GB2170178A - Roll fed labelling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Labels on a roll 6 are fed by drive rollers 18, 20 through a cutting mechanism 10, to an adhesive applicator 28 for the leading edge which operates while the label is stationary on the vacuum bed 30 of a conveyor to a glue roller 36 for the trailing edge, and to a labelling location 34. Articles 50 to be labelled are advanced by conveyor 40 and screw 42 in synchronisation with the label feed and the cutting mechanism. The vacuum conveyor comprises belts 32 driven over the stationary vacuum bed and having a slipping relationship with the labels. In a modification (Figure 7, 8) adhesive is applied as the label is moved along the vacuum bed conveyor 160 and the labels are held in slipping engagement with a vacuum wheel (146). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Roll fed labelling machine Background of the invention The present invention relates to labelling apparatus for applying labels to the outer surface of a container or article to be labelled. In particular, the invention is related to a method and apparatus of cutting a label from a roll-fed supply, applying adhesive to the rear face of the labels and moving the labels in time synchronization with an article to be labelled.

In the past, a number of different labelling apparatus have been proposed for applying labels to containers or the like by adhering the label to the container and subsequently wrapping the label around the container by rolling the container along a fixed surface. In particular, priot art labellers have used a magazine of precut labels with various arrangements for withdrawing the labels for application to a container. This approach is satisfactory for paper labels, however, the label cost is higher due to the requirement to cut and stack labels. This approach has not proven acceptable for thin plastic labels, as they are too pliable and difficult to apply. It is desirable to have a machine capable of withdrawing a label from a roll label supply and apply an adhesive to the back face of the label as necessary for application to a container.Labels of this type are less expensive and have particular application for the new type of plastic containers which are more readily deformable. With deformable containers, it is often desirable to apply adhesive to the leading edge and trailing edge of the label with the portion of the label in between left unsecured.

One such prior art machine is disclosed in United States Patent 4,323,416. In this case, the strip of labels is advanced from a roll supply and passed through a cutting mechanism for subsequent engagement by a vacuum drum. The drum in combination with belts moving over the surface thereof, advance the label to the labelling point in time synchronization with an article to be labelled. Adhesive is applied to the rear face of the label as the label is moved past a gluing station.

One of the problems with prior art labellers adapted to applied adhesive to the rear face of a label, prior to or after cutting from a roll label supply, is that is is difficult to apply the adhesive to the label in a controlled manner whereby the conveyor means for advancing the label is not contaminated. This problem is compounded by the speed of movement of the labels to the labelling location.

According to the present invention, a roll-feed labeller is possible which either intermittently adv ances labels to be applied to containers and applies adhesive to at least the leading edge of the label as it is held stationary with respect to a moving conveyor or applies adhesive on the "fly". In the first case, the adhesive is applied to the first label of a series of roll-feed labels, as it is attached to the series which are engaged and restrained upstream of a cutting mechanism. The labels are cut from the label supply in time synchronization with the advance of a container to be labelled to cause the leading edge of a label to meet with a surface ofthe container to be labelled as they are both advanced past a labelling location.The container advances past the labelling location in a manner to wrap the remaining portion of the label to the surface of the container. The method of this apparatus is also part of the present invention. In the second case, adhesive is applied to the leading and trailing edge of a cut label as it is advanced by the vacuum bed conveyor. The means for applying adhesive are in timed synchronization with the article to be labelled.

The apparatus of the present invention provides a vacuum bed conveyor having belts running thereover to transport the cut label to the labelling location as well asto provide full label accessforthe application of adhesive to a label as it is advanced in a generally flat condition. In applying adhesive to the trailing edge, the trailing edge is deflected from the normal path to contact a glue applicator.

