US3767514A

US3767514A - Labeling and feeding machine

Info

Publication number: US3767514A
Application number: US00220617A
Authority: US
Inventors: F Blossom
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-01-25
Filing date: 1972-01-25
Publication date: 1973-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 1990-10-23

Abstract

A method for labeling mailing pieces including the steps of severing a label from a label strip by movement of a cuttertransfer-applicator block having a cutter, affixing the severed label to a transfer-applicator surface of the cutter-transferapplicator block, transferring the label on the transferapplicator surface to an application zone by movement of the cutter-transfer-applicator block, applying the severed label to a mailing piece in the application zone by movement of the cuttertransfer-applicator block whereby adhesive on the label attaches it to the mailing piece, and releasing the severed portion of the label strip from said surface. A labeling and feeding machine having a single part, the cutter-transfer-applicator block, to sever a label from a label strip, transfer the label to an application zone, and apply the label to a mailing piece.

Description

[ 1 Oct. 23, 1973 LABELlNG AND FEEDING MACHINE ABSTRACT lnventor: Frank M. Blossom, 25038 Churchill Ln., Glen Ellyn, 111. 60137 A method for labeling mailing pieces including the [22] Filed: Ja 1972 steps of severing a label from a label strip by move- 211 App]. No.: 220

617 ment of a cutter-transfer-applicator block having a cutter, affixing the severed label to a transfer- Related U.S

Application Dam applicator surface of the cutter-transfer-applicator [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 21 block, transferring the label on the transfer-applicator ,923, March 30, 1970.

surface to an application zone by movement of the [52] U.S. 156/518, 156/521 cutter-transfer-applicator block, applying the severed label to a mailing piece in the application zone by movement of the cutter-transfer-applicator block whereby adhesive on the label attaches it to the mail- 51 Int. B3211 31/00 [58] Field of Search..................... 156/518 ing piece, and releasing the severed portion of the label strip from said surface. A labeling and feeding References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS "156,521 machine having a single part, the cutter-transfer- 3,654,038 4 1972 Hottendorf...... 2,543,220 2,483,452

applicator block to sever a label from a label strip,

, and apply the 2 1951 Ardell............. 156/521 12 1949 Fischer et al. 156/521 transfer the label to appllcatlon Zone label to a mailing piece.

7 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures Primary ExaminerDouglas J. Drummond Attorney-Richard E. Alexander et al.

PATENTEDHCIZB I973 3.767514 SHEET 1 BF 5 INVENTOR:

FRANK M. BLOSSOM PATENIElJum 2': m 3.767; 5 1 d SHEEY 20$ 5 INVENTOR. FRANK M. BLOSSOM 316mm PATENI W sum 3 or 5 m L INVENTOR: ao 'l- FRANK M. BLOSSOM Pmmmma ms 3.767.514

SHEET 4 OF 5 I N VENTOR:

\ BIZ/RANK M. BLOSSOM PAIENIEDBm 23 um SHEET 5 OF 5 mn ON nn NE mnnNI wz JNVENTOR: sRANK M. BLOSSOM ATT'YS LABELING AND FEEDING MACHINE This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 21,923, filed Mar. 30, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Todays increasing use of mass mailing for billing, advertising, and a great variety of other purposes gives rise to a continuing need for improvement in the techniques of mass mailing. Various automated means of addressing, imprinting, and collating have developed in recent years to facilitate preparation of a mass mailing. The large number of patents which have been granted to developments which have improved the techniques of mass mailing is indicative of progress in the art. Nevertheless, many inefficiencies stifle the operations in a mailing plant. Techniques currently in use are continually subject to breakdown and malfunction, thus causing a large amount of downtime. Furthermore, even in a system which is free of malfunction, specific problems in mechanized addressing arise from the complicated nature of addressing equipment of the prior art.

Prior art equipment typically had a large number of moving parts coming in contact with an address or label strip or individual label which would be applied to an envelope, card or other mailing piece. It is elementary in the paper-moving art that, in general, a greater amount of moving contact of paper with machinery results in a greater chance for malfunctioning. A generally related problem is inaccuracy in cutting labels from a strip for application to mailing pieces such as envelopes or cards. Often a strip will be improperly cut thus deleting part of an address and making proper place ment on an envelope or card or other mailing piece impossible. Another generally related problem is inconsistency of position of placement of anaddress label on an envelope, card, or other mailing piece. This problem is particularly harmful if labels are placed on a card for display through envelope windows. This problem can be caused by inaccurate placement of an address label on the part which applies-the label. This inaccurate placement in turn may be caused by many factors, including lack of label strip control and inaccurate cutting. v

The large number of moving parts in equipment of the prior art for application of a label to a mailing piece has been thought to be an unfortunate necessity caused by the variety of steps which must be executed. Generally, a label must be severed from a label strip, then transferred from the label strip and severing area to an application zone, then applied to a mailing piece. The prior art method of accomplishing these steps required a plurality of movements and a plurality of parts moving in relation to each other. These complicated movements and their relation to the label paper resulted in inaccuracy and malfunctioning of the equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION My invention overcomes the aforementioned problems by providing a novel labeling and feeding machine and method. Specifically, a labeling assembly having fewer moving parts in contact with a label or an address or other label strip is provided, reducing the opportunity for malfunction. My invention uses a single part, the cutter-transfer-applicator block, to serve several functions.

Since a single part serves these multiple functions, there is less moving contact of paper and machine and hence there is less opportunity for malfunction. Greatly enhanced accuracy of label cutting and placement is provided.

The cutter-transfer-applicator block is used to cut a label from a label strip, transfer the label to an application zone for application to a mailing piece, and apply the label to a mailing piece.

