U.S. patent application number 11/621853 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with a liquid beverage, with an information adding arrangement for adding information relating to the beverage bottles, and a method of operating the beverage bottling plant.
Invention is credited to VOLKER TILL.
Application Number | 20070157576 11/621853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37890139 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070157576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TILL; VOLKER |
July 12, 2007 |
BEVERAGE BOTTLING PLANT FOR FILLING BEVERAGE BOTTLES WITH A LIQUID
BEVERAGE, WITH AN INFORMATION ADDING ARRANGEMENT FOR ADDING
INFORMATION RELATING TO THE BEVERAGE BOTTLES, AND A METHOD OF
OPERATING THE BEVERAGE BOTTLING PLANT
Abstract
A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with a
liquid beverage, with an information adding arrangement for adding
information relating to the beverage bottles, and a method of
operating the beverage bottling plant. 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): 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. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit
the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting
the claims in any manner.
Inventors: |
TILL; VOLKER; (HOFHEIM,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NILS H. LJUNGMAN & ASSOCIATES
P. O. BOX 130
GREENSBURG
PA
15601-0130
US
|
Family ID: |
37890139 |
Appl. No.: |
11/621853 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/471 ;
53/281 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65C 9/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/471 ;
053/281 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/04 20060101
B65B003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 10, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 001 204.6 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a beverage bottling plant for filling
beverage bottles with liquid beverage material, said beverage
bottling plant comprising: a plurality of rotary machines
comprising at least a rotary beverage bottle filling machine, a
rotary beverage bottle closing machine, and a rotary beverage
bottle information adding machine; a first conveyor arrangement
being configured and disposed to convey beverage bottles to be
filled to said beverage bottle filling machine; said beverage
bottle filling machine being configured and disposed to fill
beverage bottles with liquid beverage material; said beverage
bottle filling machine comprising: a rotor; a rotatable vertical
machine column; said rotor being connected to said vertical machine
column to permit rotation of said rotor about said vertical machine
column; a plurality of beverage bottle filling elements for filling
beverage bottles with liquid beverage material being disposed on
the periphery of said rotor; each of said plurality of beverage
bottle filling elements comprising a beverage bottle carrier being
configured and disposed to receive and hold beverage bottles to be
filled; each of said plurality of beverage bottle filling elements
being configured and disposed to dispense liquid beverage material
into beverage bottles to be filled; at least one liquid reservoir
being configured to hold a supply of liquid beverage material; at
least one supply line being configured and disposed to connect said
at least one liquid reservoir to said beverage bottle filling
machine to supply liquid beverage material to said beverage bottle
filling machine; a first star wheel structure being configured and
disposed to move beverage bottles into said beverage bottle filling
machine; a second star wheel structure being configured and
disposed to move beverage bottles out of said beverage bottle
filling machine; a second conveyor arrangement being configured and
disposed to convey filled beverage bottles from said beverage
bottle filling machine to said beverage bottle closing machine;
said beverage bottle closing machine being configured and disposed
to close tops of filled beverage bottles; said beverage bottle
closing machine comprising: a rotor; a rotatable vertical machine
column; said rotor being connected to said vertical machine column
to permit rotation of said rotor about said vertical machine
column; a plurality of closing devices being disposed on the
periphery of said rotor; each of said plurality of closing devices
being configured and disposed to place closures on filled beverage
bottles; each of said plurality of closing devices comprising a
beverage bottle carrier being configured and disposed to receive
and hold filled beverage bottles; a first star wheel structure
being configured and disposed to move filled beverage bottles into
said beverage bottle closing machine; a second star wheel structure
being configured and disposed to move filled, closed beverage
bottles out of said beverage bottle closing machine; a third
conveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to convey
filled, closed beverage bottles from said beverage bottle closing
machine to said beverage bottle information adding machine; said
beverage bottle information adding machine being configured and
disposed to add information to filled, closed beverage bottles;
said beverage bottle information adding machine comprising: a
rotor; a rotatable vertical machine column; said rotor being
connected to said vertical machine column to permit rotation of
said rotor about said vertical machine column; a plurality of
beverage bottle support structures being disposed on the periphery
of said rotor; said beverage bottle support structures being
configured to support and hold filled, closed beverage bottles; a
first star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move
filled, closed beverage bottles into said beverage bottle
information adding machine; a second star wheel structure being
configured and disposed to move beverage bottles out of said
beverage bottle information adding machine; a beverage bottle
information adding device being configured and disposed to add
information to a beverage bottle; and said beverage bottle
information adding device comprising a shaping and forming
arrangement for shaping and forming an information containing
device to be placed on a beverage bottle, said method comprising
the steps of: moving empty beverage bottles to said beverage bottle
filling machine; filling empty beverage bottles with a liquid
beverage material with said beverage bottle filling machine; moving
filled beverage bottles to said beverage bottle closing machine;
closing filled beverage bottles with said beverage bottle closing
machine; moving filled, closed beverage bottles to said beverage
bottle information adding machine; shaping and forming said
information containing devices with said shaping and forming
arrangement in said beverage bottle information adding machine; and
adding information to beverage bottles with said beverage bottle
information adding machine by placing said information containing
devices on filled, closed beverage bottles.
2. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 1, wherein one of (A) and (B) but not both of (A) and (B):
(A) said information containing devices contain information prior
to said step of shaping and forming said information containing
devices with said shaping and forming arrangement, and said step of
shaping and forming said information containing devices comprises
adding additional information to said information containing
devices; and (B) said information containing devices are blank
prior to said step of shaping and forming said information
containing devices with said shaping and forming arrangement, and
said step of shaping and forming said information containing
devices comprises adding all desired information to said
information containing devices.
3. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 2, wherein the information containing devices have
information displayed in a plurality of colors.
4. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 3, wherein said step of shaping and forming comprises forming
information using an electronic actuation system and adding
information using at least one information adding head.
5. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 4, wherein at least one of: (C) the printing unit produces
the printed image as a function of print masks that are stored
electronically or in the form of software in a control device; (D)
the printed image is modified at least party during a labeling
process; (E) the label primary material is printed line-by-line at
a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the label primary
material, and specifically for example over its entire width or
almost its entire width; (F) the printing is done with a relative
movement between the label primary material and the printing unit
or at least one print head of this printing unit; (G) the label
primary material is moved relative to the printing unit and to the
at least one print head located there; (H) the at least one
printing unit has at least one electrostatic print head with a
plurality of individually actuated individual nozzles for the
controlled dispensing of ink, and that the individual nozzles are
located in at least one row, one behind another in a print head
longitudinal axis; (I) the relative movement between the at least
one print head and the label primary material is at a right angle
or perpendicular to the print head longitudinal axis; (J) the label
primary material during the printing is oriented horizontally or
essentially horizontally; (K) the at least one print head is
located above the label primary material; (L) at least two and
preferably by at least three print heads; (M) for the production of
a multiple-color printed image, one color set of the
multiple-printing is produced with each print head; (N) the ink,
after it has been applied to the label primary material is dried or
set by the application of energy, for example in the form of heat
and/or UV light; (O) the label primary material is heated and/or
statically charged before the printing; (P) the use of a
strip-format, e.g. self-adhesive label primary material from which
labels are produced by separation; (O) the printing of the label
primary material takes place before the separation of labels; (R)
the use of a single-sheet format label primary material; and (S)
the use of a labeling machine that employs a rotary construction,
in which beverage bottles to be printed are moved past the at least
one labeling station on a driven rotor that rotates around a
vertical machine axis.
6. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 4, wherein: (C) the printing unit produces the printed image
as a function of print masks that are stored electronically or in
the form of software in a control device; (D) the printed image is
modified at least party during a labeling process; (E) the label
primary material is printed line-by-line at a right angle to the
longitudinal direction of the label primary material, and
specifically for example over its entire width or almost its entire
width; (F) the printing is done with a relative movement between
the label primary material and the printing unit or at least one
print head of this printing unit; (G) the label primary material is
moved relative to the printing unit and to the at least one print
head located there; (H) the at least one printing unit has at least
one electrostatic print head with a plurality of individually
actuated individual nozzles for the controlled dispensing of ink,
and that the individual nozzles are located in at least one row,
one behind another in a print head longitudinal axis; (I) the
relative movement between the at least one print head and the label
primary material is at a right angle or perpendicular to the print
head longitudinal axis; (J) the label primary material during the
printing is oriented horizontally or essentially horizontally; (K)
the at least one print head is located above the label primary
material; (L) at least two and preferably by at least three print
heads; (M) for the production of a multiple-color printed image,
one color set of the multiple-printing is produced with each print
head; (N) the ink, after it has been applied to the label primary
material is dried or set by the application of energy, for example
in the form of heat and/or UV light; (O) the label primary material
is heated and/or statically charged before the printing; (P) the
use of a strip-format, e.g. self-adhesive label primary material
from which labels are produced by separation; (O) the printing of
the label primary material takes place before the separation of
labels; (R) the use of a single-sheet format label primary
material; and (S) the use of a labeling machine that employs a
rotary construction, in which beverage bottles to be printed are
moved past the at least one labeling station on a driven rotor that
rotates around a vertical machine axis.