Brief description of the drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the dawings wherein, Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of the labelling apparatus; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the label feed advance system which holds the first to be applied label stationary for application of an adhesive; Figure 3 is a partial top view of the pinch roller drive system for advancing and holding labels adjacent the cutting mechanism; Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the labelling apparatus adjacent the labelling location showing a mechanism for applying adhesive to the trailing edge of the first to be applied label, as the label is being applied to an article; Figure 5 is a partial top view of the labelling apparatus adjacent the labelling location; Figure 6 is a top lay-out of the labelling apparatus;; Figure 7 is a top view of an alternate arrangement capable of higher labelling speeds; Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a glue applicator and the vacuum bed conveyor; Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of alternate arrangement adjacent the labelling location; Figure 10 is a top view of the alternate arrangement adjacent the labelling location; Figure 71 is an elevation of glue applicator and conveyor of Figure 8; and Figure 12 is a partial elevation of the doctor blades scraping the glue applicators.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments The first six Figures illustrate a preferred form of the invention adapted for intermittent label advance with adhesive being applied to at least the leading edge of the first label of the label supply as it is held stationary on the vacuum bed conveyor Figures 7 through 12 show an apparatus adapted for applying adhesive as the label is being advanced by the vacuum conveyor.

The labelling apparatus 2, as shown in Figure 1, withdraws labels from the label roll supply 6, to form a long strip 4, which is threaded through a label tensioning arrangement, generally designated as 8, prior to feed of the strip through the cutting mechanism 10. The cutting mechanism 10 includes a stationary blade 12 and a driven blade 14, operated by the drive mechanism 16, synchronized with the movement of the article conveyor 40. The label supply 6, is preferrably driven, however, in addition, the pinch rollers 18 and 20 upstream the cutting mechanism 10, accurately position the first to be applied label 24 as they are partially controlled by photsensing mechanism 22 which senses a mark on the label, such as the bar code. The pinch rollers, 18 and 20 are geared together and driven to cause advance of the strip 4 with rotation of the roller.By appropriately sensing the mark on the series of labels, the first to be applied label 24 is accurately positioned in the cutting mechanism 10 for cutting thereof from the series of labels. However, prior to cutting of label 24 from the series of labels 4, an adhesive is applied to at least the leading edge 26 of the first to be applied label, while the label is held stationary on the stationary vacuum bed 30. The vacuum bed has a plurality of ports 31, through which a vacuum is applied to pull the label into engagement with the vacuum bed 30. Intermediate the bed and the first to be applied label, a number of continuously driven belts 32 initially having a slipping relationship with the first to be applied label 24, and subsequently cause the label to advance after it has been cut from the series of labels 4.With the first to be applied label appropriately positioned and held by pinch rollers 18 and 20, hot melt spray applicator 28 is activated and applies hot melted adhesive to the leading edge 26 of the first to be applied label 24.

This adhesive is applied while the label is held stationary and, therefore, the accuracy of application of the adhesive can be quite precise. Various adhesive spray patterns can be used such as a series of circles dots or continuous strip.

Articles to be labelled, in this case bottles 50, are advanced by conveyor 40 and the screw advance mechanism 42. Asensing mechanism 52 provides an appropriate signal to advance the first to be applied through the cutting mechanism 16 and photosensor 22, senses a bar code, for example, to stop the label advance when the first to be applied label 24 is accurately positioned for cutting the label from the label supply. Adhesive is applied as the label 24 is held stationary on the vacuum bed 30 and cutting mechanism 16, then severs the label 24 in timed synchronization the advance of the article to be labelled. The cut label is carried by belts 32 to the labelling location 34, such that the leading edge 26 strikes the surface of a bottle to be labelled as it is moving through the labelling location 34.The bottle contacts the compressible rail 44, which serves to engage the one edge of the bottle in a manner whereby the movement of belts 32 will cause the label to wrap about the bottle. This type of wrap application of labels is quite well known, and the belts are continuously driven at twice the speed of the conveyor 40.

The cutting mechanism 16 is mechanically driven by the main drive of the labeller which also drives the feed screw 42. With this arrangement the cutting mechanism operates with or without a label and the synchronization of the label and the positioning thereof is determined by the pinch rollers 18 and 20 and the clutch/brake 74. The pinch rollers only advance a label through the cutting mechanism when an article to be labelled has been sensed atthe feed screw 42. The advance through the cutting mechanism of the label to be applied, the application of the adhesive to the leading edge of the label the cutting of the label, and the advance of the label to the labelling location are all completed during the time the article to be labelled is sensed and moved to the labelling location 34.It is preferred to mechanically interconnect and synchronize the feed screw 42 with cutting mechanism 16 however electrical synchronization could be used and the cutting mechanism could be activated when required. This would allow "pre-positioning" of the label in the cutting mechanism prior to sensing of an article if desired.

