U.S. patent application number 10/739895 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for method of operating a beverage container filling plant with a labeling machine for labeling beverage containers such as bottles and cans, and a beverage container filling plant with a labeling machine for labeling beverage containers such as bottles and cans.
Invention is credited to Deckert, Lutz, Kramer, Klaus, Stienen, Thomas.
Application Number | 20040194431 10/739895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32336477 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040194431 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kramer, Klaus ; et
al. |
October 7, 2004 |
Method of operating a beverage container filling plant with a
labeling machine for labeling beverage containers such as bottles
and cans, and a beverage container filling plant with a labeling
machine for labeling beverage containers such as bottles and
cans
Abstract
Beverage filling plant comprising a plurality of beverage
filling positions, each beverage filling position comprising a
beverage filling device for filling bottles with liquid beverage
filling material; said filling devices comprising apparatus being
configured to introduce a predetermined flow of liquid beverage
filling material into the interior of bottles to a substantially
predetermined level of liquid beverage filling material; said
apparatus configured to introduce a predetermined flow of liquid
beverage filling material comprising apparatus being configured to
terminate the filling of beverage bottles upon liquid beverage
filling material reaching said substantially predetermined level in
bottles; a first conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed
to move inspected bottles from said inspection machine to said
filling machine; a closing station being configured to close filled
bottles. The labeling machine is for the processing of sleeve,
paper, roll-feed and self-adhesive labels in the form of a strip of
labels which are supplied not in the form of rolls but in special
receptacles such as boxes, whereby the label strips are arranged in
this receptacle such that both the beginning and the end of the
label strip are accessible even when the receptacle is full.
Inventors: |
Kramer, Klaus; (Dortmund,
DE) ; Deckert, Lutz; (Gelsenkirchen, DE) ;
Stienen, Thomas; (Unna, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NILS H. LJUNGMAN
NILS H. LJUNGMAN & ASSOCIATES
P.O. BOX 130
GREENSBURG
PA
15601-0130
US
|
Family ID: |
32336477 |
Appl. No.: |
10/739895 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/415 ;
53/136.1; 53/281; 53/471 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2701/192 20130101;
B65C 9/18 20130101; B65C 9/10 20130101; B65C 9/1892 20130101; B65H
2301/46014 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/415 ;
053/471; 053/136.1; 053/281 |
International
Class: |
B65B 061/00; B65B
003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 19, 2002 |
DE |
102 59 602.6 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of labeling beverage containers in a beverage bottling
plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material,
said beverage bottling plant comprising: a beverage filling machine
comprising a plurality of beverage filling positions, each beverage
filling position comprising a beverage filling device for filling
bottles with liquid beverage filling material; said filling devices
comprising apparatus being configured to introduce a predetermined
flow of liquid beverage filling material into the interior of
bottles to a substantially predetermined level of liquid beverage
filling material; said apparatus configured to introduce a
predetermined flow of liquid beverage filling material comprising
apparatus being configured to terminate the filling of beverage
bottles upon liquid beverage filling material reaching said
substantially predetermined level in bottles; a first conveyer
arrangement being configured and disposed to move said bottles from
a supply of bottles to said filling machine; a closing station
being configured to close filled bottles; a second conveyer
arrangement being configured and disposed to transfer filled
bottles from said filling machine to said closing station; a
labeling station being configured to label filled bottles with
labels from a strip of labels directly from a first box, said strip
of labels being folded over and lined-up in a continuous serpentine
inside said first box; said strip of labels having a first end and
a second end; said first box having a first opening and a second
opening; said first end being configured and disposed to be
accessible through said first opening to permit removal of said
first end from said first box through said first opening; said
second end being configured and disposed to be accessible through
said second opening to permit removal of said second end from said
first box through said second opening; a second box having a strip
of labels being folded over and lined-up in a continuous serpentine
inside said second box; said second box having a first opening and
a second opening; said first end of said strip of labels in said
second box being configured and disposed to be accessible through