Accuracy in label cutting is gained by coordination of a metering means and this cutte'r-transfer-applicator block, by firm location of label strip on the metering means, by cutting the labels along their wider dimension, their width rather than their height, thus requiring shorter strip advance per label and consequent less moving contact of paper and machine. Accuracy in placing the label onto an envelope or card is gained because the cutter edge, against which the label is carried after being cut, provides the datum point for location of the label in respect to the mailing piece to which the label will be attached. This is accomplished because the cutter-transfer-applicator block both cuts and applies the labels, itself transferring the label to an application zone. There is no passage of the label to a separate part for application. The label is transferred to the application zone and applied to the mailing piece by the same part which made the cut.

It is an object of this invention to provide a labeling and feeding machine and method which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

It is another object of this invention to provide a labeling assembly having fewer moving parts in contact with the label strip and labels.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a labeling assembly having a single part which serves the multiple functions of cutting a label from a strip, transferring the label to an application zone and applying the label to a mailing piece.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a labeling assembly having greatly improved accuracy in label cutting and label placement on mailing pieces.

It is another object of this invention to provide a labeling assembly having a cutter which provides the datum point for location of a label in respect to a mailing piece to which it is to be attached.

These and other important objects will become apparent from the following description and from the drawing showing preferred embodiments wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a labeling and feeding machine of my invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the labeling and feeding machine showing the main functional section thereof.

FIG. 3 is a back elevation of the labeling and feeding machine of FIG. ll showing the main functional section thereof.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the section of the labeling and feeding machine shown in FIG. 2, with a portion in section view as indicated by Section 4-4 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 5 is a section view as indicated by Section 55 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a section view as indicated by Section 6-6 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a section view as indicated by Section 7-7 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the drum shaft and associated parts, the cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft and associated parts and the metering wheel shaft and associated parts.

FIG. 9 is a piece part view.

Referring to the figures and specifically to FIG. 1, a labeling and feeding machine of my invention is shown having functional portions or parts designated generally as label strip supplier means 18, labeling assembly 19, mailing piece feeding means 15, cutter-transferapplicator block 20, metering means 21 and hopper 22.

As shown in the figures, the parts of the labeling and feeding machine are mounted on a frame having two side plates, machine side plate 77 and input side plate 78. The side plates are fastened to main frame uprights 70 and spaced properly by means of cross channel 62, end plate 60, lower spacer 57, housing bar 45, all members being securely bolted or otherwise connected. Main frame uprights 70 are bolted to lower supporting frame 205. The main functional shafts, that is, drum shaft 64, metering wheel shaft 63 and cutter-transferapplicator block shaft 65, are supported on either end by the two side plates. Hopper 22 is mounted between the sides plates and provides a supply of mailing pieces which will be labeled. Label strip supplier means 18 is mounted on cross channel 62 in a position permitting supply of address strips to a metering wheel 100 directly below. A driving means 17 such as electrical motor may be mounted on lower supporting frame 205 and may be equipped with a sprocket l6 and chain 25 or other suitable means to allow transmission of the driving force to drum shaft 64. Drum shaft 64 will likewise be equipped with a sprocket 26 or other suitable drive pick-up means. Beneath the lower supporting frame and connected thereto are casters 207 facilitating movement of the labeling and feeding machine.

A portion of label strip 13 from label strip supplier means 18 will be advanced by the movement of metering means 21. Referring specifically to FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, a label 41, the portion of label strip 13 so advanced, is severed from label strip 13 by cutter 69 of cuttertransfer-applicator block 20 and will be transferred by transfer-applicator surface 32 of cutter-transferapplicator block 20 to application zone 40 for application to a mailing piece 42 which is fed from hopper 22 to application zone 40 by mailing piece feeding means 15.

The severing by cutter 69 is accomplished by the movement of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20. As the portion 41 of label strip 13 is severed, it is temporarily affixed to transfer-applicator surface 32 by a holding and releasing means, a portion of which is apertures 33 defined by transfer-applicator surface 32, in the preferred embodiment shown in the figures. A vacuum-producing means, as further detailed herein, is in communication with portion 41 through apertures 33 at the time of severing a label from label strip 13, and permits transfer-applicator surface 32 of cuttertransfer-applicator block 20 to receive the label upon severing. The vacuum-producing means remains in communication with label, or portion, 41 as cuttertransfer-applicator block 20 moves from the severing position, or first position, to a position for application of the label to a mailing piece, a second position. Other holding and releasing means for receiving portion 41 by affixing it to transfer-applicator surface 32 may be used. Mechanical means are suitable. However, a vacuum-producing means communicating with label 41 through apertures 33 in transfer-applicator surface 32 is highly preferred.

Label 41 is applied to mailing piece 42 by transferapplicator surface 32 of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 as label or portion 41 and mailing piece 42 pass through application zone 40, pressure being exerted on label 41 and mailing piece 42 by the action of transfer-applicator surface 32 with respect to pressure part 39. The labeled mailing piece 43 will be fed by mailing piece feeding means 15 to a deposit zone 44 generally below mailing piece feeding means 15 and will be released by the feeding means. The deposit zone may have a container such as a tray, basket or box, or a conveyor belt or other receptacle generally below mailing piece feeding means 15 for deposit of labeled mailing piece 43.

Cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 is moved by drive means 17 through suitable linkage to sever portion 41 from label strip 13, to transfer portion 41 on transferapplicator surface 32 and to apply portion 41 to a mailing piece in application zone 40. Any movement of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 which accomplishes the operations set forth is suitable for this invention. It is preferred that cutter-Iransfer-applicator block 20 be rotatably mounted, and that the operations set forth be accomplished in one rotation of the block, as is done in the preferred embodiment shown in the figures.

