thejpins 'i Stand new the forward'end of therespective slots'l32 and I33; as shown in Fig. 11," as the downwardl biased rolleri 124 abutting sloping surface l28'holds the plate lgt 'relatively' stationary. This stores the" lost motion. At this point; the horizontal listahce'between the campeak'or apex l 30', on plate I25, and the substantial cente of the'rol'ler; (53' on the"llabelinanipulating carrier device" of tl'i'ejfa'ssenibly both moving with the rack' l is t ntially thesame as the horizontalrdistance between thecenter of the Toner": 2t anc l'the gen "eraljce'nter" of the plate I23, both on arpo tallystati'onary lever 12!. When, therefore, fol-- lowingithe engagement of the end pins i35 against;

memesf theslots andrelative motion of earn plate izdsto'ps, the roller [2 is forced to move vertically upwardly climbing on the sloping sur facefll. This motion issynchronized with the on betwee thefroller e .on the label-manipulating carrierf'devic'e 69 and the p late l2; on the leyezg softhat the roller 63 is forceddownwardly as the. roller 'ifit frises on the cam surface Wei- This esa limit when the roller I2 5: acetate; Zen h :or' apex l fit at the intersection of Isl-oping substantial attainment of vertical juXtgipo sur'faces liidahd l2 f, as shown inFig'sQS and 12,

info nefdiiiection'ofmovinent of rack di. This ma "'rnuinlever motion moves the movahle "per- 5310f the flabe l mjanipulating device BS through its complete cycle of disposing and pre ing hegluedlabel into engagement with the L therack ii and bracket13i respectively g Serrated the time to which it is heme attached, including the temporary venting of the vacuum n the label-engaging surface of the movable head. It will be understood that the vertical motion of portion 52 from actuating plate I23, venting the head, is of greater amplitude than the vertical motion caused by sloping cam Ill.

Simultaneously with this functioning, however, and the attainment of the apex I30 by the roller I24, the bias of the springs I37 and I30 becomes effective to release the stored lost motion and pull the plate I25 relative to the pins I35 and I36, moving from the full linev position of Fig. 13 to the secondary position indicated in dotted lines therein, aided by vertical pressure from roller I24 against the downwardly sloping surface I3 I. This is accompanied or followed immediately by downward relative movement of roller I24- on and toward the lower edge of slope I3I, as shown in Fig. 14, which returns the plate I26 to its extreme forward position to which it is biased, as in the dotted lines of Fig. 13 and the full lines of Fig. 14. synchronously, as the lever I2I has returned to normal, horizontally, the plate I23 thereof has returned to the recess I20 of bar 33.

As soon, however, as the return stroke begins, which may be under the tension of rack spring IGI, on the return movement of the rack 4I, indicated by the arrow pointing toward the right in Fig. 14, the advancing surface I3I of plate I25, being immovable on rack 4I in this reversed direction of pressure, exerts pressure against roller I24. This forces the roller upwardly until the apex I30 of the cam plate is reached as indicated in Fig. 15. At thi point the horizontal distance between the apex I30 of the cam plate and the center of the roller 63 of the rack-movable assembly is shorter than the fixed horizontal distance between the roller I24 and the substantial center of the lever-mounted plate I23. Accordingly a secondary downward stroke of the plate I23 occurs after the roller 63 has moved out of juxtaposed vertical relation thereto, as shown in Fig. 9, and is therefore inoperative as regards any effective action relative to the label-manipulating device. The return of the roller I24 to the other side of the cam apex, in position for the next operative cycle is accomplished without adverse effect, despite the second lever manipulation which is entailed.