said first opening in said second box to permit removal of said
first end from said second box through said first opening; said
second end of said strip of labels in said second box being
configured and disposed to be accessible through said second
opening in said second box to permit removal of said second end
from said second box through said second opening; said strips of
labels being arranged in said boxes such that both the first end
and the second end of the strips of labels are accessible even when
said boxes are full; a third conveyor arrangement being configured
and disposed to transfer filled bottles from said closing station
to said labeling station; said method comprising the steps of:
moving said bottles to said filling machine; filling bottles with a
predetermined amount of liquid beverage filling material from said
filling devices; moving said filled bottles to said closing
station; closing said filled bottles; moving said closed bottles to
said labeling station; removing said first end of said strip of
labels from said first box; inserting said first end of said strip
of labels from said first box into said labeling machine;
activating said labeling machine to remove at least a portion of
said strip of labels from said first box and begin labeling said
bottles; removing said second end of said strip of labels from said
first box; positioning said second box adjacent said first box;
removing said first end of said strip of labels from said second
box; and connecting said second end of said strip of labels from
said first box to said first end of said strip of labels from said
second box to permit continuous feed labels to said labeling
station upon said strip of labels of said first box being
exhausted.
2. A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid
beverage filling material, said beverage bottling plant comprising:
a beverage filling machine comprising a plurality of beverage
filling positions, each beverage filling position comprising a
beverage filling device for filling bottles with liquid beverage
filling material; said filling devices comprising apparatus being
configured to introduce a predetermined flow of liquid beverage
filling material into the interior of bottles to a substantially
predetermined level of liquid beverage filling material; said
apparatus configured to introduce a predetermined flow of liquid
beverage filling material comprising apparatus being configured to
terminate the filling of beverage bottles upon liquid beverage
filling material reaching said substantially predetermined level in
bottles; a first conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed
to move inspected bottles from said inspection machine to said
filling machine; a closing station being configured to close filled
bottles; a second conveyer arrangement being configured and
disposed to transfer filled bottles from said filling machine to
said closing station; a labeling station being configured to label
filled bottles with labels from a strip of labels directly from
boxes, said strip of labels being folded over and lined-up in a
continuous serpentine inside said boxes; and a third conveyor
arrangement being configured and disposed to transfer filled
bottles from said closing station to said labeling station.
3. Labeling machine for labeling containers such as bottles or cans
with sleeve, paper, roll-feed or self-adhesive labels in the form
of an endless strip of labels, characterized by the fact that these
labels are processed without the use of a label strip buffer
directly from special receptacles which are called containers (2),
whereby the labels are made available in the form of endless strips
that are folded and lined-up in serpentine and/or flat S-shape
segments inside the container (2).
4. Labeling machine as claimed in claim 3, characterized by the
fact that the label strip is arranged in the container (2) such
that both the beginning and end of the label strip are accessible
even when the container (2) is full.
5. Labeling machine as claimed in claims 3 or 4, characterized by
the fact that means are located on the labeling machine which hold
the containers (2) and simultaneously make it possible to move the
containers (2) easily.
6. Labeling machine as claimed in claim 5, characterized by the
fact that the means are roller tables.
7. Labeling machine as claimed in claim 5, characterized by the
fact that the means are sliding surfaces.
8. Labeling machine as claimed in claim 5, characterized by the
fact that the means are air cushions.
9. Labeling machine as claimed in one of the claims 3 to 8,
characterized by the fact that there are additional guides to
prevent the containers from tipping or falling.
10. Labeling machine as claimed in one of the claims 3 to 9,
characterized by the fact that on the labeling machine there is a
gluing and cutting device (5) for the label strips (3).
11. Labeling machine as claimed in claim 10, characterized by the
fact that the gluing and cutting device (5) is movable and/or can
be moved.
12. Labeling machine as claimed in one of the claims 3 to 11,
characterized by the fact that means are located on the labeling
machine that make it possible to handle the containers (2) more
easily.