LABEL STRIP SUPPLIER MEANS Label strip supplier means 18, shown in FIG. 1, is mounted on cross channel 62. Label hopper is adjustably fixed between label hopper supports 111. The label hopper is an open box-like device providing location for storage of label strip 13. Tension bars 112 are also mounted on label hopper supports 111. Extending between the ends of tension bars 112 is a pressure bar 113 to which pressure pad 114 is attached. Label strip 13 rubs against pressure pad 114 and is held at a proper tension thereby. Pad springs 115 may be lengthened or shortened to increase or decrease the pressure on label strip 13. Often the weight of pressure bar 113 and tension bars 1 12 are sufficient to maintain the proper tension in label strip 13. Label hopper 110, label hopper supports 111, tension bars 112 and pressure bar 113 may be made of metal or wood or a wide variety of other materials. Pressure pad 114 may be felt or a wide variety of other materials.

As shown in the figures, label hopper 110 is made to facilitate label strips which are folded in an accordian fashion. This type of label strip is preferred because it easily permits the use of computer-type paper, a particularly convenient way of providing address lists. Other types of label strip supplier means are suitable for use in my invention. For example, a label strip supplier means adaptable for use with a label strip roll is suitable. Any label strip supplier means which will supply a label strip to a metering means is suitable.

METERING MEANS Metering means 21 receives a label strip from label strip supplier means 18 and advances a portion of label strip intermittently for the cutting therefrom of labels by cutter-transfer-applicator block 20. Metering means 32 has a metering wheel 100 mounted on metering wheel shaft 63, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 8. Metering wheel shaft 63 extends between machine side plate 77 and input side plate 78 and turns in bearing means 101 therein. Label strip 13 is threaded around metering wheel 100 and is held firmly thereon by pins 102, which engage holes in label strip 13, and by label strip guide 103, mounted on guide bar 104. As viewed generally in FIGS. 1, 6 and 8, metering wheel 100 is turned by metering wheel shaft 63 in a clockwise direction. An address, or other label information is normally placed between holes on the label strip and the cut made by cutter edge 68 of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 will normally intersect the hole in label strip 13 and be parallel to metering wheel shaft 63. Therefore, in one rotation of metering wheel 100, there will be one cut for each pin 102. Metering wheel 100 serves as an anvil for cutter edge 68, as will be more thoroughly explained hereafter. It is preferred that metering wheel 100 be stationary when cutter edge 68 cuts a label from label strip 13.

For every rotation of the cutter-transfer-applicator block in a counterclockwise fashion, metering wheel 100 must rotate an amount equal to the distance between pins in a clockwise direction. To achieve this coordination between cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 and metering wheel 100, I have used a geneva device 190 together with a sprocket system 185 which provide intermittent motion of metering wheel 100 from the continuous movement of cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65, which movement will be explained hereafter. Geneva devices and sprocket systems are well known in the mechanical art. In the labeling and feeding machines which I have built, I have placed the geneva device and sprocket system outside input side plate 78 as shown in FIG. 1. However, these devices or other devices, performing their function may be mounted in many other ways. The geneva device 190 and sprocket system 185 are shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 and are detailed in the section view of FIG. 5. Geneva driver wheel 195 is mounted on cutter-transferapplicator block shaft 65 and rotates with cuttertransfer-applicator block 20. Mounted on geneva driver wheel 195 is driver wheel catch 191 in a positionpermitting it to engage geneva wheel 192. Geneva wheel 192 is mounted on geneva'wheel shaft 193 which is attached to input side plate 78. Geneva wheel 192 turns on bearing means 194. Also mounted on geneva wheel shaft 193 is geneva wheel sprocket 196, suitably spaced from input side plate 78 by geneva wheel spacer 197. The rotation of geneva driver wheel 195 causes driver wheel catch 191 to engage genevawheel 192 and cause geneva wheel 192 and geneva wheel sprocket196 to rotate through a fraction of one rotation. Chain 186, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, transmits the movement of geneva wheel sprocket 196 to metering wheel 100 by means of metering wheel shaft 63 and metering wheel shaft sprocket 187 to which chain 186 is attached. Metering wheel shaft sprocket 187 is maintained in the same general plane as geneva wheel sprocket 196 by means of spacer 188. Metering wheel 100 must rotate intermittently such that for each movement the circumferential distance moved is equal to the height of one label, which is the distance between pins 102 on metering wheel 100. For every such movement a cut must be made by cutter edge 68. Therefore, cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 must rotate one full rotation for each distance advance of metering wheel 100.

In the labeling and feeding machines which I have built, I have used 10 pins on metering wheel 100. To

accomplish the proper coordination of cutter-transferapplicator block 20 and metering wheel I have used a geneva device with 5 to 1 ratio and sprocket system with a 2 to 1 ratio such that ten full rotations of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 occur for one full rotation of metering wheel 100, a 10 to l ratio. Wide ranges of ratios are workable and other devices maybe used to obtain proper motion. Ratios from 8 to l to 14 to 1 are preferable. Ratios lower than about 8 to 1 will introduce problems of maintaining the label strip on the metering wheel and later curling because of the small radius of the metering wheel, unless the label height is substantially increased. Ratios higher than about 14 to 1 are workable but introduce problems of a rather ill-defined common tangent point of the cuttertransfer-applicator block arc and metering wheel for cutting purposes.

Other types of metering means than the devices described are also workable. Any device which will properly advance a label strip for cutting by the cutting means of my invention and provide support for the label strip during the cutting is suitable. The advancing of a label strip by the metering means used in the preferred embodiment shown is intermittent. The label strip may be stopped when cutter 62 of cutter-transferapplicator block 20 severs a portion therefrom, or it may be moving at that time at a speed approximating the speed of cutter edge 68 of cutter 69. The latter is preferred. By the preferred way, the advance of a portion of label strip 13 is completed and metering wheel 100 stops moving. Then as cutter edge 68 approaches to sever this portion of the strip, the advance of the next portion begins. The movement of label strip 13 at the speed of cutter edge 68 during severing reduces the chance for tearing.

