The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 15, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 30, 2001
Joseph Parker, Modesto, CA (US);
Gary Gomes, Antelope, OR (US);
B & H Manufacturing Company, Inc., Ceres, CA (US);
Abstract
A multiple port valve plate assembly for use with a vacuum drum in a labeling apparatus. The valve plate has a first stationary vacuum cavity which is supplied with one level of vacuum suitable for picking up a label segment from a cutter with limited tension. The valve plate has a second, floating cavity, which is supplied with another, higher level of vacuum suitable for firmly griping the cut label segment as an adhesive is applied to the label segment. The valve plate has a third stationary vacuum cavity for suitable for holding the label at a lower vacuum pressure while the label is being transferred to a container. The third cavity may be further divided into a label application segment with an even lower vacuum pressure. A pressure port is also provided adjacent the third cavity for facilitating release of the label from the vacuum drum as it contacts the container.