The glue roller I40 is journalled in a frame I4I pivoted to the enlarged portion 32 of the guide plate 30 by horizontal pivot means I42, within a glue pot or container I43. The frame I4I is adjustable vertically and both equally and differentially by the thumb screws I44 and I45 respectively. A rod I46 is mounted in the frame MI and carries the plurality of pivoted wiping-finger devices I41, to prevent accidental adhesion of a label to the surface of the glue roller I40. The fingers I41 are slightly below the uppermost surface or upper horizontal level of the roller I40. The shaft I48, upon which the glue-roller I40 is mounted, is prolonged at one end into a hub I50, having a ratchet wheel II and the pulley I52 mounted thereon. A spring pressed pawl I53 is mounted on the enlargement 32, in engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel I51, to insure intermittent unidirectional rotation of the glue roller I40 in one direction, by precluding rotation thereof in the other direction. The glue roller is driven by and in timed relation to the driven shaft 35, driving the rack 4|, by means of a belt I54 passing about pulley I52 and a pulley I55. The latter pulley is mounted on a hub I56, carrying a ratchet wheel I51 journalled for rotation with the hub and the pulley, on and relative to the end of shaft 35. The glue-roller drive therefor, is by means of the spring-pressed pawl I59 carried on the flange I58 of a hub I60 keyed to the shaft 3'5, driving pulley I55, and through belt I54 and pulley I52, driving glue roller I40. The arrangement is such that on the drive in one stroke, in which the label-manipulating device 69 engages a dry label, transports it horizontally across the glue roller, the glue roller turns in timed relation thereto so as to spread an even coat of glue on the transported label, and at the conclusion of the stroke the glued label is moved downwardly into adherent pressed relation to the surface to which the label is to be applied. This latter, as noted in the illustrative preferred use, is the top wrap of a series of wraps. On the return stroke of the complete cycle, after the pressed unloading of the glued wrap, the empty (labelless) carrier 69 moves in a return horizontal stroke transverse of the roller, which stands still and thus fails to smear the lower surface of the plate with glue on the return path of the latter.' The completion of the return stroke finds the carrier superpositioned over and in engaging contact with the top label of a stack of labels, preparatory to the start of a new cycle, in one illustrative cycle of the machine.

Mention should be made of the adjuncts of the machine conducing toward its elastic adaptibility to various uses. t has been observed that labels of various sizes and proportions can be used in stacks disposed in the adjustable hopper or magazine, as has been broadly described and the details of which will be appreciated from the disclosure. Mention has also been made of the fact that the designated label can be applied anywhere within a wide area by the adjustability which is provided so that on a wrap the label can be applied to any portion thereof. This is by the lateral and longitudinal adjustments accorded by the guides 22 and 23, and 24 and 25, augmented by the telescopic adjustment 56 of the connecting rod drive and the universal joints in the transmission. It will be understood that as the gluing machine is operated in the preferred form of the invention, the label-attaching machine is also put through its cycle in synchronism with that of the gluing machine.

It only remains to mention the preferred form of signal device which is utilized in order to duly and properly apprise the operator of the fact that the stack of labels is, or is about to become, exhausted. To this end the vertically moving follower plate I02 on which the stack of labels is supported and fed upwardly in step-by-step feeding, moves vertically between guide plates and 96. The table I02 is mounted on said supporting arm I03, on oval extension I04, and the latter carries the vertical switch-engaging post 20I in position to engage the switch arm 202 of a snap switch 200, mounted on plate 30, with predetermined vertical movement of the arm I03. The circuit is not shown, but from a suitable power line a transformer 203 .is energized and the secondary circuit thereof is controlled by the closing of the snap switch 200, to energize the signal device 204. The latter may comprise either a visual or audible signal, or a combination thereof. Preferably it comprises a bell 0r buzzer, the energizing of which indicates to the operator that the label stack needs replenishing.

In connection with the label stack, it will be apparent that any auxiliary or other devices can.

be; associated; with same, such. as. the. resilient,

metallic hold-downs 99, under the inwardly projecting flange ends of which the upper label of the stack. is engaged frictionally at. plural points,

but with such light. grip astobe readily pulled.

from under same when the label is engaged under suction bythe plate 55. A double threaded shaft H9 is providedinthe label hopper in position to effect aquick reciprocal adjustment of the transversehopper. members 9! and98, as will be clear.

The quickness of the adjustments, as in the replacing ofa used or exhausted stack of labels with a fresh stack, is of importance herein. This is facilitated by the manual grip means I llland I l l by means ofwhichwhen the platform or follower;

plate I02 andits associated horizontal elements have reached the vertical upward limit, through rotation of the shaft. I06 inthe closed separable nutcomprising the sections l! and. H18, squeezing the handles I I8. and I H together separates the split nut and permits the whole horizontal assembly of .the followerto drop .to a new low position, withoutrtedious rotations .of the shafting, etc.