The metering wheel described should be made of hard material. In the labeling and feeding machines which I have built I have used tool steel of from 58-60 Rockwell C (RC). The material used cannot be too brittle. It must properly deflect the cutting edge from possible slight contact. High carbon and high chromium steel, or other hard tool steel is suitable for the metering wheel. The pins may be made of similar material. Label strip guide 103, which is mounted on guide bar 104, may be of any material such as aluminum or steel or plastic. Metering wheel shaft 63, bearing means 101 and guide bar 104 may be made of many materials, preferably machine metals.

The sprockets, chains and geneva device parts are made of materials, such as tool steel, which are common in the mechanical art.

THE CUTTER-TRANSFER-APPLICATOR BLOCK The principal part of the labeling and feeding machine of my invention is cutter-transfer-applicator block 20, shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 8. It is mounted on cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65 which extends through input side plate 78 and through machine side plate 77 and turns in bearing means 72 therein as shown in FIG. 4. Cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65 turns geneva drive wheel 196 to provide movement for metering wheel 100. Cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65 and cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 are driven by transmission of movement from drum shaft 64 by gears as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8. The transmission of movement from drum shaft 64 to cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 may be interrupted by the operation of solenoid clutching device 66 which operates to disengage one part of cutter-transferapplicator block shaft 65 from another part thereof on signal from a photocell 67, shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the operation of which is explained further hereinafter. The solenoid clutching device may be one of several varieties which are common in the art. Typically, such a device operates by the throwing and withdrawing of a connecting pin by the solenoid between a driving part and a pickup part of cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65. The device is well-known in the printing, labeling and paper-moving art.

The movement of drum shaft 64 will be explained hereinafter. Drum shaft drive gear 80, mounted on drum shaft 64, is engaged with block shaft gear 82, which is mounted on cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65.

Cutter-transfer-applicator block is securely fastened to cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65 and turns with the rotation of the shaft. Mounted on cuttertransfer-applicator block 20 is cutter 69, having cutter edge 68. Cutter edge 68 cuts labels from label strip 13 using metering wheel 100 as an anvil. The cutting action of cutter edge 68 results as the rotation of cuttertransfer-applicator block 20 causes cutter edge 68 to pass in close relation with metering wheel 100, which typically is also rotating at the same time. A preferred apparatus for cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 and cutter edge 68 has cutter edge 68 as an edge of cutter 69 which is connected to cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 in a manner as detailed in FIG. 6. Cutter 69 is connected to cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 by means of bolts 85. Cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 and cutter 69 are in contact only against a portion of cutter 69, thereby allowing about half of cutter 69 to extend freely unsupported on either face thereof. As cutter edge 68 contacts label strip 13 which is against metering wheel 100, the cutter cuts off a label by virtue of the pressure exerted by cutter edge 68. The freely extending segment of cutter 69, of which cutter edge 68 is a part, has some forgiveness and may move slightly in the direction of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 to prevent damage to metering wheel 100 which is serving as an anvil. As cutter 69 gives in this fashion, the pressure on label strip 13 is increased by virtue of the spring in cutter 69 and the cut is cleanly made. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, cutter edge 68 is formed by perpendicular planes of cutter 69. Cutter edge 68 is a longest edge of cutter 69. Bolts 85 pass through lengthened apertures defined by cutter 69 and, when bolts 85 are loosened, cutter 69 may be adjusted to move cutter edge 68 to a different position, a different radial distance from the axis of cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65. This adjustment allows correction in the cutting qualities of the apparatus and allows sharpening of the cutter edge without disposal thereof.

As a portion is cut from label strip 13, the label is affixed to transfer-applicator surface 32 of the cuttertransfer-applicator block by means of a vacuum. Surface 32 defines apertures 33 which are used for producing a vacuum at surface 32. The apertures are part of a holding and releasing means for temporarily affixing the severed portion, or label, from label strip 13 to transfer-applicator surface 32. FIGS. 4 and 6 show apertures 33 and their communication with channels 34 defined by cutter-transfer-applicator block 20. Channels 34 also extend through wear plate 50, shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 8, which is mounted on cutter-transferapplicator block shaft 65 and turns thereon. Wear plate 50 contacts manifold 51 which is stationary, and within which cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65 rotates within bearing means 52, as shown in FIG. 4. Manifold 51 is held firmly in a stationary position by vacuum supply pipe 53 and by other means not shown. Wear plate 50 turns against manifold 51, the contact of the two parts being substantially airtight. As wear plate 50 turns, channels 34 are alternately shut off from vacuum by virtue of exposure of channel 34 to the flat solid face of manifold 51 or exposed to vacuum by virtue of exposure to manifold vacuum reservoir 54, shown in FIG. 4. Manifold vacuum reservoir 54 is defined by manifold 51 in a fashion permitting a vacuum to be present at surface 32 for the portion of one complete turn of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 during which a label is being cut and transferred to application zone 40, and removing the vacuum from surface 32 from the time the label is applied to mailing piece 42 until some time thereafter but before another label is cut from label strip 13. Apertures 33, channels 34, manifold vacuum reservoir 54, and vacuum supply pipe 53 provide substantially airtight communication with a vacuumproducing means. Typically the vacuum-producing means will run constantly, the location of manifold vacuum reservoir 54 and the turning of wear plate 50 against manifold 51 determining the timing of vacuum at surface 32. Coil spring 55 maintains a suitable pressure between manifold 51 and wear plate 50 to prevent substantial air leaks. Other means may be used to provide a timed vacuum at surface 32, and other means may be used to cause a label to be affixed to surface 32.

Heating means 86, shown in FIG. 6, is contained within cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 below surface 32, and provides heat at surface 32. Heating means 86 serves as an adhesive means, that is, means for providing a sticky adhesive for attachment of a severed portion of label strip 13 to a mailing piece upon contact of the severed portion with a mailing piece as the severed portion is applied by transfer-applicator surface 32 of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20. The heat is controlled by thermostat 87, shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, also contained within cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 and in position responsive to heating means 86. The heat at surface 32 is used to activate heatactive glue on the backs of the labels being transferred to application zone 40, the information side of said labels being against transfer-applicator surface 32. 1 prefer using a heating means to allow attachment of the labels to the mailing pieces. Other adhesive means are suitable, however. Another possible method would be by spraying or wiping of glue against the label back during the transfer to application zone 40. The heating means used with a heat-activated glue is the preferred means of providing adherence of a severed portion to a mailing piece, however, because of its neatness and much less paper-handling hazard associated therewith.

