Labeling apparatus with enhanced bellows including flexible coil tube and associated method

Abstract

A labeler includes at least one bellows movable between extended and retracted positions. The bellows includes a cap defining a distal end for carrying the label and having at least one cap opening therein, and a pleated sidewall connected to the cap. The labeler includes a flexible coil tube positioned within the bellows and having a distal end connected in fluid communication with the cap openings and a proximal end for being connected to negative and positive fluid pressure, respectively. A positioner advances the bellows along a path of travel between a label pick-up position and a label application position. A pressure controller selectively connects the bellows and the proximal end of the flexible coil tube to negative and positive fluid pressures as the bellows is advanced along the path of travel. The pressure controller may, during a first time, connect the bellows to positive fluid pressure while connecting the proximal end of the flexible coil tube to negative pressure to retain the label as the at least one bellows is moved to the extended position. The pressure controller may also, during a second time period after the first time period, connect the proximal end of the flexible coil tube to positive fluid pressure while connecting the at least one bellows to negative fluid pressure so as to expel a label not applied to an article as the bellows is moved to the retracted position.