In operation, thesizeof wrap or of the box. lid, and the size .ofthe. label to be attached thereto, both being known, it is necessary first to decide the location of the. label upon the repository thereof, whether box or wrap. The longitudinal adjustments of .the plate 80in its guides 24 and 25: account for theposition of the label on the wrap in adirection longitudinally of the machine andtransverse of the wrap, as disclosed in Fig. 1. The location of the label upon the wrap in the other dimensionis determined-by the turning of the hand wheel 21by handle 29. With the labels providedin a stack 85 and mounted upon the plate H32, which, asnoted, is located by simply squeezingthe finger pieces lid-and III to open the splittnut and permit the plate to drop to its lowest. position, the. label stack is positioned. Turning the dual threaded shank I I9 adjusts plates Stand 98 to define the edge portions of the hopper. The adjustmentsfor positioning of the label may place the universal joint in almost any mutual relation between a position almost in horizontal alignment, and a rather'acute angular.relation,.but this is taken careof by the telescoping shaft, 48 and 58, extending between them.

Withgluev in the pot partially surrounding the roller, andthe parts assembled a shown, the operator manually or automatically trips-the gluing machine, which in its sequence removes the top .wrap. l3.-2from the top of the stack I2, and sends .it through the-glue roller and mounts it uporr the:conveyor, during which it is subjected to. transverse compression. Synchronouslytherewith the. pinions :8 starts to drive theear ccand through the ratchet and pawl assembly and driven plate 58 forces-the connecting rod journal or. crankthrow 51 angularly-about axle 6!. This, throughv connecting rod 56, moves rack 52 to the rear, and through the-gearing and shafting described, drives delivery rack 4| toward the-front. This, follows cyclically the previous actuation of the movable portion of the label manipulating carrier 69 by sloping cam .l llforcing the head downwardly against the top label of the stack of labels without disrupting the suction head flow causing the top-label of the stack to adhere to theplate 65. Starting its cycle with a label adherent by suction. to plate 65, the carrier 69 moving with rack 4! leaves cam H1, and the springt'lv forces the. head portion and its attached label vertically Continued linear movement or carrier; fitcauses the suction-attached label to; move across: theglue'troller, which: is moving in; synchronismtherewith, to smoothly. and: evenly; apply. a. coat. of glue. to" the lower surface thereof, Finally, the. stroke ofrack 4| brings. the. movable portion. 62. into the proper juxtaposed. relation. to the wrap l3. or tothe othersrepositoryv for. the label, andthe. glued label is then. pushed. firmly. downv and compressed. tightly thereagainst by. pressure from plate l2? onrocked lever. 521;. As thisaction. alsoopens valve 14 tovent. the vacuum holding; the label against apertured plate the-carrier. isiconditioned to release the label then: adherent to the label-receiving surface, when. themovable portion 62 is elevated by spring. ill. with the beginning ofthe return stroke of the cycle; At this point, inthe cyclic progressionof the'plate' 58, driven by the gear 59, the journal orlcrankthrow. 5?. of the connecting: rod 56,.ha gotten beyond. dead center anclthe tensionspring: I61, extending between the end of rack Mandthe bracket l62.on the plate at, smartly returns rack ll to the. rear, forcing rack 52 forwardly and. pushingplate 58 about its stub shaft 6| toiits starting position, without disturbing gear 60 The beginning. of the return stroke of rack-.. 41- and of. carrier 69 tied thereto, by theaction' of. the triangular'cam I261 andvroller I24 is -syn' chronous with. the upward. movement ofplate. 123 into recesslml, and the returnlinear move-t ment of the carrier 69 is withthemovable-por tion 62 in its upper position to. which. .it is urged by springSfi.

Inthis manner, using but aportionof the stroke,. the. 8 /3 revolutions of the pinion l8. can secure a synchronized .operation of the labelattachingdevice without the complicatedgearing that-would be necessary, if available at all, ifthe pinion [8. were in constantdriving mesh with a rack-actuating gear. The said starting position illustratively is at the conclusion-of the dry label-engaging operation of the label-manipulating head, so that thenext cycle can start with a label carried by said head. If desired, of course, the sequence can be readily varied so that the starting position is just prior to picking up a dry label and the complete cycle picks it up, transports it, glues it, and discharges the glued label, and returns to a starting position. In many cases this cycle is preferred.