From the above description, it can be understood that a label is brought to the labelling location 34, in time synchronization with the movement of an article to be labelled and strikes a surface of the article to be labelled with the label subsequently being wrapped about the article due to a caused rotation of the article to be labelled. In the case where the leading edge of the label has an adhesive applied thereto, it will be necessary to at least apply adhesive to the trailing edge 27 of the label 24. This second application of adhesive is accomplished adjacent and upstream of the labelling location 34.

The vacuum bed 30, is spaced from the point of labelling 34, such that only the belts 32, advance the portion of the label between vacuum bed 30 and the point of labelling 34. A substantial portion of the label remains in engagement with vacuum bed 30 and, therefore, the leading edge of the label is not prone to curling or bending in a manner to prevent accurate labelling. In addition, it has been found that a static charge may be produced, due to the previous slipping of the belts relative to the label as it is held stationary at the cutting mechanism, and this charge urges the label into contact with the belt. Intermediate the point of labelling and the end of the vacuum bed conveyor, glue is applied to the trailing edge of the label.As the trailing edge of the label is advanced past air blast column 38, a timed air blast forces the trailing edge ofthe label againstflue roller 36. This glue roller has a film of preferrably hot melt adhesive on the surface thereof, generally designated as 37, and the adhesive is transferred to the trailing edge 27 as it moves across the glue roller.

Further rotation of the article to be labelled, produces a secured full wrap label or partial wrap label about a bottle 50.

Although a separate motor and drive arrangement is shown the clutch/brake 74 could be driven by a shaft connected to the main drive of the labeller. This avoids the additional cost of the separate motor 72.

Details of the label advance adjacent the cutting mechanism 10 is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The pinch roller 18, is driven and engaged at the appropriate times via the motor 72 and the clutch brake 74.

Each of the pinch rollers 18 and 20 have sloted areas in the length thereof for receiving opposed guide bars 62 and 64, either side of the label as the label passes through the cutting mechanism. These guide bars assure that rotation ofthe pinch rollers 18 and 20 causes an advance of the label to the cutting mechanism and in effect strips the label from the surface of the pinch rollers. Downstream of the pinch rollers 18 and 20 and upstream of the cutting mechanism 10, air blast columns 66 and 68 produce an air blast at an inclined angle relative to the axis of travel of the label urging the same through the cutting mechanism 10. This air blast is continuous and produces a tugging action urging the label away from the pinch rollers 18 and 20.It should be noted that the guide bars 62 and 64 are of a length to assure that the series of labels advances through the cutting mechanism 10 after cutting of the first to be applied label and the air blast resulting from the air blast column 66 and 68 assist in the advance of the labels. The series of labels may be prone to curling, and guide bars 62,64 and the air blast created by the air blast column 66 and 68 cooperate to provide positive advance of the series of labels through the cutting mechanism 16.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate further details of the structure for applying adhesive to the trailing edge 27 of the label 24. Air blast column 38 has plurality of ports 78, and pressurized air is introduced to the air column via conduit 76. The air blast is suitably timed to force the trailing edge 27 of what was the first to be applied label 24, against the glue roller 36 to transfer adhesive to the back face of the label adjacent the trailing edge. The air blast is schematically illustrated by arrows 80. The trailing edge 27 has cleared the stationary vacuum bed 30 and is only held against the belts due to any static charge and/or its tendency to remain in contact with the belts due to its previous movement. Either of these biases are easily overcome by an appropriately timed air blast which will deflect the label in a mannerto cause application of adhesive thereto.Further advance of the label as the bottle rotates causes a wiping action of the label over flue roller 36. Excessive adhesive build up at the edges of the label is not a problem due to the minimal application pressure. As label 24, is advanced over the vacuum bed 30 via the belt 32, the series of labels has advanced through the cutting mechanism 16to accurately position the nextfirstto be applied label designated as 24a in Figure 5, and is holding the same stationary opposite the hot melt adhesive spray gun 28. As the label is held in the stationary position, adhesive is sprayed on the leading edge.

