In-mold labeling apparatus and method

A method of placing labels into cavities of a mold having at least two cavities spaced from each other in a first direction, comprising the steps of:

• providing a label magazine;
• loading the label magazine with a plurality of labels;
• providing an endless belt transfer conveyor adjacent to said label magazine;
• providing a first transfer head adjacent said magazine and said transfer conveyor;
• actuating said first transfer head and removing the labels from said magazine in sequence;
• indexing said transfer conveyor in a direction parallel to said first direction;
• transferring the labels from said first transfer head to said transfer conveyor in spaced relation from each other in a direction parallel to said first direction and by an amount corresponding to spacing between the separate cavities;
• providing a carriage disposed for movement in a second direction from a first position adjacent to said transfer conveyor to a second position adjacent to the cavities, and
• providing at least two second transfer heads on said carriage spaced from one another for engagement with the labels on said transfer conveyor;
• actuating said second transfer heads while said carriage is in said first position and picking up the labels from said transfer conveyor;
• moving said carriage from its first position to its second position;
• and
• actuating said second transfer heads while said carriage is in said second position and placing the labels into the mold cavities.

A method of placing labels into cavities of a mold having at least two cavities spaced from each other in a first direction, comprising the steps of:

• providing a supply of labels, a transfer conveyor and a carriage;
• placing individual labels on said transfer conveyor;
• moving the transfer conveyor in said first direction so that said labels are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between said cavities;
• transferring said spaced labels to said carriage;
• moving said carriage in a second direction from a position adjacent the transfer conveyor to a position adjacent the cavities;
• and
• transferring said labels from said carriage to said cavities.