7. A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with
liquid beverage material, said beverage bottling plant comprising:
a plurality of rotary machines comprising at least a rotary
beverage bottle filling machine, a rotary beverage bottle closing
machine, and a rotary beverage bottle information adding machine; a
first conveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to convey
beverage bottles to be filled to said beverage bottle filling
machine; said beverage bottle filling machine being configured and
disposed to fill beverage bottles with liquid beverage material;
said beverage bottle filling machine comprising: a rotor; a
rotatable vertical machine column; said rotor being connected to
said vertical machine column to permit rotation of said rotor about
said vertical machine column; a plurality of beverage bottle
filling elements for filling beverage bottles with liquid beverage
material being disposed on the periphery of said rotor; each of
said plurality of beverage bottle filling elements comprising a
beverage bottle carrier being configured and disposed to receive
and hold beverage bottles to be filled; each of said plurality of
beverage bottle filling elements being configured and disposed to
dispense liquid beverage material into beverage bottles to be
filled; at least one liquid reservoir being configured to hold a
supply of liquid beverage material; at least one supply line being
configured and disposed to connect said at least one liquid
reservoir to said beverage bottle filling machine to supply liquid
beverage material to said beverage bottle filling machine; a first
star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move beverage
bottles into said beverage bottle filling machine; a second star
wheel structure being configured and disposed to move beverage
bottles out of said beverage bottle filling machine; a second
conveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to convey filled
beverage bottles from said beverage bottle filling machine to said
beverage bottle closing machine; said beverage bottle closing
machine being configured and disposed to close tops of filled
beverage bottles; said beverage bottle closing machine comprising:
a rotor; a rotatable vertical machine column; said rotor being
connected to said vertical machine column to permit rotation of
said rotor about said vertical machine column; a plurality of
closing devices being disposed on the periphery of said rotor; each
of said plurality of closing devices being configured and disposed
to place closures on filled beverage bottles; each of said
plurality of closing devices comprising a beverage bottle carrier
being configured and disposed to receive and hold filled beverage
bottles; a first star wheel structure being configured and disposed
to move filled beverage bottles into said beverage bottle closing
machine; a second star wheel structure being configured and
disposed to move filled, closed beverage bottles out of said
beverage bottle closing machine; a third conveyor arrangement being
configured and disposed to convey filled, closed beverage bottles
from said beverage bottle closing machine to said beverage bottle
information adding machine; said beverage bottle information adding
machine being configured and disposed to add information to filled,
closed beverage bottles; said beverage bottle information adding
machine comprising: a rotor; a rotatable vertical machine column;
said rotor being connected to said vertical machine column to
permit rotation of said rotor about said vertical machine column; a
plurality of beverage bottle support structures being disposed on
the periphery of said rotor; said beverage bottle support
structures being configured to support and hold filled, closed
beverage bottles; a first star wheel structure being configured and
disposed to move filled, closed beverage bottles into said beverage
bottle information adding machine; a second star wheel structure
being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles out of said
beverage bottle information adding machine; a beverage bottle
information adding device being configured and disposed to add
information to a beverage bottle; and said beverage bottle
information adding device comprising a shaping and forming
arrangement for shaping and forming an information containing
device to be placed on a beverage bottle.
8. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 7, wherein said
information adding device is configured to add multiple-color
information.
9. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 8, wherein said
information adding device is configured to add information as a
function of an electronic actuation system.
10. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 9, wherein said
information adding device adds the information as a function of
information adding forms that are stored in a control device
electronically or in the form of software.
11. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 10, wherein said
information adding device adds the information to the information
containing devices line by line at a right angle to the
longitudinal direction of the information containing devices and
over its entire width or almost its entire width.
12. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 11, wherein at
least one of: (A) said information adding machine comprises means
for the production of a relative movement during the printing
between the label primary material and the printing unit or at
least one print head of this printing unit; (B) said information
adding machine comprises feed means with which the label primary
material is moved relative to the printing unit or to the at least
one print head located there; (C) the at least one printing unit
has at least one electrostatic print head with a plurality of
individually actuated individual nozzles for the controlled
dispensing of ink, and that the individual nozzles are arranged in
at least one row, one behind another, in a print head longitudinal
axis; (D) the at least one print head is oriented with a pressure
head longitudinal axis at a right angle or perpendicular to the
feed movement of the label primary material; (E) the label primary
material is oriented during the printing horizontally or
essentially horizontally; (F) the at least one print head is
located above the label primary material; (G) said information
adding machine comprises at least two and preferably at least three
print heads; (H) for the production of a multiple-color image one
color set of the multiple-color printed image is produced with each
print head; (I) said information adding machine comprises means for
the drying of the ink after the application to the label primary
material by the effect of energy, for example by heating and/or UV
light; (J) said information adding machine comprises means for the
heading and/or for the electrostatic charging of the label primary
material before printing; (K) said information adding machine is
configured for the use of a strip-format, for example self-adhesive
label primary material from which labels are produced by separation
in a dispenser unit; (L) said information adding machine is
configured for the use of a single-sheet format label primary
material; and (M) said information adding machine comprises a
labeling machine that employs a rotary construction in which
beverage bottles to be labeled are moved past the at least one
labeling station on a rotor that is driven in rotation around a
vertical machine axis.
13. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 11, wherein all
of: (A) said information adding machine comprises means for the
production of a relative movement during the printing between the
label primary material and the printing unit or at least one print
head of this printing unit; (B) said information adding machine
comprises feed means with which the label primary material is moved
relative to the printing unit or to the at least one print head
located there; (C) the at least one printing unit has at least one
electrostatic print head with a plurality of individually actuated
individual nozzles for the controlled dispensing of ink, and that
the individual nozzles are arranged in at least one row, one behind
another, in a print head longitudinal axis; (D) the at least one
print head is oriented with a pressure head longitudinal axis at a
right angle or perpendicular to the feed movement of the label
primary material; (E) the label primary material is oriented during
the printing horizontally or essentially horizontally; (F) the at
least one print head is located above the label primary material;
(G) said information adding machine comprises at least two and
preferably at least three print heads; (H) for the production of a
multiple-color image one color set of the multiple-color printed
image is produced with each print head; (I) said information adding
machine comprises means for the drying of the ink after the
application to the label primary material by the effect of energy,
for example by heating and/or UV light; (J) said information adding
machine comprises means for the heading and/or for the
electrostatic charging of the label primary material before
printing; (K) said information adding machine is configured for the
use of a strip-format, for example self-adhesive label primary
material from which labels are produced by separation in a
dispenser unit; (L) said information adding machine is configured
for the use of a single-sheet format label primary material; and
(M) said information adding machine comprises a labeling machine
that employs a rotary construction in which beverage bottles to be
labeled are moved past the at least one labeling station on a rotor
that is driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis.
13. A method of operating a beverage bottling plant for filling
beverage bottles with liquid beverage material, said beverage
bottling plant comprising: a filling machine being configured and
disposed to fill empty beverage bottles with a filling material; a
first moving arrangement being configured and disposed to move
beverage bottles to said filling machine; said filling machine
comprising: a moving device being configured and disposed to accept
beverage bottles from said first moving arrangement and to move
beverage bottles within said filling machine; an apparatus being
configured and disposed to hold beverage bottles during filling;
and at least one filling device being configured and disposed to
fill beverage bottles with a filling material upon the beverage
bottles being within said filling machine; a closing machine being
configured and disposed to close filled beverage bottles; a second
moving arrangement being configured and disposed to accept filled
beverage bottles from said moving device of said filling machine to
move filled beverage bottles out of said filling machine; said
second moving arrangement being configured and disposed to move
filled beverage bottles from said filling machine to said closing
machine; said closing machine comprising: a moving device being
configured and disposed to accept filled beverage bottles from said
second moving arrangement and to move filled beverage bottles
within said closing machine; an apparatus being configured and
disposed to hold filled beverage bottles during closing; and at
least one closing device being configured and disposed to close
filled beverage bottles upon the filled beverage bottles being
within said closing machine; a third moving arrangement being
configured and disposed to accept filled, closed beverage bottles
from said closing machine to move filled beverage bottles out of
said closing machine; said third moving arrangement being
configured and disposed to move filled, closed beverage bottles
from said closing machine to said information adding machine; said
information adding machine being configured and disposed to add
information to filled, closed beverage bottles; said beverage
bottle information adding machine comprising: a moving device being
configured and disposed to accept filled, closed beverage bottles
from said third moving arrangement and to move filled beverage
bottles within said information adding machine; an apparatus being
configured and disposed to hold filled, closed beverage bottles
during adding of information; a beverage bottle information adding
device being configured and disposed to add information to a
beverage bottle; and said beverage bottle information adding device
comprising a shaping and forming arrangement for shaping and
forming an information containing device to be placed on a beverage
bottle; said method comprising the steps of: filling beverage
bottles with a liquid beverage material with said beverage bottle
filling machine; closing beverage bottles with said beverage bottle
closing machine; shaping and forming said information containing
devices with said shaping and forming arrangement in said beverage
bottle information adding machine; and adding information to
beverage bottles with said beverage bottle information adding
machine by placing said information containing devices on beverage
bottles.
15. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 14, wherein one of (A) and (B) but not both of (A) and (B):
(A) said information containing devices contain information prior
to said step of shaping and forming said information containing
devices with said shaping and forming arrangement, and said step of
shaping and forming said information containing devices comprises
adding additional information to said information containing
devices; and (B) said information containing devices are blank
prior to said step of shaping and forming said information
containing devices with said shaping and forming arrangement, and
said step of shaping and forming said information containing
devices comprises adding all desired information to said
information containing devices.
16. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 15, wherein the information containing devices have
information displayed in a plurality of colors.
17. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 16, wherein said step of shaping and forming comprises
forming information using an electronic actuation system and adding
information using at least one information adding head.
18. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 17, wherein the printing unit produces the printed image as a
function of print masks that are stored electronically or in the
form of software in a control device.
19. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 18, wherein at least one of: (D) the printed image is
modified at least party during a labeling process; (E) the label
primary material is printed line-by-line at a right angle to the
longitudinal direction of the label primary material, and
specifically for example over its entire width or almost its entire
width; (F) the printing is done with a relative movement between
the label primary material and the printing unit or at least one
print head of this printing unit; (G) the label primary material is
moved relative to the printing unit and to the at least one print
head located there; (H) the at least one printing unit has at least
one electrostatic print head with a plurality of individually
actuated individual nozzles for the controlled dispensing of ink,
and that the individual nozzles are located in at least one row,
one behind another in a print head longitudinal axis; (I) the
relative movement between the at least one print head and the label
primary material is at a right angle or perpendicular to the print
head longitudinal axis; (J) the label primary material during the
printing is oriented horizontally or essentially horizontally; (K)
the at least one print head is located above the label primary
material; (L) at least two and preferably by at least three print
heads; (M) for the production of a multiple-color printed image,
one color set of the multiple-printing is produced with each print
head; (N) the ink, after it has been applied to the label primary
material is dried or set by the application of energy, for example
in the form of heat and/or UV light; (O) the label primary material
is heated and/or statically charged before the printing; (P) the
use of a strip-format, e.g. self-adhesive label primary material
from which labels are produced by separation; (O) the printing of
the label primary material takes place before the separation of
labels; (R) the use of a single-sheet format label primary
material; and (S) the use of a labeling machine that employs a
rotary construction, in which beverage bottles to be printed are
moved past the at least one labeling station on a driven rotor that
rotates around a vertical machine axis.
20. The method of operating a beverage bottling plant according to
claim 18, wherein all of: (D) the printed image is modified at
least party during a labeling process; (E) the label primary
material is printed line-by-line at a right angle to the
longitudinal direction of the label primary material, and
specifically for example over its entire width or almost its entire
width; (F) the printing is done with a relative movement between
the label primary material and the printing unit or at least one
print head of this printing unit; (G) the label primary material is
moved relative to the printing unit and to the at least one print
head located there; (H) the at least one printing unit has at least
one electrostatic print head with a plurality of individually
actuated individual nozzles for the controlled dispensing of ink,
and that the individual nozzles are located in at least one row,
one behind another in a print head longitudinal axis; (I) the
relative movement between the at least one print head and the label
primary material is at a right angle or perpendicular to the print
head longitudinal axis; (J) the label primary material during the
printing is oriented horizontally or essentially horizontally; (K)
the at least one print head is located above the label primary
material; (L) at least two and preferably by at least three print
heads; (M) for the production of a multiple-color printed image,
one color set of the multiple-printing is produced with each print
head; (N) the ink, after it has been applied to the label primary
material is dried or set by the application of energy, for example
in the form of heat and/or UV light; (O) the label primary material
is heated and/or statically charged before the printing; (P) the
use of a strip-format, e.g. self-adhesive label primary material
from which labels are produced by separation; (O) the printing of
the label primary material takes place before the separation of
labels; (R) the use of a single-sheet format label primary
material; and (S) the use of a labeling machine that employs a
rotary construction, in which beverage bottles to be printed are
moved past the at least one labeling station on a driven rotor that
rotates around a vertical machine axis.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This application relates to a beverage bottling plant for
filling beverage bottles with a liquid beverage, with an
information adding arrangement for adding information relating to
the beverage bottles, and a method of operating the beverage
bottling plant.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid
beverage filling material can possibly comprise a beverage filling
machine, which is often a rotary filling machine, with a plurality
of beverage filling positions, each beverage filling position
having a beverage filling device for filling bottles with liquid
beverage filling material. The filling devices may have an
apparatus designed to introduce a predetermined volume of liquid
beverage filling material into the interior of bottles to a
substantially predetermined level of liquid beverage filling
material.
[0005] Some beverage bottling plants may possibly comprise filling
arrangements that receive a liquid beverage material from a
toroidal or annular vessel, in which a supply of liquid beverage
material is stored under pressure by a gas. The toroidal vessel may
also be connected to at least one external reservoir or supply of
liquid beverage material by a conduit or supply line. In some
circumstances it may even be possible that a beverage bottling
plant has two external supply reservoirs, each of which may be
configured to store either the same liquid beverage product or
different products. These reservoirs could possibly be connected to
the toroidal or annular vessel by corresponding supply lines,
conduits, or other arrangements. It is also possible that the
external supply reservoirs could be in the form of simple storage
tanks, or in the form of liquid beverage product mixers.
[0006] A wide variety of types of filling elements are used in
filling machines in beverage bottling or container filling plants
for dispensing a liquid product into bottles, cans or similar
containers, including but not limited to filling processes that are
carried out under counterpressure for the bottling of carbonated
beverages. The apparatus designed to introduce a predetermined flow
of liquid beverage filling material further comprises an apparatus
that is designed to terminate the filling of the beverage bottles
upon the liquid beverage filling material reaching the
predetermined level in bottles. There may also be provided a
conveyer arrangement that is designed to move bottles, for example,
from an inspecting machine to the filling machine.
[0007] After a filling process has been completed, the filled
beverage bottles are transported or conveyed to a closing machine,
which is often a rotary closing machine. A revolving or rotary
machine comprises a rotor, which revolves around a central,
vertical machine axis. There may further be provided a conveyer
arrangement configured to transfer filled bottles from the filling
machine to the closing station. A transporting or conveying
arrangement can utilize transport star wheels as well as linear
conveyors. A closing machine closes bottles by applying a closure,
such as a screw-top cap or a bottle cork, to a corresponding bottle
mouth. Closed bottles are then usually conveyed to an information
adding arrangement, wherein information, such as a product name or
a manufacturer's information or logo, is applied to a bottle. A
closing station and information adding arrangement may be connected
by a corresponding conveyer arrangement. Bottles are then sorted
and packaged for shipment out of the plant.
[0008] Many beverage bottling plants may also possibly comprise a
rinsing arrangement or rinsing station to which new, non-return
and/or even return bottles are fed, prior to being filled, by a
conveyer arrangement, which can be a linear conveyor or a
combination of a linear conveyor and a starwheel. Downstream of the
rinsing arrangement or rinsing station, in the direction of travel,
rinsed bottles are then transported to the beverage filling machine
by a second conveyer arrangement that is formed, for example, by
one or more starwheels that introduce bottles into the beverage
filling machine.
[0009] It is a further possibility that a beverage bottling plant
for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material can be
controlled by a central control arrangement, which could be, for
example, a computerized control system that monitors and controls
the operation of the various stations and mechanisms of the
beverage bottling plant.
[0010] In the context of labeling bottles or similar containers,
there are existing methods and devices in which, in a first process
step, containers are provided with a label or are imprinted by
means of a conventional printing process, for example using a
screen-printing process or pad printing. In these cases, labeling
containers can be changed only by replacing mechanical print masks
or formats that are used for direct printing of containers or by
replacing labels or labeling material used, which at the very
minimum is time-consuming and in any case is generally not possible
while printing or labeling machine is in operation.
[0011] In a second step, after printing or labeling, containers can
be provided with simple information that can differ from container
to container, such as differing serial numbers; from container
group to container group, such as differing batch numbers; or from
day to day production dates.
[0012] There is an existing print head which is intended for
printing on flat printing stock and with which a plurality of
printed dots can be produced tight up against another or at a very
small distance from one another in a line, for example at least 150
dots per inch, on a surface to be printed, and specifically by a
plurality of individually activated individual ink jets. The active
print width of this print head, which is also known by the name
"Tonejet", is a function only of the capacity and performance of
the computer that actuates the print head. For example, print heads
from 1.7 to 6.8 inch print width, corresponding to a 256 Bit
control or a 1024 Bit control, can thereby be produced. Using this
print head, it is possible to print a two-dimensional impression
with a sufficiently large surface area only in a single axial
direction by relative motion between a surface to be printed and a
print head.