13. Labeling machine as claimed in claim 12, characterized by the
fact that said means are cranes.
14. Labeling machine as claimed in claim 12, characterized by the
fact that said means are vacuum lifting devices.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a beverage container
filling plant with a labeling machine for labeling beverage
containers such as bottles and cans.
[0003] This invention also relates to a labeling machine for the
processing of sleeve, paper, roll-feed and self-adhesive labels in
the form of a strip of labels which are supplied not in the form of
rolls but in special receptacles, whereby the label strips are
arranged in this receptacle such that both the beginning and the
end of the label strip are accessible even when the receptacle is
full.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] The labeling of containers such as bottles and cans is of
particular importance in the beverage and packaging industry, for
example. Because the labeling process represents a major bottleneck
in the overall output of a bottling or packing plant, and the
operation of a labeling machine, in spite of all the technical
progress that has been made in the field, is still very
labor-intensive and therefore expensive, numerous solutions have
been developed to increase the efficiency of the labeling machines
and to reduce the number of personnel required to operate them.
[0006] Many of these developments have focused on the use of labels
that are delivered wound on rolls in the form of an endless strip.
Rolls of this type generally contain 20,000 to 40,000 labels, so
that the operating personnel are relieved of the chore of
frequently refilling the label cartridge. During the processing of
labels supplied on rolls, the individual labels are separated from
the endless strip by a cutting mechanism, for example, and then
applied to the container to be labeled, for which purpose certain
types of labels can also be previously coated with an adhesive,
heated or expanded.
[0007] The use of large supplies of labels stored on the rolls have
already made it possible to significantly reduce disruptions and
down times when the machine runs out of labels, although the supply
of labels on a roll is still finite.
[0008] To completely eliminate down times during the changing of
rolls, the prior art describes devices that provide two receptacles
for rolls of labels on such labeling machines, so that it is
possible to pre-install two rolls of labels on a labeling machine
and to process them alternately, one after the other, so that there
are no interruptions in the labeling.
[0009] Because a labeling method of this type requires that the end
of the first roll of labels must be connected with the beginning of
the second roll of labels, and because an experienced employee
requires about one minute to complete this operation, such devices
generally provide a label strip buffer. These label strip buffers
hold a sufficient number of labels on the labeling strip, e.g. over
a length of 30 meters, so that the operator has sufficient time to
connect the ends of the two label strips, as a result of which an
uninterrupted flow of work can be guaranteed.
[0010] When one roll of labels is used up, the now empty receptacle
for this roll of labels is refilled with a new roll of labels. The
beginning of this roll of labels is connected with the end of the
roll of labels currently in use when the current roll is completely
empty. The process can thus be continued endlessly without any
interruptions in the labeling process.
[0011] Practical experience has shown that this method is not
without its disadvantages. For example, the interval of time that
is available for the connection of the ends of the rolls of labels
is only slightly longer than a minute, even with the largest label
strip buffers. Moreover, this operation has to be performed at this
specific time and cannot be postponed or done early. Instead, the
operator must wait near the labeling machine until the current roll
of labels has unwound, and only then can the end of the label strip
that has just become accessible be connected with the beginning of
the next roll of labels. Even the slightest delays in this process
can result in interruptions in production.
[0012] A further significant disadvantage is the high costs of
manufacturing a label strip buffer. The expense and complexity of
the control system required for the label strip buffer must also be
considered a disadvantage.
[0013] There are also significant disadvantages that result from
the large capacity of the buffer when it becomes necessary to
change the label and/or the container. When the label and/or
container is changed, only in extremely rare cases is it possible
to control the feed of labels and containers so that both are
changed at the same time. The most common practice is to use up one
of the two components first, which results in unnecessary extra
work, which it would be desirable to eliminate.
