IN-MOLD LABELING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

An in-mold labeling apparatus (10) includes a label transfer assembly (24) carrying a number of label carriages each with a number of label tranfer heads (92). A continuously rotating drive arm (52) raises and lowers the assembly (10) in simple harmonic motion to move the label transfer heads (92) between label magazines (14) for pickup of labels and mold halves (16) of a blow molding machine. Lost motion connections (28) are provided at the top and bottom of the stroke to facilitate pickup of labels and placement of labels in the mold halves. According to the method, during each cycle of movement of the drive member (54) around the second path the label transport assembly (24) is moved back and forth between the label pickup (Fig. 8A) and labeling positions (Fig. 8C) and the label transfer head (24) is extended and retracted to pick up a label at the pickup position (Fig. 8A), carry the label to the labeling position, (Fig. 8C), place the label in a mold half (Fig. 8D) and return to the pickup position (Fig.8B).