OBJECT OR OBJECTS
[0013] An object of at least one possible embodiment is to create a
device for the application of information and/or images onto
container surfaces that is as mechanically simple as possible, is
as little susceptible to disruption as possible and can be operated
at a high output capacity, whereby the orientation of the
information can be selected as desired with respect to the geometry
of the container. Another object of at least one possible
embodiment of the present application is to describe a method and a
device with which it is possible to provide bottles or similar
containers efficiently with labels of different sizes and formats
or containing different information.
SUMMARY
[0014] At least one possible embodiment teaches that the containers
and the device to apply information to the containers are realized
so that they can be moved in relation to each other.
[0015] Another possible embodiment teaches a method and a device
for labeling bottles or similar containers with labels produced by
printing from a label primary material and using at least one
labeling station past which containers move on a conveyor element,
and labels are attached to containers.
[0016] One feature of a method realized in at least one possible
embodiment of the present application is that the information that
is initially essential for the overall appearance of labels, and at
least a significant portion of the label design and printing of
labels that forms this part of the packaging design, is printed
before labeling. In at least one example, this process occurs
before the application of labels to containers in a labeling
station or in a printing unit in a labeling station on raw material
or primary material of labels. Printing labels thus takes place in
a labeling station immediately or essentially immediately prior to
labeling. That feature alone makes it possible, using one and the
same label primary material to modify a label design or content by
a corresponding adjustment or conversion of a printing unit.
[0017] In at least one possible embodiment of the present
application, a printing unit is realized so that individual printed
images are produced on labeling primary material as a function of
an actuation by an electronic control unit or a computer, and
specifically according to a print mask that is formed by an
electronic control unit or by computer software from a data set,
and is stored for example in a memory of a control device or of a
computer. By modifying this software printing mask, it becomes
possible to easily modify or convert a label design, and
specifically with regard to all its aspects, including but not
limited to text, graphics and colors, as well as size and shape of
label printing. At least one possible embodiment of the present
application therefore offers the capability, among other things, to
modify and/or update individual label designs easily, and also as a
function of specific containers to be labeled or products contained
in these containers. It is also possible to select and use label
designs required for a product for printing label primary material,
to select sizes of individually-printed labels to match sizes
and/or diameters of containers to be labeled, and/or to modify
label designs or parts of label designs while a labeling process is
in operation.
[0018] A print head may conceivably have at least one print head,
which may be realized in a Tonejet print head or a print head that
corresponds to such a Tonejet print head. A print head of this type
has a printing area which, during printing, is at a short distance
from and faces a surface to be printed, a plurality of individual
nozzles which are provided one behind another at very close
intervals in a longitudinal axis of the print head, and each nozzle
may be formed by a nozzle opening and by at least one electrode
associated with each individual nozzle. In at least one possible
embodiment, printing ink in a print head may discharge from each
individual nozzle or a corresponding nozzle opening only if, during
activation of an individual nozzle, the electrode associated with
the individual nozzle is actuated by an electrical voltage, the
polarity and/or potential of which differs from the polarity and/or
the potential of the print head or of the ink in the print head, so
that as a result of electrostatic forces, a defined quantity of ink
is ejected or discharged from the nozzle opening of the activated
individual nozzle. A print head of this type is also called an
"electrostatic print head" below.
[0019] Containers within the meaning of the present application
include but are not limited to bottles, cans or packages, whereby
all containers can have a cylindrical, non-cylindrical,
rotationally symmetrical or a shape and/or peripheral surface that
is not rotationally symmetrical.
[0020] The labeling primary material used with at least one
possible embodiment is, for example, an endless or strip-format
label primary material. Basically, single-sheet label primary
material can also be used in at least one possible embodiment, and
specifically so that it corresponds to the realization of the
labeling station and/or of the printing unit in the labeling
station. Developments of at least one possible embodiment of the
present application are described herein.
[0021] This application relates to a device for the application of
information and/or images onto the external surface of containers.
One possible embodiment of the present application may be realized
in a method and a device for labeling bottles or similar containers
with labels produced by printing from a label primary material and
using at least one labeling station past which containers move on a
conveyor element, and labels are attached to containers.
[0022] The above-discussed embodiments of the present invention
will be described further hereinbelow. When the word "invention" or
"embodiment of the invention" is used in this specification, the
word "invention" or "embodiment of the invention" includes
"inventions" or "embodiments of the invention", that is the plural
of "invention" or "embodiment of the invention". By stating
"invention" or "embodiment of the 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
[0023] At least one possible embodiment is explained in greater
detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments that are
illustrated in the accompanying figures. In the figures:
[0024] FIG. 1A shows schematically the main components of one
possible embodiment example of what may be a typical system for
filling containers;
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a container in the form of a bottle provided
with a label;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration from overhead of a
labeling machine of a rotary construction claimed by the invention
with a labeling station that has electrostatic print heads;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the electrostatic
print heads of a printing unit of the labeling station in partial
section, together with the label primary material to be
printed;
[0028] FIG. 4 shows one of the print heads of the print unit
illustrated in FIG. 3; and
[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic functional diagram of the function
elements of the labeling station.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Developments, advantages and potential applications of at
least one possible embodiment will become apparent on the basis of
the following description of the exemplary embodiments and of the
accompanying drawing. All the characteristics described and/or
illustrated are the object or objects of the invention,
individually or in any possible combination, regardless of their
placement in the claims or the references between claims. The text
of the claims is simultaneously incorporated by reference into the
description.
[0031] FIG. 1A shows schematically the main components of one
possible embodiment example of what may be a typical system for
filling containers, specifically, a beverage bottling plant for
filling bottles B with at least one liquid beverage, in accordance
with at least one possible embodiment, in which system or plant
could possibly be utilized at least one aspect, or several aspects,
of the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0032] FIG. 1A shows a rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101,
to which the containers, namely bottles B, are fed in the direction
of travel as indicated by the arrow A1, by a first conveyer
arrangement 103, which can be a linear conveyor or a combination of
a linear conveyor and a starwheel. Downstream of the rinsing
arrangement or rinsing station 101, in the direction of travel as
indicated by the arrow A1, the rinsed bottles B are transported to
a beverage filling machine 105 by a second conveyer arrangement 104
that is formed, for example, by one or more starwheels that
introduce bottles B into the beverage filling machine 105.
[0033] The beverage filling machine 105 shown is of a revolving or
rotary design, with a rotor 105', which revolves around a central,
vertical machine axis. The rotor 105' is designed to receive and
hold the bottles B for filling at a plurality of filling positions
113 located about the periphery of the rotor 105'. At each of the
filling positions 103 is located a filling arrangement 114 having
at least one filling device, element, apparatus, or valve. The
filling arrangements 114 are designed to introduce a predetermined
volume or amount of liquid beverage into the interior of the
bottles B to a predetermined or desired level.
[0034] The filling arrangements 114 receive the liquid beverage
material from a toroidal or annular vessel 117, in which a supply
of liquid beverage material is stored under pressure by a gas. The
toroidal vessel 117 is a component, for example, of the revolving
rotor 105'. The toroidal vessel 117 can be connected by means of a
rotary coupling or a coupling that permits rotation. The toroidal
vessel 117 is also connected to at least one external reservoir or
supply of liquid beverage material by a conduit or supply line. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, there are two external supply
reservoirs 123 and 124, each of which is configured to store either
the same liquid beverage product or different products. These
reservoirs 123, 124 are connected to the toroidal or annular vessel
117 by corresponding supply lines, conduits, or arrangements 121
and 122. The external supply reservoirs 123, 124 could be in the
form of simple storage tanks, or in the form of liquid beverage
product mixers, in at least one possible embodiment.
[0035] As well as the more typical filling machines having one
toroidal vessel, it is possible that in at least one possible
embodiment there could be a second toroidal or annular vessel which
contains a second product. In this case, each filling arrangement
114 could be connected by separate connections to each of the two
toroidal vessels and have two individually-controllable fluid or
control valves, so that in each bottle B, the first product or the
second product can be filled by means of an appropriate control of
the filling product or fluid valves.
[0036] Downstream of the beverage filling machine 105, in the
direction of travel of the bottles B, there can be a beverage
bottle closing arrangement or closing station 106 which closes or
caps the bottles B. The beverage bottle closing arrangement or
closing station 106 can be connected by a third conveyer
arrangement 107 to a beverage bottle labeling arrangement or
labeling station 108. The third conveyor arrangement may be formed,
for example, by a plurality of starwheels, or may also include a
linear conveyor device.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage bottle labeling
arrangement or labeling station 108 has at least one labeling unit,
device, or module, for applying labels to bottles B. In the
embodiment shown, the labeling arrangement 108 is connected by a
starwheel conveyer structure to three output conveyer arrangements:
a first output conveyer arrangement 109, a second output conveyer
arrangement 110, and a third output conveyer arrangement 111, all
of which convey filled, closed, and labeled bottles B to different
locations.