It can be appreciated that other arrangements can be provided for applying adhesive to the label, and in particular this apparatus and method can easily be adapted for applying adhesive to the length of a label, if desired. The combination of the stationary vacuum bed, continuously driven belts, and the holding of the series of labels stationary prior to cutting of the first to be applied label from such series, provides a particularly easy combination to manufacture and allows convenient synchronization ofthe first to be applied label with a suitably advanced article to be labelled. This combination is not limited to applying wrap labels to cylindrical or near cylindrical articles to be labelled as the method and apparatus can easily be adapted to apply labels to boxes or generally rectangular in cross section bottles as but one example.Furthermore, other means of applying adhesive to the back face of the label are possible, and although the invention has been particularly described with respect to the improvements possible by at least applying a portion of the label while the first two be applied label is held stationary integral with the series, other arrangements are possible For example, the label could be cut with the trailing edge releasably held by gripping means for suitable timed release.

The labelling machine 2 is easily adjusted to allow changeover for applying a label of a label of a different length. Hot melt spray applicator is appropriately positioned as it is mountable in various positions relative to the length of the vacuum bed 30 and sensing mechanisms 22 and 52 are adjustably positioned to allow synchronization of the label to be applied and the container to be labelled at labelling location 34. This allows the cutting mechanism 16, the pinch rollers 18 and 20 the vacuum bed 30 and the continuously driven belts 32 to remain fixed. This arrangement allows fast changeover as set up in simple and repeatable as the components are moved to known positions.

Figures 7 through 12 show a modified arrangement suitable for applying labels at a higher speed, where the labels are not held in slipping engagement with the vacuum bed conveyor 102. In contrast, the structure of Figure 7 holds the first label of the supply of labels 104 in slipping engagement with the vacuum wheel 146, in preparation for cutting by the rotary cutter 148 having cutting knife 150. In orderto assure the first label of the series of labels, is moving a speed equal to the peripheral speed of the vacuum wheel 146, a speed compensating arrangement 136 is provided which provides an additional length of label stock such that the cutting operation can be carried out as the label is moving at the same speed as the vacuum wheel 146.This speed compensation arrangement is controlled by cam roller 140 on lever arm 138, with roller 140 contacting a cam on the vacuum wheel 146. The cam is shaped to allow movement of the arm in the direction of arrow 135 in preparation for the cutting operation, and causes the arm to move in direction of arrow 137 after the cutting operation has been completed. The spring 139 serves to maintain tension in the label supply, while the compensating lever arm 138 is moving.

The label supply, including the strip 104, is trained about training rollers 142 secured to the arm 138 adjacent one end thereof, with the label supply also passing around idler roller 144. The movement of the lever arm in the direction of arrow 135 results in an additional length of the strip of labels which is advanced as necessary by the vacuum wheel at the speed thereof. The speed differential between the peripheral speed of the vacuum wheel and the speed of advance of the label, results in the necessary separation of cut labels on the vacuum bed.

The drive for the strip of labels 104, is carried out by drive roller 106 in combination with the pressure roller 108. Roller 110 serves to wrap a portion of the strip of labels about a limited portion of the periphery of drive roller 106, and pressure roller 108 serves to assure that the strip of labels is advanced at the peripheral speed of the drive roller 106. In some cases, it may be desirable to interrupt the drive of the strip of labels 104, and this can be accomplished by means of the various arms and actuating cylinders 112 and 128, shown in Figure 7, or by means of a clutch brake for driving roller 106. If one uses the cylinders 112 and 128, the strip of the labels 104 is trapped between idler roller 110 and the stop block 114 as the cylinder 112 extends causing cam 120 to move against roller 121 such that arm 116 rotates in the direction of arrow 117.This rotation is effected by the biasing spring 124 and effectively causes the label stockto be trapped between the stop block 114 and idler roller 110. At that point in time, cylinder 128 is actuated to move the cam 132 against roller 134 via the link arm 130, causing arm 136 to no longer apply a pressure bias urging rollers 108 into contact with roller 106. Because of this, the label stock can slip on the drive roller, and allow the drive roller to continue to rotate even though the label stock has been clamped between block 114 and roller 110.

