Apparatus for applying labels onto small cylindrical articles having

Abstract

An apparatus for applying thin film polymer labels onto small cylindrical articles includes a label transport drum that is constructed for aiding the transfer of a label onto a cylindrical article. The apparatus includes a label transport drum having a cylindrically configured hub and cylindrical drum mounted on the hub for rotation thereabout. The drum has an outer surface on which labels are fed while the drum is rotated about the hub. A first radially extending, slotted vacuum manifold defines a label retention area and extends circumferentially around a substantial portion of the circumference of the hub. A first radially extending slotted pressure manifold is aligned circumferentially after the slotted vacuum manifold at an article wrapping position. A valve port, circumferentially aligned with the vacuum and pressure manifolds is positioned on the inner surface of the drum and communicates with the area on the drum surface where the leading edge of the label lies. As the drum rotates, the valve port aligns with the vacuum manifold and draws a vacuum onto the label to retain the label onto the drum. As the drum rotates further the valve port aligns with the pressure manifold to blow air onto the leading edge of the label to force the label outwardly from the drum surface onto an article thereat to aid in label transfer. A second vacuum manifold and valve port draw vacuum onto the label to retain the label on the drum surface past the article wrapping position if an article is not wrapped. The label is blown from the drum surface if an article misfeeds.