The advantages, simplicity, and economy of the instant invention will be appreciated.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A label gluing and attaching apparatu for driven connection with an instrumentalityhaving an intermittently actuated shaft, comprising a supporting plate, means for supporting the plate in horizontally adjusted relation to such instrumentality, a label manipulating carrier, means guidingthe carrier for horizontal translational movement in a substantially fixed path relative to said plate between a first position and a second position horizontally beyond the plate, means for supporting a stack of labels to which the carrier is juxtaposed in the first position, means for supporting a stack of wraps to which the carrier is juxtaposed in the second position a gluing roller adjacent to said means for supporting the stack of labels for coating an engaged label on said carrier when the latter moves between said first and second positions, suction means associated with said carrier for holding an engaged label in contacttherewith," means .operative at the said first-position for actuatingasaid. carriers for; suctionally engaging-i a label from such stack, means operative at said second position for actuating said carrier for delivering said engaged label toward a horizontal surface of a wrap of such stack of wraps including suctional release of said engaged label and adjustable transmission means disposed for coupling at one end to such intermittently operated shaft and at the other end coupled to said carrier, whereby rotations of the shaft effect reciprocations of said carrier regardless of the instantaneous horizontal adjustment of said plate relative to such instrumentality.

2. In combination with an intermittently driven instrumentality comprising a suction source and a driving shaft, a label gluing and attaching apparatus comprising a label manipulating carrier, mounting means supporting the carrier for cyclic reciprocation on a path of predeterminedly fixed length between limits, means for adjusting the mounting means spacially relative to said driving shaft so as to predetermine and vary the relation of said path to said shaft, transmission means disposed between the said shaft and said carrier to effect said cyclic reciprocation in any predetermined relation of said path to said shaft, an apertured label-engaging plate mounted on the carrier, means establishing communication between said suction source and said plate for engaging a label to said plate when the plate moves into contact therewith, means for moving said apertured plate relative to said carrier, a label glue roller disposed between the limits of said path, means for moving the carrier with an engaged label transversely of said label glue roller to coat such label with glue, means for moving said plate relative to said carrier for discharging said glue-coated label adjacent to the instrumentality including means for venting said suction in its communication with said apertured head to release said glued label.

3. In combination with an instrumentality comprising an intermittently driven pinion sliding means, means for guiding the sliding means for generally linear movement beween limits, a driven gear in driven relation to said pinion, gear linkage comprising two generally parallel racks, a pinion gear in mesh with each of said respective racks, means for driving said last mentioned pinion gears in synchronism, a crank throw driven by said gear in mesh with said driven first mentioned pinion, a connecting rod engag- :ing between said throw and one of said racks ,to drive same as the throw rotates, and means coupling the other of said racks to said sliding means for actuating the latter on its means for guiding.

4. A label gluing and attaching device comprising a support, a first pair of horizontal parallel guides on the support, a second pair of horizontal parallel guides slidable on the first pair of guides and perpendicular thereto, a plate slidable in said second pair of guides for adjustment therein transverse of the first pair of guides, means for temporarily locking the plate in a desired adjusted position in said second guides, means for moving the plate and the second guides to which it is temporarily locked transversely of the plate in said first guides and for locking same in an adjusted position relative to the support, a guide bar mounted on the plate extending longitudinally thereof parallel to the second pair of guides and spaced vertically above said plate, a label carrier slidable on the guide bar, a rack engaged with said carrier, means guiding the rackfor longitudinal movement parallelto said guide bar, a shaft mounted on the plate trans verse of the rack, a pinion on said shaft in mesh with said rack, means for rotating said shaft for actuating said carrier in a cyclic movement having two strokes in opposite directions, means for supporting a stack of labels adjacent one end of a stroke, means for supporting a label-receiving element adjacent to the other end of said stroke, and means operative as a function of and in response to carrier movement for engaging a dry label from the stack thereof with said carrier and at the end of said stroke disengaging said engaged label from said carrier.