The vacuum bed conveyor 160 includes the vacuum bed 162 in combination with belts 164 which move across the forward face of the vacuum bed.

Labels are transferred from the vacuum wheel 146 to the vacuum bed conveyor at point 166 and the vacuum wheel is controlled so that the vacuum thereof no longer applies at point 166 and preferably an air blast urges the label into contact with the vacuum bed conveyor 160. Thus point 166 is a label transfer point and the vacuum bed 162 will pull the label into contact therewith and into contact with the moving belts 164. Further details of the vacuum bed conveyor will be explained with respect to Figure 8.

The labels are subsequently advanced by the belts 164 and are moving at the same speed as the belts in timed synchronization with articles to be labelled, illustrated as 190. The labels are moved at the same speed as the belts 164 and will contact the articles to be labelled at the labelling point generally indicated as 191.

As the labels are advanced over the vacuum bed 162, adhesive is applied and preferably hot melt adhesive is applied to at least the leading and trailing edges of the label. A hot melt adhesive gun 168 is shown and can be timed to apply various spots of glue to the leading edge of the label as it is moved along the vacuum bed. In contrast to the dots possible in the structure of Figures 1 through 6, the dots become somewhat elongate due to the advance of the label. Adhesive is applied to the trailing edge of the label in much the same manner as shown in Figures 1 through 6, however, in this case a mechanical actuator 170 is controlled to move in and out of the vacuum bed conveyor in a controlled manner to effect deflection of the trailing edge of the label against the glue roller 172.Therefore, in contrast to the air blast described in Figures 1 through 6, a mechanical actuator 170 is used to deflect the trailing edge against the glue roller. The glue column 172 is a rotating shaft having a doctor blade 174 for maintaining a certain film thickness of hot melt adhesive on the outer surface of the shaft and hot melt adhesive is applied through the adhesive port 178. The pressure of the doctor blade 174 can be controlled by the adjustment mechanism shown as 176.

An alternate arrangement 179 is provided for applying adhesive to the leading edge of the label which is preferred in high speed applications.

Arrangement 179 includes a rotating shaft 180 having cam-like members 182 shaped to provide contact with a limited portion of a label for every rotation of shaft 180. Doctor blade 184 is associated with the cam members for assuring a generally consistent adhesive film thickness on the cam members to avoid excessive transfer of adhesive to the label. Shaft 180 is preferably driven by a friction clutch arrangement where the position of the cam member relative to the drive arrangement thereof can be changed. For example, in order to adjust the apparatus for labels of different lengths, the position of cams 182 must be changed in order to contact the leading edge. The trailing edge will be at the same position regardless of the label length.The friction clutch allows rotation of the cams relative to the shaft 180, as required to bring the glued transfer surfaces of the cams 182 into correct synchroniza tionforthe label length. Once this has been set, the drive of shaft 180 will maintain the synchronization for the given label length.

Glue is applied to the cams 182 by the hot melt adhesive ports 185 provided in the support block 212. The doctor blade 184 is in contact with a non-circular surface and, therefore, a compensating arrangement 186 is provided to allow movement of the doctor blade is required. The cams 182 will make appropriate contact with the leading edge of the cut label as it is advanced resulting in the strips of adhesive 219 at the leading edge of a label as shown in Figure 9. In order to assure the label remains in contact with the vacuum bed, retaining fingers 188 are positioned either side of the cams 182 and strip the labels from the cam members 182. Further details of this arrangement are shown in Figures 8 and 10.

The cooperation between the vacuum bed conveyor 160 and the cam arrangement for applying adhesive to the leading edge of a label is shown in Figure 8. The vacuum bed 162 includes a central cavity 194 which connects to a host of vacuum ports 198 associated with belt receiving channels 200.

Each ofthe belts 164 have a plurality of holes 192 along the length thereof to allow transmission of the vacuum force through the belts. Thus, the label 220 is maintained in positive engagement with the belts 164 as they are moved along the vacuum bed 162.