[0038] The first output conveyer arrangement 109, in the embodiment
shown, is designed to convey bottles B that are filled with a first
type of liquid beverage supplied by, for example, the supply
reservoir 123. The second output conveyer arrangement 110, in the
embodiment shown, is designed to convey bottles B that are filled
with a second type of liquid beverage supplied by, for example, the
supply reservoir 124. The third output conveyer arrangement 111, in
the embodiment shown, is designed to convey incorrectly labeled
bottles B. To further explain, the labeling arrangement 108 can
comprise at least one beverage bottle inspection or monitoring
device that inspects or monitors the location of labels on the
bottles B to determine if the labels have been correctly placed or
aligned on the bottles B. The third output conveyer arrangement 111
removes any bottles B which have been incorrectly labeled as
determined by the inspecting device.
[0039] In the figures, a labeling machine 1 is shown for the
application of labels 2 on containers, in the form of bottles 3
standing in the upright position, which are fed to the labeling
machine 1 or to a container inlet 4 on a conveyor 5. The labeling
machine can be both a labeling machine that is constructed that
employs a rotary design or a labeling machine that employs a linear
design. For purposes of simplification, the description presented
below--without restricting the object of the invention to this
specific description--relates only to labeling machines that employ
a rotary construction. The bottles 3 in a container receptacle 6
are transferred to a rotor that is driven so that it rotates around
a vertical machine axis in the direction indicated by the arrow A
and for the labeling moves with the rotor 6 past a labeling station
which in FIG. 1 is designated 8 in general. The labeled bottles 3
are then transferred at a container outlet 9 to a conveyor 10 and
fed by the conveyor to the next application.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, labels 2 are realized in the
form of self-adhesive labels and are each formed by separating them
from an endless strip of label primary material 11 which is
realized in the manner of the prior art in at least three layers,
and specifically as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 with a layer 11.1
that forms the ultimate label 2 and is made of a suitable label
primary material, with a self-adhesive layer 11.2 and with a
removable cover layer 11.3, made of silicon paper, for example. The
label primary material 11 is available in the form of a stock that
is stored in a buffer 12 in the form of a supply spool 12. In the
illustrated embodiment, labels 2 are realized in the form of labels
that encircle the bottles to which they are to be applied.
[0041] One feature of the labeling station 8 is that the label
primary material 11 or the segments of the label primary material
11 that after they are separated form labels are printed only in
the labeling station 8 and immediately or essentially immediately
before they are applied to the bottles 3 on a printing unit 13,
using print heads 14. The print heads 14 are digitally actuated by
an electronic control device 15, such as in the form of a computer,
in which the image, comprising label text and/or graphic
information, to be produced by the respective print head 14 is
stored.
[0042] The printing of the label primary material in the printing
unit 13 occurs, for example, such that the impression and/or the
graphic and/or color design or text and graphics of the individual
label 2 is produced completely by the printing unit 13 on the
neutral label primary material 11, and/or an impression that is
already present on the label primary material 11 is supplemented
with this printing unit 13, for example by the addition of text,
color and/or graphics, as desired. Because the label primary
material 11 is printed only in the labeling station 8, such as
immediately or essentially immediately prior to the labeling of the
bottles 3, and because of the actuation of the printing unit 13 and
of the print heads 14 provided in it by the electronic control unit
15, using digital print masks and forms that are stored digitally
or in data form, various advantageous capabilities are created,
i.e. among other things the ability to quickly convert the labeling
machine 1 for use with different products, to adjust or adapt the
size of labels 2 or of the lengths of material separated from the
label primary material that form labels to different bottle
diameters etc. Changing the label design, i.e. the impression on
labels 2, also requires only a reprogramming or a modification of
the programming of the electronic control device 15. It is possible
to change the label design or parts thereof while the labeling
process is running, for example to reconfigure the printed image
for each bottle 3 to be labeled, among other things, so that the
design or the printed image for each label is a combination of a
constant component and variable contents or information. Variable
content of this type can be, for example, graphic information or
representations and/or changing color designs and/or varying
printed information. As a result, it is then also possible to
provide labels 2, while retaining a single basic shape or form of
label design, with graphic images of different persons, such as
players on favorite sports teams such as football teams, for
example. The varying information can also be numerical or
alphanumerical information, for example, for the addition of
information relating to the production date and/or the "best if
consumed by" date, or in the form of a numerical code.
[0043] At least one possible embodiment relates to the application
of cutting marks. These marks are important in particular if the
label primary material is designed to be cut into individual labels
by a cutting process, whereby the cutting process is triggered by
the optical detection of a corresponding cutting mark on the strip
of labels.
[0044] In this realization, labels 2 are applied to the bottles 3
in the conventional form, such as in the transfer position of the
labeling station 8, after the removal of the cover layer 11.3, the
self-adhesive label primary material 11 is applied to the bottle 3
that is being moved past, and then the length of material that is
removed from the label primary material 11 and that forms the label
2 is applied in its entirety to the outside surface of the bottle 3
while the bottle 1 is rotated.
[0045] To achieve the highest possible or at least very substantial
throughput of the number of bottles printed per unit of time and an
optimum print quality, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment the
print heads 14 are realized in the form of electrostatic print
heads. To make possible multiple-color printing, there are three
print heads 14, each of which is used to print one color set of the
multiple-color printing. Therefore the print heads 14 contain
different inks (e.g. red, blue and yellow). Basically, it is also
possible to provide additional print heads 14 on the printing unit
13, for example a fourth print head 14 for black ink.
[0046] As FIGS. 3 and 4 show, each print head 14 comprises a
housing 16 which forms, among other things, an enclosed interior
housing cavity 17 that holds a liquid or viscous ink. The housing
16 is realized so that its interior cavity 17 tapers toward a lower
housing segment 16.1 in the shape of a funnel or wedge. On this
housing segment 16.1, which extends over the entire length of the
housing 16 and is oriented parallel or essentially parallel to a
longitudinal axis DL of the housing or print head, there are a
plurality of individually actuated individual nozzles 18 for the
controlled discharge of the ink, and specifically arranged in at
least one row, one behind another in the direction of the
longitudinal axis DL of the print head and very close together, so
that, for example, 150 or more individual nozzles 18 per inch can
be formed on the housing segment 16.1.
[0047] With the housing segment 16.1 that has the individual
nozzles 18, each print head 14 is located at a short, specified
distance above the label primary material 11 to be printed, which
is moved in a continuous or essentially continuous or timed
movement past the print heads 14 oriented in a horizontal plane as
indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 2, whereby this transport or
forward-feed direction B is oriented at a right angle,
perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the print head
longitudinal axis DL of the print heads 14. In the illustrated
exemplary embodiment, the print heads 14 are arranged with their
print head longitudinal axes DL in the horizontal direction and
parallel or essentially parallel to one another, and also possibly
in a common horizontal plane.
[0048] Because during the printing process the label primary
material 11 is located horizontally below the print heads 14, and
for the transfer of labels 2 to the bottles 3 the label primary
material 11 must be oriented in a vertical or essentially vertical
plane, after the printing or also before the printing, the label
primary material 11 is rotated or deflected as illustrated at 19
and 20 in FIGS. 3 and 5.
[0049] Each individual nozzle 18 comprises an opening 21 and a
needle-shaped electrode 22 that is associated with this opening,
which electrode is equi-axial with the axis of the respective
opening and ends at a short distance from this opening inside the
housing cavity 17. Each print head 14 is also realized so that at
least during the printing process, the ink contained in the housing
interior 17 is applied with a certain hydrostatic pressure against
the openings 21 of the individual nozzles 18. However, the cross
section of these openings is selected taking the viscosity and/or
the surface tension of the ink into consideration so that when the
individual nozzle 18 is not activated, ink does not exit the
openings 21 in spite of the hydrostatic pressure.
[0050] The electrodes 22 can be actuated individually by means of
the control device 15, and specifically so that when the individual
nozzle 18 is not actuated, the corresponding electrode 22 is at the
same electrical potential as the ink in the housing interior 17.
When an individual nozzle 18 is activated, the voltage potential of
the corresponding electrode 22 is modified by an appropriate
activation briefly or in a pulsed manner so that via the opening
21, ink is discharged to produce a dot 23 on the label primary
material.
[0051] Because the print heads 14 with their print head
longitudinal axis DL are oriented at right angles or perpendicular
or essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the
label primary material 11 or perpendicular or essentially
perpendicular to the feed direction B, the ink is applied to the
label primary material 11 in rows that run perpendicular or
essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the
label primary material 11 or to the feed direction B over the
entire width of the area to be printed, and specifically
progressively in the longitudinal direction or in the direction of
movement of the label primary material 11. The individual nozzles
18 can be activated at a high speed. Furthermore, for the printing
only a single relative movement between the label primary material
11 and the respective print head 14 is essentially necessary,
namely only the feed motion of the label primary material 11. It is
therefore possible to achieve a high printing output. The
respective image, as noted above, is generated purely
digitally.