5. In a label gluing and attaching devices, a support, a rack, means guiding said rack for longitudinal movement relative to the support, a shaft journalled on the support transverse of said rack, a pinion gear on said shaft in mesh with said rack, a second shaft journalled on said support, a second pinion gear on said second shaft, a transmitting rack in mesh with said second pinion, means for guiding said transmitting rack for longitudinal movement, the center lines of said respective racks lying in parallel spaced vertical planes, means for reciprocating said second rack, and connections between said shafts for transmitting torque from said second pinion to said first pinion so that the first rack is reciprocated synchronously with reciprocation of the second rack, reciprocatory means guided for movement relative to said support, and means for coupling the first rack and said reciprocatory means for synchronous movement.

6. A label gluing and attaching device comprising a supporting frame having first and second station areas, a support mounted on the frame and adjustably movable in a horizontal plane in at least one direction relative to the said station areas thereof, a first rack, means guiding said rack for longitudinal reciprocatory movement relative to the frame, a first shaft journalled on the frame transverse of said rack, a first pinion gear on said shaft in mesh with said rack, a second shaft, means journalling said second shaft on said support, a second pinion gear on said second shaft, a second rack in mesh with'said second pinion, means for guiding said second rack for reciprocatory longitudinal movement on and relative to said support, driving connections between said first and second shafts comprising telescoping shafts between two universal joints, a label carrier in driven connection with said second rack, means on said support guiding said carrier for reciprocatory motion relative to said support in a predetermined path between stations, and means for reciprocating said first rack, whereby said label carrier reciprocates in synchronism with reciprocations of said first rack in all adjusted positions of the support relative to the frame and consequent adjusted relations of the label carrier stations to the station areas of said frame.

'7. In a label gluing and attaching devices, a support, a rack, means guiding said rack for longitudinal movement relative to the support, a shaft journalled on the support transverse of said rack, a pinion gear on said shaft in mesh with said rack, a second shaft journalled on said support, a second pinion gear on said second shaft, a transmitting rack in mesh with said second pinion and, means for guiding said transmitting rack in longitudinal movement, the center lines of said respective racks lying in parallel spaced vertical planes, means for reciprocating said second rack, and connections between said shafts for transmitting torque from said second pinion to said first pinionso that the first-rack is reciprocated synchronously with reciprocation of the second rack, reciprocatory means guided for movement relative to said support, and means for coupling the first rackand said reciprocatory means for synchronous movement. said racks respectively having oppositely presenting teeth so that one engages beneath one pinion'and the :other engages on top-of the other pinion whereby the racks reciprocate oppositely.

8. A label gluing andattaching device comprising a horizontal stationary bar, a lever pivoted to the bar on a horizontal pivot, a carrier- "engaging portion on the lever on one side of the pivot and a roller onxthe lever *on the other side of the pivot, a label carrier, means for guiding said label carrier substantially in parallelism with said bar,said carrier having a vertically movable portion, an element movable with said carrier, a cam plate mountedfor limiting sliding on the element and havingupwardly converging surfaces each inposition to engage said roller andmove said lever.

9. Alabel attaching apparatus comprising supportingmeans for a stack of labels at a first sta- .tion, means for supporting an element to receive a label at a second station horizontally spaced tfromthe first station, az-substantially horizontal guide rail extending between and in part .at least overlying both stations, a label carrier mounted on the guide rail, means for reciprocating the carrier in a complete cycle of two strokes, the first stroke starting :at the first station and terminating at the second station and the return stroke starting at the second station and terminating at the first station and comprising with the carrier a translatory unit, said carrier comprising a guide part vertically immovable relative to the guide rail, and a normally elevated vertically movable portion guided'in the guide part and including a label-contacting suction :h'ead, conduit means for establishing suction on said head and including a'normally closed'venting valve, complemental means on said rail and said portion for converting translational move ment of the unit relative to the rail into transitory downward vertical motion .of the portion at the first and second stations as functions of the translational movement, and means on said unit for opening said venting valve toward thetermination of the transitory downward movement of the portion .at said second station.