[0014] Furthermore, the complex system for mounting the rolls of
labels that is necessary on machines of the prior art and requires
sensors and brakes, for example, should be considered a
disadvantage on account of its high costs.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The object of this invention is to remedy these problems and
eliminate the disadvantages described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] For this purpose, this invention teaches a labeling machine
for the processing of sleeve, paper, roll-feed and self-adhesive
labels in the form of label strips, which are delivered not in the
form of rolls, but in special receptacles, whereby the label strips
are arranged in this receptacle so that both the beginning and the
end of the label strip are accessible even when the receptacle is
full.
[0017] For purposes of simplification, the special receptacles to
hold the label strips are designated containers 2 below.
[0018] The above-discussed embodiments of the present invention
will be described further hereinbelow. When the word "invention" is
used in this specification, the word "invention" includes
"inventions", that is the plural of "invention". By stating
"invention", the Applicant does not in any way admit that the
present application does not include more than one patentably and
non-obviously distinct invention, and maintains that this
application may include more than one patentably and non-obviously
distinct invention. The Applicant hereby asserts that the
disclosure of this application may include more than one invention,
and, in the event that there is more than one invention, that these
inventions may be patentable and non-obvious one with respect to
the other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The invention is explained in greater detail below with
reference to one exemplary embodiment that is illustrated in the
accompanying figures, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a container filling
plant in accordance with at least one possible embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a corresponding labeling machine of the
prior art next to a label strip buffer 1;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a head-on view of a labeling machine with
containers 2 as claimed by the invention; and
[0023] FIG. 3 is a plan view from overhead of a labeling machine as
claimed by the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] FIG. 1A generally illustrates a bottling plant with a
labeling station 108 according to one possible embodiment of the
present invention. The bottling plant has a rinser 101 or cleaning
station to which the containers, namely bottles B, are fed in the
direction indicated by the arrow A1 by means of a conveyer line
103, and downstream of which, in the direction of travel, the
rinsed bottles B are transported by means of a conveyer line 104
formed by a star-wheel conveyer to a filling machine 105 or its
inlet star-wheel conveyer. Downstream of the filling machine 105,
in the direction of travel of the bottles B, there can preferably
be a closer 106 which closes the bottles B. The closer 106 can be
connected directly to a labeling device or station 108 by means of
a conveyer line 107 formed by a plurality of star-wheel conveyers.
In the illustrated embodiment, the labeling device 108 has three
outputs: one output formed by a conveyer 109 for bottles B which
are filled with a first product from product mixer 123 through
conduit 121, and are then labeled according to the first product; a
second output formed by a conveyer 110 for those bottles B which
are filled with a second product from product mixer 124 through
conduit 122 and are then labeled according to the second product;
and a third output formed by a conveyer 111 which removes any
bottles B which have been incorrectly labeled. The labels can be
supplied to the labeling machine 108 on label strips 3 from
containers 2 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0025] In FIG. 1A, 112 is a central control unit or, expressed
differently, controller or system which includes a process
controller which, among other things, controls the operation of the
above-referenced system.
[0026] The filling machine 105 is possibly of the revolving design,
with a rotor 105' which revolves around a vertical machine axis. On
the periphery of the rotor 105' there are a number of filling
positions 113, each of which comprises bottle carriers or container
carriers, as well as a filling element or filling device 114
located above the corresponding container carrier. The toroidal
vessel 117 is a component of the revolving rotor 105'. The toroidal
vessel 117 can be connected by means of a rotary coupling and by
means of the conduit or external connecting line 121 to the product
mixer or external reservoir or mixer 123 to supply the product,
that is, product mix from reservoir 123, for example.
[0027] As well as the more typical filling machines having one
toroidal vessel, it is possible that in at least one possible
embodiment of the present invention, a filling machine could
possibly be utilized wherein each filling element or filling device
114 is preferably connected by means of two connections to the
toroidal vessel 117 which contains the first product (by means of a
first connection, for example, 121) and to a second toroidal vessel
which contains the second product (by means of the second
connection, for example, 122). In this case, each filling element
114 can also preferably have, at the connections, two
individually-controllable fluid or control valves, so that in each
bottle B which is delivered at the inlet of the filling machine 105
to a filling position 113, the first product or the second product
can be filled by means of an appropriate control of the filling
product or fluid valves.
