Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for applying a label onto a substantially cylindrical article by using a bottom feed conveyor unit. The label drum defines an article wrapping position at a lower portion of the label drum. A thin layer, heat activated adhesive backed label is fed onto the surface of the drum so that the adhesive back faces outward from the drum. The label drum is rotated to move the label retained thereon into the article wrapping position. As the label is moved, the adhesive is heated so that the adhesive obtains a sufficient temperature to melt. A cylindrical article is conveyed substantially horizontally along a conveyor into the article wrapping position and into rotative engagement with the label retained on the label drum so as to transfer the label onto the cylindrical article by wrap-around labeling. In one embodiment, the articles such as crayons are tapered and the crayons are fed so that a different end-to-end pressure against the label is maintained relative to the leading edge of the label to ensure end-to-end alignment of the label on the crayon.

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First Claim