Apparatus for delivering a container to a marking apparatus

An auto-feed assembly for selectively transporting containers to a labeling apparatus, wherein the labeling apparatus includes a labeling device for selectively applying a label to the container, the auto-feed assembly comprising:

• (a) a staging assembly for processing a plurality of containers;
• (b) a singulator assembly in communication with the staging assembly, the singulator assembly including a retention assembly for isolating at least one container from the plurality of containers;
• and
• (c) a shuttle disposed between the singulator assembly and a portion of the labeling apparatus, the shuttle sized and configured to receive the at least one container in a first position near the singulator assembly, the shuttle slidable into a second position near the labeling apparatus;
• (d) an end stop pivotally coupled to an end of the shuttle and configured for selective engagement with the at least one container received within the shuttle;
• (e) a pushrod assembly in communication with the shuttle and selectively engageable with the at least one container received within the shuttle for translating the shuttle and the at least one container between the singulator assembly and the portion of the labeling apparatus.

An auto-feed assembly for selectively transporting containers to a labeling apparatus, wherein the labeling apparatus includes a labeling device for selectively applying a label to the container, the auto-feed assembly comprising:

• (a) a staging assembly for processing a plurality of containers;
• (b) a singulator assembly in communication with the staging assembly for isolating at least first and second containers from the plurality of containers, the singulator assembly comprising:
• (i) a feed channel sized and configured to receive the at least first and second containers;
• (ii) a gate in communication with the feed channel and configured to selectively restrain the first container within the feed channel;
• (iii) a retention device that is selectively actuatable between a retaining position, wherein the retention device is engaged with the second container received within the feed channel, and an open position;
• (iv) an adjustment mechanism operably coupled to the retention device and configured to selectively change the size of the feed channel and the position of the retention device within the feed channel such that the singulator assembly is adapted for use with containers of at least first and second sizes;
• (c) a shuttle disposed between the singulator assembly and a portion of the labeling apparatus, the shuttle sized and configured to receive the first container in a first position near the singulator assembly, the shuttle slidable into a second position near the labeling apparatus;
• (d) an end stop pivotally coupled to an end of the shuttle and configured for selective engagement with the first container received within the shuttle for aligning the first container within the shuttle;
• and
• (e) a pushrod assembly in communication with the shuttle and selectively engageable with the first container received within the shuttle for translating the shuttle and the first container between the singulator assembly and the portion of the labeling apparatus.