[0028] It will be understood that while a two-product assembly is
illustrated in FIG. 1A, that the invention is equally applicable to
single-product installations, or other commensurate
embodiments.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, provisions are made to use the label
strip 3 located in containers 2. On such containers, provisions are
made so that both the beginning and the end of the label strip 3
are accessible. It also thereby becomes possible for the operator
to connect the end of the label strip 3 currently in use to the
beginning of the label strip 3 in the next container at almost any
time and without time pressure, without the use of a label strip
buffer 3 or a similar device. The use of such label strips 3 and/or
containers 2 can also simplify a labeling machine as claimed by the
convention and make it cheaper compared to similar machines of the
prior art, because components such as the label strip buffer 1,
brakes, sensors and label strip roll bearings and mountings, for
example, can be eliminated.
[0030] A further advantage is the reduction of the waste of the
label strip that occurs during the change of the label strip 3,
because as a result of the elimination of the label band strip 1,
the volume of the label strip that would otherwise be in the
buffer, which is on the order of 30 meters long, is therefore not
wasted.
[0031] In the simplest realization of a labeling machine as claimed
by the invention, the containers 2 filled with label strips 3 are
located on the floor of the plant next to the labeling machine. If
the label strip 3 of the first container 2 is already engaged and
in use, the operator can already connect the label strip in the
second or even also the third container 2 with the end of the
respective preceding label strip 3, which makes the operation
becomes significantly more efficient, and the work that must be
performed by the operator can then be done at a time that is not
dictated by the operation of the labeling machine.
[0032] In one independent development of this invention, there are
lifting means located on the labeling machine that simplify the
handling of the containers 2, which weigh approximately 20-50 kg
each. These lifting means can be cranes, for example, and/or vacuum
lifting devices or similar systems assisted by outside energy such
as electric power, compressed air or hydraulics. Because these
lifting means themselves are well known, they are not illustrated
in the accompanying figures.
[0033] Means can also be located on the labeling machine that make
it possible to keep the containers 2 ready and can move them easily
and without a major expenditure of effort. These means can be
roller tables 4, sliding surfaces or air cushions, for example, or
other solutions for such tasks as described by the prior art.
[0034] The term "sliding surfaces" as used in this context includes
surfaces that have a particularly low coefficient of friction on
account of their surface characteristics. For example, they can be
metal surfaces that have been appropriately machined or treated or
they can also be surfaces with a suitable coating, e.g. a plastic
coating.
[0035] It is particularly advantageous if these means are also
equipped with guides located on the sides, so that the tall
containers 2, which have a relatively narrow base surface, can be
protected against tipping or falling over.
[0036] In an additional independent development of the invention,
the containers 2 are in a horizontal position This configuration is
still within the scope of the teaching of this application.
[0037] In an additional and particularly advantageous realization
of this invention, a gluing and cutting device 5 is located on the
labeling machine or on the means to hold the container 2, so that
the operator can connect the label strips, an activity that
requires great precision, easily and quickly. In one particularly
advantageous variant, this gluing and cutting device 5 is realized
so that it can move or be moved, so that it can be moved by the
operator or operators to the optimal position when it becomes
necessary to connect the label strips 3 from a plurality of
containers 2.
[0038] The invention also teaches that the gluing and cutting
device 5 comprises movable stops for the label strips 3, so that
this device can be adjusted for the use of label strips 3 of
different widths.
