Importance

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Abstract

A method of labeling mold cavities in a blow-molding machine using an in-mold labeling system including first and second label magazines, first and second rotary members each having a label transfer unit with a suction cup, and using the steps of rotating each member to position the suction cup adjacent a magazine, transferring a label in the magazine to the cup, rotating the member to position the held label adjacent a pickup position, transferring the label to a suction cup of an in-mold labeling unit and actuating the unit to place the labels in mold cavities of a blow molding machine. When the suction cup of the transfer unit is adjacent the magazine, a high vacuum is drawn to remove one label from the magazine and then the vacuum level is reduced to a low vacuum. During transfer of the label from this suction cup to the suction cup of the labeling unit, the low vacuum is maintained on the transfer unit suction cup while a high vacuum connection is formed between the labeling unit cup and the label. The higher vacuum allows the label to be stripped from the transfer unit suction cup and transferred to the labeling unit suction cup.

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First Claim