The label 220 will travel at the speed of the belts 164 and are urged against the belts due to the vacuum pressure. An inlet 196 has been provided to the cavity 194 for applying a vacuum. The vacuum bed between each of the belt receiving channels 200, includes slot-like recesses 201 which allow the cam-like members 182 to passtherewithin when a label is not present. In this way, the surface of the vacuum bed 162 and the belts 164 are not contamin ated with adhesive, and the drive of the cams 182 need not be interrupted if an article is not present to be labelled. Details of this arrangement are clearly visible in Figure 11. In addition, the retaining fingers 188 straddle either side of each cam member 182 and serve to maintain the label 220 in contact with the vacuum bed conveyor 160.

Hot melt adhesive is introduced under pressure in the direction of arrow 222 to the adhesive ports 185 to apply adhesive to the cam members 182. Rotation of the shaft 180 causes the cam surfaces to come into contact with the doctor blade 184 shown in Figure 4 which effectively scrapes the vertical face 202, the upper horizontal surface 204 and the bottom horizontal surface 208. In this way, the amount of adhesive transferred to the leading edge of the label is controlled. For the purpose of clarity, only a portion of the doctor blade is shown in Figure 8, wherein in actual fact the blade would be the length of glue roller and hinges on shaft 210.

In Figure 9, the label 220 having strips of adhesive 219 applied to the leading edge has been partially wrapped about the bottle 193. Astrip of adhesive 221 has been applied to the trailing edge of the label due to its prior contact with the glue column 172. The bottle 193 rotates in the direction of arrow 189 as it is advanced in the direction of arrow 187, and effectively wraps the label 220 about the bottle. This rotation of the bottle is accomplished as belts 164 urge the bottle to rotate as the opposite edge of the bottle is in contact with the compressible surface 230.

In Figure 10, one article 190a has a cut label 220a partially applied thereabout and label 220b is having adhesive transferred to the trailing edge thereof, as it is in contact with the glue column 172 and is in timed synchronization with article 190b to effect label contact at the labelling point 191. A third cut label 220c is having adhesive transferred to the leading edge thereof, as it has come into contact with the cam surfaces 182, and eventually will be applied to article 190c. The drive of the cam 182, the drive of the belts 164, the drive of the cutter 148, the drive of roller 106 and the drive of the vacuum wheel 146 are all in synchronization with the conveyor for moving the articles to be labelled 190. Therefore, if the rate of feed of the articles to be labelled increases, an appropriate compensation is provided in each of these drive arrangements.To effect the desired spacing between the labels to bring each of these into synchronization, slippage of the supply strip 104 is provided on the vacuum wheel 146, and the difference in the rate of drive of roller 106 and the vacuum wheel 146 in effect determines the spacing between the labels.

Various arrangements have been described for applying adhesive to the leading and trailing edge of a label as it is advanced over the vacuum bed conveyor 160. A glue gun arrangement can be used which effectively shoots a predetermined amount of adhesive to a label, and this arrangment is preferred where the labels are held in slipping engagement with the vacuum bed conveyor 160. Encases where the apparatus is designed to apply labels at a significantly higher rate or is capable of so doing, it is preferable to use the cam-like arrangement describedwith respect to Figures7through 12. In both arrangements, hot melt adhesive has been applied to the trailing edge of a label by deflecting it from the normal path of travel over the vacuum bed conveyor and forcing it against a glue column.It can be appreciated that other arrangements for the trailing edge can be used such as the spray gun approach described for applying glue to the leading edge, or the cam-type approach described in Figures 7 through 12. Various forms of synchronization of the drives to the advance of articles can be accomplished either by sensing various points on the label and sensing of the articles to be labelled using photosensors, as generally described with respect to Figures 1 through 6. In order to assure accuracy between the rotary cutter 148 and the advance of the strip of labels 104, a synchronization arrangement is provided between the drive roller 106 and the cutter 148.This synchronization arrangement includes a drive differential and a reversible motor and a mark may be sensed on the supply strip of labels and compared with a signal generated from the cutter whereby differences therebetween are corrected by the reversing motor and the differential drive arrangement. In this way, the drive of roller 106 and the cutter 148 are always seeking to be perfect synchronization.