Heating means 86 is preferably an electrical coil or other electrical heating element. Wires 88, shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, for supplying electrical current to the heating means, turn on cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65 and are supplied by sliding electrical contact means 89, which is common in the art.

Thermostat 87 controls the temperature at surface 32 to provide activation of the heat-active glue on the label backs by preventing overheating. Many suitable thermostat devices are common in the art. Heat-active glues are well-known and readily obtainable on paper from paper manufacturers.

Briefly, summarizing the operations of cuttertransfer-applicator block 20, three basic operations are performed. First, cutter 69 of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 cuts a label from metering means 100 by movement of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20. The movement of metering means 100 and cutter-transferapplicator block 20 are such that a label substantially of a width equal to the distance between two pins 102 is available for cutting by cutter 69. When cutter 69 cuts off a label from label strip 13, vacuum at surface 32 causes the affixing of the label to surface 32. Secondly, the movement of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20, having provided the force for cutting by cutter edge 68, transfer the label which is adhering to surface 32 to application zone 40. Thirdly, the movement of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20 applies the label to a mailing piece which is moving between pressure part 39 and the label which is adhering to transferapplicator surface 32. Pressure part 39 will provide a suitable backing such that the movement of surface 32 will supply sufficient pressure to apply a label to a mailing piece. As the label on surface 32 passes pressure part 39, the vacuum at surface 32 is removed thereby permitting the release of the label from surface 32 and its attachment to the mailing piece by means of a suitable adhesive such as a heat-activated glue. The vacuum in each of the channels 34 is removed at the proper time by virtue of location of the aforementioned manifold vacuum reservoir 54. As cuttertransfer-applicator block 20 continues its movement, rotation in the preferred embodiment shown, the cutting, transferring and applying operations are repeated.

Cutter-transfer-applicator block 20, cutter-transferapplicator block shaft 65, bolts 85, coil spring 55, manifold 51, block shaft gear 81, drum shaft drive gear 80 and bearing means 52 are typically made of hardened tool steel. Cutter 69 is made of hardenedtool steel, preferably of from about 58 to 60 Rockwell C. Cutter 69 cannot be too brittle as it must withstand the repeated pressures of the cutting action. Wear plate 50 may be made of a wide variety of materials. It is preferable that it provide substantially airtight contact with manifold 51. Plastic materials and soft metals are suitable. Heating elements to serve as heating means 89 are well-known in the art and elements running on 110 volts are available. Thermostat 87 may be one of several types widely available. Several varieties of heatsensitive glue are available. I prefer using hot melts, a variety of which are available and well-known in the art. Various plastics are also suitable.

MAILING PIECE FEEDING MEANS Mailing piece feeding means comprises a drum shaft 64 which extends through input side plate 78 and machine side plate 77 and turns in bearing means 79 therein, as shown in FIG. 4. Mounted on drum shaft 64 are first disc 151, second disc 152, third disc 153, fourth disc 154 and fifth disc 155, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. Each of these discs is firmly attached to drum shaft 64 and rotates therewith. Fixed cam 156, as shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, is mounted on drum shaft 64, and drum shaft 64 turns within it on bearing means 157, shown in FIG. 7. Fixed cam 156 is held in stationary position by adjusting link 158 to input side plate 78.

Extending from fixed disc through each of

discs

154, 153, 152 and 151 and beyond is catcher rod 159. Catcher rod 159 is substantially parallel with drum shaft 64 and is free to rotate on its own axis within discs 151 to 155. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, cather rod gear 161) is mounted on and affixed to cather rod 159 in a position between first disc 151 and input side plate 78. Mounted on and affixed to catcher rod 159 in the positions between second disc 152 and third disc 153 is first cather 161, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Similarly, second catcher 162, shown in FIG. 8 and in the cutaway portion of FIG. 6, is mounted on and affixed to cather rod 159 in a position between fourth disc 154 and fifth disc 155.

Catchers

161 and 162 are generally L-shaped metal strips which together hold a mailing piece and feed it, as the drum shaft and discs turn, to application zone 40 for application of a label thereto.

Catchers

161 and 162, when in a closed position, clamp a mailing piece to catcher pads 163, shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7 and 8.

Pressure part structure 164, shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 8, is mounted in a stationay position on lower spacer 57 and secures pressure part 39 which is mounted thereon.

Catchers

161 and 162, after gripping a mailing piece against catcher pads 163, carry the mailing piece by virtue of rotation of drum shaft 64 and discs 151 to 155 over stationary pressure part structure 164 to pressure part 39 in application zone 40. As the mailing piece is fed past the pressure part 39, transferapplicator surface 32 of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20, with a label adhering thereto passes pressure part 39 at substantially the same circumferential rate of speed. Pressure is applied through the label to the mailing piece and pressure part 39 by transfer-applicator surface 32, and, as the label is released by cuttertransfer-applicator block 20, attachment is accomplished. The addressed mailing piece is further fed by the aforementioned rotation of drum shaft 64 and discs 151 to 155. Thereafter, at a certain point,

catchers

161 and 162 will open and release the labeled mailing piece to deposit zone 44. Reference is made to FIGS. 6 and 7. As rotation of drum shaft 64 continues, catcher 161, now in an open position, as shown in FIG. 7, will approach hopper 22 and close around another mailing piece to repeat 'the operations.