[0052] In at least one possible embodiment, the feed movement of
the label primary material 11, at least in the vicinity of the
print heads 14, is also regulated by the electronic control device
15, and possibly synchronously with the actuation of the print
heads 14, to thereby achieve a clear image with high quality. In at
least one possible embodiment, a centering and guide means for the
label primary material 11 are provided in the vicinity of the print
heads 14 to essentially optimally orient this material with
reference to the print heads 14, and/or in particular to accurately
maintain the specified distance between the print heads 14 and the
label primary material 11.
[0053] To improve the printed impression produced by the print head
14, in particular in terms of contrast and/or resolution, it may be
appropriate to locate a corona element 24 in the feed direction B
ahead of the print heads 14, which corona element 24 runs with its
longitudinal dimension parallel or essentially parallel to the
plane of the label primary material 11 and is oriented at a right
angle or perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the feed
direction B and with which the label primary material 11 is
electrostatically charged on its side to be printed.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows again, in a function or block diagram, the
essential elements of the labeling station 8. As shown, in the feed
or transport direction of the label primary material 12,
immediately or essentially immediately after the buffer 12, is the
deflector 20, and downstream of that an optional preheater unit 25
to preheat the label primary material 11 before the printing in the
printing unit 13. Following the printing unit 13 is a dryer unit 26
in which, by heating, a final drying of the ink takes place, before
the labeling primary material then travels via the additional
deflector 19 to the dispenser unit 26, at which the individual
labels produced from the label primary material 11 are transferred
to the bottles 3 that are moving past this dispenser unit or at the
label transfer. For this purpose the dispenser unit is constructed
in a manner that will be known by a technician specializing in
labeling, with self-adhesive labels that are produced from a
strip-shaped label primary material, in particular with a tear-off
or folding edge 28 for the removal of the strip-shaped cover layer
11.3, with a collecting unit 29 to receive the removed cover layer
1.3 and with a cutting device 30 for the separation of the
individual label 2 from the strip-shaped label primary material
11.
[0055] The optional preheater unit 25 accelerates the drying of the
ink. In particular, the presence of the preheater also means that
the ink of the individual ink sets formed by the print heads 14
dries inside the printing unit 13 at least to the point where an
undesirable smearing or running of the different colors of ink
occurs does not occur.
[0056] The invention was described above on the basis of one
exemplary embodiment. It goes without saying that numerous
modifications and variants are possible without thereby going
beyond the teaching of the invention. For example, it is also
possible to realize the labeling machine 1 so that it can be used
to process roll-feed labels or a label primary material that
already has self-adhesive individual labels on a backing material.
It is also possible to realize the labeling machine so that it can
be used to process label primary material or individual labels that
are affixed to the bottles 3 using glue, e.g. again in the form of
encircling labels etc. When a non-self-adhesive label primary
material of this type is used, or a single-sheet-format label
primary material, the dispenser unit has, for example, in addition
to the cutting device 30 a vacuum drum with which the separated
label 2 is held until it is applied to the bottle in question.
[0057] In the above description, it was also assumed that the final
drying of the ink takes place in the dryer unit 26 that is
immediately downstream of the printing unit 13. Basically it is
also possible, instead of or in addition to the dryer unit 26, to
provide a dryer unit downstream of each printing head 14 in the
feed direction B of the label primary material 11.
[0058] When the ink is selected appropriately, the drying can also
be accomplished in another manner, such as by UV light or infrared
radiation, for example.
[0059] It is possible that at least one embodiment of the present
application may include a printing device for the application of
ink, resin-based pigments, and/or paint-like or enamel-like
substances to a labeling material.
[0060] In a method for the labeling of bottles or similar
containers with labels produced by printing from a label primary
material, labels are printed in the labeling station by at least
one printing unit located there before the application of labels to
containers.
[0061] One feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the
time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside
broadly in a method for the labeling of bottles 3 or similar
containers with labels 2 produced by printing from a label primary
material 11 and using at least one labeling station 8 past which
containers 3 move on a conveyor element 7 and labels 2 are attached
to containers, characterized in that labels 2 are printed by
imprinting the label primary material 11 in the labeling station 8
using at least one printing unit 13 located there, before the
application of labels 2 to containers.
[0062] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the label
primary material 11 is pre-printed and that the image that is
already present on the label primary material 11 is supplemented by
the printing of the label primary material 11 in the labeling
station 8.
[0063] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the complete
image on labels 2 is produced by the printing of the label primary
material 11 in the labeling station 8.
[0064] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the label
primary material 11 is printed in a plurality of colors.
[0065] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the printing of
the label primary material 1 is performed using at least one
printing unit 13 that produces the printed image as a function of
an electronic actuation system 15.
[0066] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the printing
unit 13 produces the printed image as a function of print masks
that are stored electronically or in the form of software in a
control device 15.
[0067] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the printed
image is modified at least party during a labeling process.
[0068] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the label
primary material 11 is printed line-by-line at a right angle to the
longitudinal direction of the label primary material, and
specifically for example over its entire width or almost its entire
width.
[0069] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the printing is
done with a relative movement between the label primary material 11
and the printing unit 13 or at least one print head 14 of this
printing unit 13.
[0070] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the label
primary material 11 is moved relative to the printing unit 13 and
to the at least one print head 14 located there.
[0071] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the at least
one printing unit 13 has at least one electrostatic print head 14
with a plurality of individually actuated individual nozzles 18 for
the controlled dispensing of ink, and that the individual nozzles
18 are located in at least one row, one behind another in a print
head longitudinal axis DL.
[0072] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the relative
movement between the at least one print head 14 and the label
primary material 11 is at a right angle or perpendicular to the
print head longitudinal axis DL.
[0073] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the label
primary material 11 during the printing is oriented horizontally or
essentially horizontally.
[0074] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the at least
one print head 14 is located above the label primary material
11.
[0075] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized by at least two and
preferably by at least three print heads 14.
[0076] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that for the
production of a multiple-color printed image, one color set of the
multiple-printing is produced with each print head.
[0077] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the ink, after
it has been applied to the label primary material 11 is dried or
set by the application of energy, for example in the form of heat
and/or UV light.
[0078] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the label
primary material 11 is heated and/or statically charged before the
printing.
[0079] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized by the use of a
strip-format, e.g. self-adhesive label primary material 11 from
which labels 2 are produced by separation.
[0080] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized in that the printing of
the label primary material 11 takes place before the separation of
labels 2.
[0081] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized by the use of a
single-sheet format label primary material.
[0082] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method, characterized by the use of a
labeling machine that employs a rotary construction, in which
containers 3 to be printed are moved past the at least one labeling
station 8 on a driven rotor that rotates around a vertical machine
axis.
[0083] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in an apparatus for the labeling of bottles 3 or
similar containers with labels 2 that are printed using a label
primary material 11, with at least one labeling station 8 past
which containers 3 are moved on a transport element 7 and labels
are attached to containers, characterized in that at least one
printing unit 13 is provided in the at least one labeling station 8
for the printing of labels 2 before they are attached to
containers.
[0084] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized in that at least one
printing unit 13 is realized for a multiple-color printing of the
label primary material 11.
[0085] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized in that the printing
unit 13 produces the printed image as a function of an electronic
actuation system 15.
[0086] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized in that the printing
unit 13 produces the printed image as a function of print masks
that are stored in a control device 15 electronically or in the
form of software.
[0087] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized in that the printing
unit 13 or at least one print head 14 of this unit prints the label
primary material 11 line by line at a right angle to the
longitudinal direction of the label primary material, and
specifically for example over its entire width or almost its entire
width.
[0088] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized by means for the
production of a relative movement during the printing between the
label primary material 11 and the printing unit 13 or at least one
print head 14 of this printing unit 13.
[0089] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized by feed means with
which the label primary material 11 is moved relative to the
printing unit 13 or to the at least one print head 14 located
there.
[0090] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized in that the at least
one printing unit 13 has at least one electrostatic print head 14
with a plurality of individually actuated individual nozzles 18 for
the controlled dispensing of ink, and that the individual nozzles
18 are arranged in at least one row, one behind another, in a print
head longitudinal axis DL.
[0091] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized in that the at least
one print head 14 is oriented with a pressure head longitudinal
axis DL at a right angle or perpendicular to the feed movement of
the label primary material 11.
[0092] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized in that the label
primary material 11 is oriented during the printing horizontally or
essentially horizontally.
[0093] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized in that the at least
one print head 14 is located above the label primary material
11.
[0094] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized by at least two and
preferably by at least three print heads 14.