The labelling apparatus disclosed herein, are suitable for use with thin plastic roll feed labels or paper roll feed labels, and accommodates convient adjustment for different size labels and different adhesive requirements. The low speed version of the apparatus offers excellent control of the application of adhesive. The high speed version offers somewhat less control of adhesive application, but still a significant improvement over prior art machines.

Although various prefereed embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (26)

1. A roll feed labelling apparatus comprising a drive for a label supply, cutting means for cutting a first label from the end of a strip of labels withdrawn from the supply; vacuum conveyor means for advancing the label supply and transporting a first label cut from such label supply to a labelling location; means for advancing an article to be labelled past said labelling location; synchronization means associationed with such label drive and said means for advancing an article to control the advance of the first label, and hold the same in slipping engagement with said vacuum conveyor means as required and, upstream of said cutting means; said cutting means being coordinated with the label drive by said synchronization means, to cut free the first label from the label supply to advance with said conveyor means in timed coordination with the article to be labelled;; said conveyor means including a stationary vacuum bed and at least two belts moving over said vacuum bed; and means for selectively applying adhesive to at least the leading and trailing edge of a label as the same is engaged by the vacuum bed and belts; said vacuum bed and belts advancing the label to the labelling location in time sequence with an article to be labelled, whereafter, the label is applied and secured aboutthe article to be labelled.

2. A roll feed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said means for selectively applying adhesive to at least the leading and trailing edge of a label is adapted to apply such adhesive as the label is moved by said conveyor means.

3. A roll fed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said means for selectively applying adhesive cooperates with said synchronization means and said cutting means to apply adhesive to the leading edge of a label as the same is held in slipping engagement with said conveyor means.

4. A roll feed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said means for selectively applying adhesive to at least the leading and trailing edge of a label includes an adhesive pot for hot melt adhesive having a rotating cam-like applicator with a longitudinal axis thereof parallel to the plane of said vacuum bed and adapted to make contact with an appropriately positioned label on said vacuum bed once for a given rotation of said cam-like applicator and in the absence of such appropriately positioned label merely continue operation while avoiding transfer of adhesive to the resulting exposed vacuum bed conveyor.

5. A roll feed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said rotating cam-like member includes a plurality of cams spaced along the length of the axis and wherein said vacuum bed has a plurality of slot-like recesses oversized relative to said cams and positioned generally opposite thereto.

6. A roll labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said cams are spaced to define gaps therebetween and said belts are located on said vacuum bed generally opposite said gaps between cams.

7. A roll fed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said cams includes scraping means for controlling the amount of adhesive on said cams in preparation for applying adhesive to labels.

8. A roll fed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, including a glue column generally parallel to said vacuum bed and deflecting means actuated to release the trailing edge of a cut label out of contact with the vacuum bed and into contact with said glue column as the label is advanced to thereby transfer a film of adhesive to the trailing edge.

9. A roll fed apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said vacuum conveyor means includes a vacuum wheel upstream of said vacuum bed and said cutting means is a rotary cutter which cooperates with said vacuum wheel to cut the first label from such label supply.

10. A roll fed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said label drive means controls the advance of the label supply and said conveyor means controls the advance of cut labels.

11. A roll feed labelling machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said synchronization means includes sensing means associated with said means for advancing an article to be labelled to vary the position thereof along said advance means to effect adjustment in the synchronization of labels relative to articles to be labelled.

12. A roll fed labelling apparatus comprising a driven label supply, cutting means for cutting a first label from the end of such label supply, conveyor means for transporting such first label in timed sequence with advancement of an article tobe labelled, means for slectively applying adhesive to the leading edge of such first label as such label is held stationary on said conveyor means, means for applying an adhesive to at least the trailing edge of such first label and means for applying such label to such article to be labelled.

13. A roll fed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein conveyor means includes a vacuum bed and at least two belts moving over the surface of said vacuum bed, said conveyor being positioned to engage the leading portion of such first label with the same attached to such label supply with said vacuum bed assisting to maintain such first label stationary and said belts slipping against such first label.

14. A roll fed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said cutting mechanism is controlled to cut such first label in a manner to cause advancement thereof by said conveyor means in synchronization with the advance of an article to be labelled.