The opening and closing action of

catchers

161 and 162 is caused by rotation of catcher rod 159. Rotation of catcher rod 159 is caused through catcher rod gear by the movement of gear arm 165, shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, which is engaged with catcher rod gear 160. Gear arm 165 is affixed to pivot bar 166. Pivot bar 166 rotates on pivot rod 167 which is affixed to first disc 151. On one end of pivot bar 166 is spring plunger holder 168 to which is mounted spring plunger 169. Spring plunger 169 runs through spring 170, which is secured to plunger receptacle 171. The spring provides a return force on pivot bar 166 supported by plunger receptacle 171.

Spring 170, spring plunger 169, spring plunger holder 168, pivot rod 167, pivot bar 166, gear arm 165, catcher rod gear 160 and catcher rod 159 as well as

catchers

161 and 162 and catcher pads 163, turn with the rotation of drum shaft 64 and discs 151 to 155. Also attached to pivot bar 166 is roller 172 which rotates on roller pin 173. Roller 172 rolls over fixed cam 156, the changing radius of which causes pivot bar 166 to rotate on pivot rod 167 causing gear arm 165 to turn catcher rod gear 160, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Specifically, as the radius of fixed cam 156 increases, catcher rod 159 causes

catchers

161 and 162 to open. The open position is illustrated in FIG. 7, the catcher position being such that a labeled mailing piece has just been released. As the radius of fixed cam 156 decreases, catcher rod 159 causes

catchers

161 and 162 to close. Also, as the radius increases, spring 170 is compressed, and, as the radius decreases, spring 170 maintains roller 172 in contact with fixed cam 156 and causes

catchers

161 and 162 to close.

The cam-responsive device just described, which operates the catchers for the purpose of grasping mailing pieces for feeding from hopper 22 to application zone 40, feeds one mailing piece per full rotation of drum shaft 64. FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, for purposes of clarity, illustrate only one of such devices. However, multiple sets of this device may be mounted on first disc 151. In the preferred labeling and feeding machine shown in the drawings, the gear ratio of drum drive shaft gear 80 to block shaft gear 81 is such that there are two turns of the cutter-transfer-applicator block shaft 65 for each single turn of drum shaft 64. Therefore, two of the aforementioned cam-responsive devices are mounted on first disc 151. It is conceivable that three or four such devices could be mounted on first disc 151, however, no particular advantage is gained thereby and the machine becomes more complicated.

Discs 151 155, fixed cam 156, bearing means 157, adjusting link 158, catcher rod 159, catcher rod gear 160,

catchers

161 and 162, gear arm 165, pivot bar 166, pivot rod 167, spring plunger holder 168, spring plunger 169, spring 170, plunger receptacle 171, roller 172 and roller pin 173 are typically made of materials such as tool steel, which are common in the art. Certain of the parts, such as pressure part structure 164, are often made of aluminum or other metals. Catcher pads 163 may be made of hardened rubber or a wide variety of other composition materials. Each of the aforementioned parts may be made of other materials. One familiar with the art and with this invention would recognize suitable materials.

Hopper 22 provides a supply of mailing pieces for mailing piece feeding means 15. The tilt of hopper 22, as shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 9, will cause a stack of mailing pieces to advance toward mailing piece feeding means 15. Adjustable side rails 24, shown in FIG. 1, run the length of hopper 22 and permit varying widths of mailing pieces. Other parts of the labeling and feeding machine will readily accept mailing pieces of varying widths without requirement of adjustment. Restraining plate 23, which extends along hopper 22 in contact with the bottom section of the stack of mailing pieces, prevents the stack of mailing pieces from falling out of hopper 22.

MOveable fingers 124, shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 7 and 8, alternately open and close in contact or near contact with a blower support bar 125 which extends from machine side plate 77 to input side plate 78. When movable fingers 124 are in contact or near contact with blower support bar 125, the movable fingers are preventing the top section of the stack of mailing pieces from interfering with withdrawal of the bottommost mailing piece 47 and are preventing mailing pieces near the bottom of the stack from being pulled out by the action of mailing piece feeding means 15,

catchers

161 and 162 of which have grabbed the bottommost mailing piece which was moved to a position for the grab by suction cups 138. Reference is made to FIG. 7, which shows restraint of the stack of mailing pieces by movable fingers 124.

When movable fingers 124 are in a position away from blower support bar 125, suction cups 138, shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7 and 8, will advance toward the bottommost mailing piece, and withdraw the top of that mailing piece away from the remainder of the stack making it available for the grabbing action of

catchers

161 and 162. See FIG. 7. Before

catchers

161 and 162 grab bottommost mailing piece 47, movable fingers 124 will advance to a position in contact or near contact with blower support bar 125 to restrain the stack as just described. The movement of suction cups 138 and movable fingers 124 is produced by mechanical linkage with suction cup cam 139 and finger cam 126, respectively.

Reference is made to FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8 for understanding of the operation of suction cups 138. Suction cup cam 139 is mounted on and affixed to drum shaft 64. Mechanical linkage causing the movement of suction cups 138 is formed by cam follower 140, shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, which is alternately moved to positions nearer to and farther from the axis of drum shaft 64 by the decrease and increase in the radius of suction cup cam 139 with respect to the contact of cam follower 140. The movement of cam follower 140 turns follower arm 141 on pivot rod 142. Cam follower 140 is maintained against suction cup cam 139 by spring means 178 as partially shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 8, the turning of pivot rod 142 moves

linkage pieces

143 and 144 and causes movement in adjustable arm 145, which in turn rotates pivot rod 146. Adjuster 147 may lengthen or shorten the effective length of adjustable arm 145 to decrease or increase the arc of rotation of pivot rod 146 respectively. Referring specifically to FIG. 7, lower arm 148, mounted on pivot rod 146, is turned thereby, and by means of upper arm 149 causes suction cup assembly to pivot on pivot pin 176, which is secured to stationary support 177. Suction cup vacuum tube 179 provides substantially airtight communication between a vacuum-producing means, typically the same vacuumproducing means as is used to provide a vacuum at surface 32, and suction cups 138. A constant vacuum may be supplied through suction cups 138 or a timing mechanism may be used to cause release of the vacuum at the

time catchers

161 and 162 grab a mailing piece from suction cups 138. Such a timing mechanism is not required, however, because the grabbing action of

catchers

161 and 162 are usually sufficient to pull a mailing piece away from suction cups 138 with little or no slippage between catcher pad 163 and

catchers

161 and 162.