10. A label attaching apparatus comprising .supportingmeans for a'stack of labels at a first station,- means for supporting an :element to receive a label at a second station horizontally spaced from thefirst station, a substantially horizontal guide rail extending between and in part at least overlying both stations, a label carrier mounted on theguide rail, means for reciprocating the carrier in a complete cycle of two strokes, the first stroke starting at the first station and terminating at the second station and the return stroke starting at the second station and terminating at the first station and comprising with the carrier a translatory unit, said carrier comprising a guide part vertically immovable relative to the guide rail, a normally elevated vertically movable portion guided in the guide part and including a label-contacting suction head, conduit means for establishing suction. on said head and including a normally closed venting valve, complemental means on-saidrail and said portion for converting translational movement. Of

the unit relativeto the rail into transitory downward vertical motion of the portion'at the first and second stations as functions of the translational movement, means onsaid unit for opening said venting "valve toward the termination of the transitory downward movement of the portion at saidsecond station, said complemental means providing a longer downward movement at the second station than at the first station, and said means for opening said venting valve being responsive only to the longer downward movement.

11. A label attaching apparatus comprising a support, supporting means for a stack of labels at a first station, means for supporting an element to receive a label at 'a second station horizontally spaced from the first station, a substantially horizontal guide rail extending between and in part at least overlying both stations, a label carrier mountedon the guide rail and having a path of sliding movement relative thereto, means for reciprocating the carrier in a cycle of anout stroke and a'return stroke between the stations and comprising with the carrier a translatory unit, said carrier comprising a guide part'vertically substantially immovable relative to the guide rail and a normallyelevated vertically movable portion guided in theguide part and including a label carrying and pressing suction head, conduit means for establishing suction on said head and including a normally closed venting valve, complemental'means on said rail and said portion for converting translational movement of the unit relative to the rail into transitory downward vertical movements of the portion at the first and second stations as functions of the translational movement, means on said unit for opening said venting valve toward termination of the transitory downward movement of the portion at said second station, and means supporting said rail and carrier onsaid'support, said means supporting being adjustable relative to said path of said carrier to deposit said carried label at a selected area of said second station.

12. A label attaching apparatus comprising a support, supporting means for a stack of labels at a first station, means for supporting an element to receive a label at a second station horizontally spaced from the first station, a substantially horizontal guide rail extending between and in part at least overlying both stations, a label carrier, mounted on the guide rail and ha ingapath of sliding movement relative thereto, means for reciprocating the carrier in a cycle of "anroutv stroke and a return stroke between the stations and comprising with the carrier a translatory unit, said :carrier comprising a guide part vertically substantially immovable relative to the guide rail and .a normally elevated vertically movable portion guided in the guide part and including a label carrying and pressing suction head, conduit means for establishing suction on said head and including a normally closed venting valve, complemental means on said rail and said portion for converting translational movement of the unit relativeto the rail into transitorydownward vertical movements of the portion at the first and second stations as functions of the translational movement, means on said unit for opening said ventingrvalve toward termination of the transitory downward movement of the portion at said second station, means supporting said rail and carrier on said support, said means supporting being adjustable relative to said path of saidcarrier to deposit said carried label at a selected area ot said second station, and means for adjusting the guide rail and carrier longitudinally and laterally of said path to deposit said carried label at a selected area of the second station.

13. A label attaching apparatus for driven relation to a rotatable shaft fixed in space, comprising a primary support in fixed relation to said shaft, a second support, means mounting the second support for adjustable positioning relative to the primary support, means comprising a first station on the second support for supporting a stack of labels, a guide rail mounted on the second support, a carrier slidable in a fixed path on said guide rail and comprising a normally raised vertically movable label head, conduit means for applying suction to said head, complemental means on the vertically movable head and said rail for forcing the head downwardly at selected points on said path, and a gear train in driven relation to said shaft for reciprocating said carrier on said rail, said gear train incorporating a lost motion drive whereby the same cyclic reciprocation of said carrier is obtained from said shaft in all adjusted positions of said second support relative to the first whereby the head carrying a suction attached label can deliver same over a wide area determined by the adjustment of the second support relative to the first.