[0039] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, a
container can be moved away from the labeling machine once the
supply of labels in the container has been used up. To do this, the
slots located at both ends of the tops of the containers can be
opened to allow removal of the labeling strip that is proceeding
from a supply in an adjacent container. The containers may be
constructed to be opened by any number of methods. In one possible
embodiment, the top of the container could have a rectangular
perforated strip running down the center of the top from one slot
to the other slot. The perforated strip could be removed, which
would create a central opening that would include the two slots. In
this manner, an empty container could be removed without
interrupting the supply of labels. In another possible embodiment,
the top of the container could contain a rectangular flap, which is
formed integrally with and hinged on only one side of the
container. The flap could be secured on the opposite side of the
hinged side. The two sides of the rectangular flap transverse to
the hinged and secured sides could be defined by the edges of the
two slots located adjacent the center of the top of the container.
During transport of the containers and dispensing of labels, the
flap could be secured so that the container would not open easily.
After the labels have been dispensed from the container and the
labels are proceeding from an adjacent, separate container, the
flap could disconnected from the secured side and folded away from
the container to open the top of the container. The container could
then be easily removed without interrupting the flow of labels from
the next container.
[0040] In another possible embodiment, instead of slots or holes in
the top of the container, a substantial portion or the entirety of
the top of the container could be removed to form one large opening
that exposes the strip of labels located inside. In this
embodiment, both ends of the label strip could be accessed. In
addition, once the supply of labels is used up, the container can
be easily removed away from the labeling machine.
[0041] Please note that the containers are preferably constructed
of cardboard, but may also be constructed with other suitable
materials, such as plastic.
[0042] One feature of an embodiment of the invention resides
broadly in a labeling machine for labeling containers such as
bottles or cans with sleeve, paper, roll-feed or self-adhesive
labels in the form of an endless strip of labels, characterized by
the fact that these labels are processed without the use of a label
strip buffer directly from special receptacles which are called
containers (2), whereby the labels are made available in the form
of endless strips that are folded and lined-up in serpentine and/or
flat S-shape segments inside the container (2).
[0043] Another feature of an embodiment of the invention resides
broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact that the
label strip is arranged in the container (2) such that both the
beginning and end of the label strip are accessible even when the
container (2) is full.
[0044] Yet another feature of an embodiment of the invention
resides broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact
that means are located on the labeling machine which hold the
containers (2) and simultaneously make it possible to move the
containers (2) easily.
[0045] Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention
resides broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact
that the means are roller tables.
[0046] Another feature of an embodiment of the invention resides
broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact that the
means are sliding surfaces.
[0047] Yet another feature of an embodiment of the invention
resides broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact
that the means are air cushions.
[0048] Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention
resides broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact
that there are additional guides to prevent the containers from
tipping or falling.
[0049] Another feature of an embodiment of the invention resides
broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact that on
the labeling machine there is a gluing and cutting device (5) for
the label strips (3).
[0050] Yet another feature of an embodiment of the invention
resides broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact
that the gluing and cutting device (5) is movable and/or can be
moved.
[0051] Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention
resides broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact
that means are located on the labeling machine that make it
possible to handle the containers (2) more easily.
[0052] Another feature of an embodiment of the invention resides
broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact that said
means are cranes.
[0053] Another feature of an embodiment of the invention resides
broadly in a labeling machine, characterized by the fact that said
means are vacuum lifting devices.
[0054] The components disclosed in the various publications,
disclosed or incorporated by reference herein, may be used in the
embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents
thereof.
[0055] The appended drawings in their entirety, including all
dimensions, proportions and/or shapes in at least one embodiment of
the invention, are accurate and are hereby included by reference
into this specification.
[0056] All, or substantially all, of the components and methods of
the various embodiments may be used with at least one embodiment or
all of the embodiments, if more than one embodiment is described
herein.