The use of suction cups has proved to be quite successful. However, other mechanical means may be used to transfer a mailing piece from hopper 22 to mailing piece feeding means 15.

Suction cups 138 may be made of soft pliable rubber or of various synthetic materials. Suction cup vacuum tube 179 is normally made of rubber or a synthetic material, but may be made of a wide variety of other materials including metal. Suction cup cam 138. cam follower 140, follower arm 141, pivot rod 142,

linkage pieces

143 and 144, adjustable arm 145, pivot rod 146,

adjuster 147, lower arm 148, upper arm 149, suction cup assembly 175, pivot pin 176, stationary support 177, and spring means 178 may be made of tool steel or other materials well-known in the art. Persons skilled in the art and familiar with my invention will recognize what materials are suitable for the aforementioned parts.

Many other linkage configurations than those shown in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures may be used. Many other devices for transferring mailing pieces from hopper 22 to mailing piece feeding means 15 are suitable.

Movable fingers 124 are mounted on and affixed to movable finger rod 127. Movable finger rod 127 extends from machine side plate 77 to input side plate 78 and turns in bearing means 128 therein. Reference is made to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8. Mounted on and affixed to movable finger rod 127 near machine side plate 77 is finger rod gear 129, shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 8. Finger rod gear 129 is engaged with finger gear arm 130, which rotates on pivot rod 131. Also rotating on pivot rod 131 and affixed to finger gear arm 130 is lever arm 132. Attached to lever arm 132 by cam follower pin 133 is finger cam follower 134, shown in FIG. 8, which rotates on cam follower pin 133 while rolling on finger cam 126. Finger cam follower 134 responds to the rotation of finger cam 126 and moves lever arm 132 upon pivot rod 131, and moves finger gear arm 130, finger rod gear 129, movable finger rod 127 and movable fingers 124 accordingly. Finger cam follower 134 is maintained in a position in contact with finger cam 126 by virtue of spring means 121, shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, the rotation of drum shaft 64 and finger cam 126 control the movements of movable fingers 124, which restrain the mailing pieces in hopper 22 while the bottommost mailing piece is withdrawn from the hopper.

Also mounted on movable finger rod 127 is extra finger 135, shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. It is mounted on and affixed to movable finger rod 127 in a position near input side plate 78. Referring to FIG. 8, contact bolt 136 is screwed through blower support bar leg 123 which is mounted in a perpendicular fashion to blower support bar 125 in a position allowing contact between extra finger 135 and contact 137 of contact bolt 136. As movable fingers 124 close in contact or near contact with blower support bar 125, extra finger 135 pushes contact 137 on blower support bar leg 123 and causes blower support bar 125 to rotate on its axis, thereby causing blower nozzles 117 to approach the top edges of the mailing pieces in hopper 22. As movable fingers 124 open to a position away from contact or near contact with blower support bar 125, extra finger 135 is in a position away from contact 137 and, by virtue of spring 128, pulls blower support bar leg 123, thereby rotating blower support bar 125 in an opposite direction to cause blower nozzles 1 17 to retreat from the top edges of the mailing pieces in hopper 22.

Mounted on blower support bar 125 in a position above the upper edges of the mailing pieces in hopper 22 are blower nozzles 117 by means of nozzle support piece ll 18. Specific reference is made to FIGS. 7 and 8. Blower nozzles 117 are supplied with air by means of supply tubes 119 which are connected to an air pumping means not shown. Blower nozzles 117 are directed at top edges of the mailing pieces in hopper 22, specifically in the area of the bottommost mailing piece. The

action of extra finger 135 against contact 137, in causing blower support bar to rotate slightly, causes blower nozzles to approach and retreat from the mailing pieces. When blower nozzles 117 are near the edge of the mailing pieces, the air provides a riffling effect to separate the bottommost mailing piece from the other mailing pieces in the stack. This riffling effect prevents suction cups 138 from having significant effect upon any other mailing piece than the bottommost mailing piece. The riffling effect is most important when mailing pieces having a single layer of higher porosity are being used. When envelopes are the mailing pieces, blower nozzles 117 are normally not required and may be deactivated by extinguishing the air supply or by disconnecting spring 120 and sliding extra finger away from contact 137. The double layer of envelopes reduces the need for the riffling effect, since envelopes are not as likely to have complete contact one to the next.

Blower nozzles 117, nozzle support piece 118, spring 120, blower support bar leg 123, movable fingers 124, blower support bar 125, finger cam 126, movable finger rod 127, bearing means 138, finger rod gear 129, finger gear arm 130, pivot rod 131, lever arm 132, cam follower pin 133, finger cam follower 134, extra finger 135, contact bolt 136 and spring means 121 are made of materials which are well-known in the art. Many of the parts may be made from tool steel. Some may be made of aluminum and other metals. A person skilled in the art and familiar with my invention will recognize what materials are suitable. Materials for nozzle tubes 119 include rubber, pliable synthetic materials and metals.

Mounted between fourth disc 154 and fifth disc 155, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, and turning therewith, is reflector 28. Reflector 28 is affixed to fourth disc 154 and fifth disc 155 in a position such that when

catchers

161 and 162 are holding a mailing piece, reflector 28 will be covered thereby. Reflector 28, as it turns with drum shaft 64, passes through the beam of retroreflective photocell 67, shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. Photocell 67 is mounted on support member 29. The retroreflective photocell 67 emits a beam during the time in which reflector 28 would pass within the beam. The periodic light emission is controlled by timing mechanism 30, shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, which is driven by cuttertransfer-applicator block shaft 65.