14. A label gluing and attaching device comprising horizontal guide means, a label carrier com-prising a portion slidable on the guide means and a vertically slidable portion, an apertured replaceable plate on said vertically movable portion, conduit means for connection between a source of suction and the apertures in said plate and including a venting valve for breaking the suction to the apertures, means associated with the guide means for moving the vertically, movable element in two respective strokes of different length as a function of sliding movement of the label carrier, and means on said vertically slidable portion responsive only to the longer of said two strokes to open said venting valve.

15.'A label gluing and attaching device comprising horizontal guide means, a label carrier comprising a portion slidable on the guide means and a vertically slidable portion, an apertured replaceable plate on said vertically movable portion, conduit means for communication between a source of suction and the apertures in said plate and including a venting valve for breaking the suction to the apertures, means associated with the guide means for moving the vertically movable element in two respective strokes of different length as a function of sliding movement of the label carrier, means on said vertically slidable portion responsive only to the longer of said two strokes to open said venting valve, and means for positively reversing said venting valve opening means in response to sliding motion of the label carrier subsequent to the opening of said venting valve.

16. A label gluing and attaching device comprising horizontal guide means, a label carrier comprising a portion slidable on the guide means and a vertically slidable portion, an apertured replaceable plate on said vertically movable portion, conduit means for connection between a source of suction and the apertures in said plate and including a venting valve for breaking the suction to the apertures, means associated with the guide means for moving the verticallv movable element in two respective strokes of different length as a function of sliding movement of the label carrier, means on said vertically slidable portion responsive only to the longer of said two strokes to open said venting valve, and said means associated with the guide means comprising separate elements spaced along said horizontal guide means so that the respective two strokes of different length occur at opposite ends of the paths of sliding of said label carrier.

1'7. A label gluing and attaching device comprising horizontal guide means, a label carrier comprising a portion slidable on the guide means and a vertically slidable portion, an apertured replaceable plate on said vertically movable portion, conduit means for connection between a source of suction and the apertures in said plate and including a venting valve for breaking the suction to the apertures, means associated with the guide means for moving the vertically movable element in two respective strokes of different length as a function of sliding movement of the label carreir, means on said vertically slidable portion responsive only to the longer of said two strokes to open said venting valve, said means associated with the guide means comprising separate elements spaced along said horizontal guide means so that the respective two strokes of different length occur at opposite ends of the paths of sliding of said label carrier, the element of said spaced elements effecting the longer of the two strokes comprising a lever pivoted relative to said horizontal guide means, generally transversely thereof, a roller mounted on one end of said lever and carrier-engaging means at the other end of the lever, means movable with the sliding label carrier portion in fixed horizontal spacing from said label carrier, a generally triangular vertical cam plate mounted with limited sliding connection to said last means, a spring urging the cam plate toward a fixed position at one limit of its connection at which the distance from the apex of the generally triangular vertical cam to the vertically movable portion of the label carrier is relatively smaller, whereas when the generally triangular vertical cam plate is moved relative to the lever to the farther limit, said distance is greater and is substantially the same as the distance between said roller and the carrier-engaging portion of the lever, whereby movement of the lever through relative motion of the generally triangular vertical cam plate and the roller in one direction actuates the vertically movable portion of the label carrier, while movement of the lever through reversal of this motion fails to actuate the vertically movable portion of the label carrier.

18. A label gluing and attaching device comprising generally linear guide means, a label carrier slidable on said guide means and including a vertically slidable portion, means spaced on said guide means for imparting vertical motion to said vertical slidable portion, means for reciprocating said label carrier in a cycle of two opposite strokes, a lever pivoted generally transversely of said guide means and mounting a roller and a carrier-engaging element on opposite sides of said pivot, an element fixed for reciprocation with said label carrier, a triangular cam plate mounted with limited sliding connection to said element and for engagement by said roller, said lever being actuated by reaction from the cam plate and roller in one stroke of the carrier so that said carrier-engaging element initiates vertical sliding of said vertically slidable portion with the triangular cam plate at one limit and on the return stroke the triangular cam plate moves ELWOOD R. SLOYER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Rodgers May 12, 1903 Number Name Date Wardlaw Nov. 30, 1915 Hutchinson May 27, 1919 Westcott Jan. 2, 1923 Smith May 10, 1927 Brewer Feb. 25, 1936 Von Hofe Apr. 25, 1939

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