[0095] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized in that for the
production of a multiple-color image one color set of the
multiple-color printed image is produced with each print head.
[0096] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized by means 26 for the
drying of the ink after the application to the label primary
material 11 by the effect of energy, for example by heating and/or
UV light.
[0097] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized by means 25, 24 for
the heading and/or for the electrostatic charging of the label
primary material 11 before printing.
[0098] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized by its realization
for the use of a strip-format, for example self-adhesive label
primary material 11 from which labels 2 are produced by separation
in a dispenser unit 27.
[0099] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized by its realization
for the use of a single-sheet format label primary material.
[0100] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the apparatus, characterized by its realization
in the form of a labeling machine that employs a rotary
construction in which containers 3 to be labeled are moved past the
at least one labeling station 8 on a rotor 7 that is driven in
rotation around a vertical machine axis.
[0101] The components disclosed in the various publications,
disclosed or incorporated by reference herein, may possibly be used
in possible embodiments of the present invention, as well as
equivalents thereof.
[0102] Some examples of bottling systems, which may be used or
adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of the present
may be found in the following U.S. Patents assigned to the Assignee
herein, namely: U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,285; U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,830;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,350; U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,803; U.S. Pat. No.
4,981,547; U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,518; U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,261; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,062,917; U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,918; U.S. Pat. No.
5,075,123; U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,826; U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,317; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,110,402; U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,984; U.S. Pat. No.
5,167,755; U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,851; U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,053; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,217,538; U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,005; U.S. Pat. No.
5,413,153; U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,138; U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,500; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,713,403; U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,113; U.S. Pat. No.
6,213,169; U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,578; U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,946; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,374,575; U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,054; U.S. Pat. No.
6,619,016; No. 6,474,368; U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,238; U.S. Pat. No.
6,470,922; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,964.
[0103] Some examples of laser cutting apparatus and methods that
may possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one
possible embodiment may possibly be found in the following U.S.
patents: No. 6,191,382 B1, entitled "Dynamic Laser Cutting
Apparatus"; No. 2003/0207062A1, entitled "Laser-Cuttable
Multi-Layer Sheet Material"; No. 5,614,278 entitled "Strip of
Separable Labels or Tags Having a Display Surface for Display of
Information Thereon"; No. 4,189,337, entitled "Real Time Labeler
System"; and No. 2004/0226659 A1, entitled "Label Application
System".
[0104] Some examples of heater arrangements that may possibly be
utilized or possibly adapted for use in at least one possible
embodiment of the present application may possibly be found in the
following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,404,421 issued to Meijler
et al. on Jun. 11, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,515,264 issued to Toya et
al. on Feb. 4, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,786 issued to Takizawa et
al. on Apr. 15, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,796 issued to Cusack on
Apr. 29, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,633,727 issued to Henrie et al. on
Oct. 14, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,557 issued to Ito et al. on
Jan. 13, 2004.
[0105] The purpose of the statements about the technical field is
generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public
to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this
patent application. The description of the technical field is
believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to
adequately describe the technical field of this patent application.
However, the description of the technical field may not be
completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this
patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent
application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from
this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to
the technical field are not intended to limit the claims in any
manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any
manner.
[0106] Some examples of apparatus and methods of attaching sleeve
labels that may possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use in
at least one possible embodiment of the present application may
possibly be found in the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No.
4,108,705 issued to Hadl et al. on Aug. 22, 1978; U.S. Pat. No.
4,357,788 issued to Amberg on Nov. 9, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,721
issued to Nickey et al. on May 16, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,152
issued to Langeland et al. on Jun. 6, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,783
issued to Lerner et al. on Jan. 16, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,019
issued to Johnson on Jul. 7, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,514 issued
to Menayan on Apr. 8, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,328 issued to
De Cardenas et al. on Feb. 25, 2003.
[0107] Some examples of laser printing arrangements that may
possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use in at least one
possible embodiment of the present application may possibly be
found in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,847,643 issued
to Ohmori on Jul. 11, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,945 issued to Omura
et al. on Mar. 15, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,280 issued to Endo et
al. on Jun. 18, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,778 issued to Poirier et
al. on Apr. 3, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,810 issued to Katayama et
al. on Aug. 13, 2002; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,275 issued to
Mugrauer on Dec. 2, 2003.
[0108] Some examples of self-adhesive labels that may possibly be
utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment may
possibly be found in the following U.S. patents: No. 5,614,278
entitled "Strip of Separable Labels or Tags Having a Display
Surface for Display of Information Thereon"; No. 2004/0157026 A1,
entitled "Self-Adhesive Labels and Manufacture Thereof"; No.
2004/0028932 A1, entitled "Label Film with Improved Adhesion"; and
No. 2003/0207062 A1, entitled "Laser-Cuttable Multi-Layer Sheet
Material".
[0109] 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.
[0110] Some examples of laser marking that may possibly be utilized
or possibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of
the present application may possibly be found in the following U.S.
patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,889 issued to Murokh on Aug. 6, 2002;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,483,073 issued to Tenderly on Nov. 19, 2002; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,489,985 issued to Brodsky et al. on Dec. 3, 2002; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,613,161 issued to Zheng et al. on Sep. 2, 2003; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,627,299 issued to Feng et al. on Sep. 30, 2003; and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,683,637 issued to Corbett on Jan. 27, 2004.
[0111] Some examples of blade cutting apparatus and methods that
may possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one
possible embodiment may possibly be found in the following U.S.
patent application publications: No. 2003/0146943 A1, entitled
"Label Printer-Cutter with Mutually Exclusive Printing and Cutting
Operation"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,278 entitled "Strip of Separable
Labels or Tags Having a Display Surface for Display of Information
Thereon"; U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,337, entitled "Real Time Labeler
System"; No. 2004/0226659 A1, entitled "Label Application System";
and No. 2004/0226659 A1, entitled "Label Application System".
[0112] The background information is believed, at the time of the
filing of this patent application, to adequately provide background
information for this patent application. However, the background
information may not be completely applicable to the claims as
originally filed in this patent application, as amended during
prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed
in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the background information are not
intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be
interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
[0113] Some examples of ink jet printing apparatus and methods that
may possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use in at least
one possible embodiment of the present application may possibly be
found in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,047 issued
to Koitabashi et al. on Jun. 24, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,093
issued to Takahashi et al. on Sep. 23, 2003; U.S. Pat. No.
6,625,351 issued to Cox et al. on Sep. 23, 2003; U.S. Pat. No.
6,652,055 issued to Oikawa on Nov. 25, 2003; U.S. Pat. No.
6,669,767 issued to Blease et al. on Dec. 30, 2003; and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,688,739 issued to Murray on Feb. 10, 2004.
[0114] Some examples of labeling apparatus and methods that may
possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible
embodiment may possibly be found in the following U.S. patents:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,337, entitled "Real Time Labeler System"; No.
2004/0226659 A1, entitled "Label Application System"; U.S. Pat. No.
6,191,382 B1, entitled "Dynamic Laser Cutting Apparatus"; No.
2003/0146943 A1, entitled "Label Printer-Cutter with Mutually
Exclusive Printing and Cutting Operation"; and No. 2002/0029855 A1,
entitled "System for Printing and Applying Tape onto Surfaces".
[0115] 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.
[0116] Some examples of computer systems that may possibly be
utilized or possibly adapted for use in at least one possible
embodiment of the present application may possibly be found in the
following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,480 issued to Roach et
al. on May 16, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,355 issued to Hyduke on
Dec. 26, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,730 issued to Brown et al. on
Jan. 2, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,094 issued to Roach et al. on
Sep. 8, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,227 issued to Atkinson et al. on
Mar. 9, 1999; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,462 issued to Moshovich on
Jun. 6, 2000.
[0117] The purpose of the statements about the object or objects is
generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public
to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this
patent application. The description of the object or objects is
believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to
adequately describe the object or objects of this patent
application. However, the description of the object or objects may
not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in
this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this
patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing
from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made
relating to the object or objects are not intended to limit the
claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the
claims in any manner.
[0118] Some examples of corona elements that may possibly be
utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment may
possibly be found in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No.
6,951,992, entitled "Corona and static electrode assembly"; U.S.
Pat. No. 7,151,902, entitled "Toner transfer technique"; U.S. Pat.
No. 6,957,030, entitled "Method and apparatus for making signs";
U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,646, entitled "Photothermographic material";
and U.S. Pat. No. 7,155,150, entitled "Method and apparatus for
developing a latent image using toner grains constituting a
developer".
[0119] 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.
[0120] Some examples of apparatus and methods for electrostatic
charging that may possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at
least one possible embodiment may possibly be found in the
following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,377, entitled "Inside
printing of flexible packages"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,767, entitled
"Printed item having an image with a high durability and/or
resolution"; U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,980, entitled "Toner and image
forming apparatus"; U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,412, entitled "Method and
apparatus for electrostatic spray"; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,622,
entitled "Electrostatic charge image developing toner, producing
method therefor, image forming method and image forming apparatus
utilizing the toner, construct and method for making the
construct".