15. A roll fed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said means for applying adhesive to the trailing edge of such first label includes a glue coated member downstream of said vacuum bed and offset to the opposite side of such labels to normally not be in contact therewith and biasing means for forcing such trailing edge into engagement with said glue coated member.

16. A roll fed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said biasing means is means for providing an air blast

17. A roll fed labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said vacuum bed is spaced from the initial point of contact of such first label and an article to be labelled a distance less than half the length of such first label and said belts are guided to continue to advance the leading edge of such first label and bring the same into contact with such article to be labelled.

18. A method of applying a label withdrawn from a roll feed label supply and applying the same to an article to be labelled comprising advancing such labels in strip form toward a cutting mechanism and in a manner to appropriately position such first label for cutting thereof from such label supply with the leading edge of such first label clear of such cutting mechanism, holding such first label stationary for a period of time, applying an adhesive to at leastthe leading edge of an appropriately positioned and held first label print to cutting such first label from such label supply, engaging such first label with a vacuum conveyor means as such label is held in preparation for advancing such first label supply causing advance of the same to the label location by said conveyor means and in timed synchronization with an article to be labelled, and applying such label to such article to be labelled.

19. A labelling machine for applying roll-fed wrap-around labels printed on one side to containers comprising an advance mechanism for a roll-fed label supply to advance label sequentially towards a cutting station, a label cutting station for cutting the first label from the label supply, a combination vacuum bed and belt conveyor system positioned to at least partially engage the printed side of such first label to advance such cut label and bring the same into synchronized contact with a container to be labelled, and adhesive applying means associated with such conveyor system for applying adhesive to at least the leading edge and trailing edge of such first label, said combination vacuum bed and belt conveyor system having a stationary generally planar vacuum bed over which the labels are advanced, said vacuum bed having a plurality of ports through which a vacuum source acts on the printed side of such labels to draw the same into contact with the vacuum bed and at least two belts driven to move over said vacuum bed for advancing such first to be applied label from said cutting mechanism to the container to be labelled, said vacuum bed being spaced from said point of labelling such that at least the leading edge of such first to be applied label after cutting from such supply has cleared said vacuum bed priorto contacting a container to be labelled.

20. A labelling machine as claimed in Claim 19, wherein said adhesive applying means includes a timed rotating cam means offset from said vacuum bed and of a shape to contact and apply adhesive the leading edge of a label as it is moved along the vacuum and subsequently release contact with such label.

21. A labelling machine as claimed in Claim 20, wherein said vacuum bed is recessed intermediate said belts and said cam means is shaped to apply adhesive at said recessed areas and thereby be out of contact with said vacuum bed.

22. A labelling machine as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said cutting station includes a vacuum wheel cooperating with a rotating knife for cutting of such first label upstream of said vacuum bed, said vacuum bed and belt conveyor system overlapping with said vacuum wheel to effect transfer of such cut label to said conveyor system, said vacuum wheel adjacent the portion overlapping with said conveyor system releasing such cut label and urging such label to contact said conveyor system.

23. A labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the peripheral speed of said vacuum wheel is greater than the rate of feed of such roll feed labels, said vacuum wheel allowing slippage as required therealong of said roll feed labels prior to cutting, said conveyor system advancing cut labels at generally the same speed as the peripheral speed of said vacuum wheel, whereby a spacing between cut labels on said vacuum bed is accomplished as a function of the speed differential of said vacuum wheel and said label supply for a given rate of feed of articles to be labelled.

24. A labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said vacuum bed includes a vacuum block having a plurality of tracks for receiving one of said belts and vacuum port means spaced along said tracks for urging a label into contact with said belts, each belt including holestherethrough for allowing vacuum engagement of labels through said belts, and recessed areas between said tracks through which said cam means passes in a manner such that adhesive does not contaiminate said vacuum block even in the event a label is not present for receiving adhesive.

25. A labelling apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, including a common hot melt adhesive pot for supplying adhesive to said cam means and to a glue post downstream of said cam means, said glue post in combination with bias means associated with said vacuum bed system applying adhesive to the trailing edge of a cut label by deflecting the trailing edge against the glue post as the leading edge of the label continues to be advanced by said vacuum bed and belt conveyor system.

26. A labelling apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.