[0057] Some examples of label or film splicing devices and
components therefor which may possibly be utilized or adapted for
use in at least one possible embodiment of the present invention
may possibly be found in the following U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,012,
entitled "Film splicing device," issued to Miyai on Nov. 17, 1998;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,304, entitled "Splice cutting and film
re-shaping apparatus," issued to Matthias, et al. on Sep. 29, 1998;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,185, entitled "Film splicing device," issued to
Masuda, et al. on Jul. 14, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,618,377, entitled
"Film splicer," issued to Kaneko, et al. on Apr. 8, 1997; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,388,387, entitled "Packaging film feeding and splicing
apparatus and method," issued to McElvy on Feb. 14, 1995; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,354,408, entitled "Film splicer," issued to Otomine, et al.
on Oct. 11, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,858, entitled "Method and
device for splicing webs on which labels are printed," issued to
Winter on Oct. 6, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,488, entitled
"Apparatus and method for splicing film," issued to Dickey on Nov.
12, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,940, entitled "Splicer for label
feeder," issued to Koster on Nov. 29, 1983.
[0058] All of the patents, patent applications and publications
recited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, are hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety
herein.
[0059] The corresponding foreign and international patent
publication applications, namely, Federal Republic of Germany
Patent Application No. 102 59 602, filed on Dec. 19, 2002, having
inventors Klaus KRAMER, Lutz DECKERT, and Thomas STIENEN, and DE-OS
102 59 602 and DE-PS 102 59 602, as well as their published
equivalents, and other equivalents or corresponding applications,
if any, in corresponding cases in Germany and elsewhere, and the
references and documents cited in any of the documents cited
herein, such as the patents, patent applications and publications,
are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their
entirety herein.
[0060] All of the references and documents, cited in any of the
documents cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if
set forth in their entirety herein. All of the documents cited
herein, referred to in the immediately preceding sentence, include
all of the patents, patent applications and publications cited
anywhere in the present application.
[0061] The details in the patents, patent applications and
publications may be considered to be incorporable, at applicant's
option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations
in the claims to patentably distinguish any amended claims from any
applied prior art.
[0062] Some examples of bottling systems, which may be used or
adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of the present
invention, may be found in the following U.S. patents assigned to
the assignee herein, namely: No. 4,911,285; No. 4,944,830; No.
4,950,350; No. 4,976,803; No. 4,981,547; No. 5,004,518; No.
5,017,261; No. 5,062,917; No. 5,062,918; No. 5,075,123; No.
5,078,826; No. 5,087,317; No. 5,110,402; No. 5,129,984; No.
5,167,755; No. 5,174,851; No. 5,185,053; No. 5,217,538; No.
5,227,005; No. 5,413,153; No. 5,558,138; No. 5,634,500; No.
5,713,403; No. 6,276,113; No. 6,213,169; No. 6,189,578; No.
6,192,946; No. 6,374,575; No. 6,365,054; No. 6,619,016; No.
6,474,368; No. 6,494,238; No. 6,470,922; and No. 6,463,964.
[0063] The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as
required by 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b):
[0064] A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the
specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably
following the claims, under the heading "Abstract of the
Disclosure." The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent
and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly
from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical
disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the
scope of the claims.
[0065] Therefore, the abstract is not intended to limit the claims
in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims
in any manner.
[0066] Some examples of collapsible boxes or containers which may
possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible
embodiment of the present invention may possibly be found in the
following U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,906, entitled "Collapsible box,"
issued to Grueneberg on Aug. 6, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,849,
entitled "Collapsible box," issued to Elstone, Sr. on Feb. 6, 2001;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,602, entitled "Collapsible corrugated box,"
issued to Nainis, et al. on Jul. 5, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,110,
entitled "Box construction with interlocking tab fastening means,"
issued to Terpstra on Sep. 8, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,814,
entitled "Collapsible box with improved corner locks," issued to
Fullerton on May 21, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,673, entitled
"Cardboard box," issued to Salomons on Apr. 26, 1997.
[0067] The invention as described hereinabove in the context of the
preferred embodiments is not to be taken as limited to all of the
provided details thereof, since modifications and variations
thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention.
* * * * *