[0121] The summary is believed, at the time of the filing of this
patent application, to adequately summarize this patent
application. However, portions or all of the information contained
in the summary may not be completely applicable to the claims as
originally filed in this patent application, as amended during
prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed
in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the summary are not intended to limit
the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting
the claims in any manner.
[0122] Some examples of apparatus and methods for the drying and/or
hardening of ink that may possibly be utilized or adapted for use
in at least one possible embodiment may possibly be found in the
following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,493,018, entitled "Wide
format thermal printer"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,030, entitled "Method
and apparatus for making signs"; U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,528, entitled
"Method for uniformly drying ink on paper from an ink jet printer";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,123, entitled "Method and apparatus for UV ink
jet printing on fabric and combination printing and quilting
thereby"; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,737, entitled "UV ink printed
graphic article".
[0123] It will be understood that the examples of patents,
published patent applications, and other documents which are
included in this application and which are referred to in
paragraphs which state "Some examples of . . . which may possibly
be used in at least one possible embodiment of the present
application . . . " may possibly not be used or useable in any one
or more embodiments of the application.
[0124] The sentence immediately above relates to patents, published
patent applications and other documents either incorporated by
reference or not incorporated by reference.
[0125] Some examples of lifting devices that may possibly be
utilized or possibly adapted for use in at least one possible
embodiment of the present application may possibly be found in the
following patent publications: U.S. Pat. No. 2,535,272 issued to
Detrez on Dec. 26, 1950; U.S. Pat. No. 2,642,214 issued to Lippold
on Jun. 16, 1953; German Utility Model No. DE-GM 1,923,261 issued
on Sep. 9, 1965; German Laid Open Patent Application No. DE-OS
1,532,586 published on Oct. 2, 1969; British Patent No. 1,188,888
issued Apr. 22, 1970; German Laid Open Patent Application No. DE-OS
26 52 910 published on May 24, 1978; German Patent No. DE-PS 26 52
918 issued on Oct. 26, 1978; German Utility Model No. DE-GM 83 04
995 issued on Dec. 22, 1983; German Patent No. DE-PS 26 30 100
issued on Dec. 3, 1981; and German Laid Open Patent Application No.
DE-OS 195 45 080 published on Jun. 5, 1997.
[0126] The corresponding foreign and international patent
publication applications, namely, Federal Republic of Germany
Patent Application No. 10 2006 001 204.6, filed on Jan. 10, 2006,
having inventor Volker TILL, and DE-OS 10 2006 001 204.6 and DE-PS
10 2006 001 204.6, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set
forth in their entirety herein for the purpose of correcting and
explaining any possible misinterpretations of the English
translation thereof. In addition, the published equivalents of the
above corresponding foreign and international patent publication
applications, and other equivalents or corresponding applications,
if any, in corresponding cases in the Federal Republic of 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.
[0127] 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.
[0128] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Jan. 10,
2007, having inventor Volker TILL, Attorney Docket No.
NHL-HOL-149A, and title "BEVERAGE BOTTLING PLANT FOR FILLING
BEVERAGE BOTTLES WITH A LIQUID BEVERAGE, WITH AN INFORMATION ADDING
ARRANGEMENT FOR ADDING INFORMATION RELATING TO THE BEVERAGE
BOTTLES, AND A METHOD OF OPERATING THE BEVERAGE BOTTLING PLANT",
and corresponding Federal Republic of Germany Patent Application
No. 10 2006 001 223.2, filed on Jan. 10, 2006, are hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety
herein.
[0129] The description of the embodiment or embodiments is
believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to
adequately describe the embodiment or embodiments of this patent
application. However, portions of the description of the embodiment
or embodiments may not be completely applicable to the claims as
originally filed in this patent application, as amended during
prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed
in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the embodiment or embodiments are not
intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be
interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
[0130] Some examples of position sensors or position sensor systems
that 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: U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,355, issued to inventor Nickum on
Aug. 18, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,290, issued to inventors Kumar
et al. on May 28, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,053, issued to inventor
West on Dec. 24, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,087,012, issued to
inventor Fogg on May 2, 1978.
[0131] 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.
[0132] Some examples of centering devices for bottle handling
devices which may possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at
least one possible embodiment may possibly be found in U.S. Ser.
No. 10/813,657, entitled "A beverage bottling plant for filling
bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and an easily
cleaned lifting device in a beverage bottling plant" and filed on
Mar. 30, 2004; U.S. Ser. No. 10/786,256, entitled "A beverage
bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling
material, and a container filling lifting device for pressing
containers to container filling machines", filed on Feb. 25, 2004;
and U.S. Ser. No. 10/865,240, filed on Jun. 10, 2004. The above
applications are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth
in their entirety herein.
[0133] The purpose of the title of this patent application is
generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public
to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this
patent application. The title is believed, at the time of the
filing of this patent application, to adequately reflect the
general nature of this patent application. However, the title may
not be completely applicable to the technical field, the object or
objects, the summary, the description of the embodiment or
embodiments, and the claims as originally filed in this patent
application, as amended during prosecution of this patent
application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from
this patent application. Therefore, the title is not intended to
limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as
limiting the claims in any manner.
[0134] Some examples of labeling machines which may possibly be
utilized in at least one possible embodiment may possibly be found
in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,400, entitled
"Labeling machine;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,246, entitled "Labeling
machine capable of precise attachment of a label to different sizes
of containers;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,512, entitled "Labeling machine
capable of preventing erroneous attachment of labels on
containers;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,514, entitled "In-line continuous
feed sleeve labeling machine and method;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,587,
entitled "Cylindrical container labeling machine;" U.S. Pat. No.
6,328,086, entitled "Labeling machine;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,021,
entitled "Labeling machine;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,940, entitled
"In-line continuous feed sleeve labeling machine and method;" U.S.
Pat. No. 6,199,614, entitled "High speed labeling machine having a
constant tension driving system;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,935, entitled
"Labeling machine; U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,223, entitled "Labeling
machine and method; U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,319, entitled "Non-round
container labeling machine and method;" and U.S. Pat. No.
6,045,616, entitled "Adhesive station and labeling machine."
[0135] 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): [0136] 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. Therefore, any statements made relating to the
abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and
should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
[0137] Some examples of bottling systems which may possibly be
utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment may
possibly be found in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No.
6,684,602, entitled "Compact bottling machine;" U.S. Pat. No.
6,470,922, entitled "Bottling plant for bottling carbonated
beverages;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,150, entitled "Drive for bottling
machine;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,575, entitled "Bottling plant and
method of operating a bottling plant;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,946,
entitled "Bottling system;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,910, entitled
"Method and an apparatus for high-purity bottling of beverages;"
U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,985, entitled "Bottling machine with a set-up
table and a set-up table for a bottling machine and a set-up table
for a bottle handling machine;" U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,322, entitled
"In-line bottling plant;" U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,899, entitled "Method
and an apparatus for sterile bottling of beverages;" U.S. Pat. No.
5,848,515, entitled "Continuous-cycle sterile bottling plant;" U.S.
Pat. No. 5,634,500, entitled "Method for bottling a liquid in
bottles or similar containers;" and U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,402,
entitled "Bottling system with mass filling and capping
arrays."
[0138] The embodiments of the invention described herein above in
the context of the preferred embodiments are not to be taken as
limiting the embodiments of the invention to all of the provided
details thereof, since modifications and variations thereof may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments
of the invention.
AT LEAST PARTIAL NOMENCLATURE
[0139] 1 Labeling machine [0140] 2 Label [0141] 3 Bottle [0142] 4
Container inlet [0143] 5 Conveyor [0144] 6 Container receptacle
[0145] 7 Rotor [0146] 8 Labeling station [0147] 9 Container outlet
[0148] 10 Conveyor [0149] 11 Strip-format label primary material
[0150] 11.1-11.3 Layers of the label primary material 11 [0151] 12
Buffer or storage unit for label primary material 11 [0152] 13
Printing unit [0153] 14 Print head [0154] 15 Electronic control
device [0155] 16 Housing of the print head 14 [0156] 16.1 Housing
segment [0157] 17 Housing interior [0158] 18 Individual nozzles
[0159] 19, 20 Deflector unit for label primary material 11 [0160]
21 Opening of the individual nozzle 18 [0161] 22 Electrode of the
individual nozzle 18 [0162] 23 Dot [0163] 24 Corona element [0164]
25 Preheater element [0165] 26 Dryer unit [0166] 27 Dispenser unit
[0167] 28 Tear-off edge [0168] 29 Collector unit [0169] 30 Cutting
unit [0170] A Rotational movement of the rotor 7 [0171] B Feed
direction of the label primary material 11 [0172] DL Print head
longitudinal axis [0173] DE Printing plane
* * * * *