A light signal is emitted by retroreflective photocell 67 and is not reflected back to the photocell if a mailing piece is covering reflector 28. Upon not receiving a signal, the retroreflective photocell fails to signal solenoid clutching device 66. Therefore, the solenoid clutching device maintains the rotating action of cutter-transferapplicator block shaft 65.'If, however, a light signal emitted by retroreflective photocell 67 is reflected back by virtue of the absence of a mailing piece to cover reflector 28, photocell 67 will signal solenoid clutching device 66, causing the cessation of rotation of cutter-transfer-applicator block 20. In this way no valuable address labels will be lost.

Summarizing the operation of the preferred mailing piece feeding means set forth, a mailing piece in hopper 22, after advancing to the bottom of the stack in hopper 22, is separated from the stack by the riffling effect of blower nozzles 117, by the action of suction cups 138, by movable fingers 124 and by the grabbing action of

catchers

161 and 162. The mailing piece is then carried in the grip of

catchers

161 and 162 by the turning action of drum shaft 64 and discs 151 to 155 thereon and the parts associated therewith to application zone 40. In application zone 40, the mailing piece, still gripped by

catchers

161 and 162, passes pressure part 39 and experiences the pressure which is exerted by surface 32 of cutter-transfer-applicator block in applying a label. Thereafter the labeled mailing piece, still gripped by

catchers

161 and 162 is fed by the turning of drum shaft 64 to deposit zone 44 where it is released by the opening of

catchers

161 and 162. The opened catchers continue turning with drum shaft 64 and subsequently close around another mailing piece to repeat the operation.

Referring specifically to FIG. 9, a piece part drawing illustrates the paths of movement of label strip 13, label 41 cut therefrom mailing piece 42 and labeled mailing piece 43. A mailing piece is withdrawn from mailing piece stack 48 in hopper 22, is carried by mailing piece feeding means 15 to application zone 40. Label 41 was cut by cutter-transfer-applicator block 20, transferred thereby to application zone 40 and applied thereby to a mailing piece thereby, all after being advanced as a part of label strip 13 by metering means 21 to a position for cutting by cutter-transfer-applicator block 20. After a label is applied to a mailing piece, labeled mailing piece 43 is carried by mailing piece feeding means to deposit zone 44 and release thereto.

Because a single part, the cutter-transfer-applicator block, performs several functions and thereby reduces paper handling by machinery, the device and method of my invention will provide reliable equipment for use by those involved in mass mailing.

While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for the purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.

I claim:

1. A labeling and feeding machine for mailing pieces comprising label strip supplier means;

metering mea s for advancing a portion of a label strip from said supplier means;

structurally unitary cutter-transfer-applicator means having means for receiving said portion of said label strip;

cutter means mounted thereon for severing said portion from said label strip;

unitary means comprising a transfer-applicator surface on said unitary means to receive said portion of said label strip and holding and releasing means for holding said portion to said surface about from said severing of said portion until application of said severed portion to a mailing piece and thereafter releasing said severed portion from said surface for said application;

drive means for moving said unitary cutter-transferapplicator means to sequentially in timed relation sever said portion from said label strip by movement of said cutter, to then transfer said severed portion held on said surface to an application zone and to thereafter apply said severed portion of said label strip to a mailing piece in said application zone;

mailing piece feeding means to move a mailing piece to said application zone and thereafter to feed said mailing piece with said severed portion of said label strip attached thereto to a deposit zone, and adhesive means for providing adherence of said severed portion to said mailing piece upon contact of said severed portion with said mailing piece.

2. The labeling and feeding machine of claim 1 wherein the transfer-applicator surface defines apertures, a vacuum-producing means being in communication with said apertures about from said severing of said portion until said application of said severed portion.

3. The labeling and feeding machine of claim 1 wherein said adhesive means includes a heating means for activating a heat-activated glue on said severed portion of said label strip.

4. The labeling and feeding machine of claim 1 wherein said cutter-transfer-applicator block is rotatably mounted, said drive means rotating said cuttertransfer-applicator block from a first position in which said severing is accomplished to a second position in which said applying is accomplished.

5. The labeling and feeding machine of claim 4 wherein said adhesive means includes a heating means for activating a heat-activated glue on said severed portion of said label strip.

6. The labeling and feeding machine of claim 4 wherein the transfer-applicator surface defines apertures, a vacuum-producing means being in communication with said apertures about from said severing of said portion until said application of said severed portion.

7. The labeling and feeding machine of claim 6 wherein said adhesive means includes a heating means for activating a heat-activated glue on said severed portion of said label strip.

Claims

1. A labeling and feeding machine for mailing pieces comprising label strip supplier means; metering means for advancing a portion of a label strip from said supplier means; structurally unitary cutter-transfer-applicator means having means for receiving said portion of said label strip; cutter means mounted thereon for severing said portion from said label strip; unitary means comprising a transfer-applicator surface on said unitary means to receive said portion of said label strip and holding and releasing means for holding said portion to said surface about from said severing of said portion until application of said severed portion to a mailing piece and thereafter releasing said severed portion from said surface for said application; drive means for moving said unitary cutter-transfer-applicator means to sequentially in timed relation sever said portion from said label strip by movement of said cutter, to then transfer said severed portion held on said surface to an application zone and to thereafter apply said severed portion of said label strip to a mailing piece in said application zone; mailing piece feeding means to move a mailing piece to said application zone and thereafter to feed said mailing piece with said severed portion of said label strip attached thereto to a deposit zone, and adhesive means for providing adherence of said severed portion to said mailing piece upon contact of said severed portion with said mailing piece.

4. The labeling and feeding machine of claim 1 wherein said cutter-transfer-applicator block is rotatably mounted, said drive means rotating said cutter-transfer-applicator block from a first position in which said severing is accomplished to a second position in which said applying is accomplished.