Ultra high speed labeling apparatus and method

A method of applying labels in rapid sequence to cylindrical containers comprising the steps of:

• (a) continuously transporting a rapid sequence of cylindrical containers toward a label application station;
• (b) positioning a leading edge of a label segment on protrusions formed on the periphery of a vacuum drum;
• (c) channeling glue through a vertically positioned glue bar including a face which abuts a glue application roll;
• (d) depositing glue onto the glue application roll through a tapered portal on said face of said glue bar;
• (e) spreading the glue evenly over the surface of the glue application roll;
• and,
• (f) collecting excess glue from the surface of the glue application roll in a recess in said glue bar face positioned orthogonal to the surface of the glue application roll;
• (g) applying glue to said leading edge of the label segment by contacting said leading edge with the glue spread on the glue application roll;
• (h) advancing the label segment to the label application station;
• (i) imparting a spin to each container and thereby affixing the label segment to said container by allowing the container to contact said leading edge of said label segment at said label application station;
• (j) rapidly discharging said containers in a stable, non-rotating upright condition by simultaneously supporting and dampening rotation of the containers about their axes.

Labeling apparatus for high speed application of labels to containers comprising:

• (a) means for continuously feeding and imparting spin to containers;
• (b) a vertically positioned glue bar which receives glue at its uppermost end from a supply of same and deposits said glue, under pressure, through a tapered glue emission portal along its length onto a glue application roll means positioned in abutting relationship to said portal and containing a patterned surface;
• (c) a rectangular hollow on said glue bar located adjacent said tapered glue emission portal and disposed orthogonal to the surface of said glue application roll for spreading deposited glue on the surface of said glue application roll means and collecting excess glue from the surface of said glue application roll means;
• (d) a cylindrical rotary drum with vacuum means for retaining a label on its surface, which drum first brings an edge of said label into contact with the deposited glue on said glue application roll means, and secondly brings the label into contact with said continuously fed spinning containers at a label application station such that said label is applied to said container;
• (e) discharge means for conveying said labeled container away from said label applying station;
• (f) independently mounted oppositely rotating parallel stabilizer belts which receive said labeled containers from said discharge means and dampen axial rotation of said labeled containers